The Bookworm Club

Book Game

2010-03-16T15:26:00.005+02:00

The instructions were simple:

* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence here.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual... Use the CLOSEST. It can even be your Maths book if it's the closest one!

Both Greek & English books accepted!

Here's what we got from some bookworms:

Miss C:

"It made good sense except when it didn't."

from Toni Morrison's "A Mercy"

Angela A.

"His cousin was as absurd as he had hoped, and he listened to him with the keenest enjoyment, maintaining at the same time the most resolute composure of countenance, and except in an occasional glance at Elizabeth, requiring no partner in his pleasure."

from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"

Carolina K.

"brawn n Fam (strength) muscle m; he's all b. and no brain il a du muscle mais rien dans la tete"

from Harrap French Compact Dictionary

English > French

French > English

Andrea A.

"Frex was drawn to him; Frex was always drawn to intensity."

from Gregory Maguire's "Wicked"

Stefania N.

"this will be repeated for the rest of the days that you enter"

from her ICT book!

Nefeli T.
''Writings like this provide evidence for the animals that were known about in ancient times.''
Science book Year 1(Exploring Science 7)

Anastasia S.
"Give your answer in the form ax+by+c=0"
from her Maths FP1 book

Play along! What's your quote?

A meeting of surprises

2010-03-16T15:03:00.002+02:00

All bookworms waited in anticipation for the February meeting of surprises. The instructions read:

Location: Secret
Surprises: Many

But the real surprise came when our scheduled February meeting had to be postponed due to torrential rain. All hell broke loose and Larnaca became one big puddle. The meeting took place a week later, but the excitement and curiosity were obvious.

We headed down to a new meeting place called "Tapped Out" -- equipped with board games and a board game room and settled comfortably talking about what books we were reading. Then, George, the owner came along and brought a surprise with him:

We played to our hearts' content and collected books like there was no tomorrow! Our next project? Book trailers! Coming soon to a monitor near you...

P.S.: Those interested in owning the game should send an e-mail because it can be arranged through Tapped Out!

Bookworms Rendez-vous

2010-03-12T15:18:00.000+02:00

Our February meeting happened with some success despite the perpetual rain that has now become a traditional element that follows all of our meetings. Pathetic fallacy anyone? Is there a hint we are not getting?

We met at our local bookstore, as usual, and we had a couple of new members join us. We had some fun and munched on home-baked brownies that lasted less than 30 minutes once revealed. It was a yummy good time!

Bookworms had to put their creative hats on again and needed to make some on-the-spot creative decisions using 4 random words generated from a "magic" box. Rolling on the floor and acting silly, were of course part and parcel of the performances. Among laughs, we managed to piece together the short story behind each bizarre roleplay.

The final touch to the night was looking ridiculously nerdy wearing our post-it book-personality. Shakespeare joined us, as did Mina and Michael from Skellig and how can we forget Mr Darcy? He really did make our night!

Here are some photos from the night:

Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson

2010-03-09T15:22:00.000+02:00

Reviewed by Antonis T.

We give it: ***

An extremely well-written book! This book can be read by adults and children, too. It’s very amusing, interesting and adorable. When I started reading it, I couldn’t stop. If someone loves Harry Potter, then I absolutely recommend this book.

This book is about the Great Dark Wizard of the north Arriman. After his visit to Gypsy Esmeralda, Arriman finds out that a wizard more powerful than him is coming to Todcaster (Arriman’s Town). So Arriman desperate from what he had heard considers that this wizard is his son, even though he did not have a wife. So Arriman decides to host a competition in order to find the perfect, meaning the darkest, mate for him. Thus, Arriman invites all the witches of Todacaster, to attend in this great competition.

All of them were 7. Seven awful, repellent, disgusting, repulsive, slimy, unbelievably mean witches. So cruel… Each of them is preparing something special for Arriman but the only witch who has nothing to show because she’s white is poor Belladonna. This book uncovers her attempt to steal Arriman’s heart and the gloomy and scary efforts of the other 6 witches …

Book Review: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

2010-01-16T08:12:00.002+02:00

Reviewed by Xenia M.

We give it: ***

Plot: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet live in Longbourn and have five daughters who are at the age when they want to get married. When Mr. Bingley, a handsome, wealthy and single man, buys the nearby estate at Netherfield Park, bringing with him his friend Mr. Darcy, who is wealthier, more handsome and richer than him and very different in character, Mrs. Bennet believes that they are the perfect husbands for her two older daughters, Jane and Elizabeth. After a number of events Elizabeth and Jane will overcome many differences and difficulties to be with the ones they really love, and live happily ever after…!!! So, if you want to find out more, just read the book and you’ll be amazed by it!!!

Main Characters:

Jane: She is too good to be true since she sees the good in everybody, she is the most beautiful from the Bennets’ daughters, and she is liked by both of her parents. She falls in love with Mr. Bingley, however, they will separate because of a third person, but because their love is true and sincere they will again be together!!!

Mr. Bingley: He is a handsome, friendly, romantic, straightforward and trusting person, with a large fortune and good-manners, who falls in love with Jane. He is really a perfect match for her, since their characters are similar, and he is liked by everyone, just like Jane!

Elizabeth: She is an attractive twenty-year-old woman, who is very lively, clever, and intelligent and can see behind peoples’ mask and sees deeper than the other people show. As time passes she falls in love with Darcy and their love becomes stronger and the only way to be together is to overcome their differences, social mainly, and of course, Darcy’s aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourg!

Mr. Darcy: He is a very proud but very handsome, romantic and rich person who falls in love with Elizabeth, and because they are both perceptive and intellectual and very clever, they match extremely well! Moreover, he shows his hard self, but Lizzie can see that inside him he is a very nice person, since he puts aside his pride and helps her family with Wickham and Lydia, and Bingley and Jane after he understands his fault because he loves her! However, due to his aristocratic status he cannot fall in love with Elizabeth since she is of a lower social class, but because of their true love, they will manage to be together!!!

I loved this book, and I liked the way everything is put together, the characters, the wit, the romance, the comedy, the cleverness, the angst, the love story between Elizabeth and Darcy, and of course...the plot!!! Even though it was written in 1813 there are modern elements. With sharp wit, Pride and Prejudice explores the social conventions of the time and the views people had for marriage. I certainly recommend it, though I found many unknown words, I loved it!!!

Book Review: The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

2010-01-14T06:43:00.000+02:00

Reviewed by Angela A.

We give it: ***

This is the second book of the Darkest Powers series (First one is the Summoning). And it is the continuation of Chloe Saunders’s story after her escape from Lyle House. Chloe, Tori and Rae are caught by the Edison Group-the people who “created” them. After her aunt’s betrayal, Chloe needs a plan to get out of the hospital they lock them in and find Simon and Derek. Tori and Chloe realise that the Edison Group wants to kill them so, together with Derek and Simon; they go on the run once again after the girls give their enemies false information about the whereabouts of the boys. With the help of her dead friend Liz, Derek’s super werewolf senses and Simon and Tori’s spells, they manage to stay alive and escape their pursuers. They need to find someone to help them but can they trust anyone?

Suspense, mystery, and a sub-plot of romance make up this amazing book. Armstrong makes it impossible to set her books down, and this one is no exception. The Awakening is filled with fast-moving action and it’s fueled by supernatural gifts that surprise and entertain. Anyone who has read the first one did not wait to get their hands on this one as well, I am sure! Definitely worth reading!

Book Review: The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

2010-01-13T17:25:00.000+02:00

Reviewed by Angela A.

We give it: ***

All Chloe Saunders wants is a normal life like any normal teenager. But then she starts seeing ghosts. When one day she breaks down, she is put into Lyle House -- a group home for disturbed kids. At first she finds everything rather okay, for a group home, and meets the other patients, charming Simon, his unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori and Rae who has a “thing” for fire. They live a “normal” life of therapy, pills and diagnosis. But as Chloe gets to know her friends there better she realises that something strange and sinister binds them all together. Chloe, Derek and Simon devise a plan of escape to find the boys’ father hoping he would have the answers they need as to what exactly they are running away from. Through their journey they discover their selves as well as more for the hidden supernatural world Chloe had no idea existed.

Armstrong has a very unique plot and she lays it out in such a way that it is impossible for you to leave the book down! Every page is filled with mystery and action and, as it is written from Chloe’s point of view, it is like an inside look of the story to the reader. Through the story you are made to love every character and recognise their differences in character but you can never guess the ending!

This book is nothing like any other! It is captivating and makes you want to read it again and again! Even though fictional, the characters could be just about anyone and that makes it even more fascinating to read. Highly recommend it!!!

Book Review: Pleasures and Sorrows of Work by Alain de Botton

2010-01-11T22:05:00.005+02:00

Reviewed by Anastasia S.

We give it: **

Although not as brilliantly, the "Pleasures and Sorrows of Work" continues the theme of identity set out in de Botton's "Stress Anxiety", but mostly through work showing how even mundane jobs can be interesting, how the people behind them perceive themselves and the world around them. Again there is much more to it than we think.

It is also more of a little narrative discovery journey of the beautiful,the scary and the fascinating in perfectly ordinary everyday things like tuna. Amazing facts and stories that we hardly ever think about when we simply consume something or meet someone. However this second book is a little bit of a drag especially in comparison with the first one so I would give it two stars and definitely for adult bookworms.

Book Review: Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton

2010-01-11T17:55:00.000+02:00

Reviewed by Anastasia S.

We give it: ***

"Status Anxiety" basically explains why we are so worried about our jobs,why we are jealous of our friends,why we attach so much importance to success, achievement and prestige, why instead of living peacefully we are always pushed to be so competitive.

I have particularly noticed it in our school where everyone is obssessed with how many boyfriends/girlfriends/friends they have got? "Wow do you really go to that cool club/have that cool swimming pool?" etc. Grades especially are one pain in the neck -- if you get less than a 'B' you are dunce even if the subject doesn't suit you or the style of the test doesn't suit you (i.e. you are still good at the subject). It is a big deal even if the subject is not important to you and generally there is a tendency to aim for the "A" as an end itself rather than the means and often at the expense of knowledge itself. Also that's how teachers are often evaluated not by how much stuff they teach the students but petty little things like grades - that is, beyond certain labels, their worth is not recognised.
The book deals with this labelling and shows just how destructive it is and just how much more than we realise there is to a person. It also mentions how to find inner peace in identity crisis and how to relate it to the world around us.

It is seriously an important, must-read book that is a real eye-opener, however the vocabulary can be a bit tough so it's best for adult bookworms.

Book Review: Septimus Heap Book One: Magyk by Angie Sage

2009-12-29T17:50:00.000+02:00

Reviewed by Natasa A.

We give it: ***

Magyk focuses on Jenna, a princess who had just come out of hiding. Ten years ago on her birthday, the Queen - Jenna’s mother - was murdered by the Supreme Custodian so he could take the throne. To protect Jenna, she was secretly given to Silas Heap, a seventh son whose seventh baby son - Septimus Heap - had just died.

Throughout the years Jenna lived with her adoptive family, her true identity was kept buried. Until the day on her tenth birthday the Extraordinary Wizard came knocking and informed them Jenna had to leave because she had been discovered - and her life was in danger. Hence forth this is the adventure of how Jenna and the Heaps evade danger, discover magic, visit their Aunt Zelda, create Shield Bugs, turn a hunter into a buffoon - and are joined by a mysterious child called Boy 412.

Magyk is told from the point of view of almost all the main characters, which offers an excellent insight to every one of them, although a number of the adult characters could have earned more respect from readers without seeming faintly ridiculous (then again, as the saying goes, “it takes all kids to make the world”). Readers are constantly given a vivid description of the medieval setting, always underlined with a tapestry of magic. Angie Sage’s clear-cut and simple style of writing is understandable and enjoyable, never once deviating from the main plot, and will certainly keep readers page-turning.

Though undoubtedly targeted towards younger readers, Magyk is a splendid book for any age. Filled with exotic creatures (from Boggarts to Brownies to Shield Bugs and Message Rats), a heart-thumping pace and witty humor throughout, Angie Sage will transport you back to medieval times of enchanting brilliance. An absolute must-read for fans of magic and adventure.

Book Review: Best Friends by Jacqueline Wilson

2009-12-29T17:29:00.001+02:00

Reviewed by Kyriaki S.

We give it: ***

This book tell us about Alice and Gemma's life. Alice and Gemma are best friends and they've known each other since they were born. One day, Gemma understands that Alice has a big secret. Gemma is so sad because Alice used to tell her everything in the past. How does Gemma react when she learns about that big secret? Can Gemma and Alice encounter this problem?

I love this book because it is written by Jacqueline Wilson (she is my favourite writer). Another reason why I love it, is because it is so interesting and so beautiful with excellent words to describe the adventures!!!

The Bookworms before Xmas

2009-12-29T16:56:00.002+02:00

On 18th December, the Bookworm Club held its very first official meeting. At this, nature rejoiced with torrential rain, thunder and lightning. As befits a Xmas meeting, it was a cold cold night, but we gathered in a cosy, warm place surrounded by books, cheerful spirit and silliness. A few members braved the storm, and here is what we made of it.

Bookworms showcase their favorite books

Mingling around books

Looking for the perfect book title!

Which title would make a fun roleplay?

Letters to Cathy: A live bookworm interpretation

Have a great holiday season bookworms!

Book Review: The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer

2009-11-16T21:41:00.001+02:00

Reviewed by Carolina K.

We give it: ***

The scene? Forks. The rainiest place in America according to Isabella Marie Swan (sorry, I mean Bella!) who is the main character in this thrilling saga that has become the newest four-book addiction to book lovers around the world - including myself!

When Bella first moves to Forks to live with her father, Charlie, to give her mother, the air-head Renee, and her new boyfriend, Phil some space, she absolutely hates it and misses the blistering heat of Phoenix. Despite this, she is determined to stick it out until she finishes high-school and then: goodbye, Forks!

Or at least, that's what she thinks she's going to do until she first sees heart-throb Edward Cullen and his perfect family in the school cafeteria on her first day. Unfortunately, she finds out in her first biology lesson that Edward Cullen despises her one thousand times more than she despises Forks (and for those of you who don't know, that's a lot of hate...)! For absolutely no reason that she can see! Oh, dear...

Determined to find out what's really going on, Bella starts to unpick the web of lies and cover-ups that that the Cullen family has woven around itself one strand at a time and what she finds out is beyond belief and way beyond the rational world! But she has unintentionally fallen in love with Edward so there is no way she's going to back down! Of course, things get all the more complicated when her best friend, Jacob Black, gets involved with his own potentially dangerous secret, forming a love triangle that could drive her insane...

The story is riveting and will have you on the edge of your of your seat until you've gone way beyond the point where your eyes get sore and your hands start to ache! It's made personal as you can really see into the mind of Bella and truly discover her thought process and sympathise with her. My only criticisms? Bella is way too vulnerable for my liking- I would have much preferred her to be a little bit less breakable and the end of the saga was a bit of a let-down as it left a lot of unanswered questions.

Overall though? It's a must read!

Why bookworms love books

2009-11-12T20:46:00.006+02:00

When asked why books make such lovable items, us bookworms have come up with the following:

"They transfer me to a far-away, beautiful world and help me escape from reality. Simply that!"

- Christiana S.

"I love books because they are little worlds on to themselves which are a fountain of knowledge and experience, be they fiction or subject-orientated, bad or good you are bound to make some kind of evaluation which will change or reinforce your thinking pattern, thus changing your views of the world and hence yourself."

- Anastasia S.

"I love books because I relax reading them and because the books inspire me!!!"

- Yvonne T.

"I love reading books because books are my life!"

- Kyriaki S.

"I like the smell of the pages when the book is recently printed. Moreover, I like reading books because
it is the only way to improve my expression mistakes."

- Antonis T.

"Books help me escape into another dimension. When reading fiction, I love identifying with one character, and actually emulating her/him in my daily life! (but I usually make sure there are no catastrophic consequences)"

- Laura M.

"Books are not just pieces of paper attached together. They are time travelers that can take you anywhere and make you experience feelings you might have never experienced before. I love the smell of freshly printed paper and the feeling of turning to the next page full of agony of what is going to happen next. I simply adore books!!"

- Christina K.

"I love books because they can change my attitude and take me to other worlds!!!"

- Nefeli P.

"I really love reading books.The reason is that books give you a lot of irformation and because when I read a book I feel that I travel to a fantastic world where everything that I imagine can happen!!!"

- Maja A.

"Well, first of all they make a good breakfast, lunch and dinner. Books help me refresh my vocabulary and sometimes add to it."

- Solonas K.

"I like books because: with them I travel; I escape; I learn; I feel."

- Maria M.

"I love books, because with then I can travel in one other, different, fantastic world -- my world. Books help my to improve my language, and I feel and escape at the same time... I love books so much!"
- Michaella P.

Why do you love books?

Book Review: The Economics of Social Problems by Julian Le Grand and Ray Robinson

2009-11-10T22:58:00.000+02:00

Reviewed by Anastasia S.

We give it: ***

Ignore the boring title; this book is about economics explaining some of the everyday problems of our lives and revealing the reasons for which they occur. It can challenge a person's view on what is fair and what is not as well as change our view of the world around us as we begin to understand the hidden motives of certain people's behaviour. It is like going on a little discovery trip.

This, of course, is an amazing book for anybody who is remotely interested in economics because it explores economics in a very exciting manner and tackles specific issues rather than droning on generally about economic terms the way our textbooks do. This will also be handy for anybody interested in politics because it explores the activity of the government or its attempts to combat injustice and poverty. Take your time to read this book carefully because certain things are not obvious and you don't really understand that you have come across a new concept until you have thought about it.

I would recommend this book for adult bookworms because although it claims that there is no need of prior economic knowledge it is more comprehensible if you do know a thing or two. I would rate this book as three stars because it has been written by Julian Le Grand and Ray Robinson who have taught at places like the London School of Economics.

Also it is important to note that this book was written in the '80s so one must keep things in perspective. Furthermore because it was written in the '80s I'm not sure that you would find this book on the internet -- for such unique antiques we have our school library, which stocks such rarities even though people don't read them (which is truly a pity). Check this one out. It's worth it!

Book Review: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larrson

2009-11-09T14:07:00.000+02:00

Reviewed by Christina K.

We give it: ***

This is the first installment of the Millenium Trilogy.

The industrialist: Henrik Vanger, head of the dynamic Vanger Corporation is tormented by the loss of a child decades earlier and convinced that a member of his family has committed murder

The Journalist: Mikael Blomkvist delves deep into the Vangers’ past to uncover the truth behind the unsolved mystery. But someone else wants the past to remain secret and will go to any lengths to keep it that way. But why would this successful journalist agree to attempt to divulge the past of this troubled family?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo:

Lisbeth Salander, the enigmatic, delinquent and dangerous security specialist, assists in the investigation. A genius girl who tolerates no restrictions placed upon her by individuals, society or the law.

I was never much into thriller novels but this book changed everything I ever thought about this genre. This cracking and stunning novel is brilliantly written and totally capturing. The way Larsson interweaves his two stories had me heart pumping from beginning to end. The ending was such a cliffhanger that I threw myself into the first bookshop to buy the next one! However, what captivated me the most in this book was the fact that it explored the issue to women abuse in a way that no other book or document does. The techniques the author uses are excellent and I personally found it an extremely awakening experience.

Final Comment:

Anyone who is into thriller novels or not, would adore this book full of mystery and suspense, yet penetrated by unmasked world issues that strike you in the face.

Coming soon

Reviews on the other two components of the trilogy:

The Girl Who Plays With Fire
The Girl Who Kick The Hornet’s Nest

Book Review: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

2009-11-05T18:54:00.000+02:00

Reviewed by Christiana S.

We give it: **

This is the very latest book of the best-selling author of "Angels and Demons" and "DaVinci Code". I have just finished reading it. I must admit that I liked it very much - until I reached the end....

The main character is Robert Langton, which many of you may know from the books I mentioned before. Well, in this book, he is called by his dear friend, Solomon, to give a speech in Washington D.C., but when he arrives there, he discovers that his friend has been captured. He receives a message from the man behind the capture to interpret some symbols that lead to the Ancient Mysteries. And the plot goes on. (Sorry for not writing more but I don't want to spoil the anxiety and anticipation felt while reading it.)

I like Dan Brown's writing style very much. I love the way he researches before each book and how he describes actual locations and real organisations. However, as you may have heard, his books are a bit repetitive. They are all written in the same style and tempo. Although at the beginning it's breath-taking and you cannot put it down, by the end it gets a bit predictable. For this book especially, I didn't like the ending at all. I didn't think it fit the rest of the book as it was very simple. However, if you have not read any other books by Dan Brown, I recommend it because it is well-written and contains a lot of action, fast scenes and loads of information. I have read all of Dan Brown's books and I can confidently say that my favourite one is "The Deception Point", which I recommend to everyone who would like to experience the magnificent world of Brown's books.

Even though I was a bit dissappointed by this book's ending, I still believe that Dan Brown is an exceptional writer with a unique ability of combining facts and fiction.

New page!

2009-11-02T22:52:00.000+02:00

Welcome everyone!

Please have some patience while we set up this page. Students who still want to be a part of The Bookworm Club but didn't attend the meeting can drop us an e-mail here with your name, class and the reason you love books (be imaginative!).
Soon, this space will start to fill up, but until then, enjoy your reading!