Papamoa College

5,358 pages read and 490 team points

Team members

Rochelle

2,650 pts

(1,901 pages read)

Shimmer

By Alyson Noël

4 stars

"Shimmer" is the second installment in Alyson Noël's Riley Bloom series, a spin-off from her Immortals series. The story follows Riley, a twelve-year-old soul catcher in the afterlife, who, along with her dog Buttercup and guide Bodhi, encounters a troubled ghost named Rebecca. Rebecca, the daughter of a former plantation owner, harbors deep anger from her murder during a slave revolt in 1733, leading her to trap other souls in their worst memories. The novel delves into themes of forgiveness and letting go, as Riley strives to help Rebecca release her anger and free the trapped souls. The incorporation of historical elements, such as the 1733 slave revolt, adds depth to the narrative. "Shimmer" continues Riley's afterlife adventures with a mix of magic, history, and personal growth
In Black Ink

By Jenna Mackay

5 stars

"In Black Ink" is a romantic novel by Pāpāmoa authorJenna Mackay that follows the journey of Frankie Jones, an American teenager in her final year of high school in Louisiana. As she falls for Adam, the onset of the Iraq War dramatically alters their lives, leading Frankie through various locales including New Orleans, Fort Benning, Iraq, Paris, and New York. The story explores the intertwined destinies of five young individuals, keeping readers engaged until the final page. A highly compelling story with strong character connections.The ending is a HUGE SURPRISE. Well worth the read from a local unknown author
No Excuses

By Dave Letele

5 stars

An inspiring and raw memoir that tells the life of the former professional boxer turned motivational leader. Letele, also known as the founder of the BBM (Brown Buttabean movement,) it shares his struggles with obesity, depression, and a life of crime, and how he turned it all around to promote health and wellness in his community. The book is candid, filled with hard truths, and demonstrates the power of resilience, self-discipline, and a commitment to helping others. It's a powerful read for anyone seeking motivation to overcome life's obstacles. An amazing story from an amazing man.. Well worth the read!! Highly recommend.
Radiance

By Alyson Noel

3 stars

is the first book in the Riley Bloom series. The Immortals series. It follows Riley, a young girl who has passed away and is now living in the afterlife. Tasked with becoming a "Soul Catcher," Riley must help lost souls cross over to the other side. The story blends themes of growth, acceptance, and adventure as Riley navigates her new role, encounters challenges, and learns to embrace her unique afterlife journey. Lovely, quick easy read. Going to read rest of series before I makemy final judgement.
HONEY: My story of love, loss and victory

By Honey Hiereme-Smilier with Suzanne McFadden

5 stars

Honey: My Story of Love, Loss and Victory is the compelling autobiography of Honey Hireme-Smiler, one of New Zealand's most accomplished athletes. Co-authored with Suzanne McFadden, the memoir offers an intimate look into Hireme-Smiler's journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a trailblazer in women's sports. The narrative delves into her experiences across multiple rugby codes, highlighting her versatility and dedication. Beyond her athletic achievements, the book candidly explores personal challenges, including family violence, identity, and resilience. Hireme-Smiler's honest storytelling provides readers with a deeper understanding of the person behind the athlete. It's a story that will enthral and inspire, offering insights into overcoming adversity and the complexities of personal growth. For those interested in sports or human resilience, Honey is a must-read that leaves readers with both admiration and a deeper understanding of the person behind the athlete.
Naked City

By Ellen Datlow

3 stars

a compelling anthology edited by Ellen Datlow, featuring an impressive collection of short stories from some of the biggest names in urban fantasy. The anthology explores the intersection of the mundane and the magical, set against the backdrop of cityscapes that range from the eerily familiar to the utterly fantastical. Each story is unique, with themes of mystery, enchantment, and the hidden worlds that lie just beneath the surface of modern urban life. Standout contributions include works by authors like Jim Butcher, whose Harry Dresden expertise brings a gritty charm, and Patricia Briggs, who weaves a deeply atmospheric tale. These stories offer a mix of humor, suspense, and heartbreak, showcasing the versatility of urban fantasy as a genre. While some stories are stronger than others, the anthology as a whole offers a rich, immersive experience. It's perfect for fans of fantasy who appreciate the genre's more grounded, city-based settings. If you're looking for a collection that blends the mystical with the everyday, Naked City is a must-read.
Poker Face: The rise and rise of Lady Gaga

By Maureen Callahan

4 stars

Lady Gaga’s book Poker Face: The Rise and Rise of Lady Gaga by Maureen Callahan offers a deep dive into the meteoric rise of one of pop music’s most iconic and enigmatic figures. Published in 2010, the book chronicles Gaga's journey from her early days as Stefani Germanotta to her transformation into a global superstar. The book explores how she developed her unique identity, blending avant-garde fashion, provocative themes, and groundbreaking music. It delves into her relentless work ethic, her team, and the challenges she faced in a competitive industry. While the book celebrates Gaga’s creativity and ambition, it also critiques the darker side of her fame, including the controversies surrounding her persona. The book provides an engaging narrative about Lady Gaga’s rise to fame, supported by interviews and anecdotes from those who knew her. However, it is unauthorized, so it lacks her personal perspective. n summary, Poker Face is a fascinating read for casual fans and those interested in pop culture, but it may leave dedicated Little Monsters wanting more depth.

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Papamoa College

5,358 pages read and 490 team points

Team members

Rochelle

jaki.lee

Ingrid Willett

PipTin

BookWorm_PC

Caity Reid

Farley

Jax

JenP

Kat

Rhett

Tilbs

Tracey G

Rochelle

Shimmer

In Black Ink

No Excuses

Radiance

HONEY: My story of love, loss and victory

Naked City

Poker Face: The rise and rise of Lady Gaga

Papamoa College

5,358 pages read and 490 team points

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