Showing posts with label computers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label computers. Show all posts

Friday, October 1, 2010

"By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead" by Julie Anne Peters


Daelyn has been bullied at school as long as she can remember. She's struggled with her weight and emotions, and her enemies taunt her everyday. Daelyn is determined to kill herself, since her last few attempts have failed. As far as she can see, failure is no longer an option and Daelyn becomes obsessed with researching suicide methods on-line. She's given up on talking. Her parents try to monitor her every move and won't let her out of their sight. A new boy, Santana, attempts a friendship (or more), and Daelyn isn't sure if she's willing to let anyone into her life. Everyone has a breaking point, and Daelyn is planning for her Day of Determination, her last day of her life. Can anything change her mind? There are always alternatives to suicide.


This is a very powerful and sad book, about how bullying can impact people. Whether on-line, or in-person, this story reminds us of how important it is to treat everyone with respect.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

"Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow

This book has it all - computers, video games, hacking. I'm not into any of these, but I still LOVED this book! San Francisco - terrorists blow up the Bay Bridge. People are scared, and the government starts using high-tech surveillance to "protect" its citizens. Marcus and his friends discover this new system isn't foolproof and innocent people are being interrogated and held prisoner. There is excellent discussion on security versus civil liberties, as well as romance, raving and gadgets galore. Scott Westerfield described it best - “A rousing tale of techno-geek rebellion.” One of the best books I've read this year, and I don't even like science-fiction!