Animal Farm

Animal Farm by George Orwell

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"Education is power." I bet you've heard that more than once before. But what does it mean? How is education a source of power? George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', answers that question with the uttermost perfection...

Orwell uses Animal Farm as a powerful allegory. The allegory Animal Farm refers to are the events leading up to the Stalin era, before World War II. The story is set in a gloomy, old-fashioned farm, known as the Manor Farm. The owner of Animal Farm is named Mr. Jones, a drunk, who highly neglects the animals. However, the animals fail to do anything about this matter. Until, after a change of events, do the animals see how important it is for them to conquer their independence. And that is exactly what they do. Under the leadership of three pigs, Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer, the animals chase the humans off the farm, for good. The animals, more the pigs, then decree that from onward, all animals are equal and together they will work to achieve prosperity, of the newly renamed, Animal Farm.

 A Theatrical Interpretation of 'Napoleon'
from George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'.

However, what the animals fail to see, is what the pigs have in mind for the future of Animal Farm. And how, by using their intelligence as a source of power, they completely reestablish the farm. Possibly, turning it into something the animals never imagined...

Overall, Animal Farm is an amazingly well-written book. It is extremely unique. Something I have never seen before. The allegorical significance behind the book is just, fascinating.
Animal Farm: 8.5/10

Harrison Bergeron

Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

For a lot of you readers out there, whoever, and wherever you are. In your lifetime, once in a while, you have probably been assigned some required reading. Throughout my life, I have found, that reading is supposed to be fun. Why read a book that doesn't interest you? You're just boring yourself. And often, that's what required reading does to us. It bores us! However, throughout my schooling years I have come across some pretty fascinating titles, such as; The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Black Book of Secrets by F.E. Higgins, The Giver by Lois Lowry, etc. And all of these were required reading! This year, in the past week, I have come across another interesting title, Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Harrison Bergeron is basically about a dystopian society. Dystopia; an imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful lives. Basically, a place where everything has gone wrong, the society is at a very low point. The story is set in 2081, where the Amendments of the Constitution declare that everyone is to be equal. And by equal, they mean equal. If you are of average intelligence, looks, height, speed, etc. you are good to go. However, if you are above average in anything you are in for a bad time. People in this society are basically tortured for being above average, by forcing them to handicap themselves to give the appearance that they are average. Sounds terrifying doesn't it? Imagine, having to live with irritating sound waves repeating every twenty seconds in your ear, just because you were the smartest in your class. Or imagine having to carry possibly hundreds of pounds of bird shot around your neck, just because you were the fastest sprinted on the team. Anything you would take pride in doing, was something that you should be ashamed of...

So, how do I rate Harrison Bergeron? Well... it did change my perspective about a few things, actually. 
Harrison Bergeron: 7.5/10

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Have you ever been in the situation, where you just had to do something? Something you didn't want to do, but had to? I'm not talking about the small stuff, like schoolwork or something. No, I'm talking about something that might have violated your moral code. But, because of the circumstances, you had to.

I've just finished reading Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Basically, that's what the story works towards. Doing something you didn't want to, but had to. So, the story is set somewhere in the 17th century. Two friends, George and Lennie, are fieldworkers who constantly travel place to place. This is because, Lennie is mentally disabled, and often gets himself into trouble. This goes on for too long, until one day, accidentally, Lennie kills someone. George, has two choices, either Lennie gets sent to jail, and will suffer for the rest of his life. The second option, is for George to kill Lennie. And that is exactly what he does.

However, above all this madness, I really enjoyed reading Of Mice and Men. Even though, the story contains some crude themes, I can see why it is famous.

The story is about friendship. No matter what, George is always there for Lennie. George sacrifices a lot of his happiness and life, just to take care of Lennie. If that is not true friendship, then what is? Eventually, when it comes down to George murdering Lennie, in my opinion, it was the right thing to do. By doing so, George may have saved Lennie from a world of torture. I, for one, truly value friendship. And to read about a friendship like George and Lennie's was quite interesting.

Overall, I give Of Mice and Men: 8/10. And a round-of-applause to John Steinbeck.

The Most Dangerous Game

The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell

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Everyone has something they're crazy about. For me, it would be... where should I start? But, how far would you go for something you loved? Would you even murder for it?

In The Most Dangerous Game, General Zaroff, loves hunting, he's crazy about it. He'd do anything to continuously feel the enjoyment of it. And by anything, I mean anything. General Zaroff grows tired of hunting animals, he claims that hunting is losing its 'fun'. In order to keep things interesting, he finds an entirely new specie to hunt, one that will be more of a challenge. Humans. Yes, he hunts humans. General Zaroff claims an island, and names it 'Ship-Trap Island', he misleads boats to the island, traps them, forcing them to stay at the island. All on deck, are now his hunt. He nourishes them in his huge manor on the island. However, the next day they are given food, a knife, and three hours head-start on the island, before he hunts them down. But, basically, you are never getting off the island alive. If he doesn't find and hunt you down, he sends out the dogs. Not just any dogs, his ferocious guard dogs.

My interpretation of Ship-Trap Island

Terrifying, isn't it? How someone could love something so much, that he'd do anything for it. Even take the lives of innocent people, just for his pleasure.

Overall, I give The Most Dangerous Game 7/10. 

THG Fever

So I've been having some serious Hunger Games fever. What can I say? It's an amazing trilogy ;D For starters, I would like to say thank you to 'Have you seen Finnick? Odair he is.' on Facebook. Be sure to check them out: http://www.facebook.com/HaveYouSeenFinnickOdairHeIs they're awesome! Secondly, because of my mad Hunger Games fever and to celebrate the start of the filming of Catching Fire :D I drew a picture, not just any picture, a map of Panem. Basically, what I think Panem would look like, with a few artistic twists ;) Please don't take credit for my work, it took me a LONG time to do this. Also, I wasn't completely confident when choosing to upload this due to copycats, so please don't make me regret my decision. I just thought that all Panemaniacs had the right to see this :) Hope you like it :)

My Map of Panem

Bibliophilia Reviews © 2012

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games trilogy, is an all-rounder, when it comes to genre. In my opinion, that's what makes it so unique. The story can appeal to almost every one. Which is why the trilogy has been so successful, even since the first book was published in 2008. The author, Suzanne Collins, really knows how to drag the reader into the book, instantly transporting them into Panem. Into the life of Katniss Everdeen.

Even though the trilogy is titled 'The Hunger Games', the book captures a lot more than just the brutality of the games. In the story, Collins covers a number of social issues. These issues include: poverty, starvation, government control, fight for independence, etc. Along with these themes, the series also covers the topic of 'image'. Image, how society sees you, how people obsess about what they see on the outside, not what is hidden on the inside. The protagonist, Katniss, constantly faces the external conflict, throughout the series.

However, even though the story takes a number of twists and turns. Above all the conflict, the author still manages to maintain a love story along the sidelines. Yes, above all the social issues, and the fight of survival, there is a love story. The multiple themes, exciting story line, numerous genres, this is what has made this trilogy so groundbreaking!

If there are any amateur writers out there, struggling to get published, or finding it hard to come up with inspiration. Have a look at The Hunger Games, you could really learn a thing or two from Collins writing.

Overall, this has been a really long post. So I'm just going to end it up with a rating.
The Hunger Games: 9/10

Showcasing Books

Now that I have started this blog. It's time to start some heavy reading. As I mentioned on my previous post, I will be showcasing classics, bestsellers, well-know, and worthy books. But, I will also be accepting limited requests and recommendations. All you have to do, is either comment on the blog, or email me at bibliophiliareviews@gmail.com

Now, let's get to the point of this post... I think I will be starting this blog off by showcasing modern-day bestsellers, and popular books/novels. Some of my all time favorite modern-day bestselling authors include, Suzanne Collins and J.K. Rowling. These spectacular authors have written some of the most amazing series of all time, in my opinion. Collins, the author of The Hunger Games trilogy. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. So, stay updated for that little 'showcase', and much more coming to the blog.