Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a criminal? How a person can take the life of a complete stranger? Well, if you have, Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit Review by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker, is the book for you.
John Douglas and Mark Olshaker, FBI agents from the 1970s to 1995, talk about the criminal mind and how it develops, starting at a young age. We learn about the different offenders both Douglas and Olshaker have spoken with in their time with, what used to be called, the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI. I personally liked this book because it gave me a whole new outlook on how criminals operate. It’s a very well written story and talks about important topics I feel are often passed over when it comes to serial offenders.
However, perhaps true crime is not your type of book. Maybe it’s romance? In this case, Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen, could interest you. A freshman at Joliet West, Mya Gomez, has recommended this book. She says, “I like this book because it was cute. It is about two little kids named Julie and Bryce. Immediately Julie liked Bryce, but Bryce hated Julie. Throughout the story it eventually flips, Bryce likes Julie but Julie does not like him back.”
Joliet West’s very own librarians are reading some very interesting books that might interest you as well.
Mrs. Walsh is currently reading You Know I’m No Good by Jesse Ann Foley. A novel about a young girl named Mia who is referred to as a “troubled teen”, so in the night, she is taken from her home and sent to a boarding school. Mia is struggling with things related to the death of her mother and her stepmom. Mrs. Walsh says, “I like it so far! It reminds me of the books Girl Interrupted and Wild Bird.” She also states, “…so far it is a believable and thought-provoking story that deals with the labels and stereotypes that many young people deal every day.”
Are you into horror? Dystopia or action? Well, how about all those combined into one book? #MurderTrending by Gretchen McNeil could be right up your alley! A girl is wrongfully convicted of her stepmom’s murder and given the death penalty. They are sent to Alcatraz 2.0, where they are executed for clicks and likes on live Tv. Mrs. Lingafelter states, “It is reminding me of The Hunger Games and older dystopian novels like The Running Man by Stephen King.”
Ever seen Netflix’s Black Mirror? This next book, Mrs. Healy’s reading is great for fans of that show, she claims, “The Getaway” by Lamar Giles is perfect for fans of the Netflix series Black Mirror or anyone who has enjoyed reading any of Neal Shusterman’s work.” A book about a boy, Jay, and all his friends, who work in a futuristic, world famous resort that welcomes the wealthiest of America. As the book trails along, Jay starts noticing that guests are disappearing. He’s aware that his suspicions must stay private or something bad could happen to him and his family. Mrs. Healy also says, “This book is a sci-fi/dystopian novel, which typically is not my favorite genre, but I am beyond glad I picked this book up! The Getaway has been consistently unsettling, exploring various themes such as racism, classism, climate change, social injustice, and capitalism.”