​Character - 3/5:
O'Reilly and Dugard take care to ensure the individuals in the story are well-rounded. They consistently relate characters' backstories when first introducing them, and include an appendix at the end to explain what happened to various personalities after the events of the story conclude. These descriptions are more analytical than empathetic, so readers are unlikely to develop strong feelings of love or hatred toward any particular character, but the descriptions and cross references are vivid enough to limit the risk of confusion as characters come and go from the action.

Themes - 2/5:
Despite O'Reilly's reputation as an outspoken pundit, Killing Lincoln is relatively neutral and objective in tone. The narrative does frame Lincoln as a hero and the assassins as villains, but few readers would take issue with such characterization. In general the authors prefer to focus on the events and personalities of the story, with minimal discussion of its overarching moral, social, or historic implications.

Interest - 3/5:
While O'Reilly and Dugard work hard to keep the action moving, readers with no interest in history may still find the details overwhelming. At the same time, serious historians may depreciate the lack of analysis. Overall it's best for readers with a casual to semi-serious interest in American History.

Presentation - 4/5:
Text size is moderate, and the 300 page length should be manageable for most readers. Periodic illustrations supplement important character or setting introductions, but the majority of the book is text only. It's a great choice for readers who do not have much time for reading, because the short chapters make it easy to read in 5-10 minute bursts. 

Bottom Line - 16/25:
Read this book if you like history.

Plot - 2/5:
The story starts quickly with the discovery of Wellington's corpse, but after the first few chapters the mystery becomes a bit of a red herring. The real purpose of the novel is to introduce Christopher. The climactic battle is more tense in his mind than it would be to an outside observer, and overall Haddon includes just enough plot to keep the story moving from point A to point B.

Character - 5/5:
This is where the novel shines. Haddon does a great job depicting both Christopher's unusual behavior and the reasoning behind his idiosyncrasies. His perspective is both enlightening and frustrating, and I am curious how well individuals with autism would say it matches their experiences.

Themes - 4/5:
Readers with patience for the slow plot will almost certainly gain empathy toward others who see the world differently. At the same time the book is not all rainbows and roses. Haddon declines to pull punches when it comes to depicting the challenges of caring for or teaching someone with severe autism, and his ability to do so without departing from Christopher's perspective is particularly impressive. His digressions on religion feel forced at points, but overall the novel is thought-provoking and authentic.

Interest - 3/5:
You'll like this book if you enjoy exploring the perspectives of diverse characters. The slow-moving plot is not enough to sustain fans of more traditional mysteries, but the book is highly regarded and your English teacher will respect you for reading it.

Presentation - 3/5:
Length and text size are both moderate, and Christopher sometimes breaks up the prose with illustrations to convey his points. On the flip side, there many British cultural references and vocabulary words, which may be a challenge for readers who have never been to England.

Bottom Line - 17/25:
More of an educational read than a pleasurable one. Use it as a choice book in English - you could make a really cool poster or presentation contrasting how a typical reader and Christopher might see similar situations differently. 

In the News:
Remember the video I posted Wednesday of all those poor suffering people in Aleppo? Well, there's always more to the story. It turns out they're all activists with mainstream media primetime access, so you shoudn't believe what they say.... Or should you? (Hint: Check the source.)

Tools and Tech:
Want to prepare for the SAT or ACT without breaking the bank? Check out PrepFactory.com. It's an easy-to-use study site with practice tests, games, and step-by-step tutorials, all for the unbeatable price of $0.

Fun Friday:
Seniors: Did you Saturday Night Live made a parody of Serial  a couple years ago?

In the News:
Former Texas governor Rick Perry has been nominated to lead the Department of Energy - a department he once famously forgot he wanted to eliminate: 

​After four years of civil war, the Syrian Army is poised to recapture Aleppo. Conditions in the city are desperate, and The Guardian gives voice to just a few of the individuals trapped inside:

Curriculum and Cool Stuff:
Math/Economics: We've all wondered, what would happen if someone tried to buy all the possible PowerBall combinations?