The YA Book Log

Books can be timeless and a great example is 1984 by George Orwell.
Winston Smith appears to be the average human; he lives in the Victory Mansions and works in one of the Ministries, but beneath the man there is a deep-seated hatred for “the Party.” He believes in independence and freethinking, both of which have been outdated for many years. After an “illegal” love affair, Winston and his partner, Julia seek the help of a member of the inner party who Winston is determined that he agrees with them. That man, O’Brien, tells them the secrets of “the Brotherhood,” devoted to bringing down the party. After one of many of Julia and Winston’s secret meetings, they are discovered from the dreaded Thought police and brought to the torture rooms as “traitors” in “The Ministry of Love.” Winston, the traitor, is forced to be re-educated in being a “loyal member of the party” from an unexpected teacher. Can freethinking win out against the powers of Big Brother? The answer may surprise you.
Because of the deep messages and complex theories resented by Orwell, I recommend this book for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in psychology and how the mind can be manipulated.
Andrew Scarpitta
Chaminade High School
Grade 12