Customer Reviews

Alter the Stars - The World of Possibility

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

"Having been unpopular in high school is not just cause for book publication" -- Fran Lebowitz

Although far less than revolutionary, it is reminiscent of Robspierre's Reign of Terror. The dialogue is banal, and the poems that fill the page with screen directions only succeeds in begging the question; can an intellectual audience truly trust the mysterious author anymore.

Evidently not. The characters are self-serving, dull. The plot is unoriginal. An excellent prelude to a night of Gasoline Shots.

On an upnote, the cover sure is nice though.

Zach Borden and J.D. Salinger's high school protagonists seem to be quite similar: each of them hate "phonies," they both have family issues to deal with and are both deeply insecure. Yet James Eversole is quite different than Holden Caulfield: depsite what he has gone through and what he endures, James comes across as down to earth, intelligent, sensitive and friendly. That is quite the opposite of the troubled, obnoxious, and less-than-studious Holden.

The first book in Zach Borden's high school trilogy breaks new ground in where one might think it's not possible. Readers may simply dismiss it as standard high school fluff that is all too common on every WB show out there, but beyond the surface, lies a story with infinite depth that is as timeless as any classic archetypal epic. The backdrop might be high school, but I can't remember the last time where I was so touched by a story and what it has to say about the past, life in general, death, moving on, friendship, love and how some things aren't exactly accidents.

And mind you, this is the first of three books. I'm sure there is more to be discovered within the next two, particuarly in how all the conflicts and relationships resolve. Borden's writing style is different, which might be a turn off to some, but it provides a highly visual experience and doesn't "force" you what to feel. His characters are well fleshed out, and it's interesting to note how careful thought seems to be in what each says and what each does. There is no doubt in my mind that every reader who reads this book will find something to pick up on: be it a character, a relatable scene or one of the many symbolisms. One will rightfully discover how finely tuned and well crafted every piece to this puzzle is, which only makes me more anticipated for the next two tomes to see how the first 580 pages will come into play. Like all great, memorable works of fiction, this is one work that will go down as a timeless classic. Not bad for a debut book by a sixteen year-old.

If there is one book series that I predict will become the next "Harry Potter"-like phenom and become the next must-read for high school teens who are in the process of finding themselves, then the "Alter The Stars" saga is it. Don't miss it.

To describe "Alter The Stars - The World Of Possibility" in a few words is not an easy task. For those who have read the book or choose to read the book, I am sure they can agree with me. However, if I could pick two words to sum it up, I will say this: truly brilliant. The book may seem somewhat standard at first, but if you look beyond the synopsis, there is something so much more to be found within. "Alter The Stars" is about 14 year old James Eversole, a shy teenager who moves to a suburban town called Blue Tree with his mother. James is fairly reserved and a bit negative on the whole move, but his life instantly changes when he experiences his first day of school. He sets his eyes on Tara Mepps, the most popular girl at the school. Of course, James is not popular and seems to be the opposite of his dream girl. But James thinks that they are meant to be, and is willing to go out and claim his destiny by putting the theory of "Alter The Stars" to the test. Basically, when James does something he would never even think of doing before, the stars in the sky will change, and that will hopefully lead him on his way to be with Tara. But James, Tara and every other character must face their own insecurities... this gives a pretty cliched plot a rather original outlook, let alone it makes it feel so fresh and new. There's an amazing twist toward the end of it that I do not want to spoil. Let me just say it's a breathtaking scene that somehow does not use any dialogue, yet you connect with it through pure, raw emotion.

First time author Zach Borden creates an incredible world that each and everyone of us can relate to with an amazing amount of depth, insight and heart. His themes and symbolisms featured in the novel are timeless. This book may be a bit pricey for some, but it's surely an amazing, lengthy read that is worth every penny. And to think... he's only sixteen years old (!) and wrote so much that is very well written. This is one author to look out for who surely has an impressive career ahead of him... and guess what? This book doesn't end the saga. According to the book, there will be a second book in the series. Seeing how this one only covers James' freshman and sophomore years of high school, I assume the next will cover his junior and senior years, let alone wrap up everything (and there is a lot of plot here). I can't wait... overall, this is a worthy purchase that is never dull or boring. I was glued to every page.

I found Zach Borden's debut to be a compelling effort - so much so that I am looking forward to the next one. On its surface Alter The Stars seems like an innocent love story with a hint of fantasy, but as the book moves forward and the characters begin to form, it becomes much more than that. The narrative turns into something more dark and complex, as apparent flaws within the characters and backstories begin to surface and tangle with one another.

However, even though Alter The Stars is a drama at heart, I think many tend to overlook the satirical nature of the book - particuarly some of the on-goings in Brighton's classroom. It's easy to relate to teachers who look too much into certain things - and how popular writing seems to formulate English classes in high school, some of which can be argued that isn't very good. The author's subtle mocking is right on target though, but never exactly overshadows what he is trying to say. This book may not be for everyone, but if you read it, chances are good you'll find a message you'll easily latch onto.

Oh my! This book is a waste of time. Fran Lebowitz said it right - just because you're unpopular doesn't mean you can publish a book and be cool. Sorry "Ziggy" B.

I find it highly suspicious, as should anyone who reads these reviews, that so many of them come from California. Coincidence - hardly.

The book stands as an unoriginal trip into themes prevalent throughout literature, the auto-biographical nature of the book makes the story much less fiction than a fleshing out of the author's own insecure views on his peers in school. It reads like Salinger because it rips off the original concepts of Salinger.

Nothing truly original and altogether a waste of 20-some dollars. Buy Catcher In The Rye for $6 and read something worth your time

Desperate times demand cultural voices capable of dealing with the problems of the day, and Mrs. Borden's extensive critique of the Catholic church and its recent troubles, "Altar the Stars: The World of Posterity", is one such cultural voice. Through extremely subtle and veiled allegory Mrs. Borden accurately predicts and comments on the festering scandal within the religion, releasing the book well before the media storm and couching her analysis in the gentle terms of high school "coming of age" drama. A book for anyone sincerely interested in emotional problems.

Oh my! Just finished reading Alter the Stars, and I couldn't help being reminded of the striking work of James Kerouac and Timothy Steinbeck. The final 200 pages recall the vivid imagery of J.R.R. Salinger and Pete Sampras.

But back to the book...

Have you ever read a novel that makes you feel like you're listening to Bob Seger's Greatest Hits for the first time? That feeling of pure virginal bliss... Ziggy Borden has created an astonishing world of astrology, alterance and the-ology that culminates in a slightly (and I mean SLIGHTLY) homoerotic undertone. A novel for the future, an author from the past, it's what I present.

Ladies and gentle-birds, alter the stars.

It's a very good book. Focuses on the life of a high schooler. Can't wait for sequel.

Its been said before, and I'll say it again, Zachary Borden is a disgusting pervert who's sexual tastes are illegal in 35 states. Thankfully he hasn't introduced those desires into his writing..yet.
Alter the Stars creates a surreal world that is just as mystical as any work of Grand Fantasy, a world much like our own reality and yet so very different.
If you're a human being looking for something different, give this books a shot. Or even better, convince a friend to shell out the money for it and borrow it at a later time.
If you're an intergalactic alien looking to read a book that will help you understand how real earthlings work, this isnt the book for you. However, please do stop by my place sometime for some apple cider and bagels.