Holes By: Louis Sachar

Although I read this book awhile back, It has always remained one of my favorites. Many of you have probably seen the movie, which is very good, but the book is great also. Holes, by Louis Sachar, is based on a teenage boy, Stanley Yelnats, who always seems to have the worst of luck. His family says that the bad luck is caused by a curse on his great-great- grandfather. The curse is said to be because of the great-great-grandfather not following the directions of Madame Zeroni. She told him to carry a pig up the mountain everyday so that it could drink from the stream to become strong and once he could do that to come back to her and carry her up the mountain so she could do the same, but if he doesn't he will be cursed. The Stanley is sent to Camp Green Lake as punishment for a crime he didn't commit and occurred because of his curse of bad luck. Camp Green Lake is in the middle of the desert and its "campers" are made to dig holes everyday. The camp is said to be a great place, although there is a huge secret and scandal revolving around it. The Warden of the camp is searching for something and will not stop making the boys dig holes until they find it. At the camp, Stanley has a very hard time making friends until he meets Zero who's real name is Hector Zeroni, the best digger at the camp and is thought to be dumb. When actually, he is very smart and just unable to read. Stanley teaches Zero how to read while Zero helps Stanley dig his holes. They immediately connect because of the hardships that each of them have had to face. Stanley and Zero become very close friends eventually finding out that the Warden is hiding something and they want to find out what it is. They also look into Zero's life discovering that he is Madame Zeroni's great-grandson. They learn about the past of Green Lake and the old scandal between Kate Barlow, a teacher in the town of Green Lake long ago, and Sam, a black farmer who Kate falls in love with, but is later murdered by the white men of the town. Stanley and Zero spend their time during the novel piecing together the mystery and at one point escaping from the camp, finding something incredible and that will change their lives forever. So what is this that they find? And does Stanleys bad luck ever go away? And what exactly is the Warden hiding and what really happened to the town of Green Lake and why?

I really enjoyed reading this novel. It keeps your attention the whole time even though it is very long and detailed. Sachar does a great job making you feel connected towards the characters and being able to relate to the hardships they have faced. This novel is all about friendship and trust. It teaches you a lot about following your heart, being happy, and believing in yourself. This book is great for many ages and is decently easy reading. There is mystery, humor, and love all in one book. I would definitely recommend reading this book!