December 2011

"Surviving the Angel of Death" by Eva Mozes Kor and Lisa Royany Buccieri         

Eva and her sister Miriam were selected at the platform at Auschwitz for Mengele's twin experiments.  Despite the horrid conditions and terrifying experiments, both Eva and her sister survived the holocaust.  Written for young adults, this book does a wonderful job of educating while telling a story.  Moving and heartfelt, Eva and Miriam's story is one of never giving up.  I believe that any young adult would not only enjoy reading this book but be moved by the difficult subject.

"Smoking Ears and Screaming Teeth" by Trevor Norton         

Norton has compiled a fascinating collection of stories outlining how many scientists have performed dangerous experiments on themselves.  From inhaling poisonous gases to performing surgery on yourself, to purposeful bleeding, this book has it all.  Well written and highly entertaining, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in science, experimentation or the odd and eccentric.

"How to Talk to Your Animals" by Jean George         

George has compiled detailed information about dogs, cats, birds and horses in this fascinating book.  Stories of animal encounters and human experiences with animals are used throughout the book to highlight different animal behaviors.  I have two cats, and I learned new things about them.  It began with a brief history of their domestication then provided detailed information about their facial and tail patterns.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who has or wants an animal.

"The Woman in the Mirror" by Cynthia Bulik         

I think that this is a book that every teenage girl and young adult woman should read.  Women, regardless of size, shape, height or beauty are fixated with their body images and endlessly try and transform themselves into something different.  Dr. Bulik begins by looking at this phenomenon as related to socialization.  She explores different age groups and discusses the pressures of each age.  She also discusses eating disorders and plastic surgery.  The second half of the book is focused on intervention, and self-esteem.  Overall, I highly enjoyed this book.

"One More River" by Mary Glickman         

Mickey Moe was four years old when his father, Bernard died during World War II.  Somewhat of a mystery, Mickey Moe knew nothing about his father, other than his past was a great mystery.  Once he falls in love with Laura Anne, her parents question his bloodlines and whether or not he is suitable to marry their daughter.  In order to win the approval of his fiance's parents, he embarks on an adventure to discover his father's story.  Set during the civil rights era, the book explores the ideas of love, loyalty, persistence and tragedy.

     Once Mickey Moe begins his journey, the book alternates between his adventure and his father's life.  Beautifully written, the book is engaging and fascinating.  The characters are well developed and the plot moves quickly.  Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel and will look for more by Glickman.

"Escaping Titanic" by Marybeth Lorbiecki         

Ruth, along with her mother and sister were on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic.  Ruth, separated from her mother and sister, ended up on a lifeboat watching as the Titanic sunk and listened as people cried out for help.          

I enjoyed this book, I only wish it contained more details and more information.  The illustrations of the ocean and titanic were beautiful, but I thought the people looked too cartoonish for such a serious topic.  Overall, I think this book would make a wonderful addition to any school library.

"Inside the Olympics" by Nick Hunter         

"Inside the Olympics" takes a comprehensive look at the history of the Olympics, its challenges, and famous athletes. It contains short biographical clips about athletes and key figures in Olympic history.  Although a time line of Olympic host cities is provided, the 1996 Olympic games held in Atlanta, Georgia are completely left out.  I found this to be a bit odd.  It made me question the credibility of the information provided and doubt the facts presented.

"Steamboats and the Rise of the Cotton Kingdom" by Robert Gudmestad         

This is a very detailed look at steamboats and their impact on the southern "cotton" states.  It is well written and includes many quotes and first-hand accounts.  I was particularly interested in the section dealing with Native Americans and how steamboats played a role in the Indian Removal Program.  I thought the book contained too much information for the casual reader, but it is perfect for school projects.  Overall, this is a very well written and researched book.

"Holy Ghost Girl" by Donna Johnson         

Donna's mother was the organist for tent preacher David Terrell.  Donna grew up traveling with the holy roller and group of evangelists that followed the preacher around.  Her mother began a secret relationship with the preacher, and it was later revealed that he maintained several secret households and secret families.  Filled with many ups and downs, this is an interesting story about a style of life I had never heard or thought about.  I found Donna's story to be fascinating and had a hard time putting the book down.  It was well written, the plot moved swiftly and overall, I highly enjoyed this biography.

"Irena's Jars of Secrets" by Marcia Vaughan         

This is a beautifully illustrated and heartbreaking story about Irena, a woman who nearly sacrificed her life to save Jewish children from the Ghetto. It is written in a very matter of fact way, which will be appealing to juvenile audiences. Overall, this book would make a great addition to any library or bookshelf.

"The Baker's Daughter" by Sarah McCoy         

This book alternates between two stories.  Reba Adams is a journalist living in Texas.  She is trying to write a feel-good Christmas story for boss but is having trouble getting the story out of Elsie, a German Bakery owner.  Reba is also experiencing problems with her fiancée and is looking to move up in her career.  The second story is of Elsie, the Baker, when she was a teenager living in Germany during World War II.  Her and her families baked for the Nazi's amidst food shortages, violence and unpredictable times.  After attending a Nazi Christmas party, she finds herself hiding a young Jewish singer.

Overall, I thought that the book was good.  However, I wished it just told Elsie's story.  I thought that Elsie's story was stronger and more interesting.  I felt that the way Reba's storyline was intertwined took away from the emotional and stark problems of World War II. 

Prophet's Prey:  My Seven-Year Investigation into Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints" by Sam Brower         

Sam Brower is a private investigator, one who has dealt extensively with the FLDS, a polygamous cult.  He clearly distinguishes the FLDS from the LDS, a distinction that not many understand or make.  Throughout the book he outlines his investigations while providing a history of the FLDS, Jeffs rise to power and his myriad of abuses.  Overall, I found this book to be a powerful, yet startling account of this little known sect and the impact it has had on many individuals.

"Jackie O:  On the Couch" by Alma Bond         

I'm not entirely sure that I liked this book.  The writing style was superb, the story telling was great, but Jackie O came off as narcissistic, money-grubbing, and selfish.  I liked Jacki O before reading this book but her personality came off as abrasive and she tended to act as if she was the center-of-the-world without regard to others around her.  I found it particularly telling when she mentioned that her sister was jealous of her, but that was ok because Jackie was better off than she was. 

"The Sum of My Parts: A Survivor’s Story of Dissociative Identity Disorder" by Olga Trujillo         

In order to cope with the severe abuse from her family, Olga split herself into various "parts" to hold the pain and memories.  As an adult, she went to college and then law school where she met David, her soon-to-be husband.  After watching the opening scene of Thelma and Louise, Olga began having flashbacks and experiencing horrible pain.  She began seeing a psychiatrist, who eventually diagnosed her with Dissociative Identity Disorder.          

This was an extremely compelling and heartbreaking book.  It was difficult to read about the abuse Olga suffered as a child at the hands of her father and brothers.  However, it was also a story of hope and recovery.  Olga was able to come to terms with her past and began working with victims at the Department of Justice.  Overall, I highly recommend this book.

"Teacher Plus Two" by Valentina Heart         

Heart has created a futuristic universe where humans are valued based upon their sexual expertise.  Teacher status is the highest that a human can achieve, and with it comes notoriety, fame and prestige.  Orrin, on the cusp of Teacher status, is kidnapped and forced to teach slaves.          

I have to admit that I am a bit confused over whether this is an adult book or a young adult book.  The writing style seemed as if the intended audience was young adults however the subject matter said a completely different thing.  I found the plot line interesting, but the world building was a bit too simplistic.  The characters seemed a bit flat and anyone who wasn't a main character was pretty stereotypical.  Overall, I'm not sure whether or not I liked this book.

"The Winter Palace:  A Novel of Catherine the Great" by Eva Stachniak         

Stachniak presents a look into the Russian court of Empress Elizabeth and Catherine the Great told by Varvara, an orphaned ward of the court.  Varvara, at first doomed to work away her life in servitude becomes a skilled spy for first Elizabeth and then the young Catherine.  The majority of the book occurs when Catherine is first brought to Russia as a potential bride for the Empress's nephew.  Once married, the royal couple fails to produce an heir until Catherine begins having a series of affairs.          

I enjoyed this book however; I felt that it was a bit too long.  The plot seemed to suffer from the length.  The characters were well constructed and appeared realistic.  Varvara's role seemed interesting, but became a bit mundane as the book dragged on.  I wish that the book was centered more on Catherine's later life, after she took the throne.  Perhaps a sequel will be forthcoming.

"Escape from Camp 14" by Blaine Harden         

Shin was born in a North Korean prison camp, where he witnessed untold horrors and atrocities.  He was raised to inform on his camp-mates, saw his mother as a competitor for food and never experienced love or happiness.  Shin knew nothing of the world outside of the camp and believed that his life was a result of his parent’s sins, ones he had to work hard and repent for.

     The story followed Shin as he decided to escape Camp 14.  Miraculously he made it through the electrified fence with only burns on his legs.  He traveled by foot and train to China, where he begged and scrounged for work.  After a while he traveled across China, looking for work, food and a way to get to South Korea.  With the aid of human rights advocates he traveled to South Korea and then America, where he began speaking about his experiences.

     I knew nothing about North Korean prison camps before picking up this book.  Shin story is heartbreaking and can hopefully bring awareness to this situation.  Overall, I highly recommend this book.

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins         

After a series of catastrophes and wars, North America has collapsed and has been rebuild into the state of Panem.  Panem is divided into multiple districts plus the capital.  Each district produces something of value for the capital.  For example, District 12, Katniss' home, produces coal other districts produce.  Based upon a revolution that occurred 74 years ago, each district much select one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the hunger games.  The Hunger Games, put on for the amusement of the capital, is a fight to the death.  When Prim, Katniss's little sister is picked to participate, Katniss immediately jumps in and takes her place.  Peeta, the mail tribute and Katniss, along with their drunken mentor Haymitch, but come up with a plan to survive.

     I was intrigued with this book from the beginning.  It reminded me of the short story "The Lottery" which I read in school.  I found the political and economic situation to be fascinating and thought provoking.  Although it is thought provoking it does so without screaming the message in your face.  Overall, it is a fast-paced action story where teenagers must battle the elements and each other to stay alive.  I do think that for boys, the focus on clothes and styling may take away from the action adventure, but overall I think any teenager, young adult, or even regular adults would love this book.

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins         

This is the second book of the Hunger Games series.  It continues by following district twelve winners Katniss and Peeta as they are forced to travel around the districts pretending to be madly in love.  The Capitol, outraged at how they won, is intent on quelling rebellion and the hopes that the winners have inspired.  As the next hunger games arrives, the Capitol announces that former winners will be chosen to compete.  

Overall, I thought the book was extremely captivating and well written.  I thought the characters were well created and the plot engaging.  I highly recommend this series.