April, 2013

"Inquisitors Wife" by Jeanne Kalogridis     

When the inquisition begins in Spain, Marisol and her family are in danger.  Her mother, a convert to the Christian religion, is instantly a suspect.  Determined to save her family, her mother drowns herself in the river.  Devastated, Marisol's father gives her hand in marriage to their enemy, Gabriel.         

I found this to be an interesting story.  It was well written and well paced.  I do think that it needs an epilogue or a few extra chapters to finish out the story.  I found it a bit annoying that every woman was described as fat or overfed.  Otherwise, it was a good read, one I recommend to anyone interested in the Spanish Inquisition.

"Warrior Girl" by Lazar and Thomas         

Traveling from her home in South Korea, Sun Hi is to start her first year at Oxford University.  Immediately at odds with her roommate, she continually escapes into the World of Warcraft.  When befriended by two guys on the rowing team, she develops an interest in their sport.

     I have mixed feelings about this book.  It was an enjoyable read.  However, Sun Hi came across as a weak and delicate creature.  She had moments of strength, but not in any consistent manner.  At the end of the book she seems to just give up, and it is only through other people that she is able to overcome the situation.

"The Testing" by Joelle Charbonneau         

This is one of those books that grabbed my attention and just didn't let go.  Set in a dystopic future, where nuclear warfare has changed the landscape.  Malencia Vale is desperately hoping to be for the testing.  Only through testing can she obtain further education and become a leader.  When she is chosen, her father takes her aside to warn her about the treachery and destruction she will face.  Armed with his knowledge, she wearily enters the testing grounds, only to find out that it is much worse that she ever could have imagined.

  I can't wait to read the next book in the series.  This is a fascinating book, one full of interesting characters, life and death situations and a little bit of romance.  Many will probably compare it to the Hunger Games, but I found it to be very unique.  Highly recommended.

"The First Rule of Swimming" by Courtney Angela Brkic         

When Magdalena's sister disappears, she leaves her island home in Croatian and travels to New York.  The story moves back and forth in time, showing the history of their family and somewhat explaining her sisters actions.  Overall, I enjoyed reading about Croatian island culture, but I found that the story itself was very disjointed.  It would have been better if it stuck with one or two viewpoints and was more consistent.  Overall, not a bad read, but not something I would read again.

"Blood Between Queens" by Barbara Kyle         

Set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, this story follows Justine Thornleigh, as she is sent to gain the trust and secrets of Mary, Queen of Scots.   The daughter of a traitor, Justine was taken in by a rival family who raised her as their own.  After falling in love, Justine was navigate the treacherous waters of secrets, espionage and truth.        

This was a very engaging and interesting book.  The author definitely has a polished writing style.  The plot moved smoothly and intertwined history with fiction brilliantly.  Overall, I highly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

"Love Water Memory" by Jenifer Shortridge         

Suffering from a rare form of amnesia, Lucie woke up in the water, numb and unaware of who she was and why she was there.  Several days later her fiancée found her and brought her back to their home.  Everything was completely unfamiliar to Lucie, their home, her fiancée and most of all, her lifestyle.   Beginning by asking questions, she tried desperately to uncover who she was and why she lost her memory.         

I couldn't put this book down.  It was fascinating and engaging.  I loved the stark differences between the pre and post amnesia Lucie.  I also enjoyed how the author alternated viewpoints with each chapter.  Overall, highly recommended.

"The Last Daughter of Prussia" by Marina Gottlieb Sarles         

Joshi, a gypsy doctor, and Manya, an aristocratic German, are desperately trying to survive the Russian invasion of Germany.  Growing up together, they were childhood friends, and even sweethearts, until they are separated.  Joshi's family is slaughtered and he is captured and taken to a concentration camp.  Manya and her family are forced to flee their home, or face rape and murder from Russian soldiers.          

I really enjoyed this book.  It was well written and the characters were very realistic.  I do wish that Joshi and Manya's stories alternated chapter by chapter rather than part by part.  This would have helped the plot pacing and would have helped maintain interest in both of their stories.  Otherwise, I can find nothing to critique.  Highly recommended.

"The Creation of Anne Boleyn" by Susan Bordo         

Susan Bordo pulls together the legends, stories and tales of Anne Boleyn.  Despite Henry VIII's attempts to eradicate her memory, Anne Boleyn is his most well known wife.  Bordo spends a large part of the book talking about how Anne's tale has been influenced by cultural history and the historian/author discussing her.          

I found this book to be an interesting point of view about Anne's legacy.  At times I thought the book was a bit dry, but that is the nature of scholarly writings.  Overall, not a bad book, but not something I would reread.

"Beautiful Goodbye" by Nancy Runstedler         

After Maggie's dad dies in a car accident, she is depressed and withdrawn.  Her family is forced to move to a cheaper place.  When Maggie and her best friend Gillian are exploring the attic, they discover a Ouija board.  Along with Cole, Maggie's brother, the three are transported back in time to World War I.         

I thought this was a well crafted story.  It was well written and the characters were believable.  The pace moved swiftly and showed the children's growth and development.  Overall, I think pre-teens and teenagers will really enjoy this book.

"Property" by Carol and John Christie        

At a young age, Carol was forced to marry her church leader, becoming one of his many wives.  When her husband dies, the leadership of the church is passed to his son, an abusive and bullying man.  This book outlines her struggles within the cult and her journey to leave.         

I believe that this could be a powerful story, but I think the book has several problems that take away from the message.  The author continually switches between past and present tense, which makes the book seem to move slowly.  In addition, the author avoided using people’s names to protect their privacy.  I completely understand this reasoning, but it makes the book feel detached and unreal.  I think this book needs some editing and revisions in order to more fully convey the horror and desperation of Carol's situation 

"A Hundred Thousand White Stones" by Kunsang Dolma         

Born in Tibet, Kunsang relates her experiences and troubles as she first moves to India and then America.  I found her story absolutely fascinating.  Kunsang and I were born in the same year and I couldn't help but compare my life experiences with hers.  The book is well written, moves quickly and is an easy read.  Overall, highly recommended.

"The Clover House" by Henriette L. Power          

When Calliope's uncle Nestor passes away, she finds herself back in Greece, going through the items of his house.   Her mother wants her to stay in Boston, away from Nestor's thing and memories of her past.  Arriving during Carnival, Callie finds herself on a tumultuous journey, one of hidden memories and discovery.  Alternating with Callie's story, we see her mother, Clio, growing up in Greece during World War II.         

Overall, this was a very well written and engaging book.  The author has a knack for revealing information at the right moment.  The characters were very realistic and lifelike.  I really enjoyed this one, and hope to read more from this author.

"That Time I Joined the Circus" by J. J. Howard         

When Lexi's dad dies in a horrible accident, Lexi is left alone to face the world.  Estranged from her best friend and unsure where her Mom is, she travels to Florida, her Mom's last known whereabouts.  When she can't find her, Lexi joins the circus.  At first she works at a sales booth, but quickly moves up to work as a fortune teller.          

This was a fast paced book.  The author really developed the characters and showed their growth throughout the story.  It was fun to read about the circus and her easy acceptance into the lifestyle.  Overall, a fun read, highly recommended.

"Main Street Public Library" by Wante A. Wiegand         

The author provides a look into four rural libraries in the mid-west.  He begins with a brief history of each and then discusses the libraries collections.  I thought the book moved a bit slowly.  The author spends time listing every board member and their details.  I understand that this is an homage to these people, but it became very tedious after a while.  Overall, I thought the book was a bit dry.  It isn't something I would reread. 

"Hazelet's Journal" by George Cheever Hazelet         

Once gold was found in Alaska, George Cheever Hazelet joined the crowds of people rushing to strike it rich.  This is his journal which depicts the life, hardships and struggles of an Alaskan gold miner.  I was a bit unsure about this book when I first picked it up, but it caught me.  It caught my imagination and I couldn't read it fast enough.  I found myself wanting to know more about his life, especially his visits with his family.  Overall, a highly adventurous read, one well worth picking up.

"Seduction" by M. J. Rose         

This book alternates between Victor Hugo's search to establish contact with his deceased daughter through a number of séances and the present day life of Jac L'Etoile.  Jac works on a popular myth finders show, where she seeks to get to the heart of ancient myths and legends.  After traveling to the Island of Jersey, she reunites with Theo, a boy she knew long ago from her stay in the mental institution.  Together, they seek out Hugo's journal, one they believe is hidden in one of the caves islands.

     I have mixed feelings about this book.  It was an intriguing and interesting story.  However, it felt unfinished.  It needed something more at the end.  I also got a bit tired of Jac listing the scents she could smell.  It became tedious and boring after a while.  I do think this was a good book, it just had its share of flaws.  Overall, not a bad read. 

"Wild Song" by Jane Eagland         

This is a short novel targeted at pre-teens who are struggling readers or have dyslexia.  Anna has grown up on an island, her only companions a few servants and her father's assistant Max.  When a boy washes up, she quickly befriends him and they carry on a secret friendship.  I thought this was an interesting story, one that will capture the imagination of pre-teens.  The book did end rather abruptly, which I think is a major flaw.  I think the author should have continued the story rather than plan on a sequel many may not pick up.

"Ripped" by Shelly Carr         

After her parents are killed in a car accident, Katie moves to London to live with her Grandmother.  Along with her cousin Collin and his friend Toby, she goes to Madam Tussauds museum to see the Jack the Ripper exhibit.  After walking through its grisly scenes, she visits the London stone, where she travels back in time to 1888.  Determined to thwart Jack the Ripper, she tries desperately to discover who the murderer is and protect the woman who become his victims.         

I couldn't put this book down.  It was just fascinating.  Katie was an interesting character and it was fun to see her twenty-first century thoughts and ideas in the past.  I think teenagers will absolutely love this book.  I can't wait to read more from this author.  Highly recommended.