January, 2013

"The Mysterious Private Thompson" by Laura Leedy Gansler        

After learning of her pending marriage, Emma runs away from home and finds untold opportunities dressing and acting like a boy.  When the Civil War breaks out, Emma enlists.  She serves in many positions, first as a male nurse and then as a mail carrier.  The book briefly discusses claims that she had worked as a spy, recounting several dangerous experience.  After falling ill, Emma runs away, worried that her true sex will be discovered.  Returning to the life of a woman, she marries.  Encouraged by those around her, she fights for a Civil War pension and reunites with her former comrades.

         This book as written in a very matter of fact way.  I would have liked more of a story-telling element, rather than a recitation of facts.  At times the book does deliver this, but at others is a bit dry.  Overall, the book was well written, well documented and an interesting read.

"Sneak" by Evan Angler        

In the sequel to Swipe, Logan has found himself alone being hunted by the government.  Rather than surrender, Logan continues fighting, determined to rescue his sister Lily, who disappeared five years ago.  After being reunited with the Dust, a group of markless children, Logan and the Dust find their way to the city of Beacon through an underground network of markless.         

Overall, I enjoyed this book and am excited to read the next in the series.  This was a quick read, one that left me wanting to know more about the characters and how their story unfolds.  That being said, I was a bit put off by the bible references.  I also wish that Logan had not speculated about his sister Lily at the end of the book.  I think it would have been much more impactful to reveal that in the next book slowly.

"Calling Me Home" by Julie Kibler        

90 year old Isabelle asks her close friend and hairdresser, Dorrie Curtis, to drive her cross country to attend a funeral.   The book alternates between the present and the past, as Isabelle weaves a story of forbidden love between a black man and white woman.  Faced with her own crisis, Dorrie is touched by Isabelle's courage and determination.         

I thought the premise of this book was a little odd, but the writing was excellent.  The characters really came to life through the authors writing style.  At times I was unable to put this book down, as I wanted to know how Isabelle's past relationships ended.  Overall, I highly recommend this book.

"The Forgotten Queen" by D. L. Bogdan         

This book provides a fictionalized account of the life of Margaret Tudor, Henry VIII's oldest sister.  Married as a young teenager to James IV of Scotland, she finds herself in a foreign country.  When Jamie is killed in battle, she finds herself in the precarious position of regent to an infant King.  Desperate for affection and guidance, she marries the Earl of Angus, a man who quickly takes advantage of her to force through his own agenda.  After being forced to give up her children, she flees to England, hoping that her brother will provide support for her situation.         

I found this to be an interesting and engaging book.  Much is written about Henry VIII, less about his sisters.  Well written, the characters jumped to life, providing a fascinating look into the Tudor monarchy.  Overall, highly recommended.

"The German Suitcase" by Greg Dinallo         ***Warning, Spoilers!!!***  

When a New York advertising executive finds a vintage suitcase in the trash, she immediately comes up with an advertising campaign for Steinbach Luggage.  Her boss immediately recognizes the information painted on the bag and identifies it as he suitcase of a holocaust survivor.  They immediately try to track down the survivor, Jacob.  The book alternates between the present day and the story of Jacob, Kleist, Eva and Hannah.           

I don't really understand why Eva decided to change her identity to Hannah.  I thought that this took away from Jacob's sacrifice and Kleist's life.  I think the book would have been more powerful without this detail.  I also thought the book was a bit predictable.  As soon as they took the passport photos, it became clear to me that present day Jacob was really Kleist.  Overall, it wasn't a bad book, I just wished it had been more of a mystery.

"With or Without You" by Domenica Ruta         

Domenica grew up with a drug addled addicted mother who didn't really know how to show love and affection.  This is a coming-of-age story, detailing Domenica's fall into drugs and her struggle to become sober.         

I thought this was a fascinating story.  It was well written, well paced and interesting to read.  I wanted more from the ending, perhaps a sequel is in order.  On a side note, the description mentioned that her mother instilled in her a sense of art, but I didn't really get this through the story.  I'm not sure where that comes into play.  Overall, highly recommended.

"An Infidel in Paradise" by S. J. Laidlaw        

When Emma's parents split up, she moves with her mom and siblings to Pakistan.  Not only is she working through her feelings about their separation, but she is having a hard time adjusting to the new culture.  With the local population on edge, Emma finds herself in the middle of a riot and is forced to maneuver through the dangerous city.         

I thought this was a very well written book.  It was engaging, interesting and the characters were fascinating.  Emma showed emotional growth throughout the book.  My only complaint is that I wanted to read more!  I hope the author writes more about these characters.  Highly recommended.

"Guardian" by Beverly Lewis        

During her morning run, Jodi finds a little girl asleep by the side of the road.  Quickly, she discovers that the little girl doesn't speak English.  After doctoring her wounds and giving her a bath, Jodi rides out to the Amish community, where the little girl is reunited with her mother.  Jodi finds herself drawn to the small Amish community and visits them time and time again.        

Overall, I thought this was a well written and engaging book.  It was interesting to see the blending of cultures and how the characters interacted.  At times I thought the book moved a bit slowly, but overall I highly enjoyed it.

"Trinity" by Leon Uris         

I reluctantly picked this book up after receiving it as a Christmas present.   Boy was I wrong about my initial impressions.  I devoured the entire book in less than a week.  I found the story fascinating.  The dichotomy between the haves and have-nots in Ireland and the constant struggle was intriguing.  The author created well rounded characters, who seemed to suffer unimaginably.  The book read like nonfiction.  Overall, highly recommended.

"Lightbringers" by H.C. H. Ritz        

The world of the future has suffered from wars, economic depression and epidemics.  A New United States emerged out of the chaos, only to dictate positive thinking.  After all, your reality is a product of your thoughts.  If you think only good things, only good things will happen.  If something bad happens to you, it must be because you are not thinking properly.  After being left by his wife and child, Gaylen finds himself stuck in a depression.  In an attempt to find happiness, he finds himself in the underground, a den of depravity and secrets.  After being nearly caught in a government sting, he joins the lightbringers, an underground movement attempting to overthrow the government.

         I thought this book had a very interesting premise.  At times the book moved a bit slowly, especially when setting up the world and its dynamics.  The characters were interesting, but seemed a bit flat.  They lacked dimension, or that element of humanity that would have made them believable.  Overall, it wasn't a bad book, but not one I see myself rereading.

"Galdir - A Slave's Tale" by Fredrik Nath         

After killing his master, Sextus flees Rome and finds himself working with a group of lawless and immoral brigands. After rescuing a former gladiator, he learns how to fight and defend himself.          

Overall, this was an ok story. At times it was written in a passive voice, rather than an active voice. This caused the story to drag and move rather slowly. The characters seemed a bit flat and one dimensional. I would have liked to see the author really dive into Sextus/Galdir's thoughts and feelings. This is not a book I see myself re-reading.

"A Dose of Tia" by Dina Mauro         

Dina and Tia, her dog, donate their time volunteering at the local hospital. They visit patients and try and bring a smile to their day.          

I admire Dina's dedication to volunteering and making a difference in others lives. I would have like to have read about how Dina acquired Tia and the training they went through to become certified. The book also seems to float around, at times without rhyme or reason. I would have liked to have seen an evolution or change take place. The book itself was a bit flat.

"The Children of Henry VIII" by John Guy         

This book follows the lives of the children of Henry VIII. Four of his children survived infancy, Mary, Henry Fitzroy, Elizabeth and Edward. Their lives were very tumultuous, depending on Henry's whims and current love interest. Although the boys died young, I found the girls lives to be very tragic. Princess one day, beggar the next, their position in life was never certain.         

Overall, this was a well written book. It was dry and times, but did seem to be well paced. It contained interesting facts about all of his children throughout. I also loved the chronological nature of the book, the author did not skip around in time.

"Francesca Pascal - A World War II Drama" by Fredrik Nath         

After being evicted from her apartment, artist Francesca finds herself fleeing Paris for the countryside. As a front, she opens up a gallery in a small town, while really working with the partisans. When a Nazi officer begins showing interest in her, Francesca must find a way to help the partisans without drawing unnecessary attention to herself.

     I thought this was an interesting and dynamic story. It was well written, engaging and moved at a perfect pace. The characters were realistic and very believable. Resistance, love, espionage, this story has it all.

"Prisoner in Alcatraz" by Theresa Breslin         

After helping his friend rob a bank, Marty finds himself in Alcatraz, one of the most notorious prisons in the world. When he is "befriended" by some prisoners, he is talked into playing a part in an escape plan.         

This story is written for teenage boys who are dyslexic or who are reluctant readers. The description says it is "action packed" with "compelling narratives." I found this book a bit pointless. There wasn't enough to hold my attention, let alone the attention of a reluctant reader. The story went nowhere and ended on a very depressing tone.

"The Holders" by Julianna Scott         

Becca's brother Ryland is different, he hears voices. When two men from a school in Ireland show up, they tell Becca that he isn't mental, but magical. Becca and Ryland travel to Ireland, where Ryland attends St. Brigid's, a school where holders, magic users, are cultivated and trained.

     I quickly grew bored with this book. It moved so slowly. The characters seemed very flat and stereotypical. Overall, this book was a bust.

"Cat Whisperer" by Mieschelle Nagelschneider         

I love cats. I own two myself and was interested to read this book. I thought it was very basic. The author's approach to training cats all seem to involve pheromone sprays and plug-ins. I didn't find any of the information to be groundbreaking or revolutionary. The writing was a bit boring and slow paced. The introductory chapters were long and drawn out, while the chapters on changing a cats behavior were short and basic. Overall, I was not impressed.

"Schroder" by Amity Gaige         

As a child, Erik Schroder reinvented himself, adopting the name Eric Kennedy in order to win a scholarship to a summer camp. Finding that the name empowered him, he continued to use it. When his wife Laura decides to leave him, he ends up kidnapping his daughter.          

I found this book to be fascinating. I couldn't put it down. The characters felt so real, I found myself googling Eric Schroder, to find out more about his story. Highly recommended.