March, 2014

"Hitler's Furies" by Wendy Lower         

Throughout history, the role of women in Nazi Germany has been minimized and largely ignored.  Wendy Lower explores their role and presents a vivid picture of their thoughts, actions and inaction.  Sometimes shocking, it is eye-opening to read about the German woman who took a more active role in the killing and extermination of Jews.         

Overall, I thought this book was well written, well researched and well organized.  It shows an overlooked piece of history and makes one question what else happened during the War.  For those interested in the holocaust, World War II or even woman's roles throughout history, this book is highly recommended.

"The Ring and the Crown" by Melissa de la Cruz          

This book alternates between many characters, each centered around the start of the annual London social season.  Quite frankly, I thought this book showed way to many character point of views.  It was really hard to get to know and like some of the characters.  I think that if the author had focused on two or three, the book would have been more captivating.  I thought it was an interesting world and I liked the blend of magic and science.  However, I felt that this was not given enough attention.  Lastly, I absolutely hated the ending.  Overall, this could be a good book.  The author is a good writer and knows how to create a world.  It just needs polishing.

"Girl on the Golden Coin" by Marci Jefferson         

When Frances Stuart turns down the French King, she is sent to England with orders to seduce King Charles II and force through a French-English alliance.  Determined to maintain her virtue, she finds a way to give everything to Charles but her virginity.  Amazingly, this is an effective strategy and he falls in love with her.         

Overall, this was a well written and intriguing book.  Although Frances Stuart has been depicted through history as a feather-brain, this book shows her depth and strategy as she struggles to maintain her vows to two warring kings.  An interesting historical figure, I have read little about Frances Stuart until now.  I look forward to reading more books from Marci Jefferson.

"The Flow" by Caroline Martin         

This book is set in a dystopic world, where religious obedience is everything.  Scientists have been branded as alchemists and their work demonic.  No longer is traditional medicine used, but instead the populace relies on the power of prayer.  The internet has been reformed and is now stylized as "The Flow."  However, something is wrong with the Flow.  Oftentimes, searches bring up odd flashes and flickering information.  When Lexi is discovered by a group of people determined to find out about the glitches with the Flow, she is set on a whirlwind journey of discovery.

     I thought this was a well written be  The world was interesting however it needed a bit more development.  I would have liked to have learned more about the society and it's rules.  Although the characters were interesting, they also needed a bit more development.  Why did Lexi so quickly turn against everything she had been taught?  There really is no friction or struggle in her mind or actions. This could have made the story more believable.  Despite my criticisms, I enjoyed this book and would like to pick up the sequel.

"Unfit" by Lara Cleveland Torgesen         

Born into a poor family, Chrissy's mom signs her up for a sterilization procedure when her welfare checks are threatened.  Devastated, Chrissy is unable to hide her anger.  Immediately after a fight, her Mom commits suicide.  Chrissy, technically an adult, is separated from her siblings.         

Overall, I thought this was a good book with interesting characters.  It was a moving story, addressing a little known fact, eugenics programs in the United States.  I did question why Chrissy did not keep in contact with her siblings.  She had raised them as their mother, and then seemed to lose all interest in them.  The last three chapters of the book read as an epilogue.  Chrissy jumped back and forth in time and repeated the same information.  Despite these criticisms, this is a good read and one I would recommend.

"Riot" by Mary Casanova         

When Bryan's father is forced out work due to non-union workers, he is extremely angry and bitter.  Bryan watches as his dad vandalizes property and wreaks havoc on the "rats" who have taken his job.  At the same time, Bryan meets a young woman, the daughter of a nonunion worker and he is forced to reconsider his beliefs.         

Overall, this was a pretty good story.  I think it was a quick and easy read.  Perfect for pre-teens, it is based on actual events and may teach young students a little bit about history.

"Blackwater Ben" by William Durbin         

When Ben's father leaves for the logging camp, Ben joins him, working as a cooks assistant.  He quickly learns the importance and value of hard work.  Overall, this was a pretty good read.  It was fast faced and moved nicely.  I think pre-teens and young teenage boys will really enjoy this book, and perhaps learn for themselves the value of hard work.  

"The Romanov Sisters" by Helen Rappaport         

This novel follows the lives of the last ruling Romanov family.  Although it says it is focused on the sisters, it provides an overview of the entire family.  After reading the book, I only feel as if I really know Alexandra, and Olga.  It felt as if the other sisters were minimized, perhaps because they were younger and lived a shorter time.  I was also surprised that the author gave very little information about the families lives in Ekaterinburg.  She gave in-depth information about their other lodgings and the time leading up to Ekaterinburg.  Perhaps she did this because she wrote a book specifically about their time in Ekaterinburg, but I felt it was given short shrift.  Although this book was very well researched, I felt that it fell short.

"Remember Me Like This" by Bret Anthony Johnston         

When Justin was twelve years old, he vanished.  His parents and younger brother never gave up hope, always searching and wishing that he would come home.  When they receive a call from the police department, they are shocked and overwhelmed to find Justin somewhat well and alive.         

Overall, I thought this book was just sad and depressing.  It felt as if it was only half written, as the author avoided telling us about what happened to Justin when he was kidnapped.  Instead, the author mentions small tidbits here and there, which just became frustrating after a while.  Either tell the story or don't write the book.

"Mrs. Lincoln's Rival" by Jennifer Chiaverini         

When Kate's father losses the presidential nomination to Abraham Lincoln, he begins wholeheartedly campaigning for his rival.  After Lincoln is elected, he is nominated as Secretary of the Treasure.  A position that becomes more and more important as war looms closer.  Very good with politics, Kate keeps her father's political life alive as his official hostess and the woman of the house.  When a crush on William Sprague, the young governor of Rhode Island, her life takes a turn as their relationship waxes and wanes.         

Overall, I thought this was an interesting book.  Although there was some mention of Mrs. Lincoln, the book did not spent a lot of time on the subject.  Instead, Mrs. Lincoln was in the background and a source of some friction.  The vast majority of the book was about Kate's father's political career, Kate's romance with Sprague and her day-to-day-life.  At times the book dragged on, especially when tediously speaking about her crush on Sprague.  However, it is certainly worth a read.

"A Riffian's Tune" by Joseph M. Labaki          

This is the story of Jusef, who was born in the Rif mountains (Morocco).  Desiring an education, he gave up his way of life and moved to the city, determined to forge a new path in life.  During the summers he traveled back home and found creative way to make enough money to survive the next school year.         

I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed with this book.  I do enjoy reading about other cultures, but I'm not sure how much this book really told me.  In addition, it was a hard to get a feel for hold old Jusef was throughout the book.  Seasons passed quickly, sometimes he went in great detail and at other times he skimmed through his life.  Further, the book ends fairly abruptly.  It is in desperate need of a few more chapters or at the least, an epilogue.

"Black Chalk" by Christopher J. Yates         

When six college friends begin to play a game with embarrassing consequences, it begins as just fun.  As contestants drop out and the field narrows, the consequences become increasingly embarrassing.         

Although I thought this book had an interesting premise, I thought the modern day narrator was extremely boring.  I was much more interested in the passages dealing with the past.  I always wish that the author had told us more about Game Soc.  Overall, not something I will reread.