March, 2015

"What Stands in a Storm" by Kim Cross         

In 2011, Alabama was hit with a record 358 tornadoes over a three day period.  This book follows several people as they attempted to survive the storms.  This book was really an emotional roller coaster.  My heart went out to the victims and their families.  I found the weathermen, storm chaser and others who sent out warnings to be heroic.  Overall, a well written book, one worth picking up.

"Shame and the Captives" by Thomas Keneally

I really expected more from this book.  Rather than showing me, the author kept telling me about the cultural differences and anxieties.  This grew very tedious and boring after a while.  Overall, a bust.

"A Daughter's Disgrace" by Kitty Neale

Alison is the ugly duckling and unwanted child in the family.  While her sister is preparing a big wedding, Alison is raped.  Pregnant, she finds herself abandoned by her family.  This seemed a little bit like a Cinderella story.  Overall, I enjoyed watching Alison grow and blossom into a determined young woman.  

"Material Girls" by Elaine Dimopoulos         

In a world which "taps" creative talent at 13, competition to be trendy is everything.  Marla, who works at a top fashion label, is appalled when she is demoted from the courts that approve fashion and sent to the basement as a drafter.  Ivy, a pop singing sensation, faces her own pressures to stay above the competition.         

This was a very interesting premise.  I would have loved to read more about how the division among the creative and adequates occurred.  The characters were interesting and dynamic and realistic.  Overall, a great book, I would love to read a sequel.

"The Crimson Cord: Rahab's Story" by Jill Eileen Smith         

Sold into slavery to cover her husband’s bad debts, Rahab is forced into a life of prostitution.  When the Israelites camp outside their doors, Rahab protects two young Israelite spies in exchange for her and her families lives when they attack the city.         

This was a pretty quick read.  It wasn't preachy, but merely showed what life would have been like for Rahab, first in Jericho and then living among the Israelites.  Overall, an interesting story.

"Sweet" by Emmy Laybourne         

When Laurel joins her best friend Viv on the cruise of a lifetime, she quickly finds out that she is in deeper than she could ever have imagined.  The cruise is full of celebrities and the rich who are all trying out a new diet sweetener, Solu.  Laurel, who quickly becomes sea sick, is amazed to see Viv and the others losing weight after only a few days of using Solu.  Tom Forelli, a former childhood star, is hosting the cruise and quickly realizes that something is wrong.         

Overall, I thought this book was pretty good.  My biggest criticisms are the vampire thing was a bit too much and it seemed as if the author was pushing a message.  Despite these criticisms, this was an interesting story with realistic characters.  It was fun to watch Laurel and Tom interact.  Overall, great for a teenage audience.

"A Flying Affair" by Carla Stewart         

After taking a joyride in an airplane, Mittie finds a love of the skies.  Through Ames, she discovers the joy of barnstorming and wing walking.  Bobby, teaches her how to really fly, showing her the technical and navigational aspects of the plane.  Mittie finds herself drawn to competitive flying, where she meets other women who share her interests.         

I do have a few criticisms for this book.  It was fairly slow moving.  It took forever for anything to happen, and when it did, Mittie was injured and then nothing else happened for awhile.  I would have liked to have read more about barnstorming and wing walking, which only lasted a few chapters in the book.  Mittie did not feel like a twin, I'm not sure why that was put in.  Despite the criticisms, I really liked Calista's character and found myself rooting for Mittie and Bobby.  Not a bad book, but not one I would reread.

"Best Friends Through Eternity" by Sylvia McNicoll         

When Paige is hit by a train, she finds herself transported from the snow and ice to the beach.  Kim, a childhood friend meets her there and tells her that she is dead.  Paige begs to return, hoping to change the past and save her best friend.   This was a very interesting book.  It was a quick read and hard to put down.  I would love to read more from this author!

"Anca's Story" by Saffina Desforges         

I had a big problem with this book.  I believe that if the intended audience is 12 year olds, then the author shouldn't use words that an adult has to look up.  And this wasn't once in a while, I was looking up 3 to 4 words per page.   I am well read and have a fairly decent vocabulary.  After a while, this drove me nuts and I put the book down.  For me, this book was a complete disappointment. 

"Kezzie At War" by Theresa Breslin         

This is really two books in one.  In the first book, Kezzie, Lucy and their Granddad are struggling to survive through the 1930's depression in Scotland.  When Kezzie is in a bus accident, Lucy leaves the house, searching for her.  However, she walks in the wrong direction and is found disoriented and dirty, wandering the streets.  Lucy is taken to an orphanage and then sent on an orphan transport to Canada.  When Kezzie wakes up from the accident, she is greatly alarmed when no one knows where Lucy is.  She sets off on a journey to Canada, determined to find her sister.  In the second book, Kezzie and Lucy return to Scotland and reunited with their Granddad.  During WWII, Kezzie pitches in, helping however she can.

     These were very well written and engaging stories.  Although it seemed to drag at times, the overall story kept me reading.  I did think that in the first book Lucy came across as much younger than 5 or 6.  Overall, a good book, one well worth picking up.