November, 2015

“The Palest Ink” by Kay Bratt         

Benfu, the son of wealthy parents, is caught in a perilous position when Mao’s cultural revolution begins. Worried about his safety, his parents send him to a work camp under a fake name. Back in Shanghai, Benfu’s best friend, Pony Boy, conspires with his girlfriend to print an underground newsletter, outlining the abuses of the Red Army.         

This is one of the best books that I’ve read all year. It was well written and engaging. The characters were extremely realistic. I enjoyed reading about the class differences in China and how the cultural revolution influenced different people. Overall, highly recommended.

“Smoke” by Catherine McKenzie         

When a wildfire threatens her home, Elizabeth, a former fire investigator, quickly jumps into the fray. She uses her expertise to uncover the origins of the fire, while dealing with marital problems at home.         

I really disliked this book. The characters seemed so flat and stereotypical. Mindy’s point of view was completely unnecessary, and took away from the excitement of the fire. This book was extremely slow moving. Instead of telling us what the past problems and conflicts were, the author just kept talking about them, without telling us anything. Very frustrating. Overall, a bust.

“Coal River” by Ellen Marie Wiseman

After Emma’s parents die, she is shipped to Coal River, Pennsylvania, to the home of her aunt and uncle. Emma takes an interest in the breaker boys, children who toil in the coal mines sorting materials. When talk turns to strike, she instantly takes up for the miners, wanting to do everything within her power to improve their conditions.         

I’m not sure how to rate this book. Emma was hard to like. I thought her personality was abrasive, judgmental and overall, she was a difficult person. A lot of her mistakes are the mistakes of young adults just starting out. She could have been much more effective with different tactics. I continued reading because I was interested in the miners and their lifestyle. However, the author never really explained what the breaker boys do that is so dangerous. I had a hard time picturing the inside of the mines. Overall, this book was a bust.

“The Reader” by B. Sckhlink and C. B. Janeway         

At fifteen, Michael Berg encounters Hanna, a hard working woman twice his age. He is instantly attracted to her, and they fall into a somewhat volatile relationship. Then one day, she disappears. Years later, as a young law student, Michael encounters her again, this time as a defendant at a Nazi War Trial. Michael watches in astonishment, finally uncovering Hanna’s big secret. Something, she thought worse than being a concentration camp guard.         

I’m not sure how to review this book. It was absolutely fascinating. It felt like a train wreck that you want to turn away from but can’t help but watching. At times the writing style seemed odd, but I chalk that up to translation and difference in language. Overall, well worth picking up, just don’t plan on putting it down until the bitter end!

“Calm Within: Music for Relaxation” by Laura Sullivan         

This is the first music cd that I’ve reviewed. The music throughout is extremely calming and peaceful. I was able to put it on as background music while writing, cleaning, meditating and falling asleep. I can see it fitting nicely into a spa setting, or being used as a calming tool for groups. Overall, I really enjoyed this CD, and highly recommend it.