October, 2015

“Playing with Fire” by Tess Gerritsen

Julia discovers a piece of violin music in a Rome antique shop. As she plays the music, her young daughter seemingly becomes violent, hurting first the cat and then Julia herself. During WWII, a young man is sent to a concentration camp, where he plays music to drown out the noise and screams from the crematorium. As Julia uncovers more about the music’s origin’s she grows more and more unsettled.

     This was a well written and engaging book. It was hard to put down. My mind kept going back and forth making up explanation for the music and its effect. Overall, well worth picking up!

“The First Man” by Gavin Frankle         

I’m not entirely sure how to describe or review this book. It alternates between Adam and the serpent exploring the Garden of Eden and present day Adam, who is trying to return to Eden in order to flee from the universe, which is trying to kill him. Eve is a bit of a monster, and the Tree of Knowledge is a sentient being manipulating those around him. This wasn’t a bad book, it was just odd. I’m not sure the plot really played itself out or that the book really came to a conclusion.

“Dark Turns” by Cate Holahan         

In order to rest her ankle and tendons, Nia has taken a job as an assistant ballerina at an exclusive prep school. On her first day, the body of a young girl washes up on the lake’s shores. Nia is immediately alarmed and determined to discover who is responsible. Interwoven with intriguing, and handsome, teachers, untrustworthy students and an ex that can’t stay away, this book seemed to have it all. It was well written, engaging and very hard to put down.

“Show Time” by Phil Harvey         

A group of individuals have been put on a deserted island with limited supplies and resources. The purpose, to entertain the audiences at home. It is believed by government leaders, that contained and controlled violence will prevent large-scale war and destruction.

     I thought this was a pretty interesting premise. I did want more from the characters, more development, more history, I don’t know, just more. I also thought the book seemed unfinished. I would have liked a few more chapters or an epilogue to wrap things up. Despite these criticisms, I enjoyed the book. I would love to read more from this author.

“Farewell to the East End” by Jennifer Worth         

This is the third book in the Call the Midwife series. I picked up the books after watching the t.v. show. Overall, this was a great book. It was well written and engaging. I enjoyed reading stories from other nurses, it seemed to give the book a more complex dynamic that the previous books. Overall, a series well worth reading.

“Whistling Women” by Kelly Romo

San Diego, 1935, the world fair rolls in, disrupting teenage Rumor’s life. Her unknown Aunt Addie, a nudist, shows up, wanting to connect with Rumor and her family. Rumor is strangely intrigued by Addie, and works hard to uncover the secrets that her mother has been hiding.

     This was a fascinating book. It was hard to put down. Addie and Rumor were interesting, and the back and forth point of view really worked. Overall, highly recommended.

“The Girl from Krakow” by Alex Rosenberg         

Rita, a student at the Krakow University, leaves her studies to marry and bear a child. However, her marriage lacks the passion she desires. After her husband discovers that she is having an affair, she breaks it off with her lover and resolves herself to her mundane life. When WWII breaks out, her husband flees to Russia. She and her son are sent to the Ghetto.

     This was a well-paced and interesting book. The characters were very realistic and dynamic. It was slow at times, but none of the slow periods lasted for long. Overall, well worth picking up.