January, 2016

“The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar” by Robert Alexander         

Leonka served as the kitchen boy during the Romanov’s last days. He was witness to their treatment, as well as their final moments. Although this book was written for young adults, it seemed to be dense and slow moving. There was a big twist at the end, which wasn’t really that big of a surprise. Overall, just an ok book. One I would find hard to recommend to teenagers. 

“An Invisible Client” by Victor Methos

Noah, a personal injury attorney, is out for his cut of the money. However, when he takes the case of a twelve year old dying from tainted cough syrup, the battle becomes personal. I’m not sure what to say about this book. All of the characters seemed extremely stereotypical. Joel, the twelve year old boy, came across more like a five year old. The trial, which was the most interesting part of the story, was skimmed over fairly quickly. Overall, this book was a disappointment.

“A Cure for Madness” by Jodi McIsaac

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was well written, engaging and hard to put down. However, Clare’s decisions and state of mind lacked consistency. She really acted like someone with multiple personalities. I also have to wonder what happened to Uncle Rob. He was a main character, and then suddenly disappeared. I also think the author grew bored with the book and decided not to give us an ending. Although the problem was resolved, there was little information on how everything was resolved, very frustrating. I’m not sure how to rank this book, so I’ll put it in the middle, 3 out of 5 stars.

“America’s First Daughter” by Dray & Kamoie        

Martha, “Patsy” Jefferson, is the oldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson. She feels responsible for his well being, and devotes her life to his care. From giving up her true love in Paris, to settling in marriage, to having and losing children, this book chronicles her life.         

Well written, this book was fascinating. It was engaging, realistic and hard to put down. My only criticism is that I would have loved an epilogue telling what happened to Patsy and Sally’s children. Overall, well worth picking up. Highly recommended.

“House of 8 Orchids” by James Thayer

John and William, children of the American consul, were kidnapped as youth and raised in the House of 8 Orchards, ran by Eunuch Chang, a criminal. John has picked up many talents, including pick pocketing, theft and murder. His brother William, an artist, is a skilled forger of documents. When the Eunuch has a popular actress kidnapped, William rallies to her side, helping her escape. John is left with the choice of family or custom.         

This was an interesting and engaging book. Some of the characters seemed stereotypical, but the main characters struggled with some interesting moral choices. Overall, well worth picking up.

“While the World is Still Asleep” by Petra Durst-Benning         

Jo discovers a love for bicycling when she travels away from home to heal from cough and lung ailments. However, the idea of a woman riding a bicycle is scandalous in 1890’s Berlin. After crashing the bicycle of her friend’s father, she is locked away in prison for three years. Once she is set free, she is determined to live how she likes, with or without societies approval.         

This was a great book. I didn’t realize it was a translation. It was well written and engaging. The characters were realistic and covered a wide swatch of society. I look forward to reading more from this author.

“Real Justice: Branded a Baby Killer: The Story of Tammy Marquardt” by Jasmine D’Costa         

When Tammy’s baby boy dies, she is an immediate suspect in his death. Convicted, she is sent to prison on the testimony of a forensic pathologist, who is later investigated for malpractice. Fourteen years later, she is released from jail and acquitted of the charges. This was a well written and engaging book. It is perfect for teens or young adults interested in the criminal justice system. Overall, well worth picking up.

“One Night” by Melanie Florence         

Luna, an American Indian, faces bullying at school for her heritage. When she goes to a party, she is raped by Jon. She finds out several months later that she is pregnant. I’m not sure how I feel about this book. Things turned out perfectly rosy and happy with Luna and her family. I don’t think this was very realistic. The author seemed to miss the elements of real life and heartache. Overall, a bust.

“Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape” by Jenna Miscavige Hill & Lisa Pulitzer

Jenna, the niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige, relates her unusual childhood and her struggles with the concepts of Scientology. Overall, this was an interesting read. Jenna’s life is definitely different from what I’ve experienced. It was hard to imagine the disconnect between parents and children and why a group would promulgate that practice. Overall, well worth reading.

“Gone Wild” by Jodi Lundgren         

I’m not sure what to say about this book. Brooke, thinking she is pregnant, leaves on a hiking trip. Seth, tired of his mother’s abusive boyfriend, runs away from home without any supplies. The two meet on the trail. I’m not really sure what the point of this book was. It didn’t really seem to go anywhere. Overall, a bust. 

“Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly         

Based on true stories, this book alternates between three different women’s experiences during World War II. NY socialite, Caroline, works at the French consult. When Hitler invades France, her life is changed forever. Caroline, a Polish teenager, works as a courier for the resistance. When she is caught, she is forced to survive under horrible circumstances. German doctor Herta, is assigned to the Ravensbruck concentration camp, where she assists in a variety of medical experiments.         

While reading, I didn’t realize this book was based on real people. I have never read a book from one of the rabbits of Ravensbruck, and found it extremely fascinating. All three points of view were valuable, and showed a rich variety of experiences throughout the war. I look forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommended.

“Outside” by Nicole Sewell         

Alaina was raised in a cult in the North Georgia mountains. When the cult compound is raided, officials find Alaina beaten and locked in a barn. She is taken away from her mother, and given to her aunt as a foster child. Alaina struggles to reconcile her upbringing with the real world.         

I’m not entirely sure how to rate this book. It was an interesting premise, and Alaina seemed realistic. However, when the book shifted to Adam’s point of view, everything became awkward. Parts of the book also seemed superficial. Topics and issues were dealt with very shallowly, as if Alaina was incapable of complex thoughts. Overall, not a book I would reread or recommend.

“Very Like a Queen” by Martin Lake

Alice, a mistress to Henry VIII, must walk the balance amongst Henry’s moods and expectations and her own dreams and desires. Alice falls in love with a Frenchman, Nicholas Bourbon, but must hide her love from Henry’s wrath. When Alice’s greatest supporter, Thomas Cromwell is arrested, Alice is forced to flee. She falls into favor with the King of France, and settles comfortably among their court. When Henry calls her back to England, she is terrified, but afraid to obey.         

This was a well written and engaging book. The characters were believable, and their emotions real. It was an interesting viewpoint of Henry VIII life, which will appeal to Tudor fans. I look forward to reading more from this author.

“Marked in Flesh” by Anne Bishop         

This is the third book in the “Others” series by Anne Bishop. This novel continues to follow blood prophet Meg Corbyn and wolf Simon Wolfgard, leader of the Lakeside Courtyard. Due to recent attacks by humans, the others are trying to decide “how much human to keep.”         

I am a big fan of Anne Bishop. However, this book seemed really disjointed. Something just didn’t come together. There seemed to be little advancement in relationships or emotional depth. Overall, this book was kind of a bust.

“Georgia” by Dawn Tripp         

This book follows the life of Georgia O’Keeffe and her relationship with Stieglitz, a famous photographer and discoverer of artists. After sending Stieglitz her work, and many letters later, Georgia travels to New York to visit him. She becomes firsts his mistress and later his wife. Their relationship is a bit stormy, as defined by their intense love-making and conflicts over the promotion of Georgia’s art.         

This was a fascinating book. It was well written and very realistic. I felt like I knew Georgia, as her life spun from one direction to another. I look forward to reading more from this author. Overall, highly recommended.

“Breaking Wild” by Diane Les Becquets

Amy Raye, an experience outdoor woman, sets out alone deer hunting. With snow falling around her, she becomes disoriented, falls down a cliff and breaks her ankle. In town, Pru and her search and rescue dog Kona, respond to the missing person call. As the weather turns, the search is called off. The book alternates between Amy and Pru’s points of view, keeping the reader on edge.         

I thought this was a well written book. My only complaint is that there was an epilogue for Amy Raye, but not for Pru. I thought Pru was the more interesting character, and I felt that her story was just left hanging. Despite this criticism, the book was engaging and hard to put down. Overall, highly recommended.

“Salt to the Sea” by Ruta Sepetys         

Refugees flock to the port as WWII draws to a close. This book follows the story of three refugees and a crewman on the ship, Wilhelm Gustloff. The Wilhelm Gustoff was torpedoed shortly after leaving harbor, leading to worst maritime disaster in history.         

I thought this was an interesting and well conceived book. I enjoyed the point of view of the three refugees. However, I did not enjoy Arthur, the crew man’s, point of view. He was just plain stupid. He was a narrow minded idiot stuck in his own fantasy world. His imaginary letters to his imaginary girlfriend were extremely annoying and took away from the story. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“She’s Not There” by Joy Fielding         

Carole’s daughter went missing fifteen years ago when the family was on a vacation in Mexico. Hounded by the press, Carole is branded a bad mother and struggles to find a teaching job. Her marriage falls apart and she is left with a daughter she barely gets along with. Anticipating the fifteen year anniversary of the kidnapping, Carole is startled when she receives a phone call from a young girl, claiming to be her kidnapped daughter. 

This was an intriguing and engaging book. It blended the past and present perfectly, allowing the story to unravel and a perfect pace. The characters were very realistic, flaws and all. Overall, well worth reading, highly recommended.