October, 2016

“Radical” by E.M. Kokie         *** Warning Spoilers *** 

Bex is a prepper, she is ready to survive a catastrophic event but she is not ready to be accused by the FBI of terrorism after joining a local gun club. I didn’t particularly care for this book. It took forever for the plot to go anywhere. The FBI raid and arrest should have happened much earlier in the story. I would have liked to have read more about Bex’s time in jail, particularly between the time she spilled everything to her lawyer and when she got out. At the end, the author turned the book into a diatribe against the dangers of prepping, which was extremely off putting. Overall, not a book I would reread or recommend.

“The German Girl” by Armando Lucas Correa         

This book alternates between Anna, present day, and Hannah, a young girl during WWII. Hannah is a privileged Jewish child in Berlin as the Nazi’s begin their reign of terror. Hannah and Leo’s families desperately search for a way out of Germany, and end up on the ship Saint Louis. Headed for Cuba, they spend a luxurious few days in the safety of the ship. When they arrive to Cuba, only a small number of people are allowed off the ship. The rest are sent back to Europe. Hannah and her mother reluctantly leave their loved ones behind and make a home in Cuba. In the present day, Anna receives a letter from her great aunt containing information about her deceased father. Deciding to learn more, Anna and her mom travel to Havana, where they learn the rest of the story.

     I thought Hannah’s story was fascinating. I would have loved to read more about Hannah’s life in Cuba. I did think Anna’s story was unnecessary. Her story was used to move the plot along, but it really wasn’t needed. Overall, well worth picking up.

“Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer” by Katherine Ramsland         

BTK, Dennis Rader, murdered a number of people over a thirty year time span. A church-goer, boy scout leader and loving parent, he definitely did not fit the stereotype of a serial killer.         

Although I thought this was an interesting read, I do have a complaint about the narration. I felt that the author really needed to decide whether she was telling a story or giving a psychological analysis. The two just didn’t work together. Rader’s actions really spoke for themselves. Her analysis seemed very repetitive and slowed the book down. Despite this, I would recommend the book to any interested in true crime.

“Spaceman” by Mike Massimino         

Mike Massimino went from a working class family in New York to Ivy League schools to the Hubble telescope in space. This book outlines his incredible journey. I thought this was a very inspiring book. The writing style was engaging and funny, it was hard to put down! Mike used the perfect blend of fact and funny. I think every teenager should read this book, if nothing else, to remind them that they can do anything. Highly recommended. 

“The Book Jumper” by Mechthild Glaser         

When Amy travels to her mother’s childhood home on an island in Scotland, she is amazed to uncover the family secret. Children and young adults of her lineage can jump into a story and interact with the story. Although this book had an interesting premise it could not keep my interest. None of the characters seemed to have any personality. They seemed very stereotypical and bland. I do think teenagers or pre-teens would enjoy the story. For me, it was a bust.     

“Death Steppe” by Judy Bruce         

This novel takes place in Russia during WWII. Elena, a former professor, is forced to serve as a medic and then as a flight navigator. When she crashes, she encounters Halder, a German soldier who survived the bombs Elena dropped from the plane. Despite their hatred, the two band together for survival.         

I thought this was an interesting and exciting novel. I had a hard time putting it down. I read a lot of WWII books, and this one had unique and different perspective. The author certainly knew how to pace the story and keep my attention throughout. Overall, highly recommended.

“Irena’s Children” by Tilar J. Mazzeo

In the midst of Warsaw during WWII, Irena Sendler set up a network to rescue Jewish children. She not only smuggled children from the ghetto, she sets up an extensive network to house the children and provided money for their support. This was an absolutely fascinating book. I had never heard of Irena before, and I read a lot of WWII novels. Despite great risk to herself, imprisonment and torture she never betrayed anyone around her. I hope that many will take inspiration from her determination and desire to help people. Overall, highly recommended. 

“Immortal Writers” by Jill Bowers         

Liz McKinnen’s book series has taken off, launching her on a book tour. When she returns home, she is kidnapped by a group of eccentric people. When she is told that she is immortal and that her characters have crossed over into the real world, she has problems believing their stories. When they are attacked by dragons, she suddenly realizes that the idea isn’t as far-fetched as she had imagined. Told that she must defeat her villain before he takes over the world, Liz begins training for the ultimate fight.

     I wasn’t quite sure that I would like this book however, it captivated me. The plot was fast-paced, interesting, and the characters were very realistic. Although this typically isn’t my genre, I couldn’t book the book down. I look forward to reading more from this author. Overall, highly recommended.

“Orphan’s Tale” by Pam Jenoff         

After being kicked out of her home and forced to give her baby up, Noa finds work in a railway station. When she encounters a train car filled with dying and dead infants, she grabs one and flees, determined to save the child. When Astrid’s husband divorces her because she is Jewish, she returns to her family home, only to find that everyone is gone. She joints a nearby circus family, performing as an aerialist. When the circus finds Noa and the baby half dead in the snow, Noa becomes part of the act.         

This is a moving and fascinating tale. Both Noa and Astrid’s stories are heart-breakingly realistic. I had a hard time putting the book down, I just had to know what happened. Overall, highly recommended, well worth picking up.