June, 2017
"Emma in the Night" by Wendy Walker
After Cass and Emma, two sisters disappeared three years ago, Cass returns with an incredible tail of an island, a child, and a husband and wife that kept them captive. The story alternates between Cass and Dr. Abby Winter, as the truth is slowly unraveled.
I'm not sure what to say about this book. The story unfolded at a nice pace, keeping me reading and involved. However, Cass was just so unrealistic. She seemed well educated, insightful beyond her years and a master manipulator. It just didn't work with the idea that she had been kidnapped as a 15 year old and returned at 18. I would be interested in reading more from this author, but I don't think I would re-read this book.
"This is Not the End" by Chandler Baker
At the age of 18, you are allowed to bring one person back to life. Many forego using their resurrection, but weeks before Lake turns 18, her best friend and boyfriend are killed in a car accident. Throw into the mix a quadriplegic brother, who is planning on dying the day before her birthday, so he can be reborn whole. Lake has a horrible choice to make, who to bring back.
This book had a very interesting premise. I wish the author had gone more into the idea of one resurrection at 18 and explained a bit more about the process. However, this is a book for teenagers, and they are probably more interested in her emotional dilemma. Overall, a well written and engaging book. 4 stars.
"The Only Girl in the World" by Maude Julien
In an effort to turn her into a superhuman, Maude's father rigidly controlled every aspect of her life. In addition to rigidly controlling her diet and amount of sleep, her father created tasks and obstacles designed to eliminate weakness. Maude had to swim in freezing temperatures, hold onto the electric fence, drink large quantities of alcohol and then perform tasks and countless other drills and tasks. Isolated from others, Maude dreamed of a normal life.
This was a fascinating yet heartbreaking story. The author did an amazing job of keeping her adult feelings out of the book and telling a pure story. I would like to read a sequel, showing how Maude overcame her father's teachings and legacy. Overall, highly recommended.
"The Marriage Pact" by Michelle Richmond
On the eve of their wedding, Jake and Alice receive a mysterious gift, a wooden chest to be opened after their honeymoon. When a woman arrives to discuss the Marriage Pact, Jake and Alice are both intrigued and suspicious at the same time. Despite their misgivings, they sign the Pact, launching themselves into a secret group. When Alice spends too much time at work, the Pact comes calling, punishing her for not devoting everything to the marriage. What unravels is a complex web of punishment, as the Pact gains total power over their lives.
Overall, this was a fascinating book. Jake and Alice were intriguing characters. I enjoyed the statistics Jake included on marriage and thought they wove nicely into the storyline. Overall, highly recommended.
"Hum if You Don't Know the Words" by Bianca Marais
In 1970's South Africa, Robin is waiting to turn ten. White and privileged, she knows little about the world around her. When her parents are killed, Robin's life is turned upside down. Beauty, a Xhosa woman, travels to Johannesburg after receiving a letter than her daughter is in trouble. Arriving amidst a riot, she looks frantically for her daughter, unable to find her. Beauty is forced to hide, because she does not have travel papers. Robin's Aunt, a stewardess, hires Beauty to look after Robin, hoping the arrangement will suite all of them.
I thought this was a fascinating story. I have read very few books that take place during this era and found the black and white relationships and dichotomy interesting. I did think that Robin came across as much younger than nine. The book also needed an epilogue, it seemed unfinished. Overall, well worth reading, highly recommended.
"Final Girls" by Riley Sager
As the sole survivors of a massacre, Quincy, Lisa and Samantha have been dubbed "Final Girls" by the media. When Lisa seemingly commits suicide, Samantha seeks out Quincy, determined to connect with her. However, not everything is as it seems. Samantha seems to pull the rage out of Quincy, leading her from one bad situation to the other. In the middle is Coop, the police officer who rescued Quincy all those years ago.
I'm not going to give away the twist, but the author did a poor job of building up to it. It was expected rather than dramatic. Overall, not a book I would reread.
"As You Wish" by Chelsea Sedoti
In the small desert town of Madison, everyone is granted one wish when they turn 18. Eldon, struggling with his decision, can only see how the townspeople are full of regrets.
I thought this was an interesting premise but the characters were very stereotypical. The book also became very preachy towards the middle, which was off putting. Even though the book wasn't for me, I think pre-teens will enjoy it.
"The Librarian of Auschwitz" by Antonio Iturbe
After Dita's family is transferred from the Terezin ghetto to Auschwitz, Dita takes charge of the library for the family bloc. Composed of eight varying books, the library is a symbol of better times, hope, and life itself.
Although Dita's story was fascinating, there was something a bit off about the writing style. The book didn't have the realism that most holocaust stories have. This may be because it is a translation. I think the book is a bit slow moving to capture the attention of most teenagers, but I enjoyed it.
"The Marsh King's Daughter" by Karen Dionne
Helena's mother was abducted and gave birth to her in captivity. Until she was a teenager, Helena lived with her parents in the middle of the swamp without electricity, running water, or modern conveniences. As an adult, Helena has put her past behind her and now has a devoted husband and two beautiful daughters. When her father escapes from prison, her life is turned upside down.
This is one of those books that you stay up all night reading. I couldn't put it down. It was well written, the characters were dynamic and the story moved quickly. I can't wait for the author's next book. Highly recommended.
"The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime that Changed Their Lives" by Dashka Slater
When Sasha fell asleep on the bus, Richard decided to set Sasha's skirt on fire. What he thought would be a funny joke, turned serious as the skirt erupted into a fireball, severely burning Sasha. The police and media called it a hate crime - a crime against the lgbtq community.
Alternating between Sasha and Richard's story, this book sets up a frank discussion of gender and sexuality. It shows the seriousness of one's actions and how a seemingly harmless prank could have turned deadly. I think this is an important read for those of all ages. Overall, highly recommended.
"Hilltop Doc: A Marine Corpsman Fighting Through the Mud and Blood of the Korean War" by Leonard Adreon
Drafted into the navy, Leonard served as a corpsman for the marines. He survived deadly and horrible circumstances. He didn't talk about the war we he returned and this book serves as his tribute to the men he served with. I thought this was an excellent book. It was well written and well paced. Overall, highly recommended.
"The Currency of Love: An American Model in Paris, a Billionaire's Harem, and My Search for Freedom" by Jill Dodd
Jill moves from California to Paris to model. Along the way, she meets a Saudi billionaire, and becomes one of his pleasure wives. Her life is an exercise in contrasts - she is a broke model during the week and during the weekends hangs with the richest people in the world.
This was a quick and fast read. Jill certainly led an interesting life in her early twenties. I would of liked to have read more about her career after college and how she transferred herself from a meek shy person to an independent business woman. Overall, not a bad read.