December, 2018
"Spies of No Country" by Matti Friedman
The Arab Section was comprised on Arab Jews, who could blend into the Arab world during Israel's War of Independence. This book focuses on four spies who spent over two years deep undercover. This was a quick read and an interesting story. Overall, well worth picking up.
"Women Talking" by Miriam Toews
Over a period of years, Mennonite women were repeatedly raped at night. What they believed to be demons, turned out to be a group of men from their own community. Using an animal tranquilizer, the men would spray into the house, and then rape the women. This book takes place after the men are caught and imprisoned. The women are trying to decide whether to stay in the community or leave.
Although this was an interesting story, I did not like the writing style. The book just talked in circles. There was very little forward movement. All of the characters blended together, no one seemed to have a unique voice. Overall, a bust.
"The GAPCAI Effect" by W. S. Jenkins
Toba, renowned scientist of the GAPCAI civilization, has found a star that supports human life. After discovering Earth in 1637, GAPCAI technology tracks the lives of each human and broadcasts to GAPCAI and a live stream. When Toba learns how to reduce the journey to Earth to 800 days, he travels to the new world. Disturbed by the destructive tendencies of humans, he implements a GAPCAI morality program, forcing humans to behave.
I was very disappointed with this book. The characters were very generic and stereotypical. There were large time jumps in the book, and the plot/conflict was never fully played out. Although this was a neat concept, overall, the book was a bust.
"Lost Roses" by Martha Hall Kelly
This is a prequel to Lilac Girls. The book follows Eliza, a U.S. socialite, Sofya, a cousin to the Russian Tsar, and Varinka, a Russian peasant. The Russia revolution threatens Sofya's way of life, as red soldiers overrun their home and hold them prisoner. Varinka, once a nanny for Sofya, steals the baby, claiming it as her own. Back home, Eliza does everything she can to help the white Russian's who have fled to the United States, all the while searching for news of Sofya.
This was a well written, well paced and engaging book. I thought it was fascinating to read about the fall of Russia from both the red and white perspective. I haven't read many books, outside of those focusing on the Tsar and his family, about how the revolution impacted the noble class. Overall, well worth picking up.
"The Woman in the White Kimono" by Ana Johns
This book follows two ladies, 17 year old Naoko. A young Japanese woman in post-war Japan. Naoko falls in love with an American sailor, and becomes pregnant. Her parents force her to choose between her family and the love of her life. The second lady is set in present day America. After the death of Tori's father, she reads a letter that states he has another daughter. Tori travels to Japan, determined to find her sister and uncover the truth of her father's war time adventures.
Overall, this book was well written and engaging. I thought Naoko's story was fascinating. Tori's story seemed a bit labored until the end when everything came together. I look forward to reading more from this author.
"Body Leaping Backward" by Maureen Stanton
Maureen grew up as one of seven children in a prison town. Her parents divorced, causing her mother financial hardship, which lead to her shoplifting. A troubled teenager, Maureen fell into drugs and shoplifting herself.
Most of the book seemed to be one big brag session about what drugs Maureen did, what crimes she committed, and how she got away with it. I'm sure this wasn't the intent of the author but nonetheless, this is how it came across. Overall, this book was not for me.
"Internment" by Samira Ahmed
Layla and her family are sent to an internment camp for Muslim Americans. A handful of teenagers band together, determined to let the outside world know about the disappearances of anyone who speaks up, the camp conditions, and the brutal camp director.
I thought this book had an interesting premise, and teenagers will probably love it. However, I grew a bit bored with the book. Layla spends most of her time trying to sneak her boyfriend into camp and smuggle out letters to him. Of course she misses her boyfriend, but it seemed improbable that she would be able to sneak him in. The focus on the boyfriend made the book seem less than real. Overall, not a book I would reread.
"Call Your Daughter Home" by Deb Spera
Set in 1924 South Carolina, the book follows the lives of three women. Gertrude, a mother of four, who is caught between poverty and an abusive husband. Gretta, a first generation slave, who works for the third, Annie, the matriarch of a rich and influential family. In order to save her starving children, Gertrude shoots her husband and leaves him for the alligators to devour. She begs Annie for a job at the sewing circle, and leaves her youngest child with Gretta for a few days while she waits for the police to come for her.
This book did a good job of weaving the three stories together. Everything moved smoothly and at a nice pace. The characters seemed realistic. Overall, well worth reading.
"The Hunt: A Dystopian Nightmare" by Brad Stevens
Women are second class citizens. They are forced to wear a feminine uniform when out in public, are not allowed to vote, and have little to no control over their own reproductive choices. In response to a terrorist attack, the government created The Hunt. 10 women are chosen randomly each week, where they are pursued by 10 hunters. When captured, they are trapped in a bdsm nightmare. Mara, a crime novelist, is selected for The Hunt.
This book had a very interesting premise and realistic characters. It moved at a quick pace and held my interest. I found Mara to be a particularly interesting and dynamic character, one that was very relatable. Overall, well worth reading.