August, 2019

"American Royals" by Katharine McGee         

After the American Revolution, George Washington accepted the crown. Generations later, his family is still ruling America. When Beatrice, the heir apparent, learns that her father is dying from cancer, must choose a husband, to help rule beside her. Samantha chafes at her role in society, and resents being the spare to the throne. Samantha's twin Jefferson, handsome and intelligent, falls for Samantha's best friend, who he dates in secret.         

This was a fun and quick read. The characters were well developed and the plot seemed realistic. I think young adults will love this series and demand a sequel. Overall, well worth picking up.

"Diamond Doris" by Doris Payne         

Doris Payne, a poor black girl, grew up in Slab Fork, West Virginia. She learned at a young age that she had a talent - the ability to manipulate others. By dressing and talking like a high class women, she was able to steal millions in diamonds, emeralds, and jewelry.         

This was an exciting and fascinating book. Doris led a very interesting life. The book was fun and quick to read. Overall, highly recommended.

"Wanderers" Chuck Wendig         

Many books detail life after a cataclysmic event. This book takes you right through the event itself. Upon waking, Shana discovers that her little sister has turned into a sleepwalker. She cannot wake up, and she cannot be stopped. Every few hours another sleepwalker joins her. The CDC swoops in to investigate, fearing a contagion or bio-terrorist attack. While the sleepwalkers grow, a racist and well armed faction rises to power, determined that white supremacy will once again rule. Further, a new and terrifying fungal disease sweeps across the nation, threatening to wipe out all of humanity.

     The book has an enormous cast, and it is hard to give an accurate description of everything that is going on. The book felt so realistic, the characters were real and dynamic. This is definitely one of those epic, must read books. 5 stars.

"The Hollow Queen" by Sherry D. Ficklin         

After the death of her parents, the rulers of Russia, Elizabeth is stripped of her title in favor of her half-nephew Peter. Prince Menshikov, the power behind the throne, threatens both Elizabeth and Peter's life.         

I had a hard time maintaining interest in this book. The characters were extremely stereotypical and lacked realism. The plot itself was extremely predictable. Both the love story between Elizabeth and Peter and the rivalry with Mechnikov was trite and a bit boring. Overall, a bust.

"Stealing Cinderella" by Mark D. Diehl   

Mark journeyed to South Korea to teach English to Korean students. He quickly fell in love with a teacher, and Korean, Jennifer. As a mixed-couple, the two were ostracized in public, forbidden to be together by the school, and forced to sneak around. When Jennifer's parents found out about their relationship, the situation quickly turned dangerous.         

I found this book to be boring and off-putting. I quickly grew tired of Mark continually correcting the grammar and pronunciation of those around him. I know that he was a teacher, but this make the book move very slowly and make conversations almost painful. Mark seemed to have a hatred for the Korean people and a big problem with authority and respect. Overall, this book was a bust.

"Hippie Cult Leader" by James Buddy Day          

Documentary maker James is shocked when he receives a phone call from Charles Manson. Through phone calls with Manson, and interviews with those involved in the crimes and subsequent trial, James presents an alternate theory of the crimes. He claims that the concept of Helter Skelter was made up by the prosecution and used to convict a man who took no actual part in the crimes. He also claims that those involved in the crimes, should have been let out of prison long ago, and that they are victim's themselves.          

This book was a jumbled mess of the author's experiences, Manson's ramblings, and conversations that James had with other people. As far as his alternate theory, I had the reaction of "so what." The criminals were using psychedelic drugs - there is no telling what kind of crazy stories and rants they were telling at the time. The prosecution didn't come up with the phrase "Helter Skelter," they took it from the crime scene. Of course the prosecution embellished the cohesiveness of the group, and exaggerated the negative aspects of Manson and the Family. That's what a good prosecutor does. The alternate theory doesn't make the prosecutor's theory wrong. Overall, this book was a bust.

"Meet Me In Monaco" by Gaynor and Webb          

Sophie is startled when movie star Grace Kelly runs into her perfume shop in an attempt to escape a photographer. Sophie takes charge, hides her, and sends James, the photographer on his way. Later, when James is one of the handful of photographers present at the first meeting between Grace Kelly and the Prince of Monaco, he gives her Sophie's business card. Grace orders perfume from Sophie, and a friendship is born. James, unable to forget the beautiful and alluring Sophie, writes to her, and the two begin a flirtation and relationship.          

This was a well written and engaging story. It was well paced and presented. Sophie and James were dynamic and realistic characters. The settings of Cannes and Grasse was interesting and well done. Overall, well worth picking up.

"Ration" by Cody T. Luff          

Set in a dystopic future, calories have become currency. In the farms, girls are raised to be meat, and manipulated by fear mongering women. In the farms, ordering an A ration, means that a fellow girl is killed and processed. Cynthia, accused of ordering an A ration is beaten by the other girls in the farm. In revenge, she orders A ration after A ration, forcing the deaths of a whole floor of girls. In punishment, she is force fed A ration after A ration by Ms. Glennoc. When the farm owner finds out, she turns out Ms. Glennoc and Cynthia to the streets.          

This was a very odd world. I wish much more had been explained about the system. I spent most of the book cringing, yet I kept reading because I needed to know what happened next. I'm not sure I would re-read this book, but I would pick up another book by this author. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"Into Captivity They Will Go" by Noah Milligan            *** SPOILERS***

Caleb's mother believes that her son is the second coming of Christ and that together, they will lead the chosen into the Kingdom of Heaven. Every natural disaster, every incident, makes her believe more and more that they are living in the end times. Taking Caleb, the two run away from their home to join a group of other religious people living in a trailer park. After a hurricane hits, they are left to fend for themselves. Weeks go by without help, until one by one the small group begins to fall ill. When the National Guard finally arrives, the small community refuses them entry, leaving everyone in a dramatic stand-off.  5 years later, Caleb is let out of juvie and witness protection has given him a new name. His mother is on death row for murdering the congregation.

       The first part of the book was an interesting build-up of how a cult can form and how a stand-off can occur. However, there were several things in the second part of the book that made absolutely no sense. I can't imagine any scenario where 13 year old Caleb was imprisoned for five years because of the actions of his mom. It was also unbelievable that Caleb was in witness protection, and when his cover was blown that he wasn't relocated and given a new identity. Based on these things, this book was a complete bust.

"The German House" by Annette Hess

Set in 1963, this book follows translator Eva Bruhns through the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials. Naive and innocent, Eva is shocked to hear the horror and atrocities that occurred in Auschwitz. Eva finds herself struck with guilt and horror for what happened, while her fellow countrymen did nothing to speak up or save those who were lost.          

This was an engaging and interesting story. It was fascinating to watch Eva grow and develop throughout the story. I also found the culture, and lack of accountability and awareness particularly telling. Although this book was a translation, it read seamlessly. Overall, highly recommended.