June, 2020

"Miss Graham's Cold War Cookbook" by Celia Rees         

After the end of WWII, Edith has applied and been accepted for a job with the Control Commission for Germany. The Commission oversees the occupation zone. Edith is recruited by several different groups to spy and report back. In particular, she is tasked with finding Count Kurt von Stavenow, a former lover.

     This book was extremely slow moving and tedious. At times it felt like a sequel, and that important information was missing, or not dealt with sufficiently. The ending was surprising, but otherwise this book was a bust.

"The Attic Tragedy" b J. Ashley-Smith         

George, an unpopular, chubby girl, struggles with her gender, social identity, and sexuality. When she meets Sylvie, she is instantly attracted to her odd and peculiar personality. After standing up for Sylvie, and beating back the bullies, they are drawn together.

     This was a novella, and I felt that it did not have enough details to make the story interesting. Sylvie felt like a half formed character. She had possibility, but it was never really fully developed. The story hinted at things, but that was all. It felt like nothing really happened. Overall, a bust.

"Water Must Fall" by Nick Wood         

In 2048, water is a precious commodity. Climate change has drastically altered both the standard of living and the economy. In Africa, Graham, a reporter, is struggling to save his marriage to Lizette. Lizette, is searching for something more. In California Arthur works to find ways to save water and root out corruption.

     I made it twenty-five percent into the book, and nothing had happened. The story rambled all over the place, getting absolutely nowhere. Unfortunately I was unable to finish this one, it was a complete bust.

"Fast Girls" by Elise Hooper         

The book opens with Betty Robinson competing and winning a gold medal at the 1928 Olympics. Her daring and athleticism, inspires girls around the country to begin competing in track and field events. Louise Stokes, an African American girl, begins training and fighting to join future Olympic teams. In Missouri, Helen, a socially awkward girl, is ostracized by her schoolmates. With Betty as her example, she begins running and dreaming of a different life. This book outlines the Olympic journey's of these three athletes, as they compete to be the fastest woman in the world.

     I really enjoyed this book. The women were interesting and dynamic characters. Their journeys, never easy, were inspiring and moving. I would love to read more from this author. Overall, well worth a gold medal!

"Whatever It Took" by Henry Langrehr, Jim DeFelice         

Henry, a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, recounts his war time journey. Among the troops parachuted into France right before the Normandy Invasion, he survived when many others did not. Captured by the Nazi's, he endured hard labor in a coal mine, only to escape and make his way back to allied lines.

     This book was well written and engaging. It gave enough details about the war to paint a broad picture, but not too many details to bog or slow the book down. Henry was, and is, a true hero. Anyone who fights for our country, who is willing to sacrifice themselves, is a hero. Overall, well worth reading.

"The Andromeda's Ghost" by Becca Fox         

Former bodyguard Taren, kidnaps/rescues Princess Kylee as she is walking down the aisle to marry another. Together, they flee in a stolen spaceship. After being shot down and stranded on Cartiss, they must evade the royal guards and find enough supplies in the mafia ruled town of Hurren.

     This was a well written, and interesting book. I generally do not go for sci-fi books, but I thought the premise of this one was intriguing. The characters were well defined, and although slightly stereotypical, were dynamic enough to keep me interested. I would like to read more from this author.

"A Letter from Munich" by Meg Lelvis         

After the death of his father, Jack and his brother find a letter written in German from a wartime romance. With his former partner, Sherk, he travels to Germany to uncover the truth. When he finds that the letter's author has dementia, he turns to her sister Renate, to tell her story.

     I did not enjoy this book. The present-day story was totally unnecessary and off-putting. Jack was an extremely annoying, one-dimensional jerk. The book really consisted of Renate telling a story in German, Sherk translating, and then Jack telling others the story. This was bland, boring, and poor storytelling. Overall, I would not re-read or recommend this book.