December, 2021
"The Surgeon's Daughter" by Audrey Blake
Set in the late 1800's, Nora is the only female medical student in Bologna. She has to work harder and be smarter to be tolerated by her fellow students and teachers. When a female surgeon arrives at the school, Nora is immediately interested in the cesarean section that the teacher promotes. She combines her interest in anesthesia with the cesarean surgery to mixed results. When Nora receives word that her father is ill, she does everything she can to graduate early and return home to England.
This was an interesting and well paced book. Nora was very realistic and came across as a multi-dimensional character. The book felt realistic, and showed both failures and successes with the medical treatments. I would pick up another book by this author. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.
"Victoria" by Daisy Goodwin (Audio Book)
Following the life of Queen Victoria, this book begins as she assumes the throne of England. Determined to be her own person, she quickly falls out with her mother. She develops a strong bond with her prime minister, leaving many to gossip about their relationship. The book also follows her relationship with Prince Albert, as person after person thrust them together.
This was a very engaging book. It was hard to put down and I found myself listening long into the night. It was definitely well written and well paced. The characters were strongly developed and felt extremely realistic. Overall, highly rated.
"Her Secret War" by Pam Lecky
After losing her sister and father in a bombing, Sarah moves from Dublin to live with cousins in England. Her uncle and cousin work in an airplane factory, and they soon find a job for her. Sarah's job involves hand copying plans and schematics for airplanes. When she is approached to uncover a spy, she reluctantly agrees to the mission.
I thought this book was a bit predictable. I saw the twists coming long before they happened. Sarah seemed a little one-dimensional and wasn't well flushed out as a character. Despite this criticism, this would make a good beach read, or for light reading. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.
"Roots: The Saga of an American Family" by Alex Haley
Taken from his home in Africa, Kunta Kinte is transported across the sea to work on a slave plantation in America. This book follows his life before he was enslaved, and then follows his descendants to the modern times.
Wow, what an epic novel! I highly enjoyed reading this, and am glad that I finally picked it up. Each character was highly developed and very realistic. The story itself was heartbreaking and emotional. I know there has been controversy over the research and non-fiction nature of this book, however I think this is one that everyone should read. Overall highly highly highly recommended.
"Saving Mrs. Roosevelt" by Candice Sue Patterson
Shirley and her friend Joan decide to join the SPARs, the wartime female branch of the Cost Guard. In order to uncover a plot against the First Lady, it is arranged for her to receive a fake dishonorable discharge for allegedly having a relationship with handsome Captain Webber. Together, Shirley, Webber , and a third SPAR return to her hometown to set up a covert operation.
I'm not entirely sure I enjoyed this book. Instead of reading about a strong woman, I was reading about a love sick woman who was mostly interested in her fledgling romance. I think this did a huge disservice to Shirley and the other SPAR's. Overall, 2 out of 5 stars.
"A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice" by Rebecca Connolly
This book alternates between Captain Rostron of the Carpathia, and Kate, a third class passenger on the Titanic. After receiving a distress call, Captain Rostron speeds towards the Titanic, while his crew prepares for the worst. Onboard the Titanic, Kate and her friends are told that nothing is wrong and that they should remain calm. Once she realizes that water is creeping through her third class berth, Kate fights her way to second class, and onto a lifeboat.
This was a fast paced and captivating novel. I really enjoyed reading about the Carpathia and the rescue attempts. I'm not sure I have seen anything else from this point of view. Well written, I could not put this book down. Highly recommended!
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, " and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling
With all of the hype about the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter movie, I've decided to re-read the series.
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, 11 year old Harry Potter is whisked away from his mundane life when he finds out that he is a wizard. Leaving behind his horrendous muggle family, he begins school at Hogwarts. There, he meets Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. He discovers that he is very famous, the only survivor of the notorious dark wizard Lord Voldemort. Unfortunately, Lord Voldemort has resurfaced, and he is after the immortality of the sorcerer's stone.
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry, Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts for their second year. Shortly after returning, someone, or something, begins to attack students. Harry and his friends must uncover the culprit before the school is closed or worse, someone is killed.
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkhaban, Sirius Black, a murderous wizard is on the loose. Heard to murmur, "he's at Hogwart's" everyone assumes that he is after Harry. When Harry learns that Sirius caused the death of his parent's, he begins thinking of revenge.
I highly enjoyed reading all three of these books. Each book is progressively darker as the characters have to deal with progressively worse situations. The characters are well written and extremely dynamic. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.