January, 2023
"Wanderlust" by Reid Mitenbuler
Dane Peter Freuchen lived quite the enchanted life. At a young age he decided to join the list of arctic explorers forging new paths and discovery at the North Pole. After suffering from frostbite and loosing part of his leg, he continued to speak write books and tell his exotic stories. During WWII, he defied Hitler by hiding Jews and providing them with money to escape. Afterwards, he caught the attention of Hollywood, and wrote screenplays and advised on adventure movies.
This book was absolutely fascinating. I can't believe I've never heard of Freuchen before. His life, filled with many twists and turns, is one of legends. I also enjoyed reading about the Inuit lifestyle, one I've heard of, but knew almost nothing about. The book itself was well paced and well written. I found myself reading long into the night. I can't wait to read more from this author! Overall, 5 out of 5 stars.
"The Blackout Book Club" by Amy Lynn Green
After Avis brother joins the fighting in WWII, she takes over his position at the library. When the patron decides to convert the library into a nursery, Avis starts a book club in the hopes of showing the libraries worth. An odd assortment of characters begins coming to the meetings and slowly developing friendship and a sense of community
This book was alright. Some of the characters seemed a bit one dimensional and stereotypical. The friendships and romances developed as expected, with little surprises or unforeseen moments. Overall the book was well written, it just lacked development. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.
"The Woman with the Cure" by Lynn Cullen
Polio, now a disease of myth, once paralyzed and killed children in epic proportions. During the 1940's and 50's teams of dedicated scientists worked ceaselessly to find a vaccine and save lives. Dorothy Horstmann, an up and coming scientists, has some unique ideas about how Polio is transmitted throughout the body. However, as a woman, she must fight for her voice and ideas to be heard.
I thought this was an interesting and well written book. I love reading about women in male dominated fields. Dorothy's strength and intelligence shined throughout the book. I also learned a lot about polio, vaccines, and scientific advancements. Overall, highly recommended!
"Tracks to Freedom" by Michael Reit
This book follows three courageous freedom fights in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. Samson Tarski works as part of the Sonderkommando, the detail assigned to the gas chambers and crematorium. Agnes is a nurse, working in Block 10, the experimental hospital unit. She is forced to watch as women are tortured in the name of science. Joel, who works in the maintenance department, has free run of the camp and access to a number of tools. When they are given the opportunity to fight back, they seize the opportunity, at great risk to their own lives.
I could not stop reading this book. I read it in one sitting, staying up long into the night I'm not sure I have ever read a book from the point of view of a Sonderkommando. It was both grotesque and fascinating to read about Samson's daily work and fight for survival. It was also interesting to read about Agnes, as she and the doctors did everything they could to help ease the pain of the experiment victims. The book was well paced and did a good job alternating between different points of view. I would love to read more work from this author. Overall, highly recommended.
"The Lost Year" by Katherine Marsh
During the beginning of the pandemic, Matthew is stuck at home with his Mom and Great Grandmother. His father, is stuck overseas reporting on the pandemic. When his Mom decides that he is playing too many video games, she takes away his Switch and orders him to help his Great Grandmother go through her boxes of paper and photos. Alternating, is the story of three girls from the 1930's. Mila, the daughter of a Ukrainian political party member, is doted upon and well fed. When her cousin Nadiya shows up starving, Mila's life is turned upside down. In America, Helen is shocked to learn about the mass starvation in Ukraine, and is determined to help her cousin.
While I enjoyed the story of the three cousins, I thought the modern day story was unnecessary. After living through the pandemic, I don't want to read about it or go back to that time. I understand that Matthew's story will draw in younger readers, but for me, it could have been cut out completely. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.
"The Sound of Light" by Sarah Sundin
Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt sheds his nobility to hide in plain sight after the Nazi invasion of Denmark. At great risk, he rows resistance messages across the water to neutral Sweden. Dr. Else Jensen works in the physics institute in Copenhagen, forced to fight against sexism each step of the way. Working with the resistance, she prints clandestine newspapers. When a new man moves into the same rooming house, they strike up a friendship.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters. The characters were dynamic, interesting, and likeable. My only criticism is that I wanted more! I wish the epilogue had been a bit more detailed and provided more information about the characters. Overall, highly recommended!
"A Woman of Influence" by Vanessa Wilkie
Through strategic marriage and sheer determination of will, Alice Spencer rose from the daughter of a sheep farmer, to one of the most influential nobles in England. Born in 1560, her family gained wealth and reinvested it in its family members. When Alice's first husband dies unexpectedly, her brother-in-law tries to strip her of her fortune. To counter his moves, she marries one of the most prominent lawyers in England. After ensuring her fortune, she turns to her three daughters, determined to make favorable matches and continue the families rise.
What an interesting family! I loved Alice's sheer determination and unflinching desire to promote her family and their legacy. The drive to build generational wealth and safety was fascinating. The fact that it was a woman was astounding. Overall, highly recommended.
