“Zuleikha” by Guzel Yakina

Zuleikha has been relegated to a workhorse for her husband and mother-in-law.  Forced to follow their every whim, her life is full of drudgery.  In the aftermath of the Russian revolution, soldiers overrun her village and kill her husband.  She is transported by train to a new life in Siberia.

I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this book.  It was extremely slow moving and tedious.  The book itself just ended abruptly.  I thought life in Siberia was interesting to read about, but the characters never captured me.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“Convergence” by Esther Pia Cordovav 

Maya and her sister were born into an anti-technology village.  When Maya’s sister develops cancer, she learns Ethan, through a newcomer, that the city has a cure.  Together, Maya and Ethan travel to the city and develop a plan to steal the cure.

I thought this book was a bit odd.  It turned into a weird story about human controlled AI robots.  Fast paced, the story features well developed characters and interesting technology.  However, I had trouble connecting with the book.  I think many will enjoy the story but it just wasn’t for me.

“West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge

At the age of 105, Woody Nickel begins writing about a 12 day road trip that he experienced with giraffes.  The giraffes arrived in the middle of a hurricane.  Miraculously alive, they began a cross-country trip to the San Diego Zoo.  Woody, a homeless orphan, follows along as long as he can, and then volunteers to drive the giraffes.  A young female photographer also decides to follow along, eventually joining the giraffes. 

This was a fun read.  It was rough and tumble, rustic, and an incredible journey. I enjoyed both the story and the characters.  Overall, highly recommended!

“Daikon” by Samuel Hawley 

Keizo’s daughter was killed in a Tokyo Air Raid and then his Japanese American wife was imprisoned.  After an American plane is downed over Japan, he is called to examine the bomb recovered from the wreckage.  Keizo immediately realizes the bomb contains uranium.

I’m not entirely sure what to think about this book.  It seemed like a satire, but I wasn’t really sure.  The character seemed stereotypical and caricatures of real people.  I thought the book was well written and paced. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“When the Music Hits” by Amber Oliver

Billie has long thought about a career as a music rep.  When she lands a job as an assistant at Lit Music Productions, she immediately dreams about discovering and signing new artists.  Her relationship begins to suffer as she works all hours of the day, often running across town at the last minute.

This seemed like a fun young adult novel.  However, it wasn’t really my style.  I found the constant name dropping of songs a bit off-putting.  The use of songs to set the mood doesn’t really work unless the reader knows the artist and songs.  Despite this criticism, I think many will enjoy this book.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“The Memory Collectors” by Dete Meserve 

New technology allows you to visit your past for one hour.  When you return, the past is reset, as if nothing has changed.  Elizabeth jumps into the past to see her deceased son one last time.  Andy is searching for a woman he fell for and spent less than a week together.  Brooke is looking to go back in time before she struck and killed a man with her car.  Logan, paralyzed in an accident, years to climb mountains, and push his body once again.  When the travelers cross paths, the technology glitches, and they do not return as planned.  They discover each other, and find that their lives were connected in the past.

I really enjoyed the concept, storyline, and characters.  Everything was woven together in unexpected ways.  I saw real character growth and development throughout.  I would love to read more from this author!