March, 2018

"Fourth Dimension" by Eric Walters         

When a blackout strikes, cell phones die and cars stall, it seems like the end of the world to 15 year old Emma. Just to be safe, Emma's, ex-Marine mother Ellen, decides that the family will boat out to a small island and wait it out. When they realize that the world they know has completely changed, they band with a nearby community for survival.         

I thought this was a typical shtf prepping book. The characters were a bit flat, and the angst between Ellen and Emma just disappeared seemingly overnight. The community they banded together - a group of thespians, yoga instructors and new age families - just seemed unrealistic. Overall, not a bad book, just not one I would reread.

"Fatal Throne: The Wives of Henry VIII Tell All" by Candace Fleming         

Henry VIII's wives suffered at the hands of their irritable and ever changing husband. Divorce only to die alone without the comfort of her daughter, beheaded on trumped up charges, death in childbirth, divorce, beheaded for adultery, and survival, only to die within a few years. These women walked a thin line between pleasing the king and death. This book features short stories from each wife, as well as a few chapters from Henry's point of view. The stories were well written and well put together. Overall, well worth picking up.

"The Sound of Freedom" by Kathy Kacer         

Anna's father is a gifted clarinet player employed with the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra. As their community falls under the spell of Hitler, life becomes harder and harder for them. When he has a chance to audition for an orchestra in Palestine, he reluctantly takes a chance, leaving all he and his family knows behind.         

This was a quick and fast read. With well rounded characters and a fast paced story line, it is well suited for middle schoolers. It does not ignore the horrors of war, but addresses them in a way that a young teenager would understand. Overall, well worth picking up.

"Hell's Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness" by Harold Schechter         

After disposing of two husbands, Belle Gunness lured men to her farm through newspaper advertisements and letters. Once the men arrived, they were slaughtered and buried around the farm. When her past began to catch up with her, her farmhouse mysteriously burnt down, and a headless corpse, found with her children. To this day, it is still debated whether she died in the fire.        

This was a quick read. The book was interesting and well organized. It contained a good blend of fact and storytelling. Overall, highly recommended.

"White Rose, Black Forest" by Eoin Dempsey         

After being released from prison, Franka moves back to her family's summer cottage in Germany's black forest. When she discovers an unconscious and wounded airman, she drags him back to the cottage, determined to save him. He presents himself as a German soldier, but Franka instantly doubts his story. As he heals from his wounds, the two reluctantly learn to trust one another as their past stories slowly unravel.         

Franka was certainly an interesting character. She was extremely realistic, and easy to sympathize with. The story unraveled at a nice pace, blending the characters pasts with the present. I look forward to reading more from this author.

"The Continent" by Keira Drake         

Vaela lives in the Spire. A land who has outlawed war and violence and has striven to provide its citizens with not only basic needs but comfortable lifestyles. For her birthday, Vaela receives a tour to the continent. The continent is a war ravaged land, where death and destruction is ingrained deep into their society. When their touring aircraft develops engine trouble, Vaela escapes by means of the only escape pod. She watches while the aircraft crashes, killing her entire family. Alone and hungry, Vaela ventures from the escape pod, only to be captured by the natives.

     This was a very interesting premise, with a well developed world. The characters were fascinating. I would love to read more based in this world. I see this book branching out and evolving into a multiple series, multiple timelines adventure. Overall, highly recommended.

"The Afghan Wife" by Cindy Davies         

Zahra, her husband and young son, flee their home in Afghanistan with Zahra's revolutionary cousin Firzun. Along the way, Zahra's husband is killed in a fight with Firzun, and Firzun takes his identity. Once arriving in Iran, Zahra reunites with Karim, a man she has had a crush on since she was a teenager.         

I struggled a bit with this book. It was well written and well paced, but I didn't really connect with Zahra. She felt a bit alien to me. I didn't understand why felt such loyalty to Firzun when he kept putting Zahra and her son in significant danger. Why didn't she just tell Karim the truth? I'm sure many will enjoy this book, I just couldn't connect with the characters.

"Enemies in Love" by Alexis Clark         

Elinor, an African American nurse, is stationed at a German POW camp in the Arizona desert. Here, she meets Frederick, a German prisoner, and falls in love with him. After the war they marry and have children. This book combines their story with general facts about the time period and race relations. Unfortunately, the book felt stagnant at times. I wish the author had gone more with a story telling route than the typical non-fiction recital of facts. While their story was interesting, it could have been a more impactful book if it focused purely on the couple.

"All the Beautiful Girls" by Elizabeth J. Church         

When Lily was eight years old, her parents and sister were killed in a car crash. Raised by her strict Aunt and perverted Uncle, she found herself developing a bond with the Aviator, the man who killed her family. The Aviator provides Lily with books, and when he learns that she loves dance, he gifts her a scholarship to the local dance academy. At 18, Lily heads to Las Vegas, where she rebrands herself Ruby Wilde. Reluctant at first, she eventually gives in and takes a job as a topless showgirl.         

Lily was very interesting and dynamic character. She really grew and progressed throughout the book. Her struggles to overcome sexual abuse and figure out who she is was very poignant. The author was really good as transitioning throughout time, a feat many just can't do. Overall, highly recommended.

"Love and Ruin" by Paula McLain         

Martha, an aspiring journalist and writer, runs into Hemingway when she is on vacation in Key West. They quickly develop a friendship, with Hemingway taking interest in her career. When the Spanish Civil War erupts, both writers travel separately to Madrid separately. Reunited at the "press" hotel, the two find themselves irresistibly drawn to one another. Besotted, Hemingway begins the process of divorcing his current wife, and sets up a home with Martha in Cuba.         

In the beginning of the book, the author kept using the past tense. It made the book really hard to get into. However, once the author switched to present tense, I found myself getting into the story and the characters. It was fascinating to read about an adventurous, courageous and ground breaking woman. I found myself googling Martha after I finished the book, I just wanted to know every detail about her. If you find yourself stuck after the first few chapters, kept pushing along, the book really picks up speed. Overall, well worth reading.

"Fly Girls" by Keith O'Brien         

During the Great Depression, the air racing and breaking air records took the world by storm as it garnered popularity and seized the imagination. An extremely dangerous sport, many died as they pushed airplanes to the limit. A handful of women fought to be recognized along their male counterparts as pilots and competitors. This book follows a number of these women.         

This book was a bit slow at times. It seemed to cover many more people than the five listed. I had to read the back cover to see who the five where, as the book didn't show any consistency with the women it was featuring.  The book continually seemed to get bogged down with details of others. Only two of the five women featured were well covered and well hashed out. It didn't feel as if the author was able to do much more than recite facts previously published. Overall, a bust.

"Side by Side" by Jenni L. Walsh         

When Clyde Barrow is released from prison, he tries to go straight. He finds a job at a movie theater only to be hassled by the cops at every turn. When he can't take it anymore, he convinces his girlfriend Bonnie to follow him on the road. With the idea of busting out a friend from jail, he convinces Bonnie that he will rob just one bank, and then they will settle down on a farm. One job turns into another, and another, until people are murdered and there is no turning back.         

This was a very interesting account of both Bonnie and Clyde and the Barrow gang. It showed an evolution of thinking from Bonnie, which explains how she got caught up in everything. It also showed how the two got along with one another, and how they came to dominate the other gang members. Overall, well worth reading.