"Between Shades of Gray" Review

“Between Shades of Gray” by Ruta Sepetys

Published by Speak, an Imprint of Penguin Group

Finished 8/22/16, 4/5 stars

 

“Whether love of friend, love of country, love of God, or even love of enemy---love reveals to us the truly miraculous nature of the human spirit.” – Ruta E Sepetys

This is the story of a 15 year old girl taken from her home in Lithuania at the start of World War II.  Her father is sent to prison but her mother, 10 year old brother, and her are sent to work camps.  As expected, travel and living conditions are deplorable but strangers come together to fight for survival.  The bonds formed out of necessity turn into true emotional bonds.  The above quote says it all.

Whereas this is considered a Young Adult novel, adults will enjoy it just as much.  Parts of the storyline are predictable but that can happen when reading historical fiction.  Overall, it is a completely fabulous story that I highly recommend.

"Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family" Review

“Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family” by Amy Ellis Nutt

Published by Random House

Finished 8/19/16 – 5/5 stars!

 

When I saw the picture of Nicole on the cover of this book, I remembered seeing her in a documentary I watched a few years back regarding transgenders.  I immediately knew it was a book I wanted to read.  I don’t know any transgenders personally (that I know of) but I do know there are a couple at my daughters’ high school and that our county is one of those currently struggling to provide equal rights to those children in our school system.  I am very supportive of that cause and hope they do the right thing, but wanted to read more about Nicole’s journey to get a better understanding of what these children go through and the effects it has on them and their families.  This book definitely delivered.

Some people think a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity is a choice….it’s not.  It is not something you just change….you are born that way.  It’s a matter of accepting it and adjusting life to embrace one’s true self.  I believe this book can help people understand that.  Maybe open some doors and windows to those living close-minded lives, to become more accepting of others that aren’t like them, that might go against their religious beliefs.  Knowledge is the key – this book can provide some of that.

Whatever your beliefs, I hope you will take the time to read this book.  If nothing else, it will let you know what it’s like to be a little boy that wants nothing to do with being a boy.  He’s a “girl-boy” and prefers it that way until he can realize his dream of truly becoming a girl – to then dress how she wants, act how she wants, and be accepted as one of the girls.  Because truly, that is what she is.  The innocent minds of children can accept her as she is, it’s those darn close minded adults that get in the way. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, not because it’s beautifully written or a great literary piece.  I give it 5 stars because it is a wonderful story of love and commitment, finding one’s self, supporting others, diversity, and acceptance.  It’s not preachy or critical, it’s honest and educational (without feeling educational).  It is truly moving.

"Insidious" by Catherine Coulter Review

“Insidious” by Catherine Coulter

Pulbished by Simon & Schuster

Finished 8/16/16 – 3/5 stars

I’ve see Catherine Coulter’s name for years but had yet to actually read one of her many books until now.  Unfortunately, I think the fact that I haven’t read her before is why this book is a 3 rather than a 4.  I enjoyed the stories (there are actually 2 separate, unrelated mysteries) and yes, this book can stand alone without having read the other 19 books in the series prior, however, I think I would have greatly benefited by having read some of the prior books.  If I knew more of the background of the main characters I would have been more attached to them and had better insights into their thoughts and beliefs.  The more you know a character, the more you understand them and the choices they make.  When an author writes a series, they can’t be too repetitive with information from prior books because those that have read the entire series already know the background and prefer not to have too much repeated – it takes away from the new story.  So, my take away from reading this book……I need to start from the beginning and go read the first in the series – “The Cove”.  Based on this book, I think I'll enjoy it and eventually read the entire series.

In this book, one of the FBI main characters is sent to CA to try and solve a case in which a serial killer is targeting young actresses.  Back in DC, two of the other main FBI characters are trying to find out who is trying to kill a very wealthy family friend.  They are two unrelated mysteries and both have little twists at the end.

If you have read her other FBI series, I would recommend you read this book as well.  If you haven’t, I think you need to join me in starting at the beginning because I have a feeling it will be worth it.

Thank you to Net Galley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review.

"A Whole Lot" Review

“A Whole Lot” by Bradley Wind

Published by Kindle Press

Finished 8/3/16 – 3/5 stars

 

This is the story of Abel, a young boy who became a savant after he experienced a head trama when his mother dropped him as a little boy.  He spent years in foster care before a family member could be located to take care of him.  Unfortunately, that family member has a lot to learn about motherhood and how to treat others in general.  As a savant, Abel doesn’t have a normal childhood – he’s too intelligent for regular school, has a difficult time getting along with others his age, and is obsessed with mathematical theories and formulas.  This book tells of how Abel tries to overcome obstacles thrown at him while trying to make a better life for himself.

Whereas I enjoyed the story, I feel like it fell a little short…..yet I can’t explain exactly how.  There were times the story didn’t seem to flow very well and at times there were just too many details related to Abel’s math theory, although I know that was a big part of the story so should have been expected.  Overall it was a good book, just not one of my favorites.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.