Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince

By Jennifer Moore

1812

Southern Belle Meg Burton is her parents last hope of avoiding financial ruin, and a distant cousin’s kind gesture seems an ideal solution: he will sponsor Meg for a London Season. The Pursuit of a wealthy husband was not exactly how the bookish young woman had envisioned her first trip abroad—after all, what does a girl from Charleston, South Carolina, know about being a lady? Amidst the stunning gowns and extravagant balls of the ton, Meg feels like an imposter. Thankfully, she has one friend who knows her true self—Carlo, a handsome stable hand. Despite their difference in station, love blossoms between the unlikely pair, and Meg is sure of one thing: she wants nothing to do with the insufferable European aristocracy.

Prince Rodrigo de Talavera has lost everything to Napoleon. Jaded by war, he has become bitter and miserable—until he meets Meg, an American woman whose eccentric schemes and passion for life remind him what it is to laugh and to love. If only she knew him for himself and not as Carlo the stable hand. With the shadow of deception looming over their happy acquaintance and the dangers of war drawing ever more near, can Meg and Rodrigo find the courage to put aside their pretenses and discover if they can be loved as they truly are?

Okay, this is my favorite so far from Jennifer Moore. I did like Becoming Lady Lockwood, but didn’t care so much for Lady Emma’s Campaign. This was right down my ally. Meg is a southern belle that has traveled across the sea for a London season, and she worries that she will never be up to snuff for the polite society in London. She feels homesick and out of place until she meets Carlo, the stable hand, and makes a friend. What she doesn’t realize is that Carlo lied about who he really was, and he is in fact, Prince Rodrigo from Spain. Afraid that he will lose the only friend and companion who doesn’t treat him like a trophy if he tells the truth, Rodrigo is frustrated when he starts to fall for the spirited Meg. And, like so many love stories before this one, we are left to wonder if the lies will prove too much for a love that could be once in a lifetime. While the premise is not new by a longshot, there’s a reason it’s used so often. It works. I loved reading this. Rodrigo is burdened by the war he and his sister left behind, Meg by her homesickness and feeling so out of place in a new country. I loved their story and it was a great way to indulge my need for a clean romance.

I give it a 4 out of 5

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

By Mary Ann Shafer

“I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb…

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

My sister told me to read this about 3 years ago, and I just now got around to it. Better late than never eh? I was reluctant to read yet another World War II book, and didn’t want the depressingness of it in my life. There’s only so much a soul can take of that level of depravity. But oh, how I loved this book! Written in a series of letters between Juliet (our heroine) and the citizens of the island of Guernsey in England, it was charming. Completely and deliciously charming. Heartwarming. Laugh-out-loud funny at times, and filled with hope and sunlight. It’s not all roses, but the hope that is displayed through these courageous islanders during the occupation of German soldiers on their island through all the horrors that wartime brings was inspiring. I fell in love along with Juliet for the island of Guernsey and it’s book-loving people. I was smiling through most of the book, and the heaviness of war is lightened by the strength of the human spirit. I understand now why this book is so heavily read by book clubs and loved so much. I almost immediately started recommending it to people. I do have a brief warning though: it does contain language (no “f” words) and it also mentions a character being Gay. Those are my main content warnings.

I give it a 4.25 out of 5

Longing for Home: Hope Springs

By Sarah M. Eden

Katie Macauley gave up her lifelong dream of returning to Ireland in order to make a home for herself in Hope Springs, Wyoming, but her future has never been so uncertain. Katie’s heart still remains sharply divided between playful Tavish and steady Joseph, though she feels ill-prepared to make a decision. Furthermore, the town is more divided than ever with both the Irish and the Reds stealing property, burning buildings, and endangering lives. In the midst of the growing unrest, temperatures drop quickly, too quickly, and Irish nightmares of famine and cold resurface as the little Wyoming town struggles to beat the harsh winter.

Katie makes one sacrifice after another to keep the peace and help see her loved ones through the difficult days ahead, but will her efforts be enough? Can the town make amends before their hatred consumes them all? And will Katie find the love she has been searching for as well as a home to call her own?

So I read it, after moaning and complaining about the first book (which I didn’t know was a two-parter series). My favorite part of this series was the feud and the social problems and prejudices this town faces. It was handled well and I was all a fever to figure out how Katie was going to fix things and help those town folk not be so idiotic toward each other. I was about halfway through this book when I hit a night where I couldn’t stop reading. I’d think, I’ll stop when this scene is over and I know what happens. That happened until I was finished at 3 am, and cursing myself for not stopping earlier. When all is said and done, I did enjoy this series, and I was glad that Katie ended up with the guy I liked. Another solid book from Sarah Eden (though I still like Corbin from As You Are the best.)

I give it a 3.5 out of 5

Esperanza Rising

By Pam Munoz Ryan

Esperanza thought she’d always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico—she’d always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn’t ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances—Mama’s life, and her own, depend on it.

 

I’ve been told to read this again and again and I finally got to it. I can tell why so many people told me to read it, and I’m fairly certain it has won awards, but not sure which. It’s the story of a rich Mexican girl turned poor immigrant to America that has to work as a laborer when her father is murdered in Mexico and her mother falls ill when they reach America. Esperanza means Hope rising.  This historical text is definitely about hope and rising above your circumstances. It was touching and educated me about a part of American history I didn’t know much about. I enjoyed the incorporation of Spanish words and culture as well. It’s a great book for kids and adults that enjoy historical fiction and coming-of-age novels.

 

I give it a 3.75 out of 5 but it’s dangerously close to a 4

The Book Thief

By Marcus Zusak

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery…

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist—books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

“I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be se ugly and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and brilliant.”

That is my consensus as well. This book was uncomfortable and strange, but beautiful and meaningful. It is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl in Nazi Germany who comes to hate Hitler, and has a Jewish man hiding in her basement. She is poor and almost always hungry, though not as much as her best friend Rudy, who has four brothers and sisters. She is tired of “everyone” (meaning Hitler) taking things away from her, so she decides to take something back. The words. The words that she hates and loves in the end. This book is more than just a story really, it’s art and poetry and humanity and depravity. Like any book about the atrocities of Nazi Germany, it has its horror, but it shows life from the perspective of a brave girl who has lost all she knew and tries to rise from the ashes in the midst of hatred and war. Zusak’s writing is gorgeous and haunting. And, what is more, narrated, not by Liesel, but by Death. Every part of this book is fantastic, telling, and remarkable. I was upset by the amount of swearing (a lot in German, but always translated) and a scene of nudity. It was difficult for me to read, but thanks to a YA class I had to, and I’m glad. I can say that I will most likely never read this in its entirety again, but there are parts that I will gladly go back to; specifically Max, the Jewish fist-fighter’s words. This book should be handled with care when giving it to young people, because it is upsetting at times and has mature content. I would wait until they are at least 15-16, preferably a little later. Again, content-wise there is a lot of language, nudity, death, murder, suicide, war, etc. It’s not for just anybody.

With that said, I give it a 4.8 out of 5- because of its ugly glory.

Scarlet

By A.C. Gaughen

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the evil Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity a secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only Big John and Robin Hood know the truth—that the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. It’s getting harder to hide as Gisbourne’s camp seeks to find Scarlet and drive Robin Hood out of Nottinghamshire. But Scarlet’s instinct for self-preservation is at war with a strong sense of responsibility to the people who took her in when she was on the run, and she finds it’s not so easy to turn her back on her band and townspeople. As Gisbourne draws closer to Scarlet and puts innocent lives at risk, she must decide how much the people of Nottinghamshire mean to her, especially John Little, a flirtatious fellow outlaw, and Robin, whose quick smiles and temper have the rare power to unsettle Scarlet. Full of exciting action, secrets, and romance, this imaginative retelling of the classic tale will have readers following every move of Robin Hood and band of Thieves.

 

I’ve waited a while to read this book, but was a little ify when I started because of a few scathing reviews I found on Amazon. I decided to give it a go anyway, and found myself really disliking it, but not for the reasons others disliked it. So, if you know the basic Robin Hood story, you’ve got a good idea of the character of Robin Hood and his men right? Well, I really didn’t like what the author did to Robin. She made him all moody and weird.  I greatly disliked it, and also, Little John is not a player! Good grief. I hated the characters and the plot seemed to be secondary to the stupid love triangle that was going on. There was a lot of potential for me in the story about who Will Scarlet really was, but cross-dressing characters must be handled with care. Jimminy. I was going to try to give an objective review, but the more I write about it the more I get worked up. I really didn’t like this, but I think there are people out there who would really love it. It’s a love story first and foremost, a girl-power attempt (in my opinion) and really not about the poor overtaxed people at all. Sure, that’s what brings the lovers together, but other than that, they stay in the background. Oh, oh, and Guy of Gisborne really ticked me off. He was portrayed as pure evil (pretty much) and I disliked that. I liked how BBC portrayed him so much better…and okay I have a little mini-crush on Richard Armitage as well, so I’m a little biased toward the character now. Anyway, read at your own pleasure if you enjoy that sort of thing, but I cannot recommend this book at all.

 

I give it a 1 out of 5

Jepp, Who Defied the Stars

By Katherine Marsh

Jepp has never lacked in confidence and wit, despite his diminutive size. For sixteen years, he has lived a comfortable life in the Dutch countryside, the son of a loving mother who protects him from the scorn of an unkind world. But this is no longer enough for Jepp. He longs to see the world, to seek his forune. Then a man arrives at his mother’s alehouse, promising Jepp a life of adventure he can’t refuse. Courtier to the Spanish infant, Don tells Jepp mesmerizing tales of the magnificent court. Before he knows it, Jepp has left behind all he knows to begin a new life. The Infanta’s court is not what Don made it out to be. Though he now lives in luxury, Jepp faces constant humiliation as a court dwarf, serving the whims of an all-powerful queen. The only joy in his life is his love for the beautiful Lia, who is small like him. But even this is soon taken from him, when an ill-fated escape from the castle leaves Lia dead and Jepp brokenhearted. As punishment for Jepp’s defiance, he is sent to the palace of Tycho Brahe where he faces the greatest challenge of all: can he defy the stars and his fate?

 

When I found this book I thought it was going to be a fantasy book and was surprised to learn it was based on history. I really enjoyed learning some things that I didn’t know about court dwarves (which was pretty surprising and horrible) and finding a character in Jepp that was deep and endearing. This book isn’t a fantasy at all, it’s a human story about a young boy’s coming of age and being thrown into the ‘real world’ and trying to keep his hope for his future alive in the midst of tragedy and pain. Jepp’s story is everyone’s story; and it’s a journey you’ll want to take, hardships and happiness alike. This book was heart-warming and often heart-wrenching.  All in all, it is a gem worth gazing at.

 

I give it a 4 out of 5

Death Comes for the Archbishop

By Willa Cather

 

This novel follows the life story of bishop Jean Latour and his work as a catholic in a new and untamed land of the Southwest.


This was the last Willa Cather book I had to read for my major authors class and it was my least favorite. Compared to Cather's other works, this one fell short for me; it felt stale and disjointed. It follows the stories in the life of Jean Latour and his hardships in the southwest and trying to firmly place Catholisism in the lives of the people. It is interesting and infomative, as well as some choice descriptive scenes by Cather, but it lacked the richness of her Prarie narratives. It was much like One of Ours, toward the end when it is set in France and less interesting; except it was through the entire book. Anywho, if you're going to read Cather, I'd suggest reading The Professor's House or O Pioneers!

I give it a 2 1/2 out of 5

Edenbrooke

By Julianne Donaldson

 Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredome of bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, mariann finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke



I had heard nothing but good about this book since it came out; ladies were saying they'd cried, they'd laughed and they'd already read it about eight times. I wasn't overly inclined to read it until I kept hearing similar reports. I was afraid of a 'I'm trying too hard to be Jane Austen' author. I was warned that it was cheesy in a lot of ways, but it was a really cute book with a great CLEAN romance. That's one of the major selling pitches for the book. It is absolutely clean. Something I miss tremendously when I do get in the mood for a little romance. Erotica is revolting for me. So when I picked up Edenbrooke and started in on Marianne's story, I was immediately sucked in to the warm fuzziness of the book. It's got the romance, a mystery, an almost murder, personal tragedy, and character development. My personal favorite touch was that Marianne wasn't looking for romance...she didn't need it to survive, it happens and it's lovely. This book was so beautiful in so many ways, and it touches you. Now, for the criticism.  Being a history stickler, there are quite a few little things in this book that I knew would never happen in the Regency era between a man and a woman, and that irritated me just enough to rate this book a little lower than normal. I guess I'd call it over-familiarity?  It's nothing huge, just me being OCD. The other is the few cheesy parts that were even a little too much for this cheese lovin' gal. But overall, this is a great book for women who need a good romance in their life that doesn't come with the hot and heavy stuff.

I give it a 4 out of 5 (just because it was so refreshing to read a clean and proper romance) 

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

By Avi


Not every thirteen-year-old girl is accused of murder, brought to trial, and found guilty. But I was just such a girl, and my story is worth relating even if it did happen years ago. Be warned, however: if strong ideas and action offend you, read no more. Find another companion to share your idle hours. For my part I intend to tell the truth as I lived it.


This was a fun story by Avi full of mystery and adventure on the high seas. This is a novel about a young girl (13 if I read correctly) that, through a set of strange circumstances, travels alone on a merchant ship from England to her home in America after having finished school to join her family. Her trip is a growing and learning experience. Should she trust the gentlemanly captain of the ship, or should she trust the black cook Zackarias who is rough but friendly? There are many hints and clues that there are things that aren't right on the ship Seahawk- like the men who ran away from the ship on the docks, or how Zacharias thinks Charlotte needs a knife to protect herself, or how the captain asks her to spy on the crew...
This is a fun read that taught me a lot about ships and sailing. There are diagrams in the back so you know what she talks about when she mentions the forelock and the galley. It is an intense read with murder and mystery abounding. I was actually surprised a few times while reading it; you'll enjoy Charlotte's voice.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

By Rebecca Skloot


Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. Henrietta’s cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can’t afford health insurance. This phenomenal New York Times bestseller tells a riveting story of the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew.


Okay, here's a book I would never have read if not for college classes. This book made me sick. I can't believe all the stuff that goes on that we don't know about; I'm kinda hoping that Ms. Skloot was a bit elaborate in her telling of the story of Henrietta and her family and her cells. There's a lot of science in this book that is downright interesting enough that I would have loved to read just the science stuff because the human interest behind the story is tragic and horror-filled. Take a black family that doesn't much mind about incest, isn't able to educate themselves, is abusive, molesters, and has a case of murder and you have a very brief history of the Lack's misfortune. Take the doctor and science point of view about taking a woman's cells without her knowledge and then you start to wonder...what else are they doing that we don't know about? This book made me slightly paranoid of doctors. I can't and won't reccommend this book because of the mention of abuse and incest and molestation among other racial and ethical crimes. It's an emotionally hard book to read, but extremely well-written and, as far as I can tell, well-researched. If you have a second go look up Henrietta online. It's just too interesting not to know the science part of her life. Chances are, someone in your family is alive today because Henrietta died...

Mendel's Daughter

By Martin Lemelman


In 1989, Martin Lemelman videotaped his mother, Gusta, as she opened up about her childhood in1930s Poland and her eventual escape from Nazi persecution. Mendel’s Daughter is Lemelman’s loving transcription of his mother’s harrowing testimony, bringing her narrative to life with his own powerful black-and-white drawings, interspersed with reproductions of actual photographs, documents and other relics from that era. The result is a wholly original, authentic and moving account of hope and survival in a time of despair.


This memoir is pretty haunting. This is another holocaust story, but in a different perspective. I was expecting concentration camps but was suprised to find a story about how a family survives in a different way until the war is over. This book has a comic book kind of layout that gives life to the story told by Lemelman in his mother's words. It can be a little difficult to read because he writes it just like she tells it, she often refers to her father as 'the father' and other such things, but once you are used to it, it becomes a great voice in the story. The pictures aren't gory, but artistically done. Often when people are drawn dead they are merely laying on the ground, but it's the absence of blood that was haunting for me. There is only one really questionable drawing and that is of a mother nursing a baby. There is a little language and talk about woman's monthlies (don't know if that bugs anyone), and of course referencing to wartime violence and Jewish persecution. It's quite the read, interesting as well as emotionally told. Often when something horrible was being told, a picture of the people involved would be shown, but their hands covered their faces, as if it was too hard to face. It was powerful.

Goliath

By Scott Westerfeld


Alek and Deryn are aboard the Leviathan when the ship is ordered to pick up an unusual passenger. This brilliant/maniacal inventor claims to have a weapon called Goliath that can end the war. But whose side is he really on?
While on their top-secret mission, Alek finally discovers Deryn’s deeply kept secret; two actually. Not only is Deryn a girl disguised as a guy…she has feelings for Alek.
The crown, true love, with a commoner, and the destruction of a great city all hang on Alek’s next—and final—move.
The thunderous conclusion to Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan series, which was called “sure to become a classic”


LOVED IT.  Did you happen to read Mr. Westerfeld's other series Uglies? Well, to all of you people who were just a little disappointed with the ending of the last series, you will not be so with this one. How I love the characters in this story, the intricate weaving of actual historical figures into this alternate history where Darwinists fabricate animals for every purpose that they need, and the Clankers rely completely on their machines to help them. This ending to a great series, full of memorable characters and fantastic adventures, is one that will leave you completely satisfied. Deryn and Alek have loads of adventures ahead, and in this last written adventure their greatest challenge will be figuring out their feelings for each other. Oh please please read this series- it starts off a bit slow, but don't give up! It gets oh so very awesome the more you read. I love Scott Westerfeld for coming up with something so wondefully original and yet so reminiscent of the best fiction books I've read!

The Work and the Glory: Pillar of Light

By Gerald Lund

The first volume in the series The Work and the Glory begins the epic story of the Benjamin Steed family. In the 1820s they move from Vermont to Palmyra Township in upstate New York in search of better farmland. There they meet a young man named Joseph Smith and are thrown into the maelstrom of conflict and controversy that swirls around him. Did he really see the Father and the Son in a pillar of light? Has he truly been visited by angelic messengers? What is all this talk about gold plates and new scripture? In short, is he a prophet and seer or a monumental fraud? The answers each one gives to these questions-intensely personal, potentially divisive-will dramatically affect the lives of the Steeds forever after.


So here's another great historical fiction about the LDS (Latter Day Saints) and just how our church was founded and started. I adore this series, it helped me learn the history and I fell in love with the fictional Steed family of the early 1800s. If you are a member and you haven't read this series, I highly highly recommend it to you, and if you aren't a member go ahead and read it anyway, it's a great way to understand the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (also referred to as Mormons). Hear it from the mouth of an LDS author and follow the amazing history of this church and its pioneers.


You may have seen the movie- the first one was okay, but you really need to read the book my friend. Don't judge a book by its movie!

Crispin: The Cross of Lead

By Avi

“Asta’s son” is all he’s ever been called. The lack of name is appropriate, bcause he and his mother are but poor peasants in fourteenth-century medieval England. But this thirteen-year-old boy who thought he had little to lose soon finds himself with even less—no home, family or possessions. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he has been declared a “wolf’s head.” That means he may be killed on sight, by anyone. If he wishes to remain alive, he must flee his tiny village. All the boy takes with him is a newly revealed name—Crispin—and his mother’s cross of lead.
His journey through the English countryside is puzzling, amazing and terrifying. Especially difficult is his encounter with the juggler named Bear. A huge, and possibly even mad, man, Bear forces the boy to become his servant. Bear, however, is a strange master, for he encourages Crispin to think for himself.
Though Bear promises to protect Crispin, it becomes clear that the boy is being relentlessly pursued. Why are his enemies so deterined to kill him? Crispin is gradually drawn right into his enemies’ fortress, where—in a riveting climax—he must become a different person if he is to save Bear’s life and his own.

Before this book, I had never read anything by Avi, of which I have been told is a shame. I am inclined to agree after my first sampling. Avi is something of a writer that I like; he is thourough, has a high but easy-to-read style, has a message to present, and memorable characters and vivid scenes. I enjoyed Crispin, as a historical fiction, and also a tale about a boy who simply wants to be free. Being a book placed in the middle ages, there is always some reference going on towards the church and priests, and prayer, and it's lovely. It seems like a lot of people don't want to touch the subject of any religion except to put it down. I enjoyed Avi's view on it; it's only as good or as bad as the men who teach/preach (speaking of the church of England). If you haven't read Avi, I think Crispin is an excellent place to start, and I was excited to find that Avi has written other adventures with Crispin but this book can stand alone; you need not read the others if you don't want to.

A Tale of Two Cities

By Charles Dickens

Where "Great Expectations" lacks realism, "A Tale of Two Cities" follows a record of historical events. Being so well crafted, it is remarkable the novel was written under than duress of constant deadlines. Following the deadlines of a serial, it would seem easy to digress into fluff. Protagonist Charles Darnay is caught between the parallels of England and France, nobility and peasantry. Though the wording is very plotting at times, readers will expect some twists and be surprised by others. Taking an unlikely bride, Darney would seem to have reached an equilibrium. But two trials for treason lead to revelations threaten to tear all that is sacred from him. Known as the villain, Madame Defarge may hold a reputation with some before reading the book. Yet plot details are able to reveal her as a sympathetic character. Yet the vile nature of her plotting ultimately corrupts this glimmer. With themes of social justice and the French Revolution in the background, historians have come to appreciate this work. Those who read the book with less appreciative eyes may overlook the biting humor in the novel. Omitting this aspect is allowing one's self to miss a highlight of the book. It is a novel that has greatness hidden in many places."


I will never forget Sydney Carton. How his character struck me! This book has been looked at with apprehension by many (including me) probably since it was first published. Everyone knows the immortal first line, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Most people don’t get past the first page. Dickens tends to do that to people. But boy is it worth it to keep plowing through! I myself love Dickens, so I’m a little biased. I will however, tell you that there is a lot in this novel that seemed unnecessary and-dare I say it? Too wordy. That kills me to say, but I think that the point could have been gotten to a bit quicker and consisely. It’s hard to follow what character is talking because Dickens refers to them by at least 3 different names each. So, while the middle parts are a bit muddy to me, the basic point of the novel was very well learned. The French Revolution was more than awful. This novel is poetic and beautiful in its terrible setting. It gave me chills reading those last few pages, and sent great thrills in my heart as I read those last lines, “Tis a far better thing that I do now than I’ve ever done before.”

The Boy Who Dared

By Susan Campbell Bartoletti

In the newly formed Third Reich, Hitler's initial political doctrine is filled with hopeful solutions for a country plagued with unemployment, poverty, and a post-World War I feeling of defeat. Propaganda and promises quickly turn to oppressive new laws including the required participation in the Hitler Youth. Helmuth Hübener enters the program and is at once impressed with the bravado, shiny uniforms, boots, and patriotic fever sweeping the country. But his Mormon-based teachings trigger questions in his mind about the reality behind the regime's invasions of neighboring countries, mistreatment of Jewish citizens, and closely controlled media. He creates an underground newsletter with information gathered from BBC reports using an illegal shortwave radio. As he secretly distributes the flyers throughout the town, his boldness encourages him to gather several accomplices resulting in his arrest, trial, and execution. The novel opens as he is on death row, and the story is told as a series of flashbacks. Helmuth is portrayed as a brave, outspoken voice amid a family of acquiescing brothers, mother, and new SS stepfather.

This book was incredible. I usually steer away from WWII books and holocaust anything, simply because it makes me feel sick. But this was something different. This was a story about a young German boy who doesn't agree with Hitler and makes the ultimate sacrifice to tell people how wrong the new reich is. And what surprised me even more was that he was Mormon, which made me feel strangely connected to the story. Helmuth Hubener was a real boy and a true hero. After reading this book I thought a lot about his story and I don't think I would've had the courage to rebel against the government. It's a great story about a horrible time in history. And for me, Helmuth has become one of my heroes. The above picture was taken when he was 16, just a year before he was executed.

"Truth and Treason" is a major motion picture coming soon to theaters based on the life of Helmuth Hubener. Haley Joel Osmet is playing Helmuth. If you want to watch it go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx1jHc8H2EY It will be a spectacular movie.

Incantation

By Alice Hoffman

Estrella de Madrigal thought she knew herself: daughter, granddaughter, dearest friend. But truth is rare in this cruel and unforgiving century in Spain, when Jews who refused conversion to Christianity risked everything- love, life, family, faith.
Then: a startling discovery shakes Esrella’s world to the core. Emerging from a cocoon of secrets, new love burns brightly, but betrayal unleashes a monstrous evil upon her. Estrella must find the strength-despite grave consequences-to become the person she is destined to be.

Remember the story she is about to tell you.

This is a story about love and loss. This is a story about finding yourself and then being true to what you find. This is a story about faith. I loved reading this book. Alice Hoffman has a very dream-like way of telling a story and it has a haunting effect when it’s a story about something that really happened. The setting is Spain during the inquisition; Jews are forced to denounce their religion or die. This book opened my eyes; I don’t like to think about the many cruelties that were inflicted upon people in history, but this was not only a story about loss, it was a story of hope and enduring. I’m glad I read it, it really was beautiful, though heart-wrenching. I will definitely remember this book and read it again. Absolutely beautiful.