Dead Heat

Dead Heat
by Patricia Briggs
Ace Books, 2015, 324 pgs, Fantasy

In the fourth book of the Alpha and Omega series, Charles and Anna take a personal trip to Arizona to buy Anna a horse for her birthday, and visit Joseph, an old friend of Charles. Although the visit is supposed to provide a break from Charles’ enforcer duties, the couple still manages to find themselves in the middle of a dangerous situation. A fae that specializes in kidnapping and killing children is loose in the area, and has targeted Joseph’s family. Now Charles and Anna must find the fae and stop it before anyone else dies.

I felt like character development was a strong point of this book. The new people introduced from Joseph’s family are given depth, even though they are temporary characters. I also enjoyed learning some more of Charles’ back story, and looking at him through Anna’s perspective is especially useful since she reads him better than anyone else. Really there’s so much to enjoy with Patricia Brigg’s books, and Dead Heat does not disappoint!

ER

Fascism

Fascism: A Warning
by Madeleine Albright
Harper, 2018, 288 pgs.  Nonfiction


I’ll be honest.  I’ve never really understood what fascism was.  But thanks to Mrs. Albright’s very interesting examination of the fascists who have shaped our modern world, I am closer to understanding how to identify such people and the dangers they pose to our freedom and future.  She begins with the fascist ideas and leaders that were responsible for World War II and ends with a warning that these same ideas are held by a new generation of leaders. 


I thoroughly enjoyed this tour of world politics from a woman who has been so influential for so many years.  Her writing is clear and direct and she pulls no punches as she points to those who may challenge the democratic world we now inhabit.   This is a wonderful exploration of the topic and will hopefully become the warning it was intended to be.


CG

Girls Burn Brighter

Girls Burn Brighter
By Shobha Rao
Flatiron Books, 2018. 307 pgs. Fiction


This powerful story of friendship set against the cruelties of the word is told alternatingly by two girls, both born into poverty in India.  After Poornima’s mother’s death she finds little happiness in life until Savitha is hired to help with the family’s weaving business.  Savitha is a breath of fresh air and Poornima soaks in the joy and hope her new friend has in abundance.  But a brutal act of abuse breaks Savitha and she disappears into the Indian underworld.  Poornima is left behind to an arranged marriage that brings little joy until she decides to take charge of her destiny and search for her friend.


This is not an easy story to read.  Any time human trafficking is described, readers should be prepared for violence and abuse.  But I felt like Rao handles these situations in a careful way without becoming too graphic while still staying true to the situation, which I admired.  Her heroines are wonderful, strong, women who do what they must to stay alive and somehow manage to maintain some level of hope for the future.  This is a novel that sticks with you and describes a dark part of the world few of us, thankfully, will ever know.


CG

The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water
By Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus
Feiwel and Friends, 2018. 315 pages.

Elisa Esposito is mute, an orphan, and lives a dull life as a night janitor in 1962 Baltimore. One night she discovers that her place of employment, the Occam Aerospace Research Center, harbors a dark secret. The Center has secreted away a sensitive government asset: a humanoid amphibian creature captured in the Amazon and studied to give the US a Cold War advantage. Elisa is drawn to the creature and begins to communicate with him by teaching him sign language. She soon realizes that the magnificent creature is so much more than a terrifying monster—he understands human emotion and may have much to offer the human race. In order to save this creature’s life, and her heart, Elisa must find a way to save him from the diabolical research facility.

Though you may have seen the Academy Award’s Best Picture of the year, you may not be aware that a companion novel was published at the same time as the movie release. Guillermo del Toro’s reimagining of a classic monster tale is as beautiful as it is relevant to modern audiences. It is not so much a monster-horror as a commentary on social outcasts and their treatment in a narrow-minded society. Whether it is through race, disability, same-gender attraction, or post-war PTSD, each character in this story is an outcast in some way, and their struggle is what makes this story a true masterpiece.

ALL

You Bring the Distant Near

You Bring the Distant Near
By Mitali Perkins
Farrar Straus Giroux, 2017, 303 pages, Young Adult Fiction

From 1965 through the present, an Indian American family adjusts to life in New York City, alternately fending off and welcoming challenges to their own traditions.

This award-winning book brings up the unique perspectives of being multi-cultural in America through many generations. Learning to find a balance between your Indian culture and your American culture would be a different task in the 1960s than in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, or even today. While some characters defined themselves largely by their culture, others tried to assimilate, and still found that their culture affected the way they lived their lives. Either way, I found all of the characters in the book to be relatable and interesting, which is hard to pull off in a book that covers so many generations.

This book is beautifully written, but listening to the audiobook version of this book made reading extra enjoyable because of the narrator’s Indian accent.

If you enjoy this book, you might also enjoy When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon.

MB

Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success

Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success
By Rory Vaden
Perigee Book, 2012. 212 pgs. Nonfiction

Rory Vaden is an incredibly successful person, and motivational speaker. In this quick read on self management, he answers the question of how to be successful in 7 steps: sacrifice, commitment, focus, integrity, schedule, faith, and action. What you will find in common with all Rory's principles is that there is nothing truly magical about them. He says it all in the title "taking the stairs" rather than "riding an escalator" metaphorically speaking is how we can change and become successful people.

If you really enjoyed The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People  you will like reading this. I felt a lack of motivation recently in school, and this reminded me that I should make choices that stretch me. The only way to have it all pay off is to put in the time and dedication. This books sparks motivation as well through Rory's personal experiences that have shaped his character. When you read about him you realize he is not privileged in any way, but has achieved great things by not taking any short cuts.

MM

Lilac Girls

Lilac Girls
By Martha Hall Kelly
New York: Ballantine Books, 2016. 487 pgs. Fiction

This World War II historical fiction is about three women, whose lives will come together as a result of the war. There is Caroline Ferriday who works with aiding orphanages in France, Kasia Kuzmerick a Polish prisoner  at the Ravensbruck concentration camp, and Herta Oberheuser a doctor at Ravensbruck. Although this is a fiction book it is based on the true of the prisoners of Ravensbruck.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was powerful in helping me to understand the trauma that happened to these particular prisoners at Ravensbruck. Throughout the book I did not understand how Caroline's story fit in with the other two narratives, but Kelly did a great job at pulling the story together at the end. Martha Hall Kelly's website provides some great sources that helped in writing the book, which I read through in-depth wanting to know more about these stories of World War II.

MM

Spelled

Spelled
By Betsy Schow
Sourcebooks Fire, 2015. 344 pgs. Young Adult Fantasy

When Dorthea, the Princess of the Emerald Kingdom, makes a poorly worded wish in a bout of anger, she destroys the rules of magic. Her parents have been sent to a strange place called “Kansas” and the kingdom’s head sorceress has disappeared. With the help of the kitchen maid, Rexi, and the broody Prince Kato, Dorthea must try to reverse the curse and prevent the wickedest witch from escaping her icy prison.

I enjoyed all of the fun easter eggs and tidbits that the author included connecting the land of Oz and fairy tale stories. It was refreshing to see Dorthea’s character development from a rich, spoiled princess to someone that you at least don’t want to kill. There were a few twists and turns that kept me guessing, and overall was a simple, fun read.

 TT

Butterfly: from Refugee to Olympian, My Story of Rescue, Hope and Triumph

Butterfly: from Refugee to Olympian, My Story of Rescue, Hope and Triumph
By Yusra Mardini
St. Martin’s Press. 2018. 284 pgs. Biography

Yusra Mardini is from Syria, where from a young age she trained as a swimmer. As a young person she represented Syria at various international competitions and cherished a dream to someday swim for Syria at the Olympics. Then in 2015, after her family’s home was destroyed in the civil war that engulfed Syria and Damascus became an increasingly dangerous place to live, she and her sister Sara fled. Her book recounts their dangerous and grueling journey through Turkey, Greece, Hungary, and Serbia to Germany. Along the way she encountered reporters who were writing about the refugee crisis and wanted to photograph and interview her. Germany welcomed the refugees but life was still very hard until she found a swim coach who helped her start training again and find a place to live. Struggling with the one word identity “refugee,” she almost passed up a chance to swim in the 2016 Olympics on a refugee team, but encouraged by her parents, her coach and her newspaper and television contacts she decided to compete. Since then she has become the youngest ever Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and has embraced her identity as a refugee in order to speak for the thousands like her who have fled war and only want peace and a normal life. This is an inspiring read for adults and young adults. SH

We Two: Victoria and Albert, Rulers, Partners, Rivals

WeTwo: Victoria and Albert: Rulers, Partners, Rivals

By Gillian Gill
Ballantine Books, 2009. 480 pages. Biography.

It was a love affair that would define an era. The marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert was the most influential of the nineteenth century, and yet it didn’t begin so auspiciously. When they first met, neither one found much to be interested in, Victoria was willful and Albert was shy and awkward. But when they met again in 1839, Victoria found that Albert had grown into a beautiful, cultured, accomplished man. She proposed three days later.

Both were looking for a strong, intimate relationship based on trust and love, one like they had never experienced in their childhoods. Yet each one had yet to learn the art of compromise. Gill chronicles the passionate and complicated marriage of two strong-willed and dynamic people who would come to influence not only the country they ruled, but the world.

This biography is a joy to read. It isn’t dry or interminable. Gill creates vivid portraits of not only the Queen and her prince, but also their families and ministers. Anyone who likes Daisy Goodwin’s Victoria : a novel or the movie The Young Victoria will enjoy this biography. AG

Rhett and Link’s Book of Mythicality: A Field Guide to Curiosity, Creativity, and Tomfoolery

Rhett and Link’s Book of Mythicality: A Field Guide to Curiosity, Creativity, and Tomfoolery
By Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal
Crown Archetype, 2017. 269 pages

If you frequent YouTube, you might be familiar with the net’s most popular “internetainers” Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, creators of the internet show Good Mythical Morning. This book is part biography, part field guide, and part mythical beast all its own. Inside you will find such treasures as: a flow chart for dealing with road rage, photo-diagrams for creating signature dance moves, a humor-compatibility multiple choice quiz to take with your friends, a character building board game, tips for writing your own eulogy, and much more. In addition you get to know Rhett and Link a little better through anecdotes of their childhood and personal lives.

I was not sure what to expect when I first cracked this one open. Don’t get me wrong—I love Rhett and Link and their show Good Mythical Morning. I watch pretty faithfully. I just wasn’t prepared for how this book would steal past my defenses and straight into my heart. Not only is this book hilarious and entertaining, but also surprisingly inspiring. Each chapter focuses on bettering your life and your relationships by having fun and being creative. Plus, Rhett & Link’s lifelong friendship is pretty inspirational in itself. Though a book with two grown men submerged in a giant bowl of cereal on the cover may seem juvenile, this book will delight readers of all ages.

ALL

Children of Blood and Bone

Children of Blood and Bone
By Tomi Adeyemi
Henry Holt and Co, 2018, 531 pages, Young Adult Fiction

Seventeen-year-old Zélie, her older brother Tzain, and rogue princess Amari fight to restore magic to the land and activate a new generation of magi, but they are ruthlessly pursued by the crown prince, who believes the return of magic will mean the end of the monarchy.

Children of Blood and Bone is arguably this year’s hottest young adult novel, and I’m happy to say that this book is not over-hyped. This is a compelling epic fantasy with world building based on Africa and various African cultures, which automatically makes this book unique and appealing. I also enjoyed that the characters in the book are flawed, but they are all trying to do the right thing. This book does fall victim to a few YA tropes, but for the most part the pacing is tight and I really enjoyed all of the plot twists (including one at the end, which has me anxious for the sequel!). Older teens who liked last year’s Strange the Dreamer, or any other epic fantasy, will love this book.

MB

One Hundred Birds Taught Me to Fly

One Hundred Birds Taught Me to Fly
By Ashley Mae Hoiland
Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, 2016. 213 pgs. Nonfiction

Through original writing and illustrations, Hoiland explores the art of finding God. She uses personal musings, thoughts, and experiences to address her own journey on topics such as Grace, Redemption, Laughter, Zion, Tradition, and more. Hoiland makes a case that creativity, adventure, and laughter are just as important as faith, hope, and charity when striving to develop a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. She questions attitudes, concepts, and principles that are ingrained in LDS culture, and whether they benefit or hinder growth and understanding about the divine.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It made me examine my own beliefs and thoughts on a variety of topics, while encouraging action. The author is a real person who is very relatable as a mother, woman, and member of the LDS faith. I felt that she understands many of my challenges and struggles, and made me want to deepen my own relationship with the divine and broaden my understanding. It was a great balance between stretching and growth without becoming preachy or condemning.

TT

Raven's Shadow

Raven's Shadow
by Patricia Briggs
Ace Fantasy, 2004, 334 pgs. Science Fiction

Seraph is a Traveler her particular order is Raven who has magical capabilities, when her clan is killed by plague and her brother by superstitious town folk . She is spared from the same fate by the retired soldier Tier who happened to be passing by at the same time. Tier has now been kidnapped and Seraph is on a quest to save her husband from the mages who grabbed him.

I really enjoyed this duology. All of the characters had beautiful development without the plot dragging. I loved the magic system in the series and I love the growth that the characters went through as they were developing. I found the plot engaging and I loved listening to it.

MH

Space Opera

Space Opera
By Catherynne M. Valente
Saga Press, 2018. 304 pgs. Science Fiction

Hailed as a cross between The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Eurovision, this is a rollicking, rocking romp through the galaxy as Earth finally looks up to meet the rest of the galactic family.

While humans were learning to make tools and get into arguments with one another, a greater war was being waged in the galaxy. The Sentience Wars tore the galaxy apart and the aftermath created a curious tradition, once every cycle the civilizations of the galaxy gather together for the Metagalactic Grand Prix. It is part clash of the gladiators, part beauty pageant, and part epic singing contest.

The stakes are high; the contestants and their species who fail to score higher than at least one of the other participants will be annihilated and their planetary resources will be seized. The fate of the Earth lies in the hands of a washed up rocker named Decibel Jones and his rag-tag band The Absolute Zeroes.

Fans of Valente will revel in her rich descriptions and intricate dialogue. This book is a love letter to glitter, lipstick, silver jumpsuits, and platform shoes. Hailing back to the fabulous 1970s and with larger than life characters, this book is ridiculous—ridiculously good.

AG

The Fox Hunt: a Refugee's Memoir of Coming to America

The Fox Hunt: a Refugee’s Memoir of Coming to America
by Mohammed Al Samawi
William Morrow. 2018. 323 pgs. Biography

Mohammed Al Samawi was raised in a well-educated Muslim family in Sana’a, Yemen. Disabled by a stroke at a young age, he worked hard in school to make up for his physical deficiencies .He enrolled in English classes where he became friends with his instructor from England. He didn’t want this good man to go to hell so he gave him a Koran and begged him to read it. The teacher agreed, with the stipulation that Mohammed read the Bible. Mohammed became an interfaith peace activist and a target for assassination because of his exposure to the Bible. As chaos and civil war engulf Yemen, he turns to his international contacts on Facebook to help him escape to a place of safety. This is a gripping story and includes much interesting background to events in the Middle East. SH

Every Secret Thing

Every Secret Thing
By Susanna Kearsley
Allison & Busby, 2012. 474 pgs. Fiction

Kate Murray meets an old man who comments on a similarity between her and her grandmother and then mentions a decade old murder. Kate is busy and doesn't pay much attention to the man but a few minutes later he is killed by a hit-and-run driver. Soon she is running for her life because someone thinks she knows more than she does. She must look to the past to understand the present and her search takes her from present day London and Canada to the war-time streets of Lisbon during WWII.

Susanna Kearsley expertly weaves together two story lines, set in two different time periods. This book is part mystery/thriller and part tender romance and I didn't want to put it down. I would recommend Susanna Kearsley books to someone looking for a mix of mystery, romance, and historical fiction. Her books are also fairly clean with very minimal hints to sex, but no details, and no swearing.

AL

Where There's Hope

Where There's Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up
By Elizabeth Smart
St. Martin's Press, 2018. 261 pgs. Biography

Elizabeth Smart shares her insights about what it takes to overcome trauma and find the strength to move forward with life. She also takes the opportunity to interview other people who have faced trials in their own lives and asks them how they found hope and forgiveness.

This book was incredibly powerful and inspiring! The audio book is read by Elizabeth Smart which added to the power of her words. She shares her own experiences but what I really liked were the  interviews she did with other people. They showed how different people from different backgrounds found hope and healing after their individual tragedies. Some of the topics she addressed were healing physically, healing emotionally, healing spiritually, forgiveness, and hope. This book deals with heavy subjects but leaves you feeling uplifted.

AL