"Fourth Wing" (the Empyrian #1) by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros got my attention right from the start and kept it all the way to the end!  What a fantastic read if you like fantasy with dragons mixed with relationships.  Violet is a great character, the youngest in her family who finds herself in war college for dragon riders when she had her heart set on being scribe like her father.  Her mother, the commanding general, ordered her to go in the dragon rider quadrant against her wishes.  This book is all about her first year at the war college.  Violet is small, weak, doesn't want to fight but is also smart and clever.  

I loved this book because of the characters, the action, and the dragons.  Violet is an underdog who tries to overcome her weaknesses and beat the odds stacked against her.  She soon finds a target on her back because of who her mother is.  Violet is so nice and vulnerable that it was easy to root for her.  At some points, I cheered out loud and laughed out loud.  It had a lot of humor too!  I really enjoyed the connection with the dragons and Xaden is awesome!  So glad I can jump right into the second book in this series.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review:
In Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, Violet wants to be a scribe, but her mom has other plans for her and is running the show.  Consequently, Violet goes to school to be a dragon rider and help defend her country.  Her sister and friends tell her not to do this.  Violet goes anyway because she does not want to live with wondering what if she had made it.  

This book is very good from early on.  It has a great storyline and plenty of action.  I'll have to wait a few months for book 2, but looking forward to it!  (5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"My Side of the River" by Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez

My Side of the River by Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez is an interesting memoir about a young Mexican girl born to hard-working immigrants in the U.S.  Her mother saw to it she got a good education in the U.S. and told her she had to be the best.  She was at the top of her class through school even though she was homeless and separated from her parents when they couldn't get their Visa renewed.  I thought this book was quite interesting as her life was so different from mine.  It shows how hard it is for the immigrants.  She had quite a journey to say the least!  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

Gerard's review, 3/6/24:
My Side of the River by Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez tells the true story of a young Mexican girl, Elizabeth.  Her parents tell her how important an education is; unfortunately, when her parents get deported, she will have to take care of her younger brother and find a place to live.  I thought this book was very good.  I found myself cheering for Elizabeth as she tried to do the best for her and her brother.  What a story!  (5 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Days of Wonder" by Caroline Leavitt

In Days of Wonder by Caroline Leavitt, at age 15 Ella did a very bad thing.  She tried to kill someone!  She was pregnant at the time and they took her baby from her while she went to prison.  She got out when she was 22.  She wants to see her daughter, but how will she find her?  And if so, will her daughter want to see her? This is only one of many great story lines in this book!  This is family drama at its best.  I came to care about the characters and got lost in this book because the story line is that good!  This is one of the best books I have read this year.  LOVED IT!  Do not miss this one!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)   

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"After Annie" by Anna Quindlen is Fantastic!

After Annie by Anna Quindlen blew me away!  WOW!  Annie dies all of a sudden and leaves her husband who has no house cleaning or childcare experience at all and works all hours of the day!  Their 14-yr.-old girl now has to look after her three young brothers and keep the house clean.  As far as cooking goes, she knows how to make toasted cheese sandwiches but little else.  Will this family pull together and remember what their mother taught hem and told them, or will it fall apart?  

This book is about true life!  This is my favorite book so far this year and I highly recommend you read it!  If you only read one book this year, make it this one!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"A Dog Like Daisy" by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

A Dog Like Daisy by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb is about a veteran who is getting a dog to train to be a certified service dog to help him emotionally.  His son, Micah, doesn't like the dog he chose, but their relationship grows friendlier throughout the book.  Then ending was a pleasant surprise, but I liked Stay by Bobbie Pyron much better.  (Karen's review, 2 stars)  

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Stay" by Bobbie Pyron Inspires Children to Help Others

Stay by Bobbie Pyron is about a family that has to live in a homeless shelter and a woman who lives on the street with only her small dog to keep her company.  It also shows how people can rally around for a good cause and help others who are going through hard times.  I especially loved the parts where the dog tells the story. (Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Stay by Bobbie Pyron is a heartwarming, children's story about a girl, Piper, who is homeless but whose heart is set on helping someone worse off than her--an old homeless lady with a little dog, Baby.  I really enjoyed this book about the homeless, friendship, adventure, and helping others.  The dog had a big part in it and it has a good lesson about not judging others on the basis of their appearance.  I think it's a great children's story and highly recommend it.  I had trouble putting this one down!  (Karen's review 6/12/23, 5 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"I'll Never Tell" by Catherine McKenzie

In I'll Never Tell by Catherine McKenzie, five children from the same family are all grown up.  It has been 20 years since a young girl was found dead at a camp run by the family.  Their parents are both dead, but before the children can do anything with the camp and the land it is on, they must solve who killed that girl.

I enjoyed this book very much because of the good story line and characters.  It kept my interest all the way through.  (Gerard's review, 5+ stars) 

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Displacements" by Bruce Holsinger

The Displacements by Bruce Holsinger is about a family who is living the good life, real good!  However, a hurricane changes everything and now they will have to learn how to survive without all the good things they took for granted.  I enjoyed this book because I liked all the family members and the ending.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Younger Wife" by Sally Hepworth

The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth is told by three women:  Heather, who is going to marry a man in his 60s and Jully and Rachel, the daughters of the 60-yr.-old man.  I thought this book was really good.  The pacing is great!  You do not know what is going to happen next.  I loved how the women tell this story that has a very good ending!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Dread Locks" by Neal Shusterman is Dreadful

Dread Locks by Neal Shusterman was a dreadful for me.  I enjoyed many of his other books, but this one was too stupid.  The beginning was intriguing but that didn't last for long.  It's about Tara, a lonely teenage girl who turns people to stone and gives Parker her "gift."  I did not care for any of the main characters and really disliked Parker.  The best thing about this book is that it is short so didn't waste too much of my time.  Teens may enjoy it much more than I did though, as that is his primary audience.  Still, I would suggest you read other books by Shusterman instead of this one.  (Karen's review, 2 stars)      

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"All The Time In The World" by Caroline Angell

In All the Time in the World by Caroline Angell, Charlotte takes a nanny job to get her head back on straight.  She is actually good at it and really takes to the two small boys she is looking after.  When the mother dies in a tragic accident, Charlotte knows that she is needed now more than ever, but can she give up her musical dreams to look after the two boys and their dad?  

This book goes back and forth in time at an alarming rate!  I liked Charlotte and the two boys very much which kept me reading even though it went on a bit too long.  The ending was good though so worth reading.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars) 

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Four Winds" by Kristin Hannah is One We Both Liked a Lot!

You can count on Kristin Hannah books being good and The Four Winds is one of them!  In this one, she highlights the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era.  Elsa is kicked out by her family after she got knocked up by a farmer boy.  They got married and lived with his parents on their farm.  Elsa learned farming and loved her husband, but when the drought came with the dust storms, he couldn't handle it and left her and their two young children to try to find work in California.  

This book is really good!  I loved the character interaction all the way through.  Elsa was a great character who carried the book.  She had low self-esteem but turned out to be very brave for her children.  I would have liked a different ending, but still loved the book.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review 7/7/21:

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah is historical fiction about the struggle of farmers in America during the Great Depression and the big dust storms in the plains.  Many farmers left their land to try to find jobs in California where they thought they could find work.  Elsa, Rafe and her two kids Loreida and Anthony work on a farm in Texas with Rafe's parents.  When a long drought comes causing the crops and animals to die, Rafe leaves on his own for California.  When circumstances get even worse, Elsa has no choice but to leave with her kids as well.  Will Elsa find work?  Will she and her kids make it to California?  Will she find Rafe one day?  Will Rafe's parents be able to save the farm?  

This is a good book that made me appreciate all I have and how easy my life is compared to what people had to deal with during the Great depression.  I felt the characters were real people and cared about them.  This is a sad story about what love is and its importance.  I couldn't help but wonder how this book would end and was satisfied with the ending.  This book certainly opened my eyes and heart to the poor people who live in poverty.  I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction dealing with survival. 

This book reminded me of The Children's Blizzard because both dealt with children trying to survive the elements, but I liked this one better because of the writing and because there is more action in it.  (5 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Mother May I" by Joshilyn Jackson

Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson is about Bree, a hands on mom.  She is there for her kids.  One day while watching a school play both of her daughters are in, her infant son is taken.  Bree is told to go home.  Orders will come and she better follow them if she wants to see her infant son alive!  What will Bree have to do?  How far will she go?  Who took her son and why?

This is a good book.  I found myself caring about the characters and the story line kept me involved.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)  

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Big Lies in a Small Town" by Diane Chamberlain

Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain is a fascinating story about a several artists--two during the depression (Anna and Jesse) and one in 2018 (Morgan Christopher).  Jesse Jameson Williams is a well-known black artist who likes helping young, struggling artists.  This is a story about mistakes and moving forward.  There are a lot of questions, the primary one being why Jesse would choose to insist that Morgan Christopher be the one to restore an old messed up mural painted by Anna Dale to be hung in his art museum by August 5, 2018, opening day.  Other questions include:  Why did Jesse have the mural? What happened to Anna Dale?  Will Morgan be able to finish the mural in time?  Why did it have to be done by August 5?  Questions are answered gradually in alternating chapters told by Anna and Morgan.  

I was drawn into this story right from the start and really got to liking the characters.  The book is sort of like reading a puzzle as the pieces begin to fall into place.  Issues addressed are racial relations, alcoholism, rape, and family secrets, friendship and recovering from past mistakes.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)     

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Do No Harm" by Christina McDonald

In Do No Harm by Christina McDonald, Emma's son is very sick.  The treatment he needs to get better will cost lots of money which Emma and her husband, Nate, have little of.  Emma will do whatever it takes to get the money, even returning to her past life.  This is a good story that moved along well and kept me guessing what would come next.  I liked Emma and the ending surprised me!  (Gerard's review, 5+ stars)  

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Unnatural Acts" by Stuart Woods

In Unnatural Acts by Stuart Woods, a billionaire hires Stone Barrington to talk some sense into his wayward son.  Stone gives that job to Herbie.  Herbie finds out that this job will take some doing.  

I liked Barely Legal by this author better.  The characters in this were not well developed so didn't become very interested in them.  It is a quick read though with a predictable ending.  (Gerard's review, 3 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"We Dream of Space" by Erin Entrada Kelly is historical fiction for kids

We dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly deals with three young teens who live in the same family--Cash, Fitch and Bird.  They all go to the same school where the focus is on space and the launch of The Challenger.  It is also about their day-to-day lives.  I thought this book was pretty good and I enjoyed all the kids.  It flowed along well with some funny parts too.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 22:  "Maybe if you had a three-dimensional brain, you wouldn't be failing seventh grade for the second time," Fitch said.  "Good luck getting any homework done with your right hand in a cast.  Not that you know how to do it anyway."

 

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"You and Me and Us" by Alison Hammer is Very Good!

You and Me and Us by Alison Hammer is told mostly by Alexis who lives with Tommy.  Tommy always wanted to have a wedding and make it official, but Alexis does not want that.  CeCe, their daughter, also tells some of the story.  Tommy has always been there for CeCe.  Alexis, who runs her own business, not so much.  Unfortunately, Tommy has health issues and his time is short.  The story is about how these two women deal with this and other things that come up.  

I was into this book from page 1.  The writing is good and I enjoyed all the characters very much.  I think this book would make a good movie!  Must read this one!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)  

Teaser from page 25:  "It won't.  And I'm not going to put you or CeCe through what I went through with my mom.  The false hope, the pain and suffering."

 

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Brave Like That" by Lindsey Stoddard

Brave Like That by Lindsey Stoddard is about Cyrus, a sixth grader who finds himself telling lies and faking things in order to keep his secrets. I think this is a good book for kids because it's about accepting yourself and not trying to be something you aren't.  It's about being brave enough to do the right thing and not worry about what others think.  I enjoyed it because of the boy's relationship with Parker, the dog and his grandmother who had a stroke.  It's a happy little story with a good message.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Gerard's review 7/28/20:
In Brave Like That by Lindsey Stoddard, Cyrus is a young teen boy whose life changes when a stray dog comes into it.  Cyrus goes against his father's wishes by keeping the dog a secret, but for how long?  When the secret is exposed, will Cyrus be brave enough to stand up for what he wants?  I thought this book was pretty good even though it is geared to children.  If you enjoyed the movie and book Wonder, you will enjoy this one.  It is a quick read.
(4 stars)



Teaser from page 6:  Tears burn behind my eyes because it doesn't feel right to just leave him here.  It's now where he belongs.

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Daughter" by Jane Shemilt

The cat's face tells you what I thought of this one!

When I read The Playground by Jane Shemilt, I saw she also wrote The Daughter so I decided to read that too.   Unfortunately, I got sick of the writing style with jumping from the past to present in every chapter and all the description.  Perhaps had I not read it right after The Playground, I may have enjoyed it more.  However, it moved along extremely slowly which caused me to give up on it even before getting half way through it.  The daughter went missing practically from the start of the book, but after that, the action ended.  This is one I do not recommend.
(Karen's review, 1 star)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!