"A Nearly Normal Family" by M. T. Edvardsson

A Nearly Normal Family by M. T. Edvardsson is set in Sweden. It tests a father’s faith, a mother’s ethics when Stella, their 18-yr.-old daughter is charged with the murder of a 32-yr.-old man on a playground. Stella and Amina are unlikely best friends since Kindergarten (or preschool). Stella is impulsive, seeks adventure, and is a skilled liar who feels her parents are too controlling. Her father, Adam, is a pastor and her mother, Ulrika, is a criminal defense attorney. Amina is a good student, plans for her future, and likes and understands Stella. They were both on the same handball team and were good players, but Stella quit because she got bored having to follow all the planned plays! This book asks the questions, “How well do you know your own children?” and “How far would you go to protect them?”

This book was pretty interesting although it moved along a bit slowly and doesn’t have much action. It touches on issues of ethics, rape, and family. The is presented in three parts: part 1 is from the father’s perspective, part 2 is from the daughter’s perspective (the most interesting), and part 3 is from the mother’s perspective.
(Karen’s review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 13: With an eighteen-year-old daughter you have two options: either you drown under the constant worry or your refuse to think about all the risks she seems to love taking. It’s simply a question of self-preservation.


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"Under Currents" by Nora Roberts

Under Currents by Nora Roberts is a very interesting read about overcoming domestic violence. Zane, 14, who dreamed of becoming a pitcher for the Orioles, and his younger sister Britt are physically and emotionally abused by their well-respected parents and comprise the main story line which follows them into adulthood.

 I really liked Zane and his sister as well as their aunt Emily. Another subplot is Darby who divorced her abusive husband pretty quickly and after her mother died in an automobile accident, moved to Walker Lakeside Bungalows in North Carolina to buy her own home and start up her landscaping business. Darby took self-defense classes after her divorce so knows how to defend herself. (Zane and her are my favorite characters so was happy when they became an item.) The third subplot is about Clint and Traci Draper, another domestic violence situation where Clint’s family lives all around and spies on Traci constantly. This book has bright spots though too, it is not all fighting. I enjoyed the addition of Zod, the ugly dog and liked learning some about a landscaping business. I also enjoyed the happy family interactions.

I liked this book a lot because it was interesting to me how people helped those who were in the abusive situations. It has some violence, action, love, family, romance and mystery. It is contemporary fiction and one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys reading about relationships and family issues. It could also be considered inspirational for anyone who is suffering from domestic violence or abuse.
(Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review:
Under Currents by Nora Roberts centers on Zane Bigelow.  Zane has a rough childhood as he has an abusive father who gives beatings to everyone in the family!  Zane feels he has to do something to put a stop to this.  He also deals with this when he grows into manhood.  The book is divided into four parts.  The first part is very good and action packed.  The fourth part is also very good and has good action in it. 

The second and third parts I did not enjoy as much.  The author has a good flow to this book and keeps things moving along.  I liked Zane, Darby and Zod the best!  On the strength of the first and last parts, I give this book 5 stars.

Teaser from page 390 (Large print version): “All of them, every one, had played a part in ruining his life, in humiliating him. He would ruin theirs, every one.”


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"The String" by Caleb Breakey

The String by Caleb Breakey is about a very creepy, mean guy who calls himself  "The Conductor" who creates a string of people he controls to do bad things through manipulation and threats.  I almost gave up right at the start when he abused a dog, but kept reading and he didn't do it anymore after that.  People do not have any choice if they are chosen to be on his "string" although Haas, one of the Trenton University cops is determined to break the string.  Can he do it?

I was eager to see how this dark thriller would end but did not like the ending.  It has quite a bit of action, suspense and mystery.  It is written so the reader does not find out who the conductor is until almost the very end!  In some ways this reminded me of The Chain.  I thought The String was even creepier, a bit too much for my taste.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Gerard's review:
The String is about a man who gets people to do things they would not normally do because he has something on them that makes them have to do it or their loved one will have something bad happen to them.  He calls himself "the Conductor."  I could never really get into this book.  I never had the moment that would get me caught up in it!  The premise was good enough, but I  do not think the writer brought out as much as he could have and I did not like the ending.  (3 stars)

Teaser from page 23:  "You catch on fast, you officer, SWAT team, professional, you.  One moment you're ready to unwind and let all that stress melt away.  Then the next you're making a deal with the devil, yes?  That is the power of the will." 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Night Before" by Wendy Walker

We have a new family member!

The Night Before by Wendy Walker deals with two sisters, Laura and Rosie.  Laura goes on a date with a man she met on the internet.  When she does not come home the following morning, Rosie is worried and the search begins.  Should she be more worried about Laura or the man who she is with because she knows what Laura is capable of?  I enjoyed both of the sisters very much.  The story line was okay, but I needed more action!  It still earns a solid 4 from me!
(Gerard's review)

Oh, to learn about our new dog, Roxy, read her blog post about her first few days with us on our other blog:  I'm Out of the Shelter!    

Teaser from page 22: I find my reflection in the tiny oval mirror and give it a look of admonishment.  My brown eyes and mousy hair.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Nickel Boys" by Colson Whitehead

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead is based on a real story.  This book takes place in the early 60s.  Elwood is a young boy who makes a mistake and is sentenced to a reform school called "Nickel."  There he meets a young boy named Turner.  Nickel is a rough school, but especially for young black boys.

This is a short book so a quick read.  I liked the contrast in thinking between Turner and Elwood and how they handled their time in Nickel, a school with very corrupt officials. 
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 17:  He'd been so proud of his ability, dumb and simple as it was.  He never settled on one conclusion until he got to Nickel, which made the truth of the contests unavoidable.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!