One Chapter

Brighter Than the Sun by Daniel Aleman

5 stars YA

What had once been an opportunity had now turned into an obligation as the situation changed. It had felt like privilege to cross into the U.S to attend school but now, as the family situation changed, Sol felt that attending school would have to go on the back burner as the family’s restaurant needed her attention. Trying to juggle school and work just wasn’t cutting it, perhaps she should just work as the family needed her financial help now before it was too late.

What a heavy burden for a 16-year-old to carry. Being the only individual in her family born in the U.S., Sol had the ability to travel back-and-forth freely between the U.S. and Mexico which was a tremendous benefit for their family. Sol and her family lived in Mexico and they owned a restaurant there. Her mother had just recently passed away and this restaurant was her passion. Since her death, this restaurant has struggled to stay afloat and unfortunately so has her family. Her mother was a huge part of their family and they all miss her badly. Sol has traveled to the U.S. to attend school for a few years with her father being her driver to the border. I can just imagine this ride as the two of them sit in the car twice a day. Sol proud that she is able to get a better education and her father proud and reserved, his daughter the person he could never be. As the restaurant struggles, Sol takes a job after school to help the family financially. With the long hours, Sol decides to stay with her best friend in the U.S. during the week and return to her family in Mexico on the weekends. I was having mixed feelings as I know that some sixteen-year-olds can handle this separation and for some, it’s a breaking point.

The first couple weeks went good as Sol tried to get into a routine. She was embraced by her new weekday family and when she returned to Mexico, she crammed as much as she could into those few days. Needing more money, she worked more hours and her time away from Mexico stretched. The more money that she brought it, it didn’t seem to be enough. Losing the restaurant would mean losing another piece of her mother, she couldn’t let that happen. As she fought with her emotions, I could feel the tension and her hope fading. When is enough……enough.

I really enjoyed this book. The cover of the book and the synopsis is what hooked me on this one. The book starts off rather sad as Sol talks about her name. Born on the day of the Feast of Our Lady of Solitude. Soledad feels the loneliness follows her wherever she goes. She had even tried to give herself a couple nicknames to get away from her name but nothing took. So, she was stuck with Sol. She has high expectations for herself which she has a hard time lowering throughout the book. Her best friend, who she stays with in the U.S. tries to talk to her about this. Ari tells her that she needs to let go and that she doesn’t need to control everything all the time and Sol listens but its hard to apply this information when you life is spinning out of control. The more that Sol spends in the U.S., Sol realizes that she’s different than when she’s at home. I love it when she makes this light-bulb moment yet what can Sol do with it. A great read that worth picking up. 5 stars

The Measure by Nikki Erlick

5 stars Dystopia/ Science FIction

Would I really want to know this? What would I do any differently if I did? The implications of what this information can and do to a person was immense. It’s worldwide, who would know these things and why did they do this? The implications of this information could do to a society was monumental. Imagine you open your front door one day and you find a box lying there. Inside this box, is a string that could tell you how many more years you have left to live. Would you want to open this box? Would you tell anyone if you did? Would you live your life any differently, if you did? If you didn’t open your box, would anxiety be eating at you because you do not know?

Oh, my friends, I’ve read this book over a week ago and I still can’t stop thinking about it. The conversations I’ve had with individuals over this topic, let alone the book itself. I think I could read this book again and I would need to slowly read each sentence as I feel I inhaled the book the first time I read it. I was surprised at the impact that these little strings brought to the individuals, their families, relationships, communities, and the world. Holy Moly! As I read this book, I kept interrupting my husband and giving him the latest update on the book’s details yet after a while, he began asking me as I became absorbed and he started to feel left out. I guess I can say that we read this book together and we had some great conversations about it. I’ll admit that I’m not one into science fiction but this little gem of a book got me thinking and following the lives of the characters was a huge wake-up call.

As for me, I’d look at my string. I couldn’t handle the anxiety of not knowing. Would I change my life? Perhaps. I do try to enjoy each day now and luckily, I don’t have to worry about a string, at least for now. Read this for the thrill but don’t get too stressed out about it. 5 stars

Overboard (V.I.Warshawski #21) by Sara Paretsky

4.5 stars Mystery

I did it again! I jumped into the middle of a series without knowing anything about the characters, the conditions or any previous incidences (which seemed to have played a big role in this book). I was intrigued by the mystery of this case and with a rating above 4, I thought the book had to be good so I dove it. Besides not knowing about some of the previous relationships or should I say, the clashes and quarrels that existed prior to this case, it was a good stand-alone book.

Out walking with her dog along Lake Michigan, Vic’s dog notices something amongst the rocks. Vic’s dog is fixated on whatever he has found, leaving Vic no other choice but to see what has gotten his attention. It’s late and it’s getting darker by the minute so she reluctantly climbs down amongst the rocks to investigate. What? How in the heck did this girl get here? Is she alive? Questions float through Vic’s mind as she pulls her dog away so she can get a better look at the girl and look her over. Alive but barely that, Vic calls the proper authorities to assist the girl as she stays with her and tries to provide comfort.

Assessing the situation, Vic tries to piece together what she can from the evidence that is presented in front of her. Vic plays a vital role in this girl’s life now, even though she doesn’t know it. Vic was first on the scene. She was the eyes and ears of the scene before it was disturbed by the local authorities. Did she see or hear anything that could be important? What lead this girl to be hidden amongst the rocks on the hillside of Lake Michigan?

With a great beginning, I was intrigued as to why this young child was hidden in the rocks? I thought perhaps it was a boating accident but the clues started to go the wrong direction and the authorities just weren’t being honest. There was some shady behavior happening, a cover-up of some sort perhaps and why was a young girl is involved, this was beyond me. Vic was a go-getter and I liked her attitude. Perhaps I should go back and read this series from the beginning. Thank you, William Morrow, and NetGalley for supplying me with arc of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. 4.5 stars

The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson

4.5 stars Historical Fiction

This is a sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek but you can read it as a stand-alone, if you like. I highly recommend that you read the previous book first though, as you’ll want to get nestled into the rural hills of the Appalachian Mountains to get a better understanding of the individuals who reside there and the ways of the land. I’m not saying that you’re going to like what you find in these back-hills but they had a certain way about doing things. While The Book Woman’s Daughter’s gets you up to speed with what has occurred to Honey’s parents and why Honey is living the life that she is, just reading about the first book and learning about her mother’s journey will make you recognize and grasp the journey that Honey is about to embark upon in this new sequel.

I’m not going to go into all the details about the book as you can read that in other reviews that individuals have written. After reading the first book in this series, I was content with how the book ended and in my own mind, I had already written my own sequel. I didn’t need to read a sequel as I had already made up my mind what had happened to Honey so I was reluctant to read this book as I didn’t want my own ending to change. I know it sounds a bit strange but I wanted less conflict and drama to surround Honey after everything her family had endured. I could see her following in her mother’s footsteps but she’d do it on her own terms and she’d do it quietly. She’d find her own circle of individuals who’d accept her and who knows what would happen. She’d settle in the mountains and be happy.

As I read the book, I realized Honey was very much like her mother. She’s an independent woman who liked people. It was no surprise that she got the job as an Outreach Librarian and like her mother, she adds her personal touch to this librarian position. I enjoyed her relationship with Pearl and I thought she looked up to her. Both of these women were making a difference in the lives of many while satisfying their own needs. Honey, like her mother, took her job seriously and she was attentive to the people around her. She was a humble person to those that she served and she didn’t judge them which made her great at her job. Honey also stood up for what she thought was right which considering her background could have been dangerous. I enjoyed this story, some parts were predictable which was fine, as it was a comfortable and satisfying story. 4.5 stars

The Book of Unknown Americans by Christina Henriquez

4 stars Fiction

It’s Kirkwood Apartments, the home to a variety of Hispanic individuals who all have a story and a voice. Maribel and her parents move into the building when they arrive in the U.S., after Maribel experiences a medical issue. Needing special schooling for Maribel, Kirkwood Apartments fits the needs for their family since Mexico couldn’t. It’s a difficult adjustment for everyone but there are other individuals in the building who are experiencing these same issues, so the family has others that they can lean on.

I enjoyed the residents of this building, as they all had unique stories and they all came to the U.S. with high hopes. Although many were still were struggling, as I heard their stories, I couldn’t stop the emotions that I was feeling for them. They had expectations once they arrived in the U.S. and now, what do they do? The person that they once were back in their native country is now standing on foreign soil, confused and lost. Who can they turn to?

Once an important businessman in his country, this man is now working in the U.S., a gloomy, bleak environment, because it was the only business that he could find that would sponsor the Visa’s that he desperately needs. Then, there’s this another gentleman, who came to the U.S. and he begins selling drugs to make the money that he needs to survive. I’m sure that the church would look down upon this man, should he go back to his native country and try to resume, the Lord’s calling of his name. The stories were moving and heart-breaking, each one unique but they were all the same.

Mayor lives across the street from the Kirkwood Apartments and he meets Maribel. Mayor knows there is something special about her and he takes his time getting to know her. Mayor feels more relaxed and carefree around Maribel and he especially likes the way that she pays attention to him. A romance starts to occur, a slow and gentle relationship that’s surrounded by the residents of the Kirkwood Apartments. 4 stars

We Were Killers Once by Becky Masterman

3.5 stars Mystery

This was the fourth book in the series but I jumped right in, starting with this book. I didn’t feel lost as I started to follow the investigation into whether there was a third person involved in the Clutter murders. They had captured and executed two of the killers in that case BUT what if they had missed another criminal at the scene? What if this criminal had killed someone else? What if one of the executed felons had written down some details about the murders and the authorities had yet to discover such information? They really needed to make sure that everything was put to rest before they close out this file.

In Kansas, the Clutter Family had just been murdered and as they discuss the case over smokes and alcohol, they realize the similarities between this case and another case. Had they discovered a missing link sitting around the kitchen table? What implications will arise with this new information?

This wasn’t the thrilling or intense read that I anticipated but it read more like a story with multiple points of view. They had a hunch and they needed evidence to back up what they were thinking. It wouldn’t be easy but they had a job to do. I found myself losing interest in the middle of the book but I kept reading. I liked how the author set the book up in the beginning and how they aroused my interest in the case. I found that in the middle of the book, they were either taking too long to uncover the details they were looking for or it felt as if they were rehashing the same information over and over again. An engaging conclusion though, brought everything together which is what I needed to close out the book. 3.5 stars I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for sending me this book.

Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth

4 stars Mystery

What the heck did I just read? This was one interesting book and I say that in a good way. It went against many of the traditional rules that books follow, which caught me off guard. I knew that this book was not for everyone and that it was unique but I think it was the way that the author presented the material, that made the book enjoyable and captivating to me. I just didn’t know what to expect from these dark characters.

Ralph discovers his mom Laura, has fallen. Although Laura doesn’t like Abby, Ralph and Abby have been living with his mother, in her house. Before we get too involved in the story, we discover that these three characters all have some dark issues that make this story entertaining or disturbing, depending on how you look at it. When Laura dies from her fall, Ralph and Abby take ownership of the house or so it seems. Abby works in a nursing home and has taken to one of her patients. I had to wonder how much of this relationship is based on her personal issues and how much of it is human nature?

With disturbed characters and no super hero around to come in and save the day, there’s sure to be some confusion and smoke before the dust settles. The book was a bit creepy, it made me think, and it gave me a new perspective. I’m glad that I read it. There are a lot of triggers in this book so beware if anything bothers you. Some readers think that the book is humorous but I only thought that parts of it were. 4 star read for me.

The Midnight Children by Dan Gemeinhart

5 stars Children’s/ Middle School Realistic Fiction

I could quote this book all day and still not get all the great lines that were written inside this fantastic story. Dan Gemeinhart knocks it out of the park again, with this story of Ravani who lives with his parents in the town of Slaughterville. Yes, Slaugtherville. Ravani dodges the bullies in his small town as he follows his lonely daily routine, day in and day out. One evening though, it all changes when he spots a truck across the street. The truck is dropping off some young children, in the middle of the night, who make their way inside the empty house carrying their suitcases. Ravani doesn’t spot any adults accompanying the children as they rush towards the house. As the day’s past, Ravani watches across the street for any activity and he keeps close tabs on the house for clues on who these children might be.

While out, Ravani spots the children. Ravani talks with them and they seem to be hiding something but I felt that it didn’t matter to Ravani. He now had someone that he could talk with. There were no expectations from neither Ravani or the children and they were comfortable with each other. I liked how innocent and cautious they were with each other; they weren’t judgmental or overbearing. When all the children were playing hide-and-seek, that moment with Ravani and Virginia when Virginia tells him “The Secret,” it just warmed my heart. Ravani invites them into his life and he sees life through their eyes. This experience opens up another world for him and for the children, they enjoy being a part of Ravani’s life.

A wonderful book! If you haven’t read one of Dan Gemeinhart’s book, you have definitely been missing out. A hairdryer book for me!

More Quotes:

” The first time we met, we both said that we weren’t looking for friends. You were lying. She took in a deep breath and let it out. “Well, guess what? So was I.””

“Instead, her eyes filled with tears. Quietly. Eyes are always quiet, technically, but at some moments they are even more quiet than usual. “

“Ravani skin tingled at those words. It was like hearing another soul say all the things that his own soul has been dying to say. And perhaps that’s all our souls are ever looking for: another soul they don’t feel lonely with.”

“They’ll always be people who want to make you feel small, Rav. But they shouldn’t do with your permission.”

“Honestly, the cupcake was way better. No offense. ” This was so cute and perfect – HA

“The thing about this world is that there’s all kinds of people in it, and there’s nothing you can do about that, ……..the only thing to do is decide what kind you are, and then be it. Don’t worry about anyone else. Especially the Donnies (bullies).

” The Donnies of the world are always gonna try and tell you you’re worthless. It’s your choice whether you believe them or not.”

Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest

4 stars YA

She lied in shadows and allowed everyone, the ability to “do” for her. She had a voice, she was capable to do things, she just didn’t. It was now her senior year in high school and this was it. Her friends would be going off to different colleges next year and Effie, she hoped to go off to college too. A college in New York City if she had her choice but that would mean she’d have to speak up.

As Effie enters her senior year, she discovers that she no longer has her second locker at school. Not a problem with most students but Effie has cerebral palsy and she needs the two strategically-placed lockers, to help maneuver sufficiently during the day. Mom decides that Effie needs to figure this issue out on her own so she relinquishes the control button and Effie is on her own to acquire and acquire back her second locker. I had to wonder how many times Effie was allowed to take control of her own matters and who decided when she could? Effie was now a senior and this was the kind of tasks that she was responsible for: a locker. How is she even going to make it in college, on her own, if these are the types of decisions she is only allowed to make?

Effie makes small steps in this book and with each step, you have to cheer her on. When she starts to a relationship with Wilder, I cringed as I didn’t want Effie to get hurt. I thought the worse of Wilder. I thought Wilder was using her. I thought Effie was a part of one of Wilder’s dares or schemes. I didn’t want Effie to fall for Wilder and have him laughing behind her back. She was an innocent and wholesome individual and I didn’t want her to be walked on. Would she be able to find her voice, if she needed it? When her high school opened up lunch period to the seniors, I cringed when she started to accept their explanation and excuses. She voiced her concern but she wasn’t loud enough. She wasn’t being heard. As they talk about college visits, Effie hesitates about mentioning the college in N.Y.C. She’s thought about the obstacles she’ll have to face in the big city, she thought about the travel time, heck……Effie has thought through this decision so many times yet she needs to go and do a college visit to see for herself what it would actually be like.

It’s a good book about finding your voice, about stepping outside the box and testing the waters. Effie could go about life and take the easy path, the safe path or Effie can speak up and make a difference for herself and other. 4 stars

The Last Word by Taylor Adams

4 stars Mystery

I loved the points of view in this book. It was such a great way to bring this story together as we read about Emma, who is isolating herself with her dog Laika in a beach house. There is only one other neighbor with whom she communicates with via textboard and window otherwise she spends her time reading and taking walks. When Emma leaves an honest, low rating of a book online, she’s harassed by the author to remove it. Emma refuses to accommodate the author which starts the ball rolling in this book and Emma’s quiet retreat by the water is over. I’m glad that she has her dog, Laika with her as she needs those extra eyes and ears now.

I liked the relationship Emma had with her only neighbor. Their means of communication was interesting yet I questioned how much this man was actually watching her and her movements. As the strange events started to occur and intensify, I started to look at the neighbor and wondered about his involvement and his connection to the author, who Emma thought was stalking her. I started to doubt who really was involved or if it was someone else entirely. Just when I thought the book might be winding down, a new wrinkle was thrown in and we were off again. I thought the middle of the book was a bit slow for me. I liked the character of Emma as she wasn’t someone who frustrated me with being forgetful or dizzy when faced with pressure. 4 stars