"Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand
By the author of "Seabiscuit" "Unbroken" is a historical account of Louis Zamperini who survives incredible circumstances in WWII including a plane crash, 40+ days in the Pacific Ocean on a life raft, and three Japanese prisoner of war camps. The story is captivating to say the least; I was completely engrossed by this book. I was left with a lot of feelings as I finished this book including reverence, gratitude, admiration, anxiety, anger, sadness, and love. Hillenbrand's account of Louie's war experience and life are an incredible tribute to not just Louie but those he came into contact with that helped him "survive." This book made me want to hug my children a little more, for a little bit longer, and a little bit tighter. Like Louie's mother, I can't stand the thought of my boys suffering and the reality of WWII to so scary and the idea that war is occurring right now makes me physically ill.
"The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" by Steig Larsson
If you haven't heard about this book/series where have you been? The first of three, which I plan on reading, is good. It is a thriller and it is quite thrilling. Here's the catch: the first hundred pages or so are a little dull as the story is set in Sweden and there is a lot of talk about Swedish industry and politics. Once the plot gets going, however, it's a page turner. One more warning: the crimes are grizzly and difficult to read about. A journalist and a hacker set out to solve a mystery and end up solving a few mysteries. The hacker is quite awesome...you'll have to read it to find out why but here's a hint: girl power!
"The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaimen
This book is good for two reasons. 1) It is written with a unique style. 2) It is an interesting idea. The idea is that a boy is raised by ghosts in a graveyard. I had a hard time really connecting with most of the characters, however, besides the main character and his "guardian". I wonder if Gaimen did this purposefully, however. I also didn't think the antagonist/climax (it was slightly anti-climatic) was executed as well as possible as I was left with unanswered questions. I wonder if Gaimen intends to write a series which may answer my questions. Neil Gaimen also wrote the popular "Coraline."
My next book: "Sarah's Quilt" which is the sequel "The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine" by Nancy E. Turner. I haven't reviewed the latter book but said simply, every female book lover will love it.
1 comment:
I can't wait to hear about Sarah's Quilt. I'm nervous for it because it seems impossible to even remotely live up to the first. LOOOOOOOVE These is My Words, as I've already told you. So I really want it to be good.
I also loved The Help, btw. It is a fabulous book. Loved the characters so much. I still can't decide which woman was my favorite. I'm hoping the author writes more (cause I think this was her first book).
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