Review: The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co
Pages: 272
Source: Personal Copy




Jenna Fox has been lying comatose for a year, after a tragic accident she wasn't expected to survive. Upon waking up, Jenna does not recall anything, including who she is. She struggles to figure out who she is by continually watching home videos hoping to jog her memory. Fragments slowly come back to her but they mean nothing to her. She does not feel connected to the Jenna in the videos, or the Jenna in her memory. Some things are really confusing for Jenna. How can she remember things that happened when she was an infant but not her most recent years? How can she remember so many facts, and school curriculum? She remembers history facts but is told history was never her subject. Jenna becomes suspicious of her parents, and rightfully so. Her parents are very secretive and locked doors are common in her house. Her grandmother seems very distant and cold, despite the fact she remembers they were very close before the accident. Why does her grandmother seem to avoid her? When Jenna beings to piece her past together, and she begins to figures out their secret, she does not like what she learns. It raises more difficult questions for her. Is she still the old Jenna or is the old Jenna gone? Where does she go from here? 

The Adoration of Jenna Fox is one of the most imaginative, haunting stories i've read in awhile. I was hooked from the first page, and I felt sad to finish and leave Jenna behind. I felt Jenna's frustration and confusion throughout the novel. I also felt for her parents. Jenna was perfect in their eyes. She was their miracle child, and they would stop at nothing to protect her. This book will not disappoint. I will be looking for more novels by Mary E Pearson.

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Review: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Publisher: Penguin
Source: Personal Copy
Pages: 544


The Help is an astounding debut novel told from three very different perspectives. Kathryn Stockett has produced a modern classic of hope, courage, and independence. Once readers dive in, they will immediately be captivated and taken for an emotional ride, not wanting to miss a page. Readers are brought to Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960’s and prejudices are an everyday norm. The civil rights movement is in full bloom. Skeeter, a recent Ole Miss graduate is trying to make it as a journalist, and being a woman makes it that much more impossible. She’s offered a homemaker column, but knows nothing about cleaning. Hoping to write a more substantial topic, Skeeter receives some great advice from a woman in publishing- she is told to write about a topic that hasn’t been written before. Skeeter has a vision to expose the treatment of black maids in the white households. Raised by a black maid, she knows the impact these maids have on the children. Skeeter is appalled when her friends begin to install separate out-door bathrooms for the maids-insisting that it is needed to prevent diseases. Coming out and telling her friends that this is wrong, would surely cast her out of the community. Knowing that this project could potentially endanger those involved, Skeeter will publish anonymously. However, encouraging the maid’s to speak will not be an easy task. Aibileen is the first to agree to assist with the project, and eventually Aibileen is able to onboard Minny. Both maids’ are skeptical since they are unveiling stories from Skeeter’s world, many of them close friends but they bravely go forth with the project as tensions rise in their communities.


I bought this book when it first came out, but I kept putting off reading it. I’m not sure why exactly, maybe I was cynical of all the hype but I’m so sorry that I waited so long. This book has spent many weeks on the bestseller list, and deservingly so. Kathryn Stockett is an incredible writer, with a fascinating ability to engage readers. From the first page, to the last I was rooting for Skeeter. Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter were all in my thoughts when I closed the book. I loved Skeeter’s independence and defiant nature, especially given the times. When her mother is insisting she settle down and marry, Skeeter doesn’t want to settle. She dreams of a different world, but needs to remain central in her world. She’s pulled in two directions, and risks everything. Aibileen and Minny are not as sullen as you would expect. There was never a dull moment, and I read compulsively. If you’ve been putting this book off, I suggest you pick it up and being the first few pages…you’re going to be hooked. I do admit, the end was not what I wanted but honestly but that doesn’t make this any less of a novel.

Review: The Last River Child by Lori Ann Bloomfield

Title: The Last River Child
Author: Lori Ann Bloomfield
Publisher: Second Story Press
Pages: 280
Source: Personal Copy

Synopsis:

An old legend changes the life of one little girl and her family. Seth Staynor, his wife Rose and their two daughters, Peg and Sarah live in a quaint little town called Walvern. The small town people strongly believe in a well known legend. A legend Seth warned his wife about when she moved to the town a few days before their wedding. The Magurvey River which runs through Walvern is believed to have a spirit trapped beneath the water. A child that is drawn to the river may become a victim to the evil spirit, and allow the spirit to live on through the child. The town believes a river child is destined to bring bad luck and destruction to those around her.The towen firmly believes Rose's youngest daughter is a river child. As a result, Peg Staynor becomes the town outcast. Her mother becomes frustrated with the ridiculous legend and her father, unfortunately begins to join the town in their beliefs. During Peg's baptism, a meteorite lands on earth and barely misses the church. On the day war is declared, her mother suddenly dies. Each mishap in the Staynor's lives are blamed on innocent Peg. Peg is constantly aware of the town shunning her. Peg has a great ability to endure. She is compassionate, diligent and determined. Once her mother dies, Peg takes on her mother's responsibilities. Her sister Sarah, is a reckless wild child. Sarah's only concern in life is her own happiness. Peg tries to hold her family together during a world war that has no foreseen end in sight. The men are enlisting in what they believe will be a short, glorious war. Rose believed Peg would eventually leave Walvern to start new. However, Peg loves her town and has no intention of leaving. After the death of Rose, her father begins to retreat in side himself and begins to frequently disappear, Peg hold steady and observes her family while beginning a secret friendship with an inspiring aviator. Peg's friendship and letters to a soldier gives Peg an incredible amount of strength. Readers will learn never to under estimate the town outcast.

Overall Impression:

Every once in a while, you come across a book that you don't want to put down but don't want to finish. You want to savour every paragraph, sentence and word. This is a book I kept thinking about and would patiently wait to have a few minutes to read. Lori Ann Bloomfield has created a remarkable story. A story that came alive for me. Reading about the World War from a Canadian perspective was very interesting. I felt for the homesick men who had been away from home for years. Once the war had ended they returned home different men. Each character stood out, and evoked emotions in me. I felt for Peg, was frustrated by stubborn Sarah, and I was initially disgusted at Seth. When Peg's mother died, I was very concerned for Peg and Sarah. I knew Peg's only ally was no longer around to help her. This is a book I highly recommend. This book was a pleasant surprise.

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Review: Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Publisher: William Morrow: Harper Collins
Pages: 342
Source: Personal Copy
Category: Multicultural Fiction
Rating: 5/5


Synopsis:

Usha was born in a country where daughters may be seen as a burden. Sons help in the fields and stay with the family, daughters on the other hand are married off, and a dowry needs to be in place. If the dowry is too small, the bride may be burned alive. In the case of a poor family, a daughter is not essential, a son is. A daughter is expensive and not cherished. Usha's mother Kavita gave birth in a little hut, and was very excited to see that she has given birth to a beautifully, little daughter. When she showed her husband the baby, he scowled and walks away with the child. Kavita never saw her daughter again. The innocent baby had no chance at life, her little body was disposed of. When Kavita becomes pregnant a second time, she hoped and prayed that she would have a son. She could not possibly go through the same ordeal a second time. After giving birth to a second daughter, she was distraught and refused to have the baby killed. She pleaded with her husband for one night alone with the baby. In the middle of the night; sore, weak and saddened Kavita brought baby Usha to an orphanage a few hours away in Mumbai, hoping she will have a wonderful life. Usha becomes known as Asha when she is adopted by an American couple 10 months later. Asha's parents are a biracial couple, both doctors who met in medical school. Somer, an american is betrayed by her body when she learns that she will never bare her own children. Her husband Krishnan suggests that they adopt from his native country India. As soon as Asha comes into their lives, they fall in love with her and their world feels complete. As Asha begins to grow into a young woman, she seeks to figure out who she is exactly. She has never been to India, she hardly eats India cuisine, she is different from her Indian friends but she doesn't look like her American friends. This is a story of family, and what creates a family. Is it only blood that bonds a family? Life forces you to make choices in life, but that 'what-if's' still linger in our minds. Gowda keeps reader guessing throughout the story.



Overall Impression:

A truly, riveting, amazing read. Some books are written for entertainment purposes, this book transports readers into a world of heartbreak, shock and life's unknowns. This is more than entertainment, this is a book that lingers in your mind long after you've put it down. This story spans Asha's 19 years of life. My heart broke for Kavita, she wanted what was truly best for her daughter, she was shunned by her husbands family for giving birth to two daughters. Her third child was a boy, but all his events were bittersweet for her. She could watch her son grow up, but her daughter who was just a bit older than her son was somewhere. As she watched the children living in the slums, and the daughters prostituting themselves, she kept wondering if her daughter was amongst them. Somer and Krishnan tried to raise their daughter with the best of everything, they tried to keep India away from her, fearing the worst would happen if they brought her back. They wanted to Americanize her, and show her a safer world. Asha on the other hand had her own intentions and convictions. She was on a search to find herself. I loved that all the characters in this story did not play the victim role. All the characters did what they honestly thought was needed. Culturally daughters were not needed, Kavita's husband did what he thought was essential for the family. Kavita gave up her child, but she felt like she had no other choice. Somer and Krishnan dealt with what life handed them and raised their Indian daughter as their own. This is a story of family and endurance. A debut read, that will having you thinking.

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Review: Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

***one of my favorite reads***

Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Pages: 306
Source: Provided by Author
Category: Fiction
Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

We all have a path to follow in life, a path that is unpredictable, filled with ups and downs, some people come and go, while some others have a great impact on our lives. Beth Hoffman introduces her readers to the concept of a 'life book'. When one chapters ends, another is just beginning in each of our life book. Some characters overlap, and some constant. In each case our books are written by a greater being.
CeeCee Honeycutt is a sweet, charming little girl. In this novel we learn about her 'life book' and her difficult childhood. Her mother Camille, a southern belle with a troubled mind has difficulty coping with life in Ohio. Her mind has her trapped in the extravagant world of pageants. She is constantly reliving her glorious days living in the South when she was crowned '1951 Vidalia Onion Queen.' As a result of her mothers constant flare-ups, and her need to parade around in pageant attire, CeeCee is no stranger to ridicule. She has only one friend, an older neighbor named Mrs. Odell who tries to aid CeeCee. Her father refuses to deal with his wife, and he's mostly absent. He shows up from time to time, but CeeCee is forced to escape her unconventional life by reading. Escaping in the world of books is CeeCee favorite past time. As a result, she is a brilliant, dedicated student. When tragedy strikes, and her mother passes away CeeCee's whole world abruptly changes. A new chapter in her life book begins when she is sent to live with her wealthy great-Aunt Tootie in Savannah. CeeCee is reluctant, grieving, and angry. She's sure she will never forgive her father, she's confused about her mothers death and her Great-Aunt Tootie is a stranger. While Tootie is comforting and generous, CeeCee keeps tries to keep to herself. She's careful about retelling her stories about her mother. While CeeCee is trying to mend her broken, tattered heart, she is thrown into a world controlled by women. She enters a world full of female empowerment, and strong female relationships.


Overall Impression:

Overall, this is a delightful, uplifting and positive book. While it may seem that it is a very depressing story this is not the case. CeeCee's whole world changes for the better, and she comes to terms with her mothers illness, and her fathers absence. Her whole world is constantly challenged.The story is beautifully narration, and Beth Hoffman's vivid imagery had me picking up the book whenever I could get a few minutes to read. The novel is very character driven, and I loved each and every character. I loved Oletta, while she may seem like just a cook in the beginning, she had such a positive impact on CeeCee. She was firm, yet loving and wanted to guide CeeCee is the right way. CeeCee was a little lost, lonely little girl and this was a great coming of age story. This is a marvelous debut novel, and I will definitely be looking out for more of Beth Hoffman's future reads.

Review: The Jewel of St Petersburg by Kate Furnivall

Publisher: Berkley (Penguin)

Pages: 410
Source: Publisher
Category: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5/5


Synopsis:

Valentina Ivanova lived in bliss, born into the privileged upper class, she was the Jewel of St. Petersburg aristocracy. A pianist like no other, having the honour and privilege to play for the Tsar himself. While the aristocracy enjoyed their world, Russia was on the eve of a revolution. A revolution that would shock and destroy. The aristocracy refused to see the desperation amongst the Bolsheviks. Men and women were fighting not to starve, fighting for safe working conditions, and fair pay. The dire state of the working classed was mocked by the gentry. The men with nothing working amongst the gentry witnessed first hand the extravagant lifestyles of the rich. Valentina became a victim herself when her own home was invaded and bombed, crippling her sister and fracturing her relationship with her parents forever. Valentina began to open her eyes, and see the changes amongst her world. Trust very little, live in fear and hope for the best. Although, Valentina acknowledged the issues, she couldn't help but despise the men who paralyzed her little sister, she vowed to do everything possible to keep her sister safe and secure. Very few people took the revolutionists seriously. Her parents concerned themselves with marriage prospects for Valentina. A daughter was only good for making connections, she is expected married well. However, Valentina had her own visions for her future, she would be a nurse. When no one believed an aristocrat was capable, Valentina was mocked and dismissed but she kept hope alive. Her parents had the perfect marriage lined up, until Valentina met a Danish engineer named Friis. Her father begins to burden her with a secret, but Valentina remains strong-willed, and persistent.




Overall Impression:

Overall, this book was simply impossible to put down. I loved the juxtaposition between the aristocracy and Bolsheviks. Through the eyes of Valentina, the reader is able to see the effects of the destruction and terror caused by the revolutionists. A little girl is paralyzed, a family's home suddenly unsafe. At the same time men, women and children lacked food, fought diseases, and demanded higher wages in extremely unsafe working conditions. Government officials lives were constantly at risk, amongst the government officials was Valentina's father. The family driver Arkin, a revolutionary through and through explains in great detail his point of view. We see the arguments through each character's eyes. This book was fast-paced, compelling, and engaging. If you like historical fiction, you will want to read this one. This was my first Kate Furnivall book, but it will not be my last. A great read is always appreciated, and savoured, this is an amazing read!

Review: The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey

I’m currently reading “The Linen Queen” by Patricia Flavey and I’m really enjoying it. “The Yellow House” was one of my first review books, and I immediately fell in love with it. It was one of those books that I couldn’t put down. Any minute I could get free, I was grabbing the book and reading a few lines. I will have my review of “The Linen Queen” up shortly. In the meantime, I wanted to share my review of “The Yellow House.”


Title: The Yellow House
Author: Patricia Falvey
Publisher: Hachette Books
Pages. 329
Source: Publisher

“The Yellow House” takes place during revolutionary Ireland during the early twentieth century. Eileen O’Neil’s family has been torn apart. Her youngest sister Lizzie has died from the fever, buried by the hospital and no one knows where her body lays. Her mother becomes distraught and decides to leave the family, taking her older son Frankie with her. She admits Frankie is not fathered by her husband Tom and gives Eileen the choice to stay or come along. Eileen is divided but decides to stay and take care of her father and newborn brother Paddy. Shortly after, her father is shot and killed during political unrest and Eileen is suddenly alone running away from the revolutionaries with Paddy. Through all of life's challenges and obstacles Eileen holds on to the dream of mending her broken family. She believes her mothers mental illness is only temporary, and soon she will be able to reunite them and have them all living together under the roof of the yellow house once again.

Throughout the novel Eileen’s patience and hopes are constantly tested. While working in a textile mill, she catches the eye of the Owen Sheridan. Owen’s parents are the mill owners and Quakers who believe in prohibition and non-violence. Owen is the prodigal son trying to find his way in the world. He enlists in the War much to his parents dismay and Eileen tries to determine how she feels about Owen. When he returns from war engaged, Eileen decides she must move on with her life. Eileen becomes actively involved in the fight for independence and marries a fellow activist James Conlon. James believes the cause comes before all else, and soon Eileen is on her own again to raise their daughter. The twists don’t end here...

The Yellow House is an extraordinary tale. I loved it!! It kept me guessing until the end, so many twists and unexpected turns. I don’t want to give away any spoilers! Falvey has written a great page turner with intelligently plotted characters. I will be on the look out for more of her books. She did not disappoint. I kept rooting for Eileen throughout the novel. So many secrets are uncovered. Honestly, it was amazing!

Review: The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publisher: Revell
Pages: 298
Source: Publisher/Litfuse Tour
Category: Amish Fiction
Rating: 5/5


Synopsis:

Jonah Riehl has been trying his best to raise his daughter on his own. Living in an Amish community in Ohio, Jonah strives to raise an obedient daughter. One who would serve the Lord before all else. Life has been anything but easy. One terrible night, a buggy accident changed his life forever. His wife, Rebecca was killed, he was gravely injured but miraculously their infant daughter was unhurt. Wrapped in a blanket, little Bess comforted her mother in her final moments. Bess gave her father the strength and determination to persevere. Jonah has been finding it increasingly difficult as a single parent, but Jonah is reluctant to remarry. His heart still remains with his wife, and together Bess and him will survive. When Jonah’s mother writes to request that Bess spend the summer with her, to help her recover from “woman surgery” Jonah encourages Bess to remain with him. When it’s evident that her report card will be arriving shortly, and her algebra exam did not go as planned, Bess decides to go to Rose Hill Farm. Bess is a little reluctant, her grandmother is a little rough around the edges, but she knows duty is essential in the Amish community. When Bess arrives at Rose Hill Farm she quickly realizes that her grandmother’s surgery was nothing more than teeth extraction. Although she is baffled that her grandmother would fabricate an issue to get her to come to visit, she is quickly smitten by her grandmothers hired hand. Billy is handsome, intelligent, and everything Bess believes she wants in a man. While Bess is settling in at Rose Hill Farm, Lainey O’Toole deals with some issues of her own. Her car has broken down in the same town where she grew up, and believing in divine intervention she decides to listen to the clues and stay a short while. She has saved every penny to afford to go to culinary school, and has everything planned out. In the meantime Lainey accepts a job offer at the local bakery. Her car needs to be fixed, and she still has a journey in front of her. She’s sure that her issues will be sorted out shortly, and it is nice to be back home. Although Lainey is content, she does have a deep, dark secret that she has been harbouring for fifteen years. One night when she was ten years old, motherless and afraid she made a decision. This decision affects many individuals at Rose Hill Farm, some are about to find out.


Overall Impression:

Disclosure: I cried. I don’t cry when reading, and I cried. I think that’s a sign that this is a 5 star review. I loved every bit of this book, I was hanging on by every world, and each sentence had me more captivated then the one before.This is the third book in the Lancaster series, and I think this one has been my favourite. The Lancaster series is always filled with drama, and life choices. I really enjoyed book 1 (The Choice) but “The Search” was so heartwarming. Suzanne Woods Fisher constructed these characters that I fell in love with, I’m was carried through their journey, and was instantly hooked. Each character is authentic, genuine and realistically flawed. I was completely absorbed into their world, and I was sad when I closed the book after completion. Suzanne Woods Fisher is an extremely talented author, “The Search” is a riveting tale that must be read. A powerful story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. This book will warm your heart, and leave you seeking the goodness that may be hidden, but is unfailingly surrounding each and every one of us. A must read!

Review: Little Princes by Conor Grennan

Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 304
Source: ARC from Publisher
Category: Memoir
Rating: 5/5


Synopsis:

29-year-old Conor wanted to take a year long trip around the world, after receiving some criticism from his peers about this foolish trip, he decided to volunteer at a little orphanage in war-torn Nepal. Who could criticize a man who was taking a trip to volunteer to help little children? Conor thought is sounded pretty impressive, and after his 3 months, he could walk away and he would be free to do as he pleases. However, those 3 months changed his life forever, and when he tried to leave he realized a large part of him remained with those children.He had to go back. Conor was astonished when he learned that these children were not in-fact orphans, they were children subjected to child traffickers. In war-tore Nepal parents were desperate to keep their children safe, parents were willing to sell all their possessions to pay to keep their children from being conscripted into a rebel army that had formed in opposition to the government. Child traffickers were promising families in remote villages that they could protect the children -for a large fee- they could bring them to safety. Desperate parents would sell everything, and trust these strangers to take care of their children. The children would be led far away from home, and abandoned in the capital of Nepal, many of them landing in orphanages. Their parents far away, and unaware. After his 3 months, Conor continues on his trip but realizes he must do more. Conor gained the trust and love of the children and vowed to help them be reunited with their families. His initial ideas about his trip were abandoned, and he throws himself into trying to open a non-profit organization to help these children.




Overall Impression:

This is one that everyone should read in 2011.”Little Princes” is a powerful, heart-breaking, brutally honest memoir. Truly amazing, and a real eye-opener. Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down and I immediately wanted to tell everyone about it. The good news is, it’s in the bookstore and you can go pick yourself up a copy. Child trafficking is not something that I knew a lot about, and it’s so sad that these parents honestly thought their children were going to be educated and well taken care of, instead they were made into slaves, abandoned on the street, or placed into orphanages. This book made me grateful for everything that I have. “Little Princes” reads like fiction, and then you remember that this is a true story that happened not long ago. While this can easily be a very depressing book, Conor’s humor and the children’s resilience really shine through. So, one more time...PLEASE GO BUY THIS BOOK!

Review: The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publisher: Revell (Baker Publishing Group)
Pages: 308
Source: Personal
Category: Christian Fiction (Amish)
Rating: 5/5


Synopsis:

Carrie Weaver thought she had everything planned out. She grew up in an Amish community but she's been leaning on leaving. The love of her life Solomon Riehl has an opportunity to play professional baseball, and Carrie intends to follow him. They plan to marry and leave the Amish community that has always been their home. A hesitant Carrie acknowledges that her and Sol would not be shunned by the community. It is essential that they leave before they're baptized, otherwise they would never be able to come back and visit. However, life is constantly changing and you can never plan your entire life. When Carrie' father passes away after a farm accident, Carrie is drawn to her community and vows to take care of her little brother. She cannot bare to leave Andy with their detestable step-mother. A home that they were brought to when their father married Esther. A home where they never belonged. As far as Carrie is concerned Andy, a hemophiliac has received his last thrashing from Esther. Carrie is distraught when Sol leaves her behind, and she seizes her first opportunity to leave Esther's home. Carrie agrees to marry Daniel, a kind young Amish man her father approved and encouraged before his death. Carrie believes there's no better way to anger Sol. Daniel and Carrie both agree that they do not love each other but wish to build a home and move on from their misfortunes. Carrie inherits an extended family that she begins to adore. Throughout the book many twists and turns cause Carrie struggled with her faith. Her feelings towards Daniel are jumbled, and just as they begin to find their way towards each other Daniel is killed in a buggy accident. Carrie is guilt-ridden and overwhelmed. Carrie has no idea how to manage the orchard on her own, but she's adamant to survive and care for Andy and Daniel's grandmother. She wants to live in a home that is hers, a home where she belongs.




Overall Impression:

This is one of those books that I did not want to put down. It's was my first Amish novel, and I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. I fell in love with Carrie from the beginning, I laughed and cried along with her. Carrie is strong-willed and determined, when life kept throwing obstacles in her way she trudged through it all. I admired her, and really wanted her to succeed and be happy. Suzanne Woods Fisher created a sensational, inspirational read. This book dealt with forgiveness, love, anger, guilt and perseverance. I understood when Carrie' faith staggered. After all that she went through, it's hard not to wonder 'why me?' I was honestly thinking the same thing, why? Leave poor Carrie alone, I wanted her to be happy. As Carrie struggled with her Faith, she understood that God would take care of her. It's through the hard times that you need your faith the most. The characters were all amazing, there were characters I loved, others I hated. I stayed up late into the night reading this one, and quickly picked up the next installment 'The Waiting.' Honestly, a truly amazing, uplifting story. One you will not want to put down. This is for anyone who is looking for a gripping story. I will not be parting with book...

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