I recently returned from a week-long vacation at Disney
World with three small children. To say
I had no time to read is somewhat an understatement. For the first time in probably forever, I did
not pick up a single book or read a single line unless it described roller
coaster rides and princess schedules.
Strangely, I found this to be a nice break. Lately, I have been reading at a breakneck
speed in order to keep up with reviewing books on time. Now that I am hopelessly behind anyway, I plan
to slow down the pace and enjoy the rest of the summer. I hope that with this new outlook, reading
will become a relaxing and meditative part of my day once again.
Currently Reading:
-
Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
- The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames by Kai Bird (received through Goodreads)
- Wicked Temptation by Zoe Archer (received through NetGalley)
Recent Reviews:
Like No Other by
Una LaMarche (received through the First to Read Program)
4 stars
Devorah and Jaxon live in the same neighborhood but in
very different worlds. Devorah’s Hasidic
family is close knit but very insular in keeping with their traditions. Meeting Jaxon opens her up to love and a
whole new world of freedom and personal choice.
This book excels at setting up the very complicated issues that this
couple deals with and really explores Devorah’s world and its confines. Devorah and Jaxon are likable and intelligent
characters who try to be good people and do the right thing. Overall, it is a realistic portrayal of young
love and culture clash and I enjoyed it to the end.
Brutal Youth by
Anthony Breznican
4 stars
This strangely fascinating novel follows several freshmen
as they enter into their first years at St. Michael’s catholic school in the
1990’s. The school is brutal (thus the
title) and the freshmen are bullied relentlessly by upperclassman, teachers and
school administrators. It is amazing out
of this dark material that the characters are still sympathetic. The cycle of brutality at the school is to
such an extent that no one really knows how to stop it, but only how to survive
until it is all over. While at times
this book is overly distraught as no one in these students’ lives really stand
up for them, it does tell depict and honest portrayal of how these situations
repeat themselves. I received this book
from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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