The Secrets Between Us
This is the sequel to the book The Space Between Us that I read last month and loved. The sequel is equally as good with a great story line, however, while there is still some sadness there is also so much more hope.
4.0 stars
Boys from Biloxi
In recent months, I have been enjoying reading some John Grisham books. I read a couple of older books (The Whistler and The Judge’s List) earlier this year and enjoyed them. This book is his newest and I was interested because it references some of the characters from those older books. This book was equally intriguing and a good read. You actually don’t have to read the older books to understand or enjoy this one.
3.5 stars
Take My Hand
Like many true stories, this one is disturbing and maddening. You may wonder why I read these types of books and the answer is that I think it’s important to know not only what happened but to also understand that these types of atrocities did actually happen in this country in recent, modern times. It continues to amaze me the attitudes that the medical establish had about Blacks, Black women in particular and also poor people. They actually believed that these folks were less than human and had no problem making life altering decisions for them.
This book tells the story of a new nurse in the South who discovers that a government sponsored program for birth control on even young girls is leading is also a sterilization program. The girls and their families however, are unclear that this is what is happening. A very tough subject but definitely worth while information.
4.0 stars
Mad Honey
Years ago, I was a huge fan of Jodi Picoult books. Eventually, I realized that the books were fairly formulaic and hadn’t read her in recent years. Recently, I started hearing about a Jodi Picoult book that was definitely worth reading. And, it was nothing like her older books. As it turns out, those people were right! This book is highly intriguing, with many current topics covered and some surprises along the way. Definitely worth the read. FYI-the other Jodi Picoult book I’ve heard good things about (but have not yet read) is Small Great Things.
3.5 stars
Clark and Division
I chose this book for one of my book clubs. It was different from recent reads and the story sounded interesting. Ultimately, I did like this book very much and I look forward to the sequel that is due out sometime later this year. My one criticism of the book is that at times the main character doesn’t sound like an American born Japanese young woman during World War 2. Her language at times sounds way too modern.
3.0 stars
All My Rage
This is a book that I read for another of my bookclubs. It is considered a YA (young adult) book. It is the story of 3 different characters in a small California town who deal with, racism, drugs, poverty, immigration issues and a host of other frustrating life situations. This is the first book I’ve read that had “trigger warnings.” The TW were for a number of issues including police brutality and domestic violence. Many in the book club weren’t a fan of this book but I enjoyed it. It is difficult to listen to because it is teenagers dealing with very serious issues in very teenager ways. It can be hard to listen to teens make bad things harder for themselves. However, it was a very good story told by 3 main characters. It was a good way to get in different perspectives and help highlight not just how different circumstances are perceived but also how hindsight is not helpful for a situation but can be a learning experience.
3.5 stars
Reading Journey-Goal= 70 books
August-6 (44 total). It’s getting close to the end of year and 70 is feeling a bit out of reach right now. However, I continue to be proud of how much I’ve been reading and how consistent I’ve been.
Any recent good reads to share? Share in the comments.
