My goal for November and December is to complete the popsugar reading challenge. November was very successful in making a dent towards that. I have several remaining; however, with another good reading month, I should be able to complete my challenge. This month was an emotional rollercoaster of reading; however, I really feel like the books that are set during war really taught me something, even if they are fictional stories in some sense.
Ruta Sepetys
Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, World War II
PSRC - A book about an immigrant or refugee
As the war is drawing to its ending, many are still trying to escape the grips of death and battle. A stolen treasure, a hidden identity, and a little boy lost among the trees, all battling for their chance to get away, to escape. They will stop at nothing to leave their pasts behind and find freedom. Joining together seems risky, but fate keeps leading them to each other. As their stories unfold and their secrets are in danger of being revealed, will they be able to escape the grips of war, or will death win overall?
As you can imagine, it was a heart-wrenching date. One that could only happen once and that will forever stay with me. The date had a story to tell, and all I could do was sit and listen, weep, and move forward. It was devastating, even filled with fiction, to recount the horrors of history, of war. It taught me something about history; there are many sides to history and it is never as cut and dry as right and wrong, winner and loser. It was a devastating date; however, it is one that I am glad that I took the time for.
A Brewing StormRichard Castle
Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Espionage
PSRC - An espionage thriller
Derrick Storm is living a quiet life, dead to others after his time in the CIA. He thought it best to stay dead; however, others didn't abide by the plan. As the chopper got closer, he knew it was all coming to an end and he was being dragged back. After loading, he was briefed that a congressman's son had been kidnapped. Wondering why his old boss had pulled for him with just a kidnapping, he had every thought to stay dead and go back to the quiet of Montana. What seems like a simple kidnapping turns into more as he digs deeper. It is a race against the clock, will he be able to fit the pieces together in time?
This wasn't a date I would usually go on, but it was fast-paced and thrilling. It didn't last very long, but I was sucked into the charm and mystery easily. I found myself drawn in and wanting to know me as each twist and turn of the night played out. It won't be something that sticks with me or even makes me think for very long, but it was enjoyable for what it was.
The Strange Case of Finley JayneKady Cross
Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Steampunk
PSRC - A steampunk novel
Finley Jayne knows that something isn't quite normal with her. Her speed is increasing along with her strength. After punching the governess and losing her job, she is worried just how far things will go before she is forced to tell someone about her secret. When she is hired to be a companion for Phoebe, she never imagined that being extraordinary would not only be the reason she is hired but the thing that saves Phoebe's life. From the moment she met Lord Vincent, a chill ran down her spine and she knew something wasn't quite right. Will she be fast enough to save Phoebe from him, or will she be too late?
What a roller coaster of a date! Thrown into Victorian London, with metal horses and debutantes, it was a date I will never forget. There were twists and turns, adventures and terrors! There wasn't any disappointment except that it was over too quickly and with me wanting more. There are answered questions! I will just have to go on more dates to figure out more about her and what is so unique about her.
Vanessa North
Romance, MM Romance, Contemporary
PSRC - A book with one of the four seasons in the title
After more scandal than his manager thinks his career can take, Ryan finds himself back in his hometown for summer stock at the local theater. Laying low proves to be easier said than done after his first night in town produces a photo of his naked bum on the cover of a local production. As time goes on, he finds himself wanting to spend more and more time with Trey, the guy from his first night back and a member of the crew. They both know this flame cannot last with Ryan leaving to go back to Hollywood at the end of summer; however, they cannot seem to get enough of each other. As Trey works through his PTSD from his past abusive husband, he finds himself inviting Ryan into his life and trusting him in ways he hasn't trust anyone in years. How can they say goodbye at the end of summer stock?
What started out as a shocking start to a date turned into a slow-burning fire of an evening. It was intense and moving, yet hot and steamy. It was definitely a predictable date; however, it was comforting in how familiar it progressed. It was one of those dates you sink down into and enjoy the time, not ready to resurface when it is over with.
Markus Zusak
Historical Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult
PSRC - A book set during wartime
There it was, laying in the snow near her brother. It was easy to take something when the world had already taken from you. On that day The Book Thief was born. Told through the eyes of our narrator, Death, we learn the story of the Book Thief and how she came to steal more books as the war wages around her. As the accordion fills the night, the words come to her just as the destruction comes to Nazi Germany. The Jews are marched through the streets, and the sirens continue to ring; however, Liesel is waging her own war, one filled with words.
This was one heartbreak of a date. Lured and wooed by Death, he kept my rapt attention as he told his story. The colors, the souls they were all company during our date. Such beautiful words and such heartbreaking moments spun together to give me a story that I will not soon forget.
Honorable Mentions:
B. Wiseman
Childrens, Fiction, Picture Book
PSRC - A book you loved as a child
Not much to say about this book except that I loved it just as much as I did as a kid. I went to the thrift store to find a copy of The Book Thief and walked out with a copy of this in perfect condition! I promptly read it and laughed just like I did as a child.
There you have it! All the books I managed to get through this month. I have no clue what I was thinking reading two emotionally impactful books in one month. There was an abundance of tears shed. What have you been reading and what are you planning to pick up next?
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