Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter. While most of us have heard about Cleoptra and Marcus Antonius, few know much about their daughter Cleopatra Selene. Shecter uses the few historical facts that are known and skillfully weaves in fiction to fill out the story. You cannot help but admire a character who does not resign herself to her fate but fights to be true to her mother. Eventually, she has to make concessions but in the end realizes that she has chosen the right path for her life. This is definitely well-written historical fiction. An author's note at the end separates the fact from the fiction and left me wanting to read more about Cleopatra Selene and her family.
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier. I read one of our new books this week and totally loved it. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier is the first in a series and the next one doesn't come out until next spring. I can't wait to continue the story. Here's the info on Ruby Red: Gwenyth Shepherd has lived her entire life in the shadow of her cousin Charlotte who possess the family time travel gene. Charlotte has been prepped to travel back in time for her entire life. She is having the headaches and dizzy spells that normally accompany someones first trip back in time. Suddenly, Ruby is thrusted back into the 18th Century and they discover that her mother has lied about her birthday for her entire life and she is the one with the time travel gene. Such a fun story. It has time travel and romance and humor and just great fun.
Matched by Allie Condie. I loved this book. It's a story set in a dystopian "Society" where all in life is decided by the "Officials" of the "Society." Cassia has never questioned the decision that are made for her each day. Her food is delivered. Her recreational time scheduled. Her vocation and her match will also be decided. At her Match Banquet she finds out that she is being matched to her childhood friend Zander. Her life is then turned upside down when it is not Zander's face that she sees on her microcard but another friend of hers, Ky. Her life then seems to spin out of control. What happens to Cassia? Does she remained matched to Zander? But what about Ky? Condie masterfully moves Cassia from trusting the "Society" and the wisdom of the officials to questioning and more. Be sure to set aside time to read this one because you won't want to put it down.
The Jester by James Patterson. I've read Patterson's Maximum Ride and Women's Murder Club novels but none of his historical fiction. The Jester is set in France in 1096. Hugh de Luc joins an army marching to Jerusalem in the Crusades. Hugh believes that he will win riches and freedom. Unfortunately, he is gone much longer than he realized that he would be and he becomes disillusioned in the noble goal of the Crusades. He returns to France but finds that things are not as they were when he left. As Hugh attempts to revenge the wrongs, done to him (No, I'm not going to ruin the story by telling you what they are.), we are lead on a voyage of intrigue, romance and betrayal. As always, Patterson succeeds as a story teller in this enjoyable novel.
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly I listened to the audio version of this book and I was so glad that I did. The actors reading the story were so wonderful. I particularly liked the French accent for Alex. It helped to differentiate who was speaking and the time period. I loved this book. It is the type of book that draws you in and you just can't put it down. I was disappointed when my commute ended and I had to stop listening until the next day. This book is highly recommended. Here's a link to the video trailer,
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I had no idea what to expect when this book was recommended to me. I'd heard the name and just hadn't gotten around to reading it until this summer. Once I started reading it was hard to put it down. Great intro video here. Can you imagine being put into a fight to the death game with 23 other kids? Well, Katniss actually volunteers to be there to spare her sister having to go. Would you do that? What happens to Katniss? You've got to read this book and the sequels.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. This is the sequel to The Hunger Games and it totally lived up to the first story. I don't want to give away too much about what happens in The Hunger Games so I'll just tell you to go and read it. I know that once you've started this triology, you will not be able to stop so I really don't need to say much about this book. Also the next book, Mockingjay comes out on August 24 so you've got time to read these to before then if you hurry.
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I picked this audio book put up at my local library with no idea what it was about. If I had known I might now have chosen it because death is a difficult topic. I'm glad that I did read it because it is so well written. Alice Sebold tells the story of murder victime Susie Salmon from the vantage point of "her heaven" where she watches as her family struggles in the aftermath of her death. This definitely not a book for light reading and did leave me a bit depressed but still very favorably impressed by this book. Alice Sebold brings to life to raw emotions of losing a child and feeling that horrible emptiness that cannot be filled. This is an excellent book.
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart. I couldn't help but like Frankie. She questions the status quo and finds a way to infiltrate the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds at her private school. By using a false online identity she takes control of the order without anyone suspecting a thing. If you want a fun read with a strong female character, then you want to read this book.
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. What would it be like to live in a town that is totally dependent on electricity? There is no light at all, ever, when the electricity is off. And it is beginning to turn off more and more. They are also running out of food and other supplies that were given to them by the Builders. Ember has existed with the supplies and equipment left by the Builders for years and years. It is obviously to Doon and Lina that something must be done to save Ember. Doon has just begun working in the Pipeworks because he feels that if he can get close to the generator that provides electricity to the city, he might be able to fix it. After seeing it, he realizes that fixing it is not possible. Lina is a messenger and travels through Ember delivering messages to the citizens. One day Lina’s sister Poppy discovers a message for the citizens of Ember. Unfortunately, Poppy has chew on the message by the time Lina discovers it. Many of the words are gone but Lina decides that this message will save Ember. She asks Doon to help her decipher the message and find a way to save their city. Can they do? You’ll have to read the book and find out for yourself.
People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau
This is book 2 of 4 in the City of Ember series.This review has some spoilers if you haven’t read City of Ember. Doon and Lina and the rest of the people from Ember arrive in Sparks with nothing but the things they could carry. They are shocked to discover that they had been living underground for their whole lives and did not know. They discovered that above ground the sun provides light and warmth. They discover that the world is a lot larger and light than they had ever imagined. They find out that not every town has a supply of food, clothing and other items. Eight hundred people suddenly need food and shelter. The tiny town of Sparks has difficulty providing for them and decides that they can stay only 6 months. Their reasoning is that the Emberites will learn how to take care of themselves. Tensions grow as food becomes more scarce and fear about what the winter will bring. Winter- that’s another concept that Doon and Lina and all of the people of Ember had no idea about. Several incidents paint the Emberites in a bad light and their relationship appears to be doomed. What can they do to provide the need for the people of Ember without causing the people of Sparks hardship? Can they resolve their difficulties? Definitely an interesting book.
