The Handmaid's Tale

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now.

This book is disturbing is many ways. On one hand it was written to be an attack against conservative Christianity. The author clearly did not read the New Testament where women are made equal with men, and where many of the American ideas allowing women equality are founded. However, if we look at this book with Islamic religion as the feared religion I can share the fear of the author. Women reduced to property of the men and only valued for the fertility of their bodies is not unusual to this rapidly growing religion. I think Atwood was being anti-religious period. She obviously had a problem with religion and she feed her disdain for all religious beliefs into this novel. The novel is difficult. It is hard to read not because the writing is difficult, although an editor would be nice, but because of the unethical treatment of women in this book. It is painful to know that unethical conditions do exist for women around the world and there is little to nothing we can do about it. As I read this novel I thought of those women who live in similar societies and have no one to turn to. They may not be handmaids but they are the property of males in their culture just the same. 
Read this book to expose yourself to a classic. Read this book for the ethical awakening, but do not read this book if you are looking for an easy read. This book will tear out your heart and stomp on it. It will leave you with more questions than answers. 

I give the Handmaid's Tale 3 out of 5 stars

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard The Witchlands #1

In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.
Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.
Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

Unique magic structure, amazing world building, beautiful characters, add a pinch of romance and a lot of adventure and you have Truthwitch. I am not a fan of reading books just because they are all hyped up, but after lots of positive reviews I gave this one a shot, and WOW! I  was not disappointed. This book is beautiful, from the cover to every line inside. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting world or someone coming off a book hangover. You will not regret it if you take the time to read this gem!

I give Truthwitch 4.5 out of 5 stars
I give the audio performance 5 out of 5 stars

Windwitch by Susan Dennard A Witchlands Novel

After an explosion destroys his ship, the world believes Prince Merik, Windwitch, is dead. Scarred yet alive, Merik is determined to prove his sister’s treachery. Upon reaching the royal capital, crowded with refugees, he haunts the streets, fighting for the weak—which leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed.
When the Bloodwitch Aeduan discovers a bounty on Iseult, he makes sure to be the first to find her—yet in a surprise twist, Iseult offers him a deal. She will return money stolen from him, if he locates Safi. Now they must work together to cross the Witchlands, while constantly wondering, who will betray whom first?
After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. Alone in a land of pirates, every moment balances on a knife’s edge—especially when the pirates’ next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.

This is a book with a beautiful love story, but it is just as much a book about friendship, determination and finding one's self. This is the second book in the series with Truthwitch being the prequel.  The readers are given a better understanding of the magic structure of this kingdom as well as the political makeup of this world. The characters are better filled in as well. Like many second books this book was designed to give additional details and to extend the plot of the first book. I can say I am very excited to read the third installment! 

I give Windwitch 3.5  out of 5 stars
I give the audio performance 5 out of 5 stars

ARC Review The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

In the wake of a scandal, the Montrose family and their three daughters—Catherine, Lydia and Emeline—flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall.
The estate seems sleepy and idyllic. But a subtle menace creeps into the atmosphere, remnants of a dark history that call to Lydia, and to the youngest, Emeline.
All three daughters will be irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves. For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end…

This book was dark and gloomy and even very sad at times. It had a slow moving plot, but as it progressed the intrigue and mystery increased and before long I could not put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I was enthralled. I was captivated by Lydia and all she was going through. I felt so deeply for her character. This is a book that forces the reader to feel. The reader will gradually realize that they are invested in what is occurring. I laughed with Lydia and I cried with her. I was shocked with her and at times I was angry for her. Yes this book has witchcraft in it, but the book does not revolve around the witchcraft. The family scandal is more center to the storyline, and what a scandal it was. This book is not for the younger reader, it is for a more mature, older audience, however it is a great read. Differnt from my usual, but as this author's debut novel she should be proud. I look forward to reading more from Hester Fox.  
I give The Witch of Willow Hall 4 out of 5 Stars

ARC Review: Wing Walker by M. T. Finnberg

After the Alliance bombed Swooning Moon, only the megalopolis Capitol survived under its blue dome. In the backcountry, among thousands of broken-down amusement parks, awaits a harsh world: dragon poachers raiding the air while gangs of youth pace the marshlands looking for magical items to sell for a few coins.
This book was interesting and moved at a pace I enjoyed. There was constant action among the characters and very little down time. The heroine was determined and unlike the protagonist in many novels was not constantly second guessing herself. I did feel there was a point where her goal changed and although it was never stated, the original purpose of her exploits were forgotten or at least she came to terms with reality, and adopted a new goal.  The magical element in this book was rather unique, and I liked it. It did not seem to merely copy or build on previous magical worlds, but was a new and unique magical system. I would like to learn more about it though. There was not enough explanation of how the gift was passed, does everyone have some ability, and was the heroine more than a singer? I hope these questions were intentionally left open for another book to answer. I also felt the book ended abruptly. There was so much suspense building up to the end of the book and I was so excited to find out how things unfolded, but the ending was abrupt and almost too neat. The world building was excellent. It was the highlight of this book. The world was very detailed, characters had depth, and there was a history detailed in the reading. If you are looking for a fun read I do recommend this book. I think the author has talent and is still developing this series. I would read a sequel and hope to get that opportunity.

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. In just a few weeks she'll have the operation that will turn her from a repellent ugly into a stunning pretty. And as a pretty, she'll be catapulted into a high-tech paradise where her only job is to have fun.
But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to become a pretty. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world-- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally a choice: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. Tally's choice will change her world forever..

This book is WOW! It has so many themes in it!  Ultimately this novel is a coming of age story, but set in the future. Young adults are always obsessed with how they look on the outside, in this book Westerfield forces his protagonist to deal with hard decisions beyond hair style and what party to go to. She had to make choices that impacted not only the rest of her life, but the lives of others. Reality check, I think so. Some of the writing was simplistic, but this book was for a younger audience. Overall I enjoyed the world building and the character development in this novel. 

4 out of 5 stars for Uglies
4 out of 5 stars for the audio performance 

Freek the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

A hulking "retard" and a brilliant, crippled boy become strong as they undertake imaginary quests and fight all-too-real criminals. The only thing they can't conquer is time.

This is one of the most emotionally gripping novels I have read in years. The book is written for middle school aged students and does contain some mature content, but I assure none of it is more graphic, or violent than what they play on video games or see on a PG-13 movie, but in this case a lesson is being taught. One character has a learning disability and is extremely large, many are frightened of him because his father murdered his mother and is now in prison. The second boy in this friendship is a genius who has severe physical handicaps. The unlikely pair form an unbreakable bond, and life lessons are taught. I have encountered this book taught in a seventh grade classroom. The students could not get enough. They laughed and cried. I was amazed, as we passed out the books they groaned about having to "read another novel" but by the time we started chapter three many had already completed the book. They could not put this book down. This is not a book you read without being changed. No matter what your age you will be moved. You will laugh, get angry, and I guarantee there will be times you will shed a tear. Students who hate reading, love this book. There are so many aspects of this book they identify with, bullies, living in non-nuclear families, dealing with disabilities, struggling in school, wanting acceptance, and so much more. There is also an opportunity for cross-curricular tie-ins for science as you find out more about the characters disabilities and illness and interest in science. 

Even if you are not in a school setting, keep in mind this was written for school aged students, and pick up the book. I have read all types of fiction, but this is one book that makes me take a hard look at my own values every time I crack open its pages. 

Freek The Mighty 5 out of 5 Stars 

Freek the mighty 5 out of 5 stars for audiobook performance

Educational Content 5++ out of 5 stars

The Gender Games by Bella Forest

A toxic river divides nineteen-year-old Violet Bates's world by gender. 
Women rule the East. Men rule the West. 
Welcome to the lands of Matrus and Patrus.

This book is taking the dystopian fiction world by storm. I liked it better than Hunger Games and Divergent Series, but fans of these series will want to indulge in this series. My major issue with this series was when reading it becomes difficult to eat, sleep, and work because all you want to do is find out what is going to happen next! There is so much action, suspense, and yes even a little love mixed in this series, but this first book sets the stage. The world-building is awesome. It is different from anything done before and yet it is well thought out  and seamlessly complete!! Praises for originality, character depth, and creativity!

5 out of 5 stars for The Gender Game
4 out of 5 stars for the audiobook 

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

NARNIA...the land beyond the wardrobe, the secret country known only to Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy...the place where the adventure begins. Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor's mysterious old house. 

This is my favorite book of all time. This book was introduced to me by my 5th grade teacher and I have literally reread it every year since I was in the 5th grade. I now read this book with my own three children who love Narnia almost as much as I do. If you are an educator and you want to draw your older elementary students into the world of books this book has it all, magic, good and evil, action, adventure, mystery, myth, legend, and so much more! The book lends itself so well to teaching so many different aspects of literature. It can be used to teach figurative language, allegory, myths, and even history. It is a beautiful little novel and in my opinion one every family and classroom needs a copy of. Yes, I recommend the entire series, but if you do not want to commit to that much reading then please do your child's imagination a favor, turn off the tv, unplug the playstation, and step into the wardrobe. 

I give The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, 5 out of 5 stars
I give the audio performance 5 out of 5 stars

Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody

Sixteen-year-old Sorina has spent most of her life within the smoldering borders of the Gomorrah Festival. Yet even among the many unusual members of the traveling circus-city, Sorina stands apart as the only illusion-worker born in hundreds of years. This rare talent allows her to create illusions that others can see, feel and touch, with personalities all their own.

If you enjoyed the story behind Caraval, The Night Circus, and Freeks, you might enjoy this book. I had a lot of likes within the pages of this book. I liked the murder mystery and the magic system that formed. I always enjoy reading a good magic system. Yes I know they are not real, and no I do not practice witchcraft, but I love to read and have a big imagination, and books are meant to be an escape from reality. I did not care for the romance in this story. I do not enjoy Mushy or drown out, complex romance among youth and this book was saturated in it. I also do not support/like reading books with homosexual relationships in them. I acknowledge many of today's books have these themes, but I personally do not support them.   There seemed to be some of those suggestions made in this book. Before you tar and feather me, this is my site and my review, I have the right not to enjoy reading about things I do not support. I did not trash anyone and was not hateful, so I would appreciate the same courtesy.  

I give Daughter of the Burning City 2.5 out of 5 Stars
I give the audio performance for this book 4 out of 5 stars

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Brian is on his way to Canada to visit his estranged father when the pilot of his small prop plane suffers a heart attack. Brian is forced to crash-land the plane in a lake--and finds himself stranded in the remote Canadian wilderness with only his clothing and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present before his departure.  
I first read this book in middle school, have re-read it many times, and now my own children love this book. Both my son and oldest daughter (12 and 9) are obsessed with this book. Brian is an evolving character. He begins as a middle school student suffering the effects of a divorce. He knows nothing about survival. This is territory students relate to!!! He goes through so many various emotions and experiences and nothing comes easy for him. Paulsen set out to make this as realistic as possible and he does an excellent job. Students will talk about this book. They will engage after reading this book. My own children each HAD to have their own copy of this book (Proud mommy moment). Three time Newberry winner says a lot for the book, Hatchet is emotional, eye opening and even I enjoy reading it again on occasion. 
Please keep in mind this book is target for middle school aged kids so the jargon is going to be a bit repetitive and descriptive.  This is not a defect in the book, this is a strength. We need books written on the level of our students, so they are engaged readers, and this book does that. Again, my 9 year old is enthralled by this book, so it is doing its job. It may seem simplistic to us as adults, I would hope so, but that does not entitle the book to a negative review. I was disappointed with many of the GoodReads reviewers for lowering their review of this book based on the language of the book alone. The language is adequate for the target audience. 

Educational content-4 out of 5 stars
Audio version 5 out of 5 stars
I give Hatchet 5 out of 5 stars

Soundless by RIchelle Mead

A city in the mountains of China, where everyone has lost their hearing and now they are losing another sense too!  As a special education teacher I loved this book.  The characters in this book did not let their "disabilities" become an excuse to be  labeled victims, instead they created an entire society. Admittedly, some became complacent, but enter our heroine.  The book was a simple read and did not have the complex world building I usually enjoy in fantasy novels, but I appreciated the level of determination in both the lead characters. Tenacity is what is needed to succeed in our world, with or without a disability, and these characters proved they have grit. It was also refreshing to see the back characters working in their community, finding ways to use the abilities they had, rather than focusing on their lack of abilities. This book has been given ratings across the board, because it is not a fast paced adventure, but it is thought provoking and has a beautiful story to tell. As an educator I recommend it to my older students as a story to empower them, to look past what they cannot do and begin to access what they can. As a reader, this novel is a nice easy read, it is predictable in places, but the themes and lessons are redeeming qualities and make it worth the read.

I give Soundless 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

This book made it on the 2017-2018 Battle of the Books list. I was a bit surprised. My son, a middle school student, was on the team and read this book. The book does have an interesting plot, with lots of twists and turns, but I felt it was a bit violent for a middle school student to be reading. The positive point the book does have is that it does seem to attract middle school and high school male readers. However, it does not have much educational benefit outside of getting students to read, and I would not want to be responsible for the backlash that would occur if this book was required reading in a classroom. There is not a lot of inappropriate sexual relationships but the violence in the book marks it for your more mature students. My son is a AIG student, he read the book, discussed his issues with the book with me, and went on to enjoy the plot and characters. He also shared with me that other members of his BOB team made jokes and cut up about the fighting and gore within the book. So this one is a toss up. It is good for young adults and mature readers. I would not restrict any child from reading a book, but I would caution students, this title gets gory. However, any book that gets a child to read is a good book!


Educational content 2 out of  5 stars
I give The Maze Runner an Overall 3 out of 5 Stars
I give the Audio version of this book 4 out of 5 stars

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Esperanza Rising is a beautiful book I have found appeals to many of my ESL students. Living in southeastern NC I have a lot of students whose families are farmers, they are here on work VISAs and these students understand the culture of this book. I like to implement this book within my classroom because it helps my other students become a bit more culturally aware of the lifestyle many of their peers are living. It may not be an identical situation to Esperanza's, but many of my migrant students can identify with parts of the lifestyle contained within the pages of this book.  This book is also a good reminder for me of exactly what my students are dealing with at home. It keeps me sensitive to their plight and so I like to use it as an easy read early on in the school year. It lends itself easily to cross-curricular instruction especially early in the semester. It is best suited for middle school students. I have found this is another book that easily opens the floor for discussions and students are readily willing to discuss issues within these pages. It is amazing to me the level of acceptance this book can create in my classroom.  That alone is a reason to adopt it in the curriculum.

Educational content 4 out of 5 stars
I give the book Esperanza Rising 4 out of 5 stars 

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

I did not know what I was getting when I picked up this novel, but it had a beautiful cover that intrigued me. I have always loves stories and as I am unfamiliar with Russian fairy tales this book sucked me in from the start! I was as engrossed by the storytelling as the children in the novel. It also mixes in just enough Slavic historical fiction to really accentuate the world building. I learned it is never a good idea to anger the spirits! The writing was so descriptive that I  could actually feel the cold biting at me as I read this little book (even in the heat of a southern summer). The cliffhanger of an ending left me needing more!!! I look forward to the sequel. 

I did purchase this book in paperback and audio format. The audio was stunning!

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.