Review: The President Is Missing

The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The twists and turns kept me on my toes and constantly guessing. While this is fiction, it certainly touches some difficulties we're facing today.

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Review: The Wolf in the Whale

The Wolf in the Whale by Jordanna Max Brodsky
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received an ARC Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

This was a great read. I found myself still thinking about the book between sittings (and even after I finished it). It incorporates Inuit beliefs with Norse mythology along with a touch of Christianity. I am not going to lie, every mention of Loki made me think of Tom Hiddleston, so I ended up envisioning him as Loki while reading this book. The story does get a little graphic in a couple scenes, so it is not for the overly sensitive reader. I have a couple of other books by this author that I will definitely be reading when I have time after the holidays.

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Review: Feet of Clay

Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is my first Terry Pratchett book. While there were some funny moments (I laughed out loud a couple of times), the book just seemed to drag on and on. I felt like I could not get through the book fast enough. I am not going to give up on this series yet, though. I am going to go back and start with the first book.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place.

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Review: Alien: The Official Movie Novelization

Alien: The Official Movie Novelization by Alan Dean Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wanted to read this book last October when there were marathons for all of the Alien movies during Halloween. Unfortunately, we had a Nor'easter that knocked out the power for 3 days and I never got around to reading it until now. I did not get to enjoy the movie marathon either, but I digress.

This is the first book of the Alien universe lore that I have read. The best part about this book is that it maintains the suspense even if you have seen the movie. I look forward to reading the others.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn’t get to.

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Review: A Morbid Taste for Bones

A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved reading this. I do not care about whether books contain religious elements, but I love the fact this book had those elements without getting preachy. The book also kept my attention throughout the whole book. I cannot wait to get into the rest of the series!

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym.

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Review: Triangle: The Fire That Changed America

Triangle: The Fire That Changed America by David von Drehle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

FINALLY is all I can say about finishing this book. This book is extremely slow. Unfortunately, there are few good stopping points, so if you are reading on say a lunch break (guilty) or before bed (guilty, again), you have to guess whether a good stopping point is coming up or not. Since I was constantly having to stop/start in the middle of chapters, sometimes Amazon's WhisperSync would be off when switching from device to device.

Another frustrating quality about this book is that the author would constantly go off on tangents. Early in the book we got history lessons on the suffragette movement in New York, Sicily, and the 1906 Vesuvius eruption (just to name a few).

While the topics covered in this book are extremely important, this book was not all that enjoyable.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A microhistory.

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Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an extremely fast read. I went into this book expecting to be disappointed because I have seen both movies and honestly, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was much better. I had heard the Johnny Depp movie was closer to the book, so I watched it (I'll never get that time back). The book was not as much of a disappointment as I was anticipating. It was actually a fun read.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with an ugly cover.

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Review: The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh

The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the only classic I have read this year that was not a disappointment. I am feeling particularly nostalgic. I feel like I need to re-watch The Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh. Reading the book for the first time as an adult, I will probably appreciate the show more. I really wish The New Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh would come out on Blu Ray.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A childhood classic you have never read.

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Review: The Library at Mount Char

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was not anything I was expecting. It was strange (in a good way) and a little frustrating (not in a good way) at the same time. Based on the description, I did not expect the book to take the direction it did. It is somewhat difficult to explain without giving too much away. One of the characters really started to get annoying towards the end. This character would constantly state she would explain then dodge the explanations which seemed to make the book drag on more than necessary. Overall, I did enjoy the read, though. It was an interesting story line of the supernatural.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book that involved a bookstore or library.

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Review: Perfectly Clear: Escaping Scientology and Fighting for the Woman I Love

Perfectly Clear: Escaping Scientology and Fighting for the Woman I Love by Michelle LeClair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say, really? I read the majority of this book in one sitting. After seeing the HBO documentary Going Clear and Leah Remini's show, I try to pick up and read other accounts of people who have left Scientology when I can. I am still amazed at the lengths the "church" (I use the term church loosely) goes to extort money from it's parishioners and keep them in Scientology. Particularly keeping people against their will. I am also amazed at how many celebrities (still) buy into this cult.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with an LGBTQ+ protaganist.

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Review: The Maze at Windermere

The Maze at Windermere by Gregory Blake Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is rare to find a book set in/about my home state (Rhode Island), so I try to grab them and read them when I can. There are five story lines set in different time periods: 2011, 1896, 1863, 1778, and 1692. The premise sounded interesting and appealing. Reading this book was like being in an airplane circling the airport. You do not go anywhere and the plane will not land and get to the point. The intensity of the book did not really show its face until the last 76 pages. None of the story lines offer any real closure (except maybe one of them), so you are just left with some suspense and no climax.

I really wanted to love this book, but it was a disappointment.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book about or involving a sport. (The 2011 story line has a character that is a tennis instructor. Tennis metaphors are use throughout that particular timeline. Croquet, archery, and other sports are mentioned in passing throughout the book.)

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Review: The Girl on the Train

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall, I enjoyed this book. At one point it felt like a battle of who was more insane, Rachel or Megan. The downside to this book was that you have get an idea of who the killer is very early, but it felt like it took forever to get to it. I am still giving it 4 stars because I love the whole mind game feeling. It has been a while since I have read a book that was creepy in the mind game sense. I got a thrill out of it.

Now that I finished I can finally watch the movie! It has been on my DVR for weeks. I hope it's as good as the book.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A past Goodreads award winner (2015).

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Review: The Settlers

The Settlers by Jason Gurley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book takes place over the course of approximately 100 years. The story is about people migrating from a dying Earth to space stations. One space station becomes a sociological experiment (and not in a good way).

I have read more sci-fi books for this reading challenge than I have in my entire life combined. I took on the challenge to expand my horizons in different genres. I will say, though, it is books like this one, that are turning me off from the genre. While I did enjoy the story, the lack of quotation marks for dialogue was extremely annoying and distracting. I do not see the purpose of leaving them out. I would have given this book a 4 because I really did enjoy the story itself.

Unfortunately, this is not the first sci-fi book I have read this year to have a distracting writing style. It's just another straw that is about to break the camel's back. I might have to give up on sci-fi soon.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A cyberpunk book.

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Review: Jade City

Jade City by Fonda Lee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

I do not know where to start with this one. I did not really get into this book until the 30(ish)% mark. Even then it was a little bit of a struggle to keep going at times. I am one of those people who cannot leave a book unfinished, so I kept pushing to the end. I held hope that the book would dazzle me, but it never did. At times, I felt like I read about 50 or so pages and the plot never moved forward in any significant way. I still may give the next book a shot to see what happens to Anden.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with your favorite color in the title.

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Review: To the Nines

To the Nines by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first Janet Evanovich book. Two of my aunts rave about her books, so when the opportunity presented itself with the reading challenge, I decided to give this series a try. I actually had to stop reading this at work and only read it at home. It was too funny. I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely be reading the other books later.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A bestseller from the year you graduated high school.

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Review: Aesop's Fables

Aesop's Fables by Aesop
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I do not recommend reading Aesop cover to cover like a regular novel. This book is better to be read in small sittings. Reading it in long sittings makes it extremely boring and repetitive.

The rest of this review pertains to the Kindle edition I read. This edition needs some editorial corrections. The last line of a few of the fables were turned into titles. One of the fables including the title was put into the previous fable. The title line actually became a line like the normal font.

After finally reaching the last fable and reading through a little of Aesop's history, I find myself staring at a preface. Yes, the preface is in the BACK of the book where I no longer have the motivation to continue. I am one of those people who absolutely cannot leave a book unfinished, so I worked my way through the preface.

In the preface, there are quotes from an Aesop imitator. Unfortunately, the quotes are all in Latin with no translation of said Latin anywhere. I didn't even have the motivation to use Google Translate to find out what the quotes actually meant. I ended up skimming the preface. I really just wanted the never ending book to end.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - An allegory.


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Review: Dark Harvest

Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm absolutely stunned. I was not really sure what to expect with this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. This is probably one of the better books I've read this year. It's rather difficult to explain what I liked about this book without giving away spoilers, so let's just leave it at: READ IT!


I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book or set on Halloween.


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Review: Provider Prime: Alien Legacy

Provider Prime: Alien Legacy by John Vassar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

I'm still fairly new to the sci-fi genre. This book was difficult for me to get into. At times this book was interesting; at others, it was really difficult to stay focused on the story. Lee's "relationship" with Rayna was a bit much. The premise had awesome potential, but the execution was a little disappointing.

While this book seemed to take forever to get through, I am not giving up on sci-fi yet!

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with alliteration in the title.



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Review: Song of a Captive Bird

Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Darznik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a historical fiction based on Forugh Farrokhzad's life. This book provided glimpse into Iran as a country. There were moments where the story just seemed to stand still, but overall it was a fast moving story.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book about feminism.


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Review: Before the Storm

Before the Storm by Christie Golden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall this was a great read, however, I feel like I should have read War Crimes first. There are so many references to it. When I started playing World of Warcraft, I did not read as much as I do now and I was already behind in Warcraft lore (needless to say I am still far behind). If you are going to read this book, it may be a good idea to read War Crimes first.

When I finish the PopSugar reading challenge, I will go back and read War Crimes just to make sure all of the pieces and references come together. In the meantime, this book still kept me on my seat. I started at 32% today (well yesterday I suppose since I finished after midnight) and finished the rest in practically one sitting. That whole real life thing interrupted me a few times.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with a song lyric in the title.

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Review: Peter Pan

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think Disney ruined the classics for me. I've read at least three classics this year including this one, and they have all been rather disappointing. While it is a short read, it felt like it took forever to get through. The only character I liked was Tootles.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book that is also a stage play or musical.

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Review: Storm Rose

Storm Rose by Corina Bomann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of this book, but the story took a while to start taking shape. Despite the slow start, the story was very good. I'd never really thought about the point of view of the people on either side of the Iron Curtain until I started reading this book. I think Bridge of Spies is in my future.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with a weather element in the title.



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Review: Children of Blood and Bone

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note to Kindle users: If you want to know what the incantations actually say, you will need a paper copy of the book until the issues get fixed on the Kindle edition. Some of the special characters translate to random numbers.

This book was a fast read read. In part, I think it was because each chapter was short and there was a frequent change of point of view. This was page turner. I look forward to the next book to see what happens with Amari.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book from a celebrity book club. (Jimmy Fallon, Tonight Show)

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Review: The Tin Flute

The Tin Flute by Gabrielle Roy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Feels like it took forever, but I finally finished this one. I had a difficult time getting through it. The book is slow, boring, and none of the characters are likeable. I was halfway through the book and still there was no plot development. I know I am in the minority on this one, but this book was not at all appealing.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book tied to your ancestry. (My father's family is from St. Louis, P.Q.)

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Review: When the Earth Had a Moon

When the Earth Had a Moon by A.M. Cunning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

I enjoyed this book in that it had a unique story line. This book could have used a little editing, though. For example, "Tartarstan." I'm pretty sure the Tatar reside in Tatarstan, not Tartarstan. Other than that, the book was fast paced. I am looking forward to Part 2 to see what happens next.

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Review: Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really loved this journey. I could have done without the gruesome details of the sled dogs, but other than that this book made me want to experience the polar night and the aurora australis. After looking at the pictures, I had not realized some penguins were so fluffy (to the eye at least). I really want a penguin!

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book set at sea.


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Review: The Snowman

The Snowman by Jo Nesbø
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The further I got into this book, the harder it was to put down. I started this book on a Monday, but I had to put it down for 2 weeks as I needed to make sure I got two other books read before the end of the month. I picked this one up again on a weekend. I have to say it was the longest week waiting for the weekend so I could binge read this book. I was only getting 45 minute in each day during the week during break/lunch at work.

This was a great book. I now feel compelled to read the 6 previous books. This was fast paced and kept me on my toes. Now I can see the movie without feeling guilt for not reading the book first.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - Nordic Noir.


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Review: Killing the Unicorn

Killing the Unicorn by Lizella Prescott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

I read this book in one day. I usually give page turners like this one five stars, but I have to say, I was ready to give up because Helen was an incredibly annoying character for most of the book. Only the story itself kept me going. It's one of those stories you have to know what happens in the end, but unfortunately, you have to deal with an annoying character. I am glad I stuck it out, though. The story itself was great.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with an animal in the title.

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Review: Spellslinger

Spellslinger by Sebastien de Castell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

This is my first book by this author. I have to say it's one of the best books that I have read in a long time. I was cracking up at the "cattitude" the author brought to Reichis. The author is a cat owner and it definitely shows.

Aside from the awesome cat references, the story itself was really awesome. You are grabbed in the first pages, which is not something that has happened to me in quite a while. I finished the book in two days. I would have finished yesterday, but real life (stupid work) and the need for sleep (sigh) got in the way.

I really loved this book and can't wait until the next one comes out on Kindle next month!

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Review: Watermelon Snow

Watermelon Snow by William A. Liggett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first climate fiction thriller book. I really enjoyed it. It was a wonderful page turner. It was extremely hard to put down after my lunch breaks were over.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title.


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Review: Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sad time in US history that has been nearly forgotten. I'm astounded by the ways the government could come up with so many ways of continuously oppressing the tribes. To make matters worse, the Osage were constantly targets of murderous plots for their oil and mineral rights. With the exception of the murder cases examined in this book, the majority of murders were never investigated or even acknowledged.

The book itself was a great read. Aside from bringing the western frontier to life, I learned quite a bit. As someone who has worked at a title company, I gained a new appreciation for the history of oil and mineral rights.

A couple books ago, I read of how the Navajo were treated during this same time period. These books have made want to read up on other tribes as well. Their stories cannot be forgotten to time.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - True Crime.


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Review: Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

After watching Saving Mr. Banks, I was expecting this book to "save Mr. Banks." Unfortunately, it does not; Mr. Banks is hardly mentioned in the book at all. I do not know if the other books in the series lead toward that, but I disliked the Mary Poppins character in this book so much, that I am having an internal battle with myself about whether I want to read the other three books.

Mary Poppins is nothing like the movie version. I have to give Walt Disney a lot of credit. He put some humanity into the movie version of Mary Poppins.

The adventures the children went on were just for the sake of having an adventure. I was somewhat expecting there to be "lessons learned" as the movie Mary Poppins and Saving Mr. Banks seemed to have/imply.

The upside to reading this book was that I was able to fill in a reading challenge prompt that I was struggling to fill in.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with characters who are twins.


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Review: The Dry

The Dry by Jane Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I ended up reading more than half of the book in one sitting (on a work night even!). It had a great pace and fun plot twists. I've always wanted to visit Australia, and this book made me feel like I was actually there. I will definitely be reading the next book.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge.


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Review: Legendary

Legendary by Stephanie Garber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Legendary was a fast paced read. It was not as good as Caraval, but I still enjoyed it. The downside to this book is that from the very first pages, we are reminded every other page (or so it seemed) that Dante couldn't possibly love Tella because he works for Legend. This became annoying after a while. I will definitely be reading Finale for the closure!

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Review: Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt

Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First, I should say, this is the first book I have ever read by Anne Rice.

I've always been interested in theology based books and movies. I stumbled upon this book by accident at a book store. The book itself was so-so. I understand this was a quest for Jesus as a child to discover who he is/was, but I felt as though the plot was going nowhere. It's like reading a historical fiction about the Titanic. You already know what happens in the end, so why is it taking so long to get there? It would be one thing if it was an unputdownable page turner, but this book really wasn't that interesting or exciting overall. The last 4 or 5 chapters were the most important as it sets up the second book for Jesus's adulthood. Other than that, this book reads like a "day in the life of" kind of book.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book set in a country that fascinates you.


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Review: Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil

Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil by John Berendt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The first half of the book introduces the cast of characters with anecdotes. The second half of the books revolves around the deadly shooting of Danny Hansford and the trials (yes plural, there were 4) of Jim Williams.

The author sets up a beautiful picture of Savannah. I would love to have seen it the way it was in the 80's (I wasn't born at the time of the shooting). Other than that, this was not quite the page turner I was expecting/hoping for.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book set in the decade you were born (1980s).

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Review: Pebble in the Dark - The Trauma

Pebble in the Dark - The Trauma by Antony Botting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Just WOW. I enjoyed the first book, but the second just blew me away. I'm fairly new to the sci-fi genre, but this was a fantastic read. It was very difficult to put down. It's a bit difficult to describe the book without giving away spoilers and important plot points, but I will try.

In the first book, multiple story lines/characters converge by the end. In the second, the characters split off and go on their own journeys in trying to survive a global catastrophe known as the Trauma brought on by the Pebble.

Sadly, it’s going to be a bit of a wait before the next book comes out. I am really excited to find out where the new story lines go.


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Review: The Magic Mountain

The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I can FINALLY put this book in my read pile. It took over a year to get through this massive, boring book. I think I read close to 100 books in the time it took to get through this one. I had high hopes for this book until I hit the 150 page mark. After that, it's like a never ending story that you just want to end but refuses to end. I think a weight just lifted off my shoulders.

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Review: The Slave Players

The Slave Players by Megan Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a Hardcover of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

This was an extremely thought provoking book. It tackles issues that have been plaguing this country (especially recently): racism and hate. I loved the premise. I can't wait for the author's next book.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book about a problem facing society today.


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Review: Girl, Interrupted

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is one of those rare instances where the movie is better than the book (to me, anyway). While the movie left out some rather important plot points (a painting and the significance of the title of the book, for instance), the movie gave the characters personality and depth. I went into reading this wanting to know more about specific people (Lisa was one in particular). The book did answer a couple of questions I had about them, but their stories and backgrounds are lacking.

At one point in the movie, in a voice narrative, there is a line about how Susanna wrote every random thought and put it in her notebook. That's how this book reads. There is no chronology. Chapters just seem to be inserted here and there as if they were written as she was thinking of them. It was a fast read and I did enjoy it, but the book and the movie need to have a love child. Neither one seem complete on their own.

This is the first time I've wished there was a half star rating. I would probably give it a 3.5.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book about mental health.

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Review: The Last Good Heist: The Inside Story of The Biggest Single Payday in the Criminal History of the Northeast

The Last Good Heist: The Inside Story of The Biggest Single Payday in the Criminal History of the Northeast by Tim White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Born and raised in RI, nothing remotely interesting ever really happens here, so I usually have to get my history/information from books written by people who lived it. Old newspapers on microfiche don't always provide the excitement or complete details. When the Bonded Vault heist happened, I was not even a glimmer in my parents' eyes. When this book came out, the Bonded Vault heist was news to me.

When you think Mafia/Mob, most people are going to rattle off names of the New York crime families and occasionally Whitey Bulger. I knew RI had mafia presence, but until I read this book, I did not really grasp the extent of the presence it had (still has?) here. Hudson Furs, still exists for those who are interested.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast read. I actually had to force myself to put it down each night so I could get enough sleep to function at work the next day.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book involving a heist.


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Review: Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII by Chester Nez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

** A note for sensitive readers: There are some subjects brought up in this book that may be too difficult for some readers to read through. For example, there are descriptions of the inhumane "livestock reduction" program mandated by the government in the 1930s. If you are sensitive to such topics/descriptions, read with caution. **

"We had been raised to suffer silently." ~ Chester Nez (Code Talker, Chapter 15)

I really struggled to get through this book. It was not because it was bad or boring. It was rather difficult to get through because of the horrendous treacheries imposed upon the Navajo. This book did not just tug the heart strings; that would be an understatement. Some chapters rip your heart out.

The way the government treated the Navajo (and other tribes) in the early 1900s is disgusting. Granted this was a century ago, but how much has really changed?

One of the first things you are told as you begin the book is that when Chester's sister died in 2008, she was still waiting for electricity to be available at her home. In more current terms, even more tribal lands were needlessly desecrated on a whim (Dakota Access Pipeline and Keystone XL). The Navajo and Sioux may live on opposite sides of the country (Navajo in the south, Sioux in the north), but they are still treated like they do not matter.

This book really brought out mix emotions while I was reading. In one way, it is extremely depressing. In another, it brought out the anger and irritation that our country (read a politician) is incapable of evolving to become something even close to humane and tolerant. At the same, I felt extremely surprised and impressed. Even after the mistreatment and continued prejudice Chester experienced, he still remained committed to protecting his "Motherland" and family by joining with the Marines.

This is a great story if you can get through the depressing portions of the book. I learned quite a bit as well. Usually in school, the main focus of WW2 is Germany, the Holocaust, and the bombing of Hiroshima. It was very interesting to learn about the details of the war in the Pacific.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you.

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Review: The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine who Outwitted America's Enemies

The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine who Outwitted America's Enemies by Jason Fagone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this book rather enlightening. It was an fun change of pace. Usually, I only get the perspective of Alan Turing and that team. One of the revelations that surprised me (only a little really) was how fast the NSA took to declaring whatever they felt like as classified due to "national security." Not even three years into their existence and they are barging into citizens' home under the "national security" guise (some things never change). I cannot even imagine what it was like for the Friedmans to watch their life's work be taken away with the stroke of a pen especially after all they had done for the country.

For those who are looking for a quick read, this is definitely a quick read. The page count is slightly misleading. The last 100 pages of the book contain the author's notes/bibliography and an index. The novel part of the book is only 341 pages.

I think my next dive into codes will be the Navajo Code Talkers. In fact, I have Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII on my Kindle waiting to be read.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift.

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Review: Crook's Hollow

Crook's Hollow by Robert Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

Also, I am not related to the author.

This was a great fast paced book. I loved the twists in the plot, and there are plot twists aplenty. I started this book late last night, but had I started it earlier today, I would have finished it in one sitting. I am looking forward to more books from this author.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book by an author with the same first or last name as you.


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Review: Pebble in the Dark

Pebble in the Dark by Antony Botting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

I really enjoyed this book. If you believe in panspermia or at least entertain the notion of it, then this is a read for you. The story line was fun and keeps you on your toes. I look forward to the next book. There is real promise as to where this story line could go, so I hope the execution of the next one is just as good if not better.

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Review: Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War

Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War by Shawn Phillips
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.


This book started out rather slow, but had a unique concept. It then became The Host meets Armageddon. I did not hate the book, but I did not love it either. I struggled to get through it. I do not think this genre is for me.


I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book set on a different planet.

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Review: Punishment

Punishment by Scott J. Holliday
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

This was a really unique book (at least to me). I did enjoy the twists of the story. The relationship with Jessica was a bit much, though. I had high expectations for the book, but after reading it, I have mixed feelings about it. I cannot really pin point why. I am undecided about whether to try the next book.

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Review: Silent Fear

Silent Fear by Lance Morcan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very interesting story. At times the book seemed to drag, but for the most part it was fast paced. Between the deadly flu virus and the murders, it most certainly reinforced my dislike for crowded places and large social gatherings. This book was my first book by the authors. I am definitely going to read another book of theirs.


I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book by two authors.

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Review: Battle of the Soul

Battle of the Soul by Carl Alves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

This was my first book by this author. It was a fast read. I probably would have finished it in a day if I had not started it on a weeknight. The premise was extremely fun and interesting. It's not your typical exorcism story. I will definitely be reading other books by the author.

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Review: The Prodigal Hour

The Prodigal Hour by Will Entrekin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

This was a very interesting book. It delves into quantum physics in a way in which a lay person could understand. It was a fantastic journey through the alternative histories. I still find myself asking "What if?" even after finishing the book. It does make one question whether time travel is a good idea, though.

I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book about time travel.

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