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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