November TBR

This last month I have been struggling with a lot of illness (for myself and the whole family). Because of that I feel like I might be heading into a bit of a reading slump. Therefore, I am not going to set any specific books on my TBR for this moth. I am going to give myself the freedom to read the books that sound good at the time and just go with it in the hopes of preventing a full on slump. So I will just mention the books that I am currently reading (and won’t finish before the end of the month) and the books that I recently got from the library.

Currently Reading:

Daniel Deronda by George Elliot (Adult Classic)

The Warden and the Wolf King by Andrew Peterson (Christian Middle Grade Fantasy)

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting (Children)

Library books:

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (Christian Non-fiction)

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart (Middle Grade Science Fiction)

Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins (Middle Grade Fantasy)

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (Young Adult Fantasy)

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (Young Adult Historical Fiction)

The Monster in the Hollows Review

The Monster in the Hollows by Andrew Peterson is the third book in the Christian middle grade fantasy Wingfeather Saga. It continues the story of Janner Igiby Wingfeather and his family as they reach his mother’s native land of "The Green Hollows”. There they try to make a new life for themselves and deal with all that has happened up to now, but darkness has reached even the Hollows.

This book got 4.5 out of 5 stars. It was heartbreaking and beautiful and a simply wonderful read. We were able to get some of the answers to the questions that have been building since the first book. The story took a direction I never anticipated and the big twist at the end wrenched my heart. I’m not entirely sure where the story is going (just a large, vauge idea) but I can’t wait to see it. I feel like we have been given all the information we need to set out on the final leg of the journey (which doesn’t always happen with the book before the last in a series).

The characters continue to amaze me, in both good and bad ways. But it isn’t just the old familiar characters. The new characters are so well developed and interesting and weave themselves into the fabric of the story so fluidly. It’s like making new friends myself.

The only thing I had a problem with was one specific part of a scene where, I feel, a case of seriously bad parenting took place. Others may disagree with me, but this was clear favoritism of Nia’s younger two children (different standards for them and the oldest) along with clear emotional manipulation. Her excuse of sometimes wishing she didn't have her responsibilities as a queen do not hold weight in her argument because that was her choice, but Janner was born into his resposibility (that is very different). As the reader we are lead to believe that Janner made the choice for the right reasons through his internal dialogue, but that does not excuse his mother’s behavior. And her giving him his favorite meal and saying nice things like “you’re the bravest person I know” afterwards don’t make it right, that is just further emotional manipulation to ensure he sticks with that decision. Peterson may have wanted us to believe that this was the right choice for Janner to make, and perhaps it was, but then Janner should have got himself there without the pressure and manipulation. What makes me the most angry about this scenario is that this is put out there as if it is okay for parents (or any adults in authoritative positions) to treat children this way. Double standards and emotional manipulation are never okay (especially between parents and children).

Outside of that one scene, this would have been a 5 star book. In all other respects it really wowed me and gave me all the feelings you want from an “epic” tale. This is most definitely still worth reading, it just hit a trigger for me as a parent.

Counter Culture Review

Counter Culture by David Platt is a Christian non-fiction book on the topic of social issues and our role in dealing with them. He emphasizes the importance of the gospel and the fact that it plays a major role in how we approach the social issues of today. He also includes at the end of each chapter practical applications through prayer and physical action.

I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I found it very thought provoking. I had never really sat down and thought how Biblical viewpoints really do go against our culture (in more than the obvious ways) and how offensive non-believers find every aspect of it (and the roots of this in the sin nature itself). The application of the gospel to social issues is so important and yet such a struggle and often forgotten altogether.

The writing was easy to follow and very clear. It was obvious that Platt put a lot of effort into making sure he spoke Biblical truth, but in love, and to do this with such touchy subjects, he did a remarkable job. I also appreciated his mentioning of his website for further resources on each of the topics he covered.

This book was often convicting and eye opening (in a good way). However, there were times when I would look to my own life (the season I’m in, etc.) and felt that his suggestions (which were good), were mostly not practicable for me. As a young stay at home mother of three kids fours years old and under, many of the suggestions he gave to put into practice what he is sharing just aren’t possible. I am also an American living in a foreign country, which alters what some of the possibilities are for me.

I do feel this is a much needed book for the Christian community and not just as an emotional wakeup, but as a call to action from the body of Christ. However, I do think it is important to keep in mind that God is working in all of us and there are seasons of growth in different areas of our lives (determined by Him) and this is only one area. It may very well be an area God wants to work on at the time of a person reading it, or it could be just an overview of an area He will grow in you in a different season (prioritizing another area of growth at the present time). I feel that, for me, I am in this latter group. I definitely want to be more prayerful (don’t underestimate the power of prayer) on these topics, but feel God speaking change into other areas of my life at the moment.

Even though it is the wrong season for me to put much action behind this, I am still very glad I read it. This book has been very inspirational to me in looking towards the future in hopes of seeing what ways God will call and use me to make a difference (even if just in one life).

Rewards and Fairies Review

Rewards and Fairies by Rudyard Kipling is the second book in his middle grade fantasy duology. Brother and sister, Dan and Una, are friends with the fairy creature Puck. Because of this, Puck allows them to meet a number of people from many different eras and hear their stories (both historical and magical), giving them a unique view of British history.

I gave this book a 2 out of 5 stars. I did not like it. The format of the book is such that each chapter is like its own short story (Una, Dan, and Puck being the only elements that connect them together). There isn’t really any overarching plot line. I found this very frustrating. I am quite a plot driven reader, so this made me feel like I had to plough through the book one horribly slow inch at a time. I did enjoy the poems that came between each chapter, but those really were the highlights of the book for me.

Because the stories kept changing we had very few characters carrying through and little time to get to know most of them (therefore, limited character development). I felt some characters had high potential but no opportunity to reach it and a lot of them just fell flat. Even Una, Dan, and Puck didn’t really grow because each story took the focus off of them. Furthermore, the content of the short stories wasn’t gripping enough to keep my interest.

It did provide an interesting perspective of British history, but (not being British) I can’t really tell how much is real and how much is fantasy added. Some parts are clearly make believe, but I am sure he has also built onto some real events and such. I might be able to appreciate it more if I knew more about the history of Britain. 

Overall this book did absolutely nothing for me. It was slow and boring and sometimes quite painful to work my way through.

North or Be Eaten Review

North or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson is the second book in the Wingfeather Saga, a Christian middle grade fantasy series. It continues the story of Janner Igiby and his family pretty much at the same place we left them at the end of the first book. We follow them along their adventures heading North and hopefully to safety.  

I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars. Just as with the first book, the writing is beautiful. It has a wonderful flow and gripping quality that I really enjoy. The characters are still fantastic. They are unique, well written and developed, and inspire many different feelings in me. 

I always appreciate when a sequel begins right where the previous book left off, or just shortly thereafter. It is harder to adjust and continue in the story if too larger a gap of time has passed, and is annoying if that great amount of time has passed but the characters are exactly the same as when we left them. As it is, I found that I very quickly got back into the flow of the story. 

The continuation of the plot is interesting and takes us on the traditional journey (leaving home and the adventures along the way). I actually really enjoyed all they went through and the development that it brought out in the characters. The story was thrilling and I almost couldn’t put it down in my eagerness to know what would happen next. The plot definitely took turns that I was not expecting and I love being taken by surprise. 

One thing that stood out to me (in a good way) was how Peterson showcased choices and the consequences of those choices. It is really nice to see people having to confront old mistakes and pay the price for them, as well as see people make bad choices now that have lasting negative consequences (not getting out of it all free and easy because we like the "happily ever after"). I like the honest perspective because our choices do have consequences and sometimes they are bad, and sometimes they affect the poeple we love, and sometimes they will affect the rest of our lives. Even so, Peterson does it in such a way that we don't loose hope, and that makes it beautiful.

Again, it doesn't really have any specifically "Christian" content. But that didn't take me by surprise or distract me like it did in the first book. I still hope Peterson will bring something in, but perhaps he is leaning more toward writing like Tolkien did (no direct or clear religous teaching or theology in his works).

Lastly, I was really pleased with how the book ended. I really dislike cliff hangers (which is more common in second and further books in a series), so this was a very satisfying conclusion. It felt solidly complete, but with the overarching series plot’s remaining questions and the beginning of a new journey to look forward to in the coming book (a well chosen stopping place). 

Overall I really enjoyed this book and highly anticipate the next one.

Honey For a Child's Heart Review

Honey For a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt is a Christian non-fiction parenting book with a focus on reading to your children. She discusses the value and benefits of reading to them and the ways we can raise our children to love reading and become readers.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked it but after the first half, the book dragged and felt bogged down by the lists. The writing style and content are strong, easy to follow and interesting.

I like what she had to say about the things that make a book good. The time she took to address the question “how do I decide what books to read to my children/ or let them read” was really well done. I loved how she encourages parents to let kids be imaginative and not try to squelch it out of them in the name of “what is real” vs. “make believe” and calms a parents fear that they will lose site of the reality of God when faced with books about things that aren’t real (especially when looking at fantasy/ magic elements). I also appreciated that this was not the only aspect of those questions that she addressed (ex} original work vs. modernized, etc.).

I enjoyed that Hunt included spiritual content, not just in book recommandations but in the topic itself. It is very important to be reading Scripture and spiritual content together as a family and she goes into this with some depth. I liked that she didn’t gloss over this or leave it out altogether.

As much as I appreciate that she included a number of book lists, it just felt like too much. The lists (at least half of which included blurbs) took up more than half of the book , and I could feel that. Maybe if she had arranged them differently or didn’t include blurbs it would be better (but I couldn’t say for sure that those changes would help). Perhaps it is much better not to try and read all these sections right away, but only look at the ones that fit what stages your children are currently in.

Overall, it was a good book and a strong resource for book suggestions for all kids 14 and under, for Christian faith supplementary reading, and special occasions like Thanksgiving and Easter, etc. I like the book and might return to it for future reference.

The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre Review

The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine is a middle grade fantasy prequal to her Two Princesses of Bamarre and a retelling of the fairytale Rapunzel. It is about a young girl named Perry (Peregrine) the adopted daughter of a prominent Latki family with lines to the Latki throne. As a young teen about to head to the war front, a fairy appears to her and reveals that she is in fact a Bamarre (a nation of people made into the servant slaves of the Latki) and has been chosen by this fairy to aid her people to freedom.

I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed it. The writing was easy and flowed through the story. I loved seeing elements of the other book and getting this unique perspective on what led to the events of that book. These familiar touches resonated with me. I learned so much that now gives greater depth to the following story. It did feel a little slow in the beginning, but picked up after a while and kept me interested the whole way through.

I was thrilled to discover the retelling aspect of the story and thought she did an excellent job at molding it into the overall plot. Even though I didn’t know about it going into the story, all the right elements were there to ring true to the original fairytale while seeming to fit so perfectly with Levine’s work.

I liked how the book addressed some serious issues like what is true strength and true weakness. This seems to be a theme that carries over to the next book (at least in looking at courage and cowardice). I like that it was more than just a fun story and made you think. This also made for an interesting self-discovery book. However some of the other serious issues brought up might be harder to explain and discuss if the reader is too young; issues like prejudice and slavery and war (the battles and the heartless tactic, etc.).

I’m afraid I only really liked one of the characters. Don’t get me wrong, they were well developed and interesting in their own way, but I just didn’t connect with them. Perhaps they were realistic in behavior and emotion, but it felt too harsh for an audience under 11 years old. I don’t think we should hide it all and make our stories all rosy, but a little more focus on the positive side would have been appreciated by me. I was sorry to see that we only saw hope of something more positive at the very end of the book, and even then it wasn’t very uplifting.

Overall it was a good book and I am glad that I read it, but I didn’t find it nearly as good as the other one. Perhaps my expectations were too high, and my view biased by my sentimental attachment to The Two Princesses of Bamarre. Even so, it was still a joy to read and I would recommend it to any retelling, fantasy lovers.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness Review

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson is the first book in a middle grade Christian fantasy series (The Wingfeather Saga). It is about 12 year old Janner who lives in a little town in the land of Skree, which was taken over by Gnag the Nameless from the land of Dang. They live in a sense of fear from the horrible lizard like creatures, Fangs of Dang, that keep rule over them. Then secrets coming out and events taking place lead him, his little brother Tink, and his little sister Leeli into adventures he could only ever have dreamed about.

I gave this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. This story is so well written. I loved the sarcastic bent from the narrator during the introduction, it was so funny. Much of the introduction section of the book reminded me of how J R R Tolkien began his Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. This book in general kind of reminded me of Tolkien’s works, only faster paced and with lighter, easier language.

The characters are wonderful. They are funny and cute and clever and mysterious and irritating. Each is so memorable and well written. I just loved following them and seeing all they went through and did. Janner’s love of books was so heart warming to read (how could it not resonate with my own love of books). Tink’s bottomless stomach was hilarious and Leeli’s determination was awesome to see.

When you think of an adventure story, usually you imagine a person (or group) heading off on a journey filled with danger and excitement. But I really liked how this book gave Janner adventures right in his home town. Secrets uncovered (some fully revealed and others still in shadow) and mini adventures show him that the boring little nowhere he grew up in may not be as he thought. This was a spin I could really get behind.

The world was so fascinating and well written. I loved the funky names of all the places and people. It was also so funny and interesting to see how much thought Peterson put into the detail and history of this world (especially seen through the appendices).

As to this being Christian fantasy, the only evidence I saw is a recurring reference to their God figure “the Maker”, a short creation story, and a tiny bit of prayer mentioned. There is nothing in the story that is overtly Christian (a general good vs. evil plot). But perhaps it is built up over the series as a whole and was meant to be more allegorical. 

This was a fantastic story, but I kept waiting and looking for Christian principles and theology to be presented in the context of this world, but it never was. The very expectation was distracting as I read and diminished my enjoyment of the book. I would have thought even more than I already do of the book if I had gone into it thinking it just another non-Christian fantasy or with a general knowledge that the author is Christian, but left it at that.

My only real complaint is how much it irritated me that the adults in Janner’s life so clearly were keeping secrets from the three of them and lying to them. I know they did it “to protect them”, but this just makes me mad. Lying and secret keeping doesn’t protect anyone. Once the doors start opening to the truth coming out (including putting their lives in danger), it is best to just come clean. Trying to keep it covered can only breed distrust, hurt, and anger. Trust is a big trigger for me and this kind of breech is not small and I really don’t like when it is made light of like we see here. “Love” is not an excuse and doesn’t just magically heal the damage done. On top of that one of my favorite characters started behaving in a way that was very inappropriate (no matter the backstory or the characters Advanced age) and no one was correcting him (as if his behavior was okay, even if uncomfortable and not understood). Thankfully the author did 2 things that greatly alleviated any anger I had at him for what seemed to be approval of wrong behaviors like these.

Overall this really was a simply wonderful story. I did have a fantastic time reading it. Apart from my unfulfilled expectations (not a fault of the book or author and not held against either), my only problem with the book is that it hit one of my triggers and for a time really upset me. However, I felt that the author redeemed himself by the end of the book (a very big deal for me) and look forward to reading the next book in the series with much anticipation.

The Read Aloud Family Review

The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie is a Christian non-fiction book on the topic of parenting. It specifically addresses reading out loud to our children, the whys and hows and so much more.

I loved this book. It got 5 out of 5 stars from me. I liked what she had to say and found it inspirational for my own parenting. I am especially glad that I read it now, while my kids are still quite young. I also found the book encouraging, it didn’t feel like one more thing that I needed to add to my schedule to be a good parent, but like something to look forward to that could have a lasting positive affect on my kids and myself.

I never would have thought that there was enough to say about such a specific topic to write a whole book on it, but was pleasantly surprised here. The writing style was comfortable and companionable (like sitting and discussing it with a friend). The stories added just the right touch, without feeling like there were too many added or like they were pulling me away from the point being made.

There was also a lot of practical advice and application. I especially liked that she addressed each age group individually. This is one of those books to go back to for reference in general, but also for each new season with our kids and for new book inspiration: for books to read with our kids but also even for books to further study the topic of reading to our children.

This is definitely a keeper for me and is already having a positive impact on the way I interact with my little ones and in the plans I am making for the future in regards to reading aloud with them. I highly recommend it for all parents (even if your kids are older, it is still very relevant).

Side note: This is the book that inspired my reading theme for this month of digging into children and middle grade books.

The Hazel Wood Review

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert is a young adult fantasy novel. It is the first book in what will be the Hazel Wood series. It is about a teen named Alice. All her life it has been just her and her mom always on the move with “bad luck” nipping at their heels. After the death of her grandmother (an odd and reclusive author of dark fairytales) whom she has never met, her mother is abducted by people claiming to be from the Hinterland (the mythical place where her grandmother’s fairytales take place). This sets her on a journey to find her mother and learn the truths always hidden from her; truths that change everything.

I gave this book a 2.5 out of 5 stars, but don’t really know how I feel about it. The concept was interesting and well developed. The writing style was beautiful and fit so perfectly with the slightly creepy, dark and thrilling aspect of the story (which I did somewhat enjoy) and is quite fitting for this season. I was on the edge of my seat the whole story wondering what would happen next and beyond eager to get the answers to all the unknowns.

But I didn’t really like any of the characters. None of them clicked with me. Don’t get me wrong, they were well developed, unique and complex; I just didn’t feel any connection to them (any depth of feeling for them). Furthermore, the story wasn’t too creepy to read, but the darkness factor (in the fairytales/ fantasy aspect of the book) wasn’t working for me. It has that cult fiction feel to it that I am not a huge fan of and felt a bit like darkness without purpose (just to be dark).

The last thing that I didn’t really like was the ending. The main plot for the story was resolved and all the questions that we were so anxious about were answered, but we didn’t get to see the full journey of where it takes Alice. By this I mean her personal, emotional journey. These events change her (for the better), but she is left in this state of limbo, uncertain of who she is now, who she wants to be and what she wants to do with her life. Even though I didn’t feel any connection to Alice, I still wanted to see her come out the other side of these events (maybe not unscarred by them) but solidly on a good path with a future full of potential and hope.

I suppose this wouldn’t bother me so much if I knew where the author was going in the next book of the series. If it is to continue Alice’s story, then I would have less of a problem with it; following her on the path to answering those questions could be a really good book. However, if she is going to switch focus to another character, I am not okay with stopping here. I want to know what the events of this book and the choices she made will lead her to as a person. But, since the second book isn’t out yet (not even the blurb), I can’t know how to feel about the ending yet.

Overall, this was in some ways a very enjoyable read and in others a bit of a letdown. I don’t know yet if I will read the next book or not. It will depend a lot on how soon it comes out and what direction the author takes with the series. We will just have to wait and see.

The Pillar of Light Review

The Pillar of Light by Anna Travis is a Christian middle grade fantasy book. This is the first book of the Milana Legends series. It is about a young girl named Nani who woke up at a small missionary hospital in the mountains of the Brazilian jungle without any memories. Three years later when a group of 6 young teens come to help fix the roof at the mission, she gets the only clue from her past (a necklace) from her “mom”. Then an accident transports Nani and all the kids to another world and they are set on a journey of navigating this new world while trying to unravel Nani’s past.

I found this book nice enough but I only gave it a 2.5 out of 5 stars. The story is interesting and pretty well done. I was intrigued about what was happening, about this new world and what Nani would have to go through. The world building was pretty good and quite thorough and I enjoyed learning about it. Overall the story is a quick and easy read (under 200 pages with a simple writing style). But the plot really is the highlight of the book and we don’t even get full resolution by the end. Nani still doesn’t have her memories back, we don’t know if the others will be able to return to Earth, and they have only completed the very first step on what looks to be quite a long journey ahead.

I am sad to say the characters felt kind of two dimensional to me, instead of like real people. We learn facts about them, but it doesn’t feel like we really get to know them. They lacked the depth that would have enhanced the story and there was minimal (if any) character development. I know this is only the first book in this series, but I expect to see complex, well developed characters who change and grow through the circumstances we see them go through in every book of a series (not just through the series as a whole). I don’t think that the intended young audience makes a difference on this issue; young people (9-14 years old) can still appreciate and enjoy depth of character.

Then there is the issue of the children learning some things too quickly. I don’t mind with the language (they explain that in the story decently), but with things like weaponry I just don’t approve of. Learning skills like that takes a great deal of time and practice. It’s not something you can just pick up in a couple weeks and children should not have these kinds of expectations if they set out to learn any skill for themselves.

As for it being “Christian” fiction. It doesn’t really have much touching on the subject. Nani’s ‘sort of’ adoptive parents in Brazil are missionaries, but it doesn’t really mention anything about the faith (with the exception of one obscure reference to Peter). There were some allegorical elements, but that covered one very small portion of one chapter. I found the lack of faith material a little disappointing, especially as the other kids could show so much (like prayer for example) as they were supposedly there on a missions trip.

Overall it was pleasant enough to read and I might be interested in reading the second book to see if it improves, but I don’t know yet. I’m not sure if it will be worth it.

A Shiver of Wonder Review

A Shiver of Wonder: A Life of C S Lewis by Derick Bingham is a biography of the life of Clive Staples Lewis, the very famous Christian apologist and prolific writer.

I gave this book a 2 out of 5 stars. I found this book rambling, irritating and a bit confusing at times. There seemed to be a mix of needless information tossed in with the important. Or, if it was important, it was not written in a clear enough manner for me to see it. What made it confusing is that sometimes he would reference having just shown us points x, y and z, but I would stop and say “what” and “I didn’t get that from what he said”. The writing style just didn’t fit the content; it felt like he was writing non-fiction with a fiction style. It felt off and wrong and unhelpful, in fact hindering my gleaning of the information I came to the book for.

He also often quoted other poets and authors and sources. Usually that would be a good and fascinating thing to see (how others saw Lewis and how Lewis affected other people’s lives, etc.) but that is not what he used most of those quotes for. At least half of the time they were just inserted, I think, because the author liked them and he could somehow connect it to what he was talking about (sometimes relevant information and sometimes needless).

Ages were rarely mentioned and the time line felt a bit jumpy. He would be talking about one time in Lewis’s life, but then reference something that would take place in the future (like: Lewis couldn’t have known at this time that he would eventually do x, y, and z). I find that I prefer a linear look at someone’s life. I want to know about them and what they went through in chronological order, getting a view of their life similar to what they would see looking back in memory.

Of what I already knew about Lewis, I was really looking forward to a deeper look into his life. Unfortunately, I couldn’t really appreciate or enjoy this reading. I don’t feel I learned as much as I could have or got as much out of this piece as I wanted. Due to the writing style, the content I was looking for was harder to pull out of it and took extra effort from me while reading, and then didn’t included as much detail as I was hoping for (at least not about Lewis himself).

I am sorry to say that this has been the worst biography I have ever read, which is extra upsetting since it was about a man I greatly admire. I guess I will just have to read Lewis’s autobiography and leave it at that (unless I am directed toward a very good supporting biography).

On the Fence Review

On the Fence by Kasie West is a young adult contemporary romance novel. It is about 16 year old Charlie the only daughter of a single father with 3 older brothers. Growing up in a family with all boys, plus the neighbor boy (Braden) who they basically brought in as part of the family, Charlie is a major tomboy. She loves all things sports and her family are beyond important to her. When her dad forces her to get a job (to pay back a speeding ticket), she is thrown into an environment with “normal” girly girls. Here she discovers that she does have a feminine side and struggles with how that fits in to the other side of her life. While she is on this journey of self discovery she also enters the world of boy trouble and love.

This book got a 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. I really liked this book and couldn’t put it down. The characters are so gripping and real feeling. I loved Charlie being both a tomboy and having a feminine side and discovering that that is perfectly fine. The boys in this story were funny and cute and sweet and strong, they really encompass the complexity of being a boy (that is usually forgotten and simplified from female perspective). I liked all of the characters and all their quirky ways.

The story grabbed me from the very beginning and didn’t let me go. It gave me all the right feelings and at quite a range; from laughing out loud (which I rarely do) to drowning in the sweetness to hurting for the pain and grief. I love how West is able to speak about heavier topics amidst such fun and cute stories. In this case looking at family loss and grief as well as the effect of alcoholism on a family. Disclaimer: there is reference to suicide in the book so you may want to avoid it if that is a trigger for you.

I also was impressed with how she handled the love triangle situation. Usually I really dislike the ‘love triangle’ trope. But here it was so light and well done, that I didn’t mind it. I also appreciate that all the people involved were good people (not one boy being obviously bad, etc.). This felt far more realistic to what this situation might look like in real life.

As for the sexual content: I’d say it is pretty average (kissing, hand holding, hugs etc.). There is a very accurate representation of physical attraction and the acute awareness of the physical presence of the person Charlie is in love with. But I respect that it was included and how well it was written. There is also a fair amount of rough housing (as she is ‘one of the guys’ in the house), but it isn’t sexual.

Overall it was a great read. I am really loving Kasie West’s works and look forward to the next book of hers that I will read.

September Overview

This was a really good reading month for me. Not only was I able to get through a lot of books, but they were all mostly high rated (with a few exceptions). As always, the books that I have a review up for already have a * next to them and the books with a review coming have an > next to them. And here they are:

Christian Non-fiction –

Standing Strong by John MacArthur Jr.*

A Shiver of Wonder: A Life of C S Lewis by Derick Bingham>

Counter Culture by David Platt>

The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie>

Christian Fiction –

Fire by Night by Lynn Austen (historical)*

A Light to My Path by Lynn Austen (historical)*

All Things New by Lynn Austen (historical)*

The Orphan’s Wish by Melanie Dickerson (historical)>

The Pillar of Light by Anna Travis (middle grade fantasy)>

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson (middle grade fantasy)>

Fantasy/ Science Fiction –

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle (children/ middle grade)*

The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine (middle grade)>

Rewards and Fairies by Rudyard Kipling (children/ middle grade)>

Contemporary –

On the Fence by Kasie West (young adult)>

Can You Keep A Secret? by Sofie Kinsella>

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid>

Poetry –

The Place Within by Pope John Paul II

Children-

The Itty Bitty Kitty by Catherine Follestad

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson