Book 'Club'

Historical Fiction - set in Germany occupied France during WW II.
Two sisters, who lead very different lives, and how WW II brings them together while they are both fighting their own personal "war".  The book has several twists that will keep you reading.  Mid-way through it becomes very difficult to put down ... It brings to mind an Eleanor Roosevelt analogy:  "A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."  No spoilers - a powerful must read!

Thoughts?  Comment below ...

Juvenile Historical Fiction - age range 8-12 - easy vocabulary and quick read, but not necessarily content appropriate for that age range ...
I read two other books by author - The War That Saved My Life (aloud to students) & The War I Finally Won - and like Ms. Bradley's writing style, so decided to read this one too as the title grabbed my attention.
Interesting perspectives of slavery, life styles, and attitudes of the time.  Story is told from perspectives of three young slaves, two of which were the illegitimate sons of Thomas Jefferson.  (I would not read this one aloud.)
TBR - Jefferson's Daughters, an adult novel ...

If you decide to read - comment below ...

Juvenile Fiction - age range 8-12 - quick read; perfect read aloud for upper elementary class with a strong theme of acceptance and empathy.  Read to find out why this title (which fits the story perfectly).  It was the title that caught my eye, given my recent obsession with cacti and succulents, especially the Saguaro.

Another JF title along the same lines, Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper.

Historical Fiction - but more of a realistic novel with some generic references to WW II events.  A little hard to get into, but picks up about a third of the way through, and has a gripping ending.  The plot centers around circus life and all the trials and tribulations of lost and found relationships.  Worth the read ...

NOT Historical Fiction - but in actuality a biography, written by a history professor, and it reads like a text book.  While well written, I lost interest quickly and found it more of a "chore" to read rather than a pleasure.  I dropped the book ...

Young Adult Historical Fiction - A story of survival set during the postwar years in Germany when the Berlin Wall was erected.  A little predictable, but a good read non-the-less.  I'd like to read more from this author, who has written several other New York Times best sellers.

Senator McCain's final book (of 7) he co-authored with his long-time aide, Mark Salter.  We use different strategies for reading non-fiction, and that is true of this work.  It is not a book to sit down and causally read for entertainment or 'escape' as most novels are, but to be read slowly, completely, and reflectively.  He had many recent history lessons to share and teach with this writing, and I found myself with a new respect for the man.  It is truly unfortunate he was taken from this Earth by such a devastating disease that he battled aggressively, like the hero he was.

Hannah is quickly becoming my favorite author.  Her novels have real characters in real-life situations.  Her stories are page-turners ...


True Colors deals with a family of 3 sisters and their very different lives that intertwine with each other in unforgettable ways.

The Great Alone is set in some of the more rural and rough areas of Alaska and one family's determination to survive against unsurmountable odds.

Firefly Lane, the name of a street where two girls become best friends as adolescence with all its trials and tribulations, and stay close for over 30 years, only to be torn apart in the end by life and things out of their control.


Read all three.