A Bookworm's Book Reviews

One Thousand White Women – Jim Fergus

Title: One Thousand White Women: The Journals of Mary Dodd

Author: Jim Fergus

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Mary Dodd has been sent to the asylum in 1875 after being found with a man before she was married. She loved the man and had children with him. During this time, the government is setting up a deal with the Cherokee Native Americans. They hope for peace and want to send 1,000 women in exchange for that. A friend of Mary’s in the asylum, a nurse, helps Mary forge a letter supposedly written by her father and another by her doctor. The letters say Mary is a fit candidate for the program. Mary is accepted into the deal and is set to leave some time later. Mary sets out with a small portion of the other women under the protection of the US Army. Along the way, Mary befriends a captain and begin to fall in love. They part ways after a night of passion. The Cherokee meet them and the men want to see which ones they like the best. The women are prepared for a night of ceremony. Mary is chosen by the Cherokee chief and spend the night together. Slowly, the women grow accustomed to Cherokee life. They learn the language and customs. The women help translate for the Cherokee when they meet with the US Army. The longer the women stay there, the clearer it becomes that the US government doesn’t plan on completing their deal. As the women’s due date draw near, the Cherokee move to their winter grounds. They prepare a house for the women to give birth. But not long after the women, the US Army comes. They attack the Cherokee. Who will survive? Will anyone escape?

Rating: 3.5 – a good book about the US, Native American dealings during the westward expansion

Opinion: Overall, I enjoyed this book. I felt like it was well researched. Mary is a great leader and is sent away for being seemingly ahead of her time. She is kind and very willing to help others. Mary is allowed to help translate translations between men. She finds a high place among the Cherokee. I have always been intrigued by the differences between the lives of the white people and Native Americans. Women are allowed to do more and are held in a higher regard among the Native Americans than their white counterparts. In this way, Mary seems more adapted. She is annoyed by the ways of men after spending time among the Cherokee. She works hard to become integrated into the tribe. She learns the language quickly and does well. She seems like someone to aspire, too. The one thing I din’t love about this book was that the ending felt a little rushed. Everything went along at a steady pace until the end. The ending was a little confusing for me and confusing. Though what was happening was confusing, it can make sense from that point of view. It could’ve set up for the sequel, which I have yet to read. I enjoyed the book overall, so I plan on reading the sequel soon. This is a good historical fiction book about the clashes between the US Army and Native Americans. It’s a good read for those who enjoy historical fictions and learning about different parts of history.

The Queen of the South – Arturo Pérez-Reverte

English Title: The Queen of the South

Original Spanish Title: La Reina del Sur

Author: Arturo Pérez-Reverte

Translated from Spanish by: Andrew Hurley

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Plot: Teresa Mendoza is the boyfriend of a drug smuggler. He works in Sinaloa, Mexico and flies the planes. Teresa’s life is shattered when she receives a call from a friend named Guero. The only time that phone would ring was if her boyfriend was dead. Now the dealers are coming for her. Now she must run or die. Teresa makes her own choice, a third option. She works her way through the world of drug dealing. But everyone is against her, not believing a woman could ever survive. Teresa proves them all wrong. Soon, Teresa is working her own business in the drug dealing world. She’s running the show of a small corner in Spain. But running your own business doesn’t come without making a few enemies on both sides of the law. An old friend returns with a warning and a promise. The local and international police offer a deal. In Teresa’s world who can be trusted? Will the police keep their end of the deal? Will Teresa? What does her old friend really want? Can he still be trusted? Can Teresa keep all she’s worked for? Or will it all come crashing down?

Rating: 4.0 – a good story about the darker side of life

Opinion: This was an interesting read. Arturo Pérez-Reverte did an amazing job researching what goes into that side of life. This is a gritty book and not a style of book I’m used to reading. It’s gritty and dark. Though I still found the book enjoyable. There were a few scenes I skimmed as there were a couple steamy scenes. I’ve enjoyed other books by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, so I thought I’d read this one. This book was an interesting read. I enjoyed learning about different ways of life. I learned the behind the scenes life of the dark side of life. It keeps you reading. I finally got to learn some curse words in Spanish, as well as a few slang words. I learned Spanish in college and high school, so my Spanish is more formal, and clean. As with some books, not every single word is in English. They leave some of the cursing and slang in Spanish. Some of the slang doesn’t translate as well, so they left it in Spanish. The book has also been made into a couple TV shows. I haven’t seen either of them, but want to some day. Though it’s not a book I normally read, I really did enjoy it. I learned a lot about a different way of life, the dangers of that life, and some not-academic Spanish. It’s a good book for those who don’t mind learning about the other, darker, side of life.

The Witch’s Daughter – Paula Brackston

Title: The Witch’s Daugher

Author: Paula Brackston

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy

Plot: Elizabeth Hawkins is a young girl when a sickness has come over her town in the early 1600’s. Her mother is desperate to save herself and her daughter. She makes a deal with a mysterious man who lives in the forest. A man known as Gideon Masters. But for the deal, both mother and daughter are saved. But the townspeople accuse Elizabeth’s mother of witchcraft. For that, she’s hanged. Elizabeth seeks out Gideon for help. He teaches her about the ways of witchcraft. She learns much, but soon is terrified of what she sees on winter’s night. Elizabeth flees. This enrages Gideon, who vows to make Elizabeth his. In modern day England, Elizabeth Hawkins lives a quiet life as an herbalist. There, she meets Tegan and slowly opens up to her. Elizabeth starts to teach Tegan about witchcraft. But memories of her long life come back to haunt her. Signs of Gideon start too reappear. He’s stalked her across time. Will he succeed? Or can Elizabeth find a way to free herself of him? Can she keep herself safe? Can she keep Tegan safe? Or she will be another casualty?

Rating: 3.7 – an interesting take on history and immortality

Opinion: I enjoyed this book. Though it wasn’t one of my favorites by Paula Brackston, it was still a good book. It had an interesting take on immortality. Elizabeth and Gideon’s immortality was explained in a way that was easy to understand and not an overly drawn out explanation. The book was interesting because it jumps back and forth in time. Luckily, it takes place mostly at chapter breaks. As the story progresses through time, the story deals with some famous moments in time. The story has a unique take on certain time periods. I’ve always enjoyed stories that take a unique spin on common things. This story does this a lot. While this story plods along more than some of Paula Brackston’s other books, there is still a fair amount of mystery. I was trying to enjoy the story, but could still see some things coming. I enjoyed this book and it’s unique takes on history and immortality. This is still a good story for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, magic, and mystery.

Redeeming Love – Francine Rivers

Title: Redeeming Love

Authors: Francine Rivers

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Michael Hosea has recently come to California searching for gold during the California gold rush. But Michael’s different from the other miners. He holds tight to his Christian faith and refuses to lose his soul to the gold fever that’s taken so many men. Not long after coming to California, he meets Angel, a prostitute that’s captured his heart. She’s strong willed and stubborn. She’s hardened her heart to the world. Michael meets with her every night, just to talk. Angel is skeptical of Michael. When she becomes sick, Michael takes her in, buying her from the brothel’s owner. As soon as she is well, Angel runs away from Michael and all he offers. But she has no where else to go and returns to Michael. Michael starts to show Angel the farmer’s lifestyle. Angel soon comes to enjoy that life. But her past is always gnawing at her. Michael and Angel’s neighbors are slow to trust her. That she can really change. But they cannot deny the change when Angels accepts Christianity. Something happens that makes Angel run back to the city. But instead of returning to her old life, she chooses to help those who have the same background as her find new life and new skills to better their lives. But Michael is searching for her. Will Michael find her? Will Angel stay in town? Or will she will return with Michael? Can their neighbors forgive her?

Rating: 4.5 – amazing story of love and forgivness

Opinion: This is still one of my favorite books. Yes, it’s sappy and a little predictable, but still a very enjoyable book. Francine Rivers did an amazing job putting her own twist of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer. Hosea was a prophet of God. Gomer was a prostitute. Their story is the same of Michael and Angel, with the exception of the time era. Francine Rivers researched the time period for this book and it showed. It is an amazing story of forgiveness. It it the story of following what God asks of us, no matter how hard that may be. I had such a hard time putting it down. I read while in college, and while working part time. I didn’t want to put it down after reading it on work breaks or if class was starting, though I always attended class and returned to work. As with Francine Rivers other books, this one tugged at my heart. It made me feel so attached to the characters. It broke my heart when the characters were hurting. My mom also suggested this book to me because it’s one of her favorites as well. I would highly recommend this book for those who love historical fiction, Christian fiction, and sappy romance books.

Good Omens – Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

Title: Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

Authors: Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

Genre: Fantasy

Plot: The apocalypse is close at hand. According to angel, Aziraphale, and demon Crowley, it’ll start in 11 years. They found the antichrist born in Tadfield, England. But the thing is, Aziraphale and Crowley don’t want the apocalypse to happen. They’ve grown too attached to Earth to let it go. They watch the baby antichrist grow up. On the child’s 11th birthday, when his hellhound is supposed to show up, nothing happens. The child they’ve watch grow up is not the antichrist. They have no idea where he is. Now the hunt is on, both heaven and hell are looking for him. People on Earth are looking for him as well. Agnes Nutter’s descendent, Anathema Device, has prophecies regarding the apocalypse and is waiting for the signs. Witchfinders are looking for her, and any other witch they can get their hands on. Adam Young is a 11 year old boy who enjoys playing with his friends and his dog that he got for his 11th birthday. After his 11th birthday, Adam starts to realize that he has some strange powers. He can manipulate things and people. Strange weather phenomenon start to happen over his town of Tadfield. Will Aziraphale and Crowley be able to stop the apocalypse? Or will they give in to their natures? Will Adam learn to control his powers to start the apocalypse? Does Anathema wish to stop the apocalypse? Will she be able to protect herself and others? Or will the Witchfinders stop her first?

Rating: 4.0 – a good story filled with satire and very good points about life in general

Opinion: This was a very interesting story. I was a bit confused about the plot line at first. It seemed a bit jumbled to me at first. It ended up being a story with different plot lines that all come together at the end. Though there are a few pieces of the story that are there to just explain what’s going on around the world. It was filled with satire as well. I got a chuckle out of it. The ending of the book makes some very good points about life. And it all comes from the mouth of 11 year old Adam. It’s a simple logic that makes sense about a lot of tough points about life. It’s not to most biblically accurate book. But that’s part of the satire of the book. It still brings up some points about life as well. It made me wonder all the things about prophecies and future predictions. We’re not mend to understand everything about life and the future. I enjoyed this book. I didn’t think it was a great as the hype made it out to be, but I did like the book. Amazon Prime made it a short series. I have yet to watch it so I can’t compare it to the book. It’ll probably be one of the next series I watch. If you like fantasies with multiple plot lines and some good points about life, then I highly recommend this book.

Against the Tide – Elizabeth Camden

Title: Against the Tide

Author: Elizabeth Camden

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Lydia Pallas is a translator with the U.S. Navy in Boston. She’s content with her life of calm and certainty after a chaotic childhood. Her parents passed when she was young, then she grew up in an orphanage. Not long after she’s settled into her new life, her talents catch the eye of Alexander Banebridge. His friends call him Bane, if you can call them friends. Bane asks Lydia to help translates some documents for him. He won’t say what they are or what they mean to him. Bane offers a fair amount of money and she reluctantly accepts. While Lydia works on the translation, Bane’s past catches up to him. They find out what Bane is doing and try their hardest to stop him. They discover that he brought Lydia into the plot and go after her as well. Bane has a soft spot for Lydia. Now he must choose; save Lydia, or save himself. What will Bane decide? Can they both escape? What is Bane after? What do the people of his past want with him?

Rating: 4.0 – a great historical fiction with a hint of mystery and sappy romance

Opinion: This was the first book I’ve read by Elizabeth Camden. I made me fall in love with her books. I love that she intertwines historical fiction with mystery and romance. I highly enjoy that there are hints of Christianity of her books, too. This one has more depth to its mystery I feel like than some of Elizabeth Camden’s books. I bought it because of the fact that the main character is an interpreter and is a historical fiction with some mystery. It’s a combination that I always love in books. It’s why I keep reading her books. This book is no exception. It kept my interest the whole time. I was not disappointed at all. I enjoyed the mystery of this book. It brought two unlikely people together and had them find ways to work together and overcome difficulties together. There are realistic relationships in this book. I like that about Elizabeth Camden’s books. The relationships including hardships and working through them. This book is no exception. If you’re looking for a good historical fiction with mystery then I highly recommend this book.

The Martian – Andy Weir

Title: The Martian

Author: Andy Weir

Genre: Science Fiction

Plot: Mark Watney has just woken up on Mars after being knocked uncounsious during a Martian storm. His crew left him there as they were evacuating, thinking he was dead. He had a piece of antenna in his stomach. That, with the blood that seeped into the suit, saved his life. Now he must find a way to survive on an inhospitable planet for four years. NASA notices one of the rovers moving and see that Mark Watney is still alive. But all they can do is wait and watch. They have no way to communicate until they notice Mark taking a rover away from the HAB (living place for the astronauts). That’s when they remember Pathfinder. With Pathfinder, Mark Watney and NASA start to help him find a way home. But with everything going against Watney, can he survive long enough for a rescue to reach him? NASA tries to send Watney food, but that fails as well. How will Watney survive? He has his homemade potato farm, but how long will that last? Will Watney survive long enough for a rescue to reach him? Can a rescue even be mounted to save him?

Rating: 3.5 – a very scientifically accurate book about a stranded astrounaut

Opinion: This was a new style of book for me. It was a great book and I enjoyed it plenty. It is very factual. Though it was very scientific, it was written in such a way that I could understand it. When it got super scientific, it made my brain hurt a little. But then Mark Watney would make a snarky comment and make me smile. Mark Watney is very snarky. It made the book that much better. With all of the bad luck that happened to Mark Watney, I’m glad he never really lost that sense of snark and wit. With the snark came a foul mouth. It was as bad of a foul mouth as I was expecting. It was the standard to emphasis his mood or situation. The intro of the book has become one of my favorite intros ever, and that’s saying a lot. I’ve read plenty of books. This book has also been made into a movie. The movie does a great job of representing the book. Though the movie does add a little more to the ending of this book. Which I really appreciated. I would’ve liked a little more closure from the book. The movie also used quotes from the book, which I always appreciate. It also remained fairly close to the book. Obviously, few things were left out. Some of the more technical science parts were left out, the some of the foul language, and some of the snark. If you’re looking for a good science factual book, then I recommend this book. It’s great for anyone one who loves a snarky narrator, too.

The Last Sin Eater – Francine Rivers

Title: The Last Sin Eater

Author: Francine Rivers

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Cadi Forbes in a young girl living in a small Appalachian Mountain town during the 1850’s. The families all come from Wales and have brought Christian traditions, and a few Welsh, with them. One is that of a mysterious man, called a Sin Eater. His burden is to take the sins of those who have recently died onto himself. He lives in the mountains above the town and is only allowed to enter town when he hears the bells tolling for someone who died. When Cadi’s grandmother dies, she finally gets to meet the Sin Eater. The only thing is that, no one is allowed to look at him, otherwise they’ll be cursed. Cadi hears his sad voice at the funeral and ignores all warnings and looks at the Sin Eater. A few days later, an outsider enters their little valley, preaching Christianity, true Christianity. Her friend Kai and her start secretly visiting the preacher. But Kai’s father forbids it. Anyone who goes to hear what the preacher says is punished. This starts Cadi’s journey into learning more about the outside world, and about the town’s mysterious past. What happened to the town at its foundation? What is the town hiding? Who is the Sin Eater? Why is he the Sin Eater? Will anyone hear what the preacher has to say? Will the preacher be allowed to stay? Or will he be forced out?

Rating: 4.5 – a good historical fiction with mystery

Opinion: I highly enjoyed this book. I definitely had a hard time putting it down. It was interesting learning about different parts of the past that you don’t normally hear about. I enjoyed learning about what other cultures brought with them when they emigrated to the States. As usual, Francine Rivers tugged at my heart with this story. It was a good coming of age story and forgiveness. It tells a lot about holding onto secrets and the pain and damage they can cost. Francine Rivers does a great job holding the reader’s attention. It’s easy to get lost in the book. I have yet to be disappointed in a Francine Rivers book. This one is no exception. Though it was the shortest one I’ve read by her, it still delivers a heart felt message. There’s also a low budget movie based off the book. It does a good job portraying the book and is a good adaption. It leaves a few things out and changes a few things, but that’s no different than any other book. I was okay with the changes that they made. The acting wasn’t amazing, but they did a good job with their characters. If you’re looking for a good historical fiction book that will tug at your heart, than I highly recommend this book.

Caleb’s Crossing – Geraldine Brooks

Title: Caleb’s Crossing

Author: Geraldine Brooks

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Bethia Mayfield is a bright daughter of the town’s Puritan minister. Her grandfather settled the town on what’s to become Martha’s Vineyard among the local Native Americans. While Bethia is gathering clams, she meets Native American, Cheeshahteamauk (English name Caleb). Caleb is the chief’s son and nephew to the shaman. The two become close friends, meeting in the wilderness and teaching each other about their worlds. Bethia’s father takes Caleb in after most of his tribe is taken by sickness. Caleb proves himself a quick learner. With her father and grandfather’s help, Caleb goes to Harvard along with Bethia’s brother, Makepeace, and another Native American, Joel. Both Caleb and Joel excel in their studies and become the first Native Americans to graduate from Harvard.

Rating: 3.4 – a good story of coming of age and the bridging of worlds

Opinion: This was a good story. I thought it would more on Caleb than it did but it still told his story wonderfully. I enjoyed learning about how Native Americans and English Puritans could live together. Albeit not everyone got along, but for the most part they were civil. It made me happy to know that Bethia’s father encouraged his congregation to foster good relations with the Native Americans and consider them neighbors. It was also nice to see another side of Puritan life. The author makes it well known that it was not always so strict and proper, but there was kindness and encouragement in there, too. Yes women were still very limited in what they could and could not do, but they could still make some choices. This is a good story of perseverance, coming of age, and the bridging of cultures. If you’re looking for a good historical fiction, then I highly recommend this book.

The Oath – Frank Peretti

Title: The Oath

Author: Frank Peretti

Genre: Thriler

Plot: A man has been killed near the small town of Hyde River. His wife, Evelyn Benson, was picked up by a local trucker half crazed with a broken knife in her hand. While she heals in the hospital, her brother-in-law Steve Benson searches for what happened. At first, he suspects it’s a grizzly bear attack that got his brother. But not all of the evidence lines up. The locals in Hyde River are reluctant to help. It’s a close knit community that doesn’t trust outsiders. They don’t want Steve to stick around. They’ve already agreed that it’s a grizzly bear attack. But Steve doesn’t buy it. He plans to stick around and see what’s going on. Steve meets Levi Cobb. He’s got some interesting ideas of what’s going on. Levi says that this isn’t the first time someone’s died. And that it’s not the first time the community’s covered up the deaths. But Steve doesn’t buy into Levi’s theories at first. Then people start disappearing. And there starts to be a pattern in their disappearances. Pieces start coming together. But the community in Hyde River are fighting to get Steve to leave town. Steve must resort to sneaking around. Even then, he’s found out and arrested. The arresting officer agrees with Steve and agrees to help him. Slowly, they realize what’s been stalking the town. It has everyone in its sights. But what is the creature? What does it want? Who does it want? Will anyone survive?

Rating: 3.5 – great book, lots of good parallels

Opinion: I enjoyed this story. The book makes great parallels about life and faith. Though some parts were repetitive. The people disappeared in the same way. The book still left me wondering who was next. It still got my heart pounding as a thriller should, though not as much as other books I’ve read by Frank Peretti. I still thought ‘don’t do it dude, don’t do it.’ Enough people disappeared that I started wondering if anyone would make it out alive. The pattern of disappearances were strong enough that I started to predict when they would disappear. Once the characters changed, it was easy to say ‘and they’re gone.’ On the other hand, Frank Peretti was trying to make parallels to real life. People act certain ways. It may not be as obvious as a black mark on the chest, but it can be easy to see when people start acting selfishly and denying what should be staring them straight in the face. It’s all a matter of heart. It’s easy to see what Frank Peretti is alluding to. It was nice to see Steve Benson’s story arch. I enjoyed seeing his transformation. As much as I saw things coming, the ending was still a nice surprise. I hope to read more of Frank Peretti’s books. If you’re looking for a good thriller with parallels to real life, then I highly recommend this book.