A Bookworm's Book Reviews

Flight of the Sparrow – Amy Belding Brown

Title: Flight of the Sparrow

Author: Amy Belding Brown

Genre: History Fiction

Plot: Mary Rowlandson is a Puritan pastor’s wife in a frontier city in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1676. She and few of her children are captured in an Indian raid that leaves hers, and her neighbor’s, houses burned. Mary becomes a slave to a powerful Indian woman. She struggles to adjust to the Indian ways of life. She starts to feel for the Indians as she shares in their struggles. The tribe is starving. Mary’s tribe meets with other tribes in the area. She learns that the tribal elders are bartering with white men for her, and the other captive’s, freedom. The tribal leaders ask Mary what she think she’s worth. Mary asks for a high price. After some time, Mary is given back to her husband, who survived the attack. She is sad to be back with white people. She longs for the freedom that her captivity brought. Will Mary find her peace with her life? What will happen to the Indians?

Rating: 3.0 – an interesting story about Puritan vs Indian life

Opinion: This was a slightly different take on early American Colony life. The story talks about how hesitant someone is about being among Indians. The book also describes the horror and how scared many of the captives are. It also has some different points about the story. Mary didn’t get to stay with the Indians. She is torn and conflicted when she returns. The story is good in the fact that it clearly shows her conflict within. The world is clearly shown through Mary’s eyes. The author describes the difficulties in both sides of life. This was not the happiest book I’ve read. It is good showing the differences between the two conflicting lives. It seems very historically accurate, too. Though I wish so hard that Mary would have a happy ending, she eventually did, though not in the way I was expecting. If you’re looking for a quick read about early America Colonial life, then I’d recommend this book.

Stardust – Neil Gaiman

Title: Stardust

Author: Neil Gaiman

Genre: Fantasy

Plot: In England, there is a city called Wall. Named that because the city lies next to a wall. The wall divides England from Faire (a land of magical creatures). The story follows Dunstan and Tristran Thorn, father and son. At a market happens every 9 years, Dunstan meets a pretty servant girl. They have a night of passion that leads to the birth of Tristran. The story changes view points to follow Tristran. His heart pines for Victoria. He promises that he will get her a fallen star. He grows up knowing little of his heritage. Victoria grants him his heart’s desire. Off Tristran goes on an adventure in the land of Faire. There he meets many people and creatures that help or hinder him on his quest to find the fallen star. Others are seeking the star as well. But upon finding the star, he sees that the star is actually a person, Yvanne. The hardest part is bringing her back to the village of Wall. They meet more people who wish them harm and others who want to help them. Will Tristran and Yvanne make it back to Wall? What will happen to Yvanne if she crosses the wall? What is Tristran’s true heritage? Who is his mother?

Rating: 3.4 – a quick, easy, fun read

Opinion: This was a fun read. It took me a few pages to get into Neil Gaiman’s writing style. I do enjoy his style and plan on reading more of his books. It was a fun book to read. It was an easy read, but good. Neil Gaiman’s style of writing is unique and interesting. I enjoyed his style. Stardust was made into a movie. I watched the movie first. The movie used some of the exact quotes from the books, which made me happy. The movie also follows the book fairly well. But it Hollywood’s the ending. The book has a more realistic ending. I probably would’ve enjoyed the ending more if I had read the book first. One of my favorite parts of the movie is cut short in the book. But if you’re looking for a fun, quick read, and a great fantasy, I’d highly recommend this book.

The Underground River – Martha Conway

Title: The Underground River

Author: Martha Conway

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: May Bedloe is a seamstress for her cousin Comfort in 1838. They’re traveling down the Ohio River on a steamboat when it sinks. They’re separated but survive. They’re met, and taken in by Flora Howard, a notable abolitionist. Comfort is commandeered into Mrs. Howard’s trade and gives speeches to educate Northerners about slavery. May secretly finds employment as a seamstress again on a theater boat after using the money given by Mrs. Howard. May finally learns to be on her own after living in Comfort’s shadow for so long and learns about boating and show business. May’s contentment crashes down when she meets Mrs. Howard again. Mrs. Howard blackmail’s May into joining the Underground Railroad. She is to help slaves get across the Ohio River, to freedom. But that means putting her new friends at risk. Will she be able to do it? Can she keep everyone safe?

Rating: 3.0 – slow start but a good read

Opinion: This was an interesting read. It took a little too long for the plot to pick up. May doesn’t join the Underground Railroad until half way through the book. The book is more about May’s journey of self-discovery than the history. The author does do her research about the time period. She notes the subtle differences between the north and south along the Ohio River. I guess I never realized that few people knew the true nature of slavery. The punishments for those helping runaway slaves were steeper than I expected but not surprising. As slow paced as the book was, I enjoyed it. There were still a few good plot twists. I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending but it still made me happy. This is a good book for those who want a steady read about self discovery and the Underground Railroad.

Year of Wonders – Geraldine Brooks

Title: Year of Wonders

Author: Geraldine Brooks

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: It’s 1665 and the black plague is running rampant. Ann Frith’s remote English village seems to be spared from the disease until a stranger visits. Her husband died some time before and she is struggling to care for her children while more and more people get sick. Ann works at the local parish for the priest’s wife. Together, they try their best to save those who are sick. The priest tries to keep the townsfolk’s faith strong while superstition runs rampant. Over the year the plague runs rampant, Ann turns to a healer that uses natural remedies. The townsfolk aren’t so sure of the healer’s remedies. Few trust her remedies and their superstition gets the healer killed. After a year, the plague ran its curse. Someone in town was nursing a grudge and kills the person she felt was responsible for her family’s death. Ann is overcome with guilt. Will they be brought to justice? What will Ann do?

Rating: 3.0 – a good read, a little sad, but good

Opinion: I enjoyed this book. As this book took place during the time of the black plague, I wasn’t sure which characters I could get attached to. I was slightly confused at one of the character’s fate as they hint at it at the beginning. It was one of those ‘what but this is supposed to happen, oh nope never mind, it happened’ moments. I enjoyed learning about life during the black plague time, and what locals did to ‘cure’ and ‘get rid of’ the plague. I’ve heard of the big city doctors, but haven’t really heard of what small towns did, especially if they couldn’t afford the big city doctors or didn’t want to risk the travels. The end strays too far from the original plot for my liking, but it wrapped everything up nicely. Overall this is a good book, and a quick read. It’s a short book so if you’re looking for a quick read, then read this book. It’s a sad book so be prepared for that, too.

Pride and Prometheus- John Kessel

Title: Pride and Primetheus

Author: John Kessel

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction

Plot: Mary and Kitty Bennett are approaching spinsterhood. Their other three sisters (Lizzy, Jane, and Lydia) have been married off (Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingly, and Mr. Whickam respectively). Mary has applied herself to natural philosophy (what we call science and biology) while Kitty still secretly hopes for a chance for marriage. At a ball, the Bennett family are introduced to Victor Frankenstein and his friend Henry Clarvel. The men are traveling through Europe and making their way to Scotland. Victor and Mary talk for most of the ball, talking and thoroughly enjoying each other’s company, until Victor suddenly disappears. A few weeks later, Victor and Mary meet again. After another engaging conversation, Victor tells Mary of his monstrous creation and what it wants. The creature it turns out has followed Frankenstein to England and is still demanding that Victor make him a companion. Soon after, Kitty takes ill and passes away. Kitty’s body goes missing, Mary suspects Victor, and his creature, had something to do with it. And to top it off, Victor has disappeared again. Will Mary find Victor? What has become of Kitty’s body? Will Frankenstein’s creature have his companion?

Rating: 3.2 – a good read that combines Frankenstein with Pride and Prejudice

Opinion: I enjoyed this book. I thought it was an interesting combination of two well known books. Though, the hopeless romantic in me was hoping for a happier ending. This book changes point of view every chapter. This is one of the few books where I don’t mind where it does this. Usually there’s one point of view, or character, I don’t particularly enjoy reading, but not so in this book. This book is well written, and follows the style of writing of Pride and Prejudice and Frankenstein. It started out well, but ended up sadder than I was expecting. It started more like a Jane Austin book and ended more like a Mary Shelley book. The back made me think it’d be a happier ending book. Nevertheless, it was still a good book. If you enjoy the classics, then I’d recommend this book.

The Book of Speculation – Erika Swyler

Title: The Book of Speculation

Author: Erika Swyler

Genre: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction

Plot: Simon Watson was a research librarian in a small town who just lost his job. Now he has no way to save his house that’s slowly crumbling into the ocean he lives above, and that was his childhood home. A book appears on his doorstep on that same day. It tells of a traveling circus, two star crossed lovers, and ‘mermaids.’ All the woman who’ve been ‘mermaids’ have died in the same way, drowning, and on the same day as Simon’s mother. As Simon digs deeper into the story, his fortune telling sister, Enola, comes to visit. Enola becomes increasingly agitated and drawn to the ocean they live next to. Is it because they’re losing their cherished childhood home? Or is there some connection to the mysterious book? Simon is running out of time to find out. As the day draws closer, Simon becomes more and more obsessed with figuring out the connection between the book and his family and trying to save his sister. Will he be sucessful? Will he save his sister and his house? And can he save himself?

Rating: 3.0 – a steady read with a good plot twist here and there

Opinion: This was an interesting read that jumps back and forth in time. I thought it would be a little more whimsical than it really was. It was a little darker than I expected, but still a good read. I got to learn a little more about the times of the traveling circuses and the superstitions surrounding them. I enjoyed learning about circus life, too, in a more modern time. The plot was slow and steady with a few twists and turns. There were one or two points that I should’ve seen coming, but I was paying closer attention to other details of the book’s plot. There were a few times the book got a little tedious to read, but it picked up again. Though it does a good job of holding on to a sense of foreboding. This would be a good book to read if you want a cozy book to read about a small town mystery that jumps back and forth in time, and if you like books with a little suspense.

The Silver Witch – Paula Brackston

Title: The Silver Witch

Author: Paula Brackston

Genre: Fantasy, Realistic Fiction

Plot: Tilda Fordwells is recovering from her husband’s sudden death. She moves into the simple house they’d bought together in the Welsh countryside to help. Unusual things start to happen: animals start following her, the electricity shorts out and stays out no matter what Tilda does, and she starts seeing vision of people long dead by the lake. One person she sees looks a lot like her. In the time of the Celts, there lived a shaman names Seren. She was a powerful servant to the prince and lived by the same lake as Tilda does now. Seren had a vision that one day harm would come to the prince. The prince laughs her off even when the danger is rising. In modern times, Tilda’s heart is healing, but she is troubled by the visions that she keeps seeing. There is an archeological dig nearby. Tilda tries to help, but something strange is happening there, too. The strange happenings there seem to be connected to Tilda’s visions. But how? Can the strange happenings stop? Will Seren’s prince heed her warnings? Can everyone escape the impending danger?

Rating: 4.0 – A steady read that switches back and forth between past and present.

Opinion: I enjoyed the combination of fantasy with realistic fiction. The book switches between view points within the book, sometimes within the same chapter. It’s been one of the few books where I don’t mind the switching view points. Paula Brackston is an excellent author when it comes to magic and natural magic, yes like what people practice in real life. I find it good to learn about what others believe. Paula Brackston is good at blending fantasy with reality, as well as adding in historical fiction. I enjoy reading her books they’re great reads and I enjoy learning about history and magic. She always has good plot twists in her books, too. Including this book. If you’re looking for a good blend of realistic fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction, I’d highly recommend this book.

The Book Thief – Markus Zusak

Title: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Lisel Meminger’s on a train ride to her foster parent’s house during WW2. Sadly they stop to bury her brother. There she finds a book and steals it. Though she can’t read it, yet. Her foster father, Hans Huberman, is a kind and gentle man who teaches her how to read it. This starts her love of reading and books. With her friend, Rudy’s, help Lisel begins stealing more books, whether at book burnings, or from the house of rich lady her foster mom, Rosa Huberman, cleans clothes for. Rosa is a strict woman who has a secret soft spot for Hans and Lisel. When she isn’t stealing books, Lisel is playing soccer with some of the boys who live in the neighborhood, including Rudy. Everything becomes infinitely more dangerous when Lisel’s foster parents take in and hide a Jew, Max Vandenburg, in their house. At first, Lisel is very weary of Max. After time, they become friends. Max begins writing a book for her, which they read together. One day, Hans is called to serve in the war. Then Max disappears. Soon the war begins to draw to a close. Bombs begin to drop in Germany, soon they make their way to Berlin, where everyone is living. Will Hans return? Will Max return? And survive? Will Lisel, Rudy, and Rosa survive as well?

Rating: 4.5 – There is a very unique writing style and great narrator.

Opinion: This is one of my favorite books. Even though I read it a long time ago, I still have fond memories of this book. There are parts that still make me laugh, or cry. I don’t know why it took me so long to realize who the narrator is. Markus Zusak is great a writing a snarky narrator, despite the time period. He also knows how to break your heart with his writing. This book is written in a very unique way. The narrator is constantly breaking the fourth wall to tell you random tidbits about the characters, himself, or German words. The narrator also gives you spoilers, but I was surprisingly okay with them. If you’re looking for a great WW2 book, with a great narrator, and snarky, dry humor, I’d highly recommend this book. This book has also been made into a movie. As usual, I prefer the book. There’s so much you miss out on because the lack of snark from the narrator.

The Screwtape Letters – C.S. Lewis

Title: The Screwtape Letters

Author: C.S. Lewis

Genre: Religious

Plot: Screwtape is a demon sending letters to his nephew, Wormword. Wormword is a novice demon who is trying to convince a new Christian man to stray away from Christianity. Screwtape is constantly sending him letters to help him convince Wormword’s human to stray. The letters consist of trying to convince the human to stay via pride, choosing between heroism or cowardice, losing interest in his usual activities, becoming stuck up, looking down on others, etc. Screwtape is constantly telling Wormword how to fix situations that Wormwood is screwing up. The more letters you read, the closer Wormwood’s human is becoming a full fledged Christian is becoming. Screwtape becomes increasing frustrated and has to explain more and more conniving ways to sneak into the human heart and lead them astray. But will Wormwood succeed in turning the human away from Christianity?

C.S. Lewis adds a little bonus content at the end of the story. He adds a toast from Wormwood at the demon’s college for training demons astray. It tells of how humans need sneakier ways of getting humans astray and how much weaker humans are when they are convinced.

Rating: 4.0 – this was a great read, thought provoking

Opinion: This was a good read, though dense. It was an eye opener for me. C.S. Lewis was good at portraying how demons try to sneak into our lives. I enjoyed learning about the different ways they sneak into your heart. I’ve always had a general idea, but now I know more of the ways they use the simplest idea to get in past your defenses. I just wish I could have focused better. The book, although short, is dense. I had a hard time concentrating on it for long times. Though, the chapters (separated by letters) are short, they are still thought provoking. I am glad I read it and look forward to reading it when I feel like I can read it more in depth. I enjoyed C.S. Lewis’s creativity in approaching the subject. It’s been a long time since I’ve had quotes from a book stick out in my mind and this book had a few. I will cherish this book for a long time. This book is a great read, if you give yourself the time to read it without distractions. If you are looking for a thought provoking book, read this book.

The Magicians Lie – Greer Macallister

Title: The Magician’s Lie

Author: Greer Macallister

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: The Amazing Arden is a up and coming magician. Her most famous trick is sawing a man in half. But one night her trick goes too far and ends up in a jail. Officer Virigil Holt is bound and determined to get her story straight and regain some of his honor. He learns of Arden’s past. From her humble beginnings as a servant with her single mother. At first she befriends a boy, Ray. Slowly Ray begins manipulating and hurting her. After he hurts her, he ‘heals’ her. After some time of this, Arden fleas. But Ray seems to find her every time she tries to settle down. Then she finds Adelaide Herrman, a master magician. She takes Arden under her wing. Then Arden goes off on her own and gets an agent, Clyde. The two fall in love, but the two are very similar have a falling out. Then Ray captures her and forces Arden to do whatever he wishes. Will Arden ever be free of Ray? Will her and Clyde reunite? Is Arden guilty or innocent?

Rating: 3.8 – This was an interesting read. It was a slow and steady read, but there was enough going on to keep me going.

Opinion: I enjoyed this book. It was a good balance of historical fiction and mystery. It was an interesting read because you started at the end and went back and forth from the past to the present. The air of mystery was good and not discouraging. There is even an air of magic in the book, the magic is slight and only two of the characters have the ‘healing’ ability. The book was a slow and steady read but still very entertaining. There is also a slow and steady build towards the end of the book, leading back up to the moment the book started at. It is a good read for anyone who wants a historical fiction laced with mystery and magic.