
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
"Radical Beauty" by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and Kimberly Snyder, C.N.

Thursday, December 1, 2016
"The Red Tent" by Anita Diamant
This dramatic novel takes a simply Bible story and makes it come to life in a most unflattering yet human light. In Genesis, countless generations read how Jacob wanted to marry Rachel--his one true love--but was tricked into marrying her sister Leah. After this swindle, he waited seven years to be with Rachel (as was the custom in that day when some men worked for their bride-to-be's father until the agreed-upon wedding day). Yet, in Diamant's tale, Jacob was not totally in love with Leah, and he was not such an honorable man. Beyond having two other wives beyond Rachel and Leah, Jacob had several sons by Leah. A drunken man can be excused for conceiving on his wedding night, but what of all the other children and women? What other excuse is there? Leah's only daughter Dinah is remembered in the Bible as a woman who fell in love with a prince. The prince and her were intimate, and the prince loved her so much that he wanted to marry Dinah. However, Jacob's sons murdered Dinah's love and doomed her to a life of misery. From this misfortune, Dinah never forgave her family. Diamant goes so far to presume Jacob changed his name to Israel not due to some diving encounter but rather to be rid of his former name Jacob that had become synonymous with murder and deceit. Of course, the story of this novel is historical fiction or midrash of the Torah. It can not be 100% verified. However, given the blunt details of the Bible and the persuasive way this story reads, it is not difficult to imagine that the characters in the Bible really lived the way we read in "The Red Tent." This book has adult themes and is not recommended for children. It is also very sad, so I would not recommending it right before bedtime.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
"The Secret Language of Dogs" by Victoria Stilwell

Friday, October 21, 2016
"This is Real and you are Completely Unprepared" by Alan Lew
While this book centers around the Jewish fall high holidays, the messages it sends to readers are important for all year round. The rabbi writes about self-introspection, family, guilt, forgiveness, purpose, and so much more. From setting goals to realizing failure to finding joy, readers will go on the incredibly uncomfortable but incredibly essential journey of Rosh Hashana to Sukkot. There are Hebrew terms in this book, but it is written in such a way that an lay reader can understand. Even non-Jewish readers can gain insight into themselves as they read this book and delve into a culture that stresses the importance of both the community and the individual. From broken marriages to ignored homeless people, no sour spot is ignored. Life is tough. This is real and you are completely unprepared.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
"Saffire" by Sigmund Brouwer
Set during the early twentieth century, this story takes place in Panama during the building of the Panama canal. There is a mysterious cowboy who is send to inspect the building project. There is also a young girl whose mother disappeared and who is looking for answers. There is an entire host of characters whose paths cross as intrigue and mystery enfold. The book takes some literary liberties but does have historic credibility, including a note at the end of the story. While Brouwer is one of my favorite authors and I do like cowboy stories, this book was just a little too slow paced for me. It's not that I didn't like the book--I just found it hard to keep turning the pages compared to some of his other books.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
"Snuggle Time Psalms" by Glenys Nellist
This short book puts psalms into everyday language that young ones can understand. The colorful images of animals adds to the cuteness, as well. Each psalm has a verse quoted followed by a poem beneath it. The poem contains the nature of the psalm but obviously has been reworded for children. From elephants to monkeys to mice to penguins, there are so many fun creatures running about in these pages. The full-color pages will make the illustrations come to life, and the hard-cover binding will keep the book in tip-top shape over the years. Young readers will understand that God watches over them like a parent, takes care of them when they are sick, watches out for their life, and guides them towards happiness. While this book is geared towards children, I would say it offer valuable lessons for readers of all ages.
Monday, August 1, 2016
"The Love Code" by Alexander Loyd, Ph.D., ND

Tuesday, July 26, 2016
"Goddesses Never Age" by Christine Northrup, M.D.
I found out about this book and author from an organic women's newsletter. The subject matter intrigued me, so I started to read the book. There is a lot of advice in these pages, most of it a bit unconventional. It's good that the author is a doctor because that gives her thoughts credibility. There is a lot of eastern meets western medicine in this book. A large focus of the book is on stress and emotions. When patients are happy and carefree, they tend to have better health. However, the author does not ignore physical aspects of life such as poor lifestyle, cancers, and genetic disorders. Yes, there is a time and place for medication / surgery. But the key is that every woman must first examine their personal life to see if there is something that could be triggering their bad feelings. A portion of the book focuses on women's sexuality, which some readers (including myself) may be a bit uncomfortable with. On the plus side, since the author appropriately titled each chapter, it is easy for readers to skip chapters that they may not enjoy. At the end of the book, there are ample resources for diet and exercise, as well as women's health in general. there is even a 14-day plan to help women feel their best at any age.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
"Pumpkin Patch Blessings" by Kim Washburn, Jacqueline East
Autumn is such a pleasant time for me. I love to admire the fall foliage, get our my cozy sweaters, tour pumpkin patches, and eat pumpkin-flavored food. Well, all these good feelings have been swaddled up into a cute little children's book! Two children--one boy and one girl--explore the blessings of fall. With birdies, bunnies, lady bugs, and other natural friends, they truly have a blast. The kids eat pumpkin pie and corn-on-the-cob. They ride a horse-drawn hay wagon. They even pick their own pumpkins. Throughout the hard-covered, full-cover story, the text is a nice sized font. With simple rhymes of a few lines per page, this book is suitable for pre-k through grammar school children. Also, while the book has blessings in the title, there are no religious undertones in the book.
“Manners” by Kate Spade
What I enjoy most about this book is how fun it is to read and how quick it is for easy reference. There are not lengthy paragraphs or essays on etiquette. Rather, there are snippets from real life on how to deal with awkward and commonplace scenarios. Not sure how to write a thank-you or when to send it? Not sure if you can re-gift an item and who to re-gift it to? Not sure how to act at a party or how to RSVP to said party? This book will help you! Obviously, it does not cover every single event, but it does include enough to give the reader a crash-course in how to behave. The illustrations that line the pages are colorful and amusing.
Saturday, July 2, 2016
"The Berenstain Bears' Caring and Sharing Treasury" by Jan and Mike Berenstain
This hardcover book is not a single story but rather five books in one! In these pages, readers will learn about different jobs in the community. There is an emphasis on how everyone has a unique purpose and no one job is more important than another. When the kid bears start gossiping, there is a story about the damage that can do. However, there is still reconciliation and the emphasis on saying sorry when one has done something wrong. When the bears try to constantly one-up each other, Grandpa Bear comes in and puts life into perspective. No one needs to prove themselves by making others seem inferior. In another story, when family members are in an emergency, the whole town comes together to help out. There is yet another tale that teachers youngsters not to judge others based on looks. So many good morals are shown in this book without seeming corny. The reading level is grade school and up--I would not use this with book with a toddler. While religion is not pushed in this book, there are Christian undertones. A preacher is included in some stories, and there are references to the New Testament Bible.
Monday, June 20, 2016
"I Love You Just Because" by Donna Keith
Adorably written and illustrated, this full-cover hardcover children's book is sure to please readers of all ages. There are two adult bears that represent a mother and father. Then, there are several kid bears that are unique. We have a polar bear, a brown bear, and a panda bear. Each bear has a different diet, different climbing abilities, different interests, etc. Diversity of uniqueness is celebrated in this story. Additionally, there are several Bible verses interspersed throughout the pages. These quotes are from both the Old and New Testament. While this story can simply teach little ones about differences among siblings, it can also be a great teaching aid for those with adopted kids who are very different. Overall, the ultimate message of this book is that each bear kid is loved for no particular reason. Unconditional love needs no explanation. :)
Saturday, May 28, 2016
"Saved by the Enemy" by Craig A. Ledbetter

Monday, May 16, 2016
“Counting Blessings” by Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by Lee Holland
This full-color hardcover children’s book is a must have for
any collection. Not only is the main
character a cute and cuddly bunny rabbit, but there is much versatility in this
book. The first half of the story
involves counting from one to ten. With
the fun rhymes and engaging images, kids can learn the basics of counting. Then, there is a wrap-up to work on
children’s memory. Afterwards, the
second half of the book has various blessings to be grateful for. Cognitively, this will help kids transition
from counting to analyzing. Plus, who
doesn’t like a cutesy book about a bunny counting blessings?
Sunday, April 17, 2016
"UNorthodox" by Deborah Feldman
This memoir is a harrowing tale of a woman in search of freedom. The author was raised in a Hasidic community, which is one of the strictest ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities there is. There are extensive rules covering almost all aspects of life from what to eat, where to go, who to marry, and more. Readers understand the interactions between men and women, the extreme modesty rules, and how arranged marriages work. They also understand the limited education and censorship that goes on. While not all readers will be Hasids leaving their old lives behind, there are many universal messages for all readers. There is the universal desire for freedom, to break out of the molds one's family / society has placed upon them. There is the lesson that, no matter how long the skirt or how loose the dress, there will always be men who lust after you. There is the lesson that even the most religious and pious-looking communities have gossip, violence, pedophilia, and other "bad things and bad people." While the author eventually leaves with her son to start a new life, her marriage is sad. Before getting a divorce, the reader is stuck in a loveless marriage with a man who only wants her for her body. While most readers will likely not be in arranged marriages such as this, I am sure there are women stuck with men who do not love them but rather only use them for their body. For all those women, there is something better out there for you. The story ends while the author is still a young woman, and she finds fulfillment in her child and career. For any woman struggling with finding purpose, wrestling with religious identity, or just looking for a good read, this book is sure to broaden perspectives and have compassion on the "others" knows as Hasids...especially the women.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
"Night Night, Daddy" by Amy Parker
After reading Amy Parker's "Night Night, Mommy," I could not wait to read "Night Night, Daddy." This story follows a kid and father fox--how adorable--on their adventure through the day. There is playing ball and flying kites. Then the duo eats a huge stack of pancakes; don't worry, they clean up the maple syrup mess. There is fort-building and playing on the beach. The child fox is carried in the father fox arms and eventually laid to rest. Both father and child pray together and learn about God. This bedtime story is a must that can be read over and over.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
"The Flower Workshop" by Ariella Chezar
Who does not want a beautiful hardcover, full print huge book full of flower arrangements? This book makes an excellent decoration in the home, a perfect distraction on a rainy day, and even a DIY book for those interested. Readers will learn how to select vases, prune flowers, and make floral arrangements. There are tips on selecting colors, textures, and even what types of flowers grow in different seasons. Beyond that, there are the fancy sections on making head garlands, wreaths, and flower curtains--so beautiful! I was also pleasantly surprised to read about using vines, branches, and even fruit to make floral arrangements. This is not your run-of-the-mill flower book. This is a professionally written book that will turn any passerby into a flower-arranging expert!
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
"Night Night, Mommy" by Amy Parker
Cute as a button, this full-cover hardcover book is sure to please mom and kids alike. The otters are simply adorable, and the bunny stuffed animal that follows them is even more cute. From story time to going to the library to washing up and more, the otters truly had a packed day. The mommy otter plays with the child otter to tire them out for bedtime. At the end, there is prayer and singing time for the duo. This story highlights to children how they are loved by mothers. It is good for young ones just learning about this special type of bond.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
"Collage This Journal" by Eleanor Shakespeare

Sunday, March 20, 2016
"7 Days of Awesome" by Shawn Byous and Colin Jack

"Pilgrimage of a Proseletyte" by David Patterson
So my friend invites me to synagogue one day, and there's this big box of FREE books. I pick this one up and start reading. Man oh man was I in for a surprise. Written in soul-piercing prose, this memoir is of a Russian convert to Judaism. In the month of May 1991, it chronicles his journey from Poland to Israel to Germany and finally back home to America. He visits the concentration camps, sees the Western Wall, and sees where Anna Frank lived. The impact of each location is powerful, and readers feel as if they are with David on his voyage across continents and across spiritual dimensions. A few other characters are weaved into this book as the author highlights those who have touched him the most--from an elderly couple who helps the sick to a hunched over beggar on the streets. I believe this book was meant for me. Born in May of 1991, this book helped me discover that I was born on a Shabbat and on Shavuot. I am also planning trips to Poland and Italy. If there could be no more coincidences, there is a point in the memoir where the author and friends discuss Saint Teresa.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
"God is Watching Over You" by P.J. Lyons and illustrated by Tim Warnes

"A Book of Life" by Michael Strassfeld
While this reads like a novel, the book is really a reference for all things Jewish. While things like Shabbat and holidays are covered towards the end of the book, the beginning starts off with the fundamentals. The aspects of Torah, prayer, and acts of loving kindness are introduced first. The Talmud and other ancient Jewish texts are heavily quoted. There are sections on life-cycle events such as birth, death, mourning, marriage, and more. Conversion is even covered, along with the different branches of Judaism. No detail is left out, even controversial opinions held by extremely right winged Jews. What I liked about this book was how it balanced information with bias. Many perspectives are given, but no one is elevated about the others. It was also nice how the main theme of doing good that runs throughout the book.
"Hannah's Choice" by Jan Drexler

Saturday, March 5, 2016
"30 Day Faith Detox" by Laura Harris Smith

Wednesday, March 2, 2016
"A Worthy Heart" by Susan Anne Mason
Going from Ireland to America is a big trip but not as big as going from a preconceived notion of someone to a true relationship. In this story, there are love triangles and drama galore. Maggie left her homeland to find work in America...and leave behind her crazy ex-fiance. Adam is an ex-con who had bad luck and doesn't think he deserves any good in life. Rylan is a character who judges people quickly and is slow to give second chances. Aurora is a girl learning her place in the world and deciding between suitors. The character list goes on. What I liked was how different stories were woven together. This isn't just some fiction book focused on two characters falling in love. Rather, others join the scene. There is even historical detail thrown in the mix to authenticate the novel. While there is romance in the book, it is not graphic.
"The Jewish Holidays" by Michael Straffeld

"Basic Reading from the Kabbalah" edited by Gershom Scholem
This short book has excerpts from the Zohar or "book of splendor." It is essentially a compilation of Jewish mysticism. The book is divided into categories based on books of the Torah (first five books of the Bible). There are further subdivisions based on the theme or main idea of each text. Even though the book is quite slender, it is not an easy read. The ideas in the book are obscure, and syntax does not help. While this work was edited for ease of reading, it still reads as though it were written thousands of years ago. Still, readers can glean several bits of wisdom from this book. Ranging on topics from the grades of one's soul to what happens when people die to what allegories exist in the Bible to what the nature of God is like, this book will keep you occupied.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
"One Spring Lamb" by Anne Vittur Kennedy
Adorable in every sense of the word, this book is a must for children of all ages. The hard wooden pages give for a durable book that will last the test of time. The full-color illustrations will mesmerize, as well. Starting at one and ending at ten, this book teaches little ones how to count. Throughout, there is a theme of spring and Easter. The short lines rhyme, and readers get a chance to count the specific number. For example, when we get to 10, we could 10 bunnies. There is some religiousness in this book as it is related to Easter. There is even a line about Jesus at the end. However, parents can choose their discretion. When kids ask about the religious aspect at the end, that can be a moment to teach about diversity. Plus, the lamb is just so cute! :)
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
"God in the Wilderness" by Jamie S. Korngold
Moses met God in a burning bush and received the Ten Commandments on a mountaintop. So why do people tend to sit in buildings isolated from the outdoors? In this book, the author tells her story of finding God in hiking, running, and hiking. Readers will also learn how others have learned about spirituality from the "adventure rabbi." This book is written from a Reform perspective but it goes deep on topics like the Sabbath and even quotes from ancient Jewish sages. Something I like is that this book promotes the outdoors but does not diminish the indoors. If someone wants to sit in shul to find God, that's okay. However, if they want to find God on a mountaintop, that is also okay. People deserve the choice of how to find their spirituality. Beyond stories, there are plenty of biblical quotes that illustrate how spirituality is found in the quiet stillness of nature. This is an excellent read and is very short. So short and light is this book that is can easily be carried along with you on your next hike! :)
Monday, February 22, 2016
"Becoming Jewish" by Steven Reuben and Jennifer Hanin
This is an excellent resource for anyone who wants more information on Judaism. While it is geared towards converts, the details can help anyone who wants to know the what and why of Jewish happenings. From Shabbas to High Holidays to Blessings and more, this book has it all. The authors make a good combo since one is a rabbi, while the other is a convert. Different sects of Judaism are explained, and readers understand how Reform is different from Orthodoxy and so on. There is even a glossary in the back for those who want to learn more Hebrew terms. The topics covered are inclusive, and there are sections for men, women, and children. Readers will come to know what a mikveh is, how adult bar/bat mitzvahs work, what to expect at synagogue services, how kashrut works, what kaballah is, why Israel matters, how to make the world a better place, and even whether or not Madonna is Jewish. Best of all, this book is written with a very non-judgmental tone. Readers will feel accepted yet challenged as they decide whether or not to continue walking down the road that is Judaism.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
“The Bee-Friendly Garden” by Kate Frey and Gretchen Lebuhn

“Little One, God Loves You” by Amy Warren Hilliker and Illustrated by Polona Lovsin

Friday, February 19, 2016
"Bride and Prejudice" directed by Gurinder Chadha
This witty comedy is sure to keep you laughing. As any Bollywood inspired movie would do, it starts off with extravagant singing and dancing. Oh, and, there is plenty more theatrical outbreaks into song as the movie progresses. This story is based off of the classic Pride and Prejudice but has an Indian twist. Indian Lolita thinks that British Darcy is too privileged and that he looks down on common Indian women. The characters have plenty of conflict and eventually come together at the end of the story in a marriage. There is drama from other suitors and Lolita's sisters, as well. This film has elements of romance but nothing graphic. The story is sweet and hilarious all at the same time. Personally, I loved all the colorful Indian costumes!
"Aircraft Safety" by Shari Stamford Krause, Ph.D
From bad weather to poor crew collaboration to improper communication with ATC to mechanical failures to spotty maintenance, this book explains how and why many airplanes throughout history have crashed. Chapters begin by explaining key topics. For example, what type of maintenance checks are there, and what is a runway excursion? From there, there are plenty of case studies for analyze. While this book is pretty exhaustive when it comes to data, my main complaint is that it was too text heavy. There were lots of places in this book where pictures would have helped a lot more than words. For example, when explaining different types of clouds, diagrams would have worked. And for writing about accidents, a visual would have sufficed. Perhaps I have been spoiled from my ground school textbook that is full color with plenty of pictures to explain concepts in 3D. For those interested in aircraft safety, I would forgo this book and go to http://lessonslearned.faa.gov that has more pictures and clarity when it comes to aviation accidents.
"The Martian" by Andy Weir
After a deadly storm messes up American's mission to Mars, Mark is left behind. His crew thinks he is deceased when he was really just knocked unconscious. When Mark comes to, he realizes he is alone. After the shock wears off, Mark sets to calculating how long he can survive with his given supplies. He also tries to communicate with earth and survive long enough until the next Mission to Mars arrives. From using solar cells to manipulating satellite radios to coding space software and more, Mark has his hands full. He even makes his own garden and uses chemical reactions to create water for sustenance. While this story of survival has lots of adventure, I really did not like the protagonist. He seemed too sarcastic and crude--qualities I do not enjoy in a character. Not a choice pick from me.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
"Emotional Freedom" by Judith Orloff, M.D.
Ever felt down and out? Like you are stuck and want to get better? This book will really help open your eyes to what emotional captivity and freedom look like. What I really enjoyed about this book is not only how practical it is (using real world examples), but also that it combines science and spirituality. In today's culture, most people who are upset get prescribed pills to make them better. While that may be necessary on some of the population who truly have chemical brain imbalances, most people really need spirituality. Spirituality can come from yoga, meditation, prayer, church, synagogue, counseling, therapy, tai chi, etc. While Judith believes in God (so do I), she is not pushy in her book. For those who are averse to spirituality, she encourages them to connect with a force of love and compassion--we can all benefit from doing this instead of mentally critiquing ourselves in our heads. I think Judith is more convincing due to the medical background. If she were not a licensed psychiatrist, some may not make all this stuff seriously. However, given her credentials, readers have no reason not to take the advice in this book 100% serious. And they will be glad they did! Furthermore, different personality types are chronicled. There are even quizzes in the book to help readers determine what situation they are in and what type of personality they [and others] have. For me, I combined what I learned in Judith's book to understand that I am an empath (I absorb other people's emotions). I was feeling tired and realized this only happened when I was around a victim emotional vampire (someone who is negative and complains a lot). I realized that for my own emotional health that I had to distance myself from my negative friend and instead surround myself with positive energy (5Ks for example). In the second half of the book, there are clear ways to switch negative emotions to positive ones. Readers will learn how to transform vices such as jealousy, anger, and depression into hope, compassion, and self esteem. This book also has a helpful index and list of references for those curious. So, if someone wanted to read up on the mirror neuron science that Judith mentioned, they can easily find where to do that.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
"Beyond DRES" by DRES Stylists
This book is written by six personal stylists. It discusses practical and easy ways to be more confident. Confidence is the main objective. There is no secret formula or must-buy outfit recommended. Yes, there is a plug to consult one of the DRES stylists for personal help. However, the underlying theme is for women to find what makes them beautiful and wear that. Also, readers will find introspection as they are faced with the hard questions of: Who am I? What is my style saying to the world? How do I want to be portrayed? From cleaning out closets to journaling to meditating to analyzing body types and more, this book has it all. I also appreciate how it is mentioned that not every color and outfit is good on every complexion and body type. There is also wonderful advice of buying clothes that fit you NOW. Do not wait until you lose weight. If you lose weight, great for you. However, you deserve to look and feel beautiful NOW. Great book and great stylists!
"Arranged" directed by Stefan Schaefer and Diane Crespo
In this delightful film, an Orthodox Jew and Muslim become friends. They both share experiences and bond over their arranged marriage experiences, which--surprisingly--are not too different. Both girls are school teachers in New York City and learn how to be inclusive in their religious lives. There is much comedy included in the film. Most of the laughs come from the suitors. The girls meet / go on dates with potential matches. Some are significantly older than them, some are narcissistic, some can barely talk, some are very shy, and so forth. What's great is that this film highlights the experience of an arranged marriage while being unbiased. The women have a choice in who they marry (no one is forced), and they do become happy with the outcome. The film is very well done and a classsic.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
"Superfoods Every Day" by Sue Quinn
Every wondered what superfoods are and how to incorporate them into your diet? This book uses scientific yet simple terms to explain all of that. There are even helpful illustrations to illustrate what different superfoods do in the body. As for the recipes, those are really nice. The smoothies and salads are especially delicious...and easy to make! What I love about this book is the pictures. On the left page, there is a picture of all the ingredients you need for a recipe laid out. On the right page, there is a picture of the final product. The recipes also highlight which superfoods are used and how they aid the body in health. The physical instructions are in paragraph from yet are kept short. This book has a good balance. The recipes aren't just normal food with superfoods mixed in. Neither are the recipes just superfoods with nothing else. From breakfast to sides to snacks to meals, this book will help you learn to cook and get more healthy food into your system!
"All Aboard the Ark" by Zondervan
This children's book is downright adorable. Told from the point-of-view of animals, readers learn about Noah's ark. While Noah himself is not really mentioned--or people in general--the animals take center stage. They playfully board the ark, clean up, exercise, share, and hope in God. The words in this book are very large font and following a rhyming pattern. The illustrations are cute and look like watercolor art. The pages are wooden and have a sturdy feel to them. At the very end of the book, the animals go to sleep and have sweet dreams.
"I am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai
This girl is downright remarkable. She stood up for women's education in Pakistan. Faced with the Taliban--an extremist Muslim group that declared it illegal for girls to go to school--Malala stood her ground. She never gave up, even after she was shot in the face by a Taliban terrorist. Malala's dream is for education for girls...and boys. Wherever schools close their doors, ignorance opens its own. What was most touching was how Malala stood by her faith. I am not a Muslim, but I admire how she kept praying to God even as other Muslims were being extremely violent towards her. Regardless of how others portrayed religion, Malala knew there was a real God who loved her and cared about her. That is really amazing. At the end of the book, there is Malala's speech to the UN.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
“Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins
This is the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy. Like the two that came before it, this book
was excellently written and kept me anxiously turning the pages. Here, Katniss has thwarted the Capitol once
again—this time by destroying the Hunger Games arena force field. Taken up in a rebel hovercraft, however, she
is separated from her partner Peeta who was captured by the Capitol. Working with the rebels to overthrown the
Capitol and trying to save Peeta begin to conflict. Katniss’ personal struggles ensue when she
must be the face of the rebellion as the Mockingjay and put on a front for
camera that record her propaganda tapes.
The issue of who Katniss will choose—Peeta or Gale—as her boyfriend is
not easily predicted, and the personality of all the characters does change a
bit due to post traumatic stress syndrome of the Hunger Games and being in a
war. There is some violence and romance
in this book, but it is not at all graphic.
I find this book suitable for youth but parents are suggested to use their
own discretion. All in all, this is an
excellent read with a good twist at the end.
Well done, Suzanne Collins. Well
done.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)