What if your child suddenly began hearing voices and developed unexplained wounds? What would you think? What would you do? Jodi Piccoult explores these questions in Keeping Faith. Following an unexpected divorce, Mariah seeks to succumb once again to depression. Her daughter, Faith, seeks solace in her "Guard." A gathering of true believers and skeptics gathers on the front lawn of the previously a-religious family and intense media scrutiny begins when Faith begins exhibiting healing powers and then suffers unexplainable wounds on her hands.
Ms. Piccoult tenderly examines the struggles which Mariah undergoes she attempts to keep her daughter sheltered while trying to determine the cause of Faith's symptoms. Only when Marish appears at a breaking point does Faith's father enter the picture again, beginning a custody battle.
I was most compelled by the way in which Ms. Piccoult examines the idea of "faith" without making a definitive statement on the subject. As Ms. Piccoult has said, she "wanted to look not at religion...but at belief." She leaves enough room for the reader to come to her own conclusions. Is Faith a prophet or a troubled little girl? To me, the answer wasn't nearly as important as the journey to it.
Monday, May 21, 2012
The Hunger Games Trilogy ~ Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games Trilogy is comprised of: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, & Mockingjay. The novels take place in an undefined future period in which North America has become the totalitarian state of "Panem." Panem is divided into 13 districts, though District 13 was all but destroyed following its rebellion against the Capitol. As further punishment for rebellion, and as reminder that the Capitol controls all, two children from each district are chosed to compete in the Hunger Games. The Games are a televised fight-to-the-death between the 24 "lucky" competitors.
The first novel follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from the poorest district, as she takes the place of her younger sister as the District 12 tribute. She is removed from her home and taken to the Capitol for training and styling before her entry into the arena. The second novel follows Katniss and Peeta as they struggle to deal with the consequences of their disobedience. As a result, the Capitol has decided that the Quarter Quell Games should pit victors from each district against each other. The third novel does not deal with the Games, but follows Katniss and the others from District 13 as they rebel against the Capitol in a final attempt at freedom.
In these novels, Ms. Collins combines an interest in ancient mythology, the gladiator games, and our society's current interest in reality tv. The story brings up important questions, such as how much freedom are we willing to give up the government? Do we live in a society that values violence and cruelty?
Ms. Collins paints a heart-wrenching picture of where a lack of personal freedoms can end up. She also makes a powerful statement through the Capitol's fascination and enjoyment in the slaughter of the Games. It is shocking to see the disparity between the opulence of the Capitol and the devastation of District 12. It is even more shocking to realize that these disparities exist within our own society.
If you read & enjoyed the Hunger Games, try these 25 Series to Read or 15 Others to Try.
The first novel follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from the poorest district, as she takes the place of her younger sister as the District 12 tribute. She is removed from her home and taken to the Capitol for training and styling before her entry into the arena. The second novel follows Katniss and Peeta as they struggle to deal with the consequences of their disobedience. As a result, the Capitol has decided that the Quarter Quell Games should pit victors from each district against each other. The third novel does not deal with the Games, but follows Katniss and the others from District 13 as they rebel against the Capitol in a final attempt at freedom.
In these novels, Ms. Collins combines an interest in ancient mythology, the gladiator games, and our society's current interest in reality tv. The story brings up important questions, such as how much freedom are we willing to give up the government? Do we live in a society that values violence and cruelty?
Ms. Collins paints a heart-wrenching picture of where a lack of personal freedoms can end up. She also makes a powerful statement through the Capitol's fascination and enjoyment in the slaughter of the Games. It is shocking to see the disparity between the opulence of the Capitol and the devastation of District 12. It is even more shocking to realize that these disparities exist within our own society.
If you read & enjoyed the Hunger Games, try these 25 Series to Read or 15 Others to Try.
I'll Walk Alone ~ Mary Higgins Clark
Mary Higgins Clark may be the queen of suspense and mystery. Her extensive career (42 novels) began with the publication of a short story in 1956. She has said that she often begins work by asking "what if" and "why." A recent novel, I'll Walk Alone, she explores an increasing common fear in our increasingly paperless world...identity theft.
The novel follows "Zan" Moreland as she struggles to deal with the aftermath of her child's kidnapping. Two years prior, Zan's son was kidnapped in broad daylight after his babysitter fell asleep. On his fifth birthday, a photo surfaces that seems to show Zan taking the boy.
The real mystery begins when Zan discovers what the reader already knows, that someone is posing as Zan in an attempt to destroy her career and reputation. There is no shortage of suspects. Zan's ex-husband blames her for the disappearance and is in serious financial distress. Zan's former business partner is vindicitave and out to ruin her new business. However, even Zan herself begins to doubt her sanity. Could she have blacked out, kidnapped her child & not remember it?
There are clues along the way, but as in most of her novels, Ms. Higgins Clark keeps the reader in suspense until the very end. And, as in most of her novels, the plot moves along at break-neck speed. This is a novel that kept me reading late into the night.
The novel follows "Zan" Moreland as she struggles to deal with the aftermath of her child's kidnapping. Two years prior, Zan's son was kidnapped in broad daylight after his babysitter fell asleep. On his fifth birthday, a photo surfaces that seems to show Zan taking the boy.
The real mystery begins when Zan discovers what the reader already knows, that someone is posing as Zan in an attempt to destroy her career and reputation. There is no shortage of suspects. Zan's ex-husband blames her for the disappearance and is in serious financial distress. Zan's former business partner is vindicitave and out to ruin her new business. However, even Zan herself begins to doubt her sanity. Could she have blacked out, kidnapped her child & not remember it?
There are clues along the way, but as in most of her novels, Ms. Higgins Clark keeps the reader in suspense until the very end. And, as in most of her novels, the plot moves along at break-neck speed. This is a novel that kept me reading late into the night.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
All She Ever Wanted ~ Barbara Freethy
Do you believe in second chances? Do you believe that the truth, no matter how hidden, will eventually be revealed? Ten years ago Emily fell to her death from the roof of the sorority house where she lived with her three best friends. Her death was ruled a suicide and the surviving friends & family were left to wonder why a bright, vibrant young woman would have killed herself. That is, until a novel emerges which eerily mirrors the lives of the four friends and places the blame for Emily's death at the feet of her roommate Natalie. The women are reuinited by their struggle to deal with the guilt over Emily's death they've tried to hide from and find out what really happened that night.
Much like Nora Roberts, Barbara Freethy strikes the balance between romance and suspense. She keeps you rooting for her characters, while allowing in a little doubt...could one of the girls have wanted Emily dead? Ms. Freethy's characters are true to life, each dealing with her own guilt in a different way. While each girl has her faults, you're left sympathizing with them and watching as their friendships are rekindled. I was reminded how amazing & rare it is to have friendships that last a lifetime.
Much like Nora Roberts, Barbara Freethy strikes the balance between romance and suspense. She keeps you rooting for her characters, while allowing in a little doubt...could one of the girls have wanted Emily dead? Ms. Freethy's characters are true to life, each dealing with her own guilt in a different way. While each girl has her faults, you're left sympathizing with them and watching as their friendships are rekindled. I was reminded how amazing & rare it is to have friendships that last a lifetime.
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