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Thursday, December 26, 2019
Burn Recovery Story Heart-Wrenching, But Hopeful
7:28 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
A raging fire stole everything from Ava Lee—her parents; her cousin, who was her best friend; her home; and her peace. It also left her with scars over 60% of her body. Recovery has been a slow, agonizing process. Now that she's had a year at home, her uncle and aunt, who are now Ava's guardians, want Ava to return to high school. They think it's time she lived a "normal" life. Ha! Ava's new normal is a waking nightmare, starring herself as Frankenstein's monster. The last thing she wants to do is walk down the halls of a school, where everyone will gawk and laugh at The Burned Girl. In an effort to please her uncle and aunt, the grieving parents of her dead cousin, Ava swallows her fears and acquiesces.
When Ava meets another burn victim named Piper, she's stunned. Despite her gruesome scars, Piper is brash and fearless, daring their classmates to poke fun. Piper introduces Ava to Asad, a kind boy who seems to see past Ava's ruined face. With two newfound friends by her side, Ava feels more confident than she has since the fire. Will that be enough to help her build a new life for herself? Or will trying to live a "normal" life just lead to more problems for a girl who's already experienced more than her fair share of trauma?
I'm not sure I've ever read a book about a character recovering from severe burns. Scars Like Wings, a debut novel by Erin Stewart, was inspired by a real burn victim, her descriptions based on the true-to-life processes used to help him heal. What results is a painful, heart-wrenching read that will make your heart ache with sympathy for fictional Ava and especially for her brave real-life counterparts. Scars Like Wings isn't all doom and gloom, though. In the end, it's a hopeful novel about healing, friendship, and learning to love yourself in spite of perceived flaws. The story's predictable, but it's also powerful, moving, and empathy-inducing. I enjoyed it and will definitely keep an eye out for more from this promising author.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Wonder by R.J. Palacio, A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore, and Forget Me Not by Ellie Terry)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), rude humor/innuendo, and depictions of underage drinking
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Simple, But Intriguing Premise Leads to Compelling, Poignant Novel
6:35 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
With less than two weeks left of probation after writing a bad check at the grocery store, freedom is in sight for 25-year-old Bernadette "Bird" Connolly. If she can keep her nose clean for thirteen more days, she'll finally be able to move on. She can't wait to leave her mother's house and make an independent life for herself and her 4-year-old son, Angus. Everything will be better in just thirteen short days.
In the meantime, Bird is shocked to learn that James Rittenhouse, an old co-worker of hers, is on the run from the police. According to the news, he beat up a man in a bar, then escaped a police vehicle while being taken to the station. Armed with a gun stolen from one of the officers, James is considered very dangerous. The James Bird once knew could never have done such a thing. In fact, he once did her a big favor, one for which she is still in his debt. Her heart breaks a little for him, but there's nothing she can do to help the fugitive.
Then, Bird makes a shocking discovery—James is hiding in the abandoned choir loft of the church Bird's mother attends. Wounded and in pain, he begs Bird to help him. Aiding James puts her impending freedom at great risk, but she can't walk away while he bleeds out in the church. Can she? She can't turn him in, not after what he did for her. But what does she really owe him? What should she do? With the clock ticking for both Bird and James, Bird must make an impossible choice ...
The premise of The Odds of You and Me by Cecilia Galante is what drew me to this book. It asks such a simple, but intriguing question, one which pricks the reader's conscience by asking, "What would you do?" I don't know that I would have made the decision Bird does in the book, but her actions sure make for a compelling novel. Bird is a sympathetic heroine, one who's easy to empathize with and root for. She's flawed, but she's also compassionate, brave, and devoted to her son. I definitely wanted a happy ending for her. Did I get it? I won't spoil anything for you. I can say, though, that I enjoyed this novel. Even though the story didn't close in quite the way I wanted it to, the tale still felt satisfying overall.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, sexual content, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Poignant Sisters Novel a Decent Read
1:00 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Thirty years ago, a struggling young mother was arrested and sent to jail. She had no choice but to surrender both of her girls—4-year-old Brooke and 6-month-old Natalie—to the state. Believing they would be kept together, Jennifer Walker served her time knowing—hoping—that her daughters would have a better life without her.
Raised by an adoptive family, Natalie, now 35, is happily married with two children of her own. She runs a small catering business out of her home. Growing up in foster care took its toll on Brooke. At 39, she's a cocktail waitress whose only significant relationship is with a married man. The sisters haven't seen each other since they were separated from each other as children; until very recently, in fact, Natalie had no idea Brooke existed. Now that she does know, she can't stop herself from reaching out. After that? Natalie wants them both to seek out their birth mother. What happens when the two women finally meet? Will Brooke help Natalie find Jennifer? What will happen if they do?
Somewhere Out There by Amy Hatvany is a poignant, compelling story about two women's journeys to reacquaint themselves with each other and, ultimately, rediscover themselves. While there's nothing really original or memorable about them as characters or about their story, the novel is still engrossing. I can't say I loved it, but overall, it made for a decent read.
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of Far From the Tree by Robin Benway)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Merry Christmas!
1:00 AM
Merry Christmas to my wonderful BBB readers! I hope you all have a safe, fun, joyous holiday filled with friends, family, beauty, wonder, and love. Bonus if you get some downtime to relax with a book :)
This time of year always has me reflecting on the past 12 months, both the challenges and the triumphs. No matter what happens in a given year, if I look hard enough, I always find that the good in my life continually outweighs the bad. In my church, we often sing a hymn about counting our blessings, naming them one by one—all it takes is a little counting to realize how much I have to be grateful for. Among them, I count you. Thank you for choosing to spend a few minutes of your precious time here. I appreciate your thoughtful comments, your amazing reading recommendations, and your friendship. The book blogging community is a wondrous thing; I'm thankful to be part of it.
I want to share this beautiful video about the birth of the Savior. Even though I can't understand a word that's spoken in it, it's infused with emotion and a spirit that just touches my soul. Enjoy! #LightTheWorld
Labels:Christmas,Jesus Christ | 5
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