Book Four: Winter of the World

Book Four: Winter of the World is another sweeping historical fiction by author Ken Follett.

Book two in The Century Trilogy, Winter of the World, covers the lead up to World War 2, battles during the war, the beginning of nuclear war, and the aftermath of the Second World War. Follett's conclusion of Winter of the World has clearly made a path for the conclusion of The Century Trilogy by laying the basis for the Cold War. Follett successfully mixes political, social, and economic history in his novel. At the forefront of the history, Follett continues to follow families from five different countries: Germany, Russia, America, England, and Wales. Triumphs, trials, and tragedies are related through the stories of these families.

If you are a reader who enjoys epic historical fiction, this book will hook you (as will others by Follett). I enjoyed continuing to follow the families that we met in Fall of Giants. I look forward to continuing the journey and meeting new members of these families as the end of The Century Trilogy concludes.

Previously enjoyed novels by Follett: Fall of Giants, The Pillars of the Earth, and World Without End.

 

Book Three: The Fault in Our Stars

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

Phew. That was an amazing read! Very exhausting.

Book three in the #50BookPledge is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

Mini Summary: This story is about life and love. This is the story of Hazel Grace and Augustus' infinite time together. Both characters are living with cancer and recognise that infinities are different for different people and different situations.

Musings: This is the first book by John Green that I have read. To be honest, I was attracted to this book based on the cover. Very superficial, I know, but nonetheless, true. Thank God for good book jacket designers.

Green's writing is smart and quick. His characters are smart and quick. There is no false sentimentality in this story. And yet, I feel sentimental about these characters. Green creates real characters, dealing with real life and real death.

The Fault in Our Stars made me cry; not much makes me cry. It was an emotional read. Sad, yes. But also funny, hopeful, and honest. This is the type of book that makes you want to be friends with the characters and makes you feel angry at things that you cannot change. You question your purpose and the purpose of those around you. What is life all about? But not with depressing answers. Just questions, which is a good thing, but not necessarily with answers, which just is.

“Some infinities are bigger than other infinities.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

Book Two: Wonder

So, book two of #50BookPledge is done! And this read is absolutely fantastic!

Mini Summary: Wonder, by R. J. Palacio, is about a young boy's journey through grade 5. This is August's first year of school, ever. His life is extraordinary. August was born with a facial deformity that resulted in many years of surgery and recovery and, therefore, homeschooling. August's mom and dad decide that it is the right time for him to attend school. The story is August's trials and successes as he journeys through his first year of middle school.

Musing: I am surprised to learn that this is Palacio's first novel. Her writing is WONDERful. I appreciate the way that she writes from the perspectives of young people. Many author's lack the ability to do this effectively. Palacio's writing seems true to the way that kids talk to and relate to other kids and adults. Her writing also seems to reflect the way that kids experience their day to day lives.

I like how Palacio offers different perspectives in this novel. She not only writes from August's perspective but from his sister, Olivia's perspective, as well as a number of other kids who are a part of August's and/or Olivia's story.

I further appreciate how the story is not always sugar coated. Real things happen to August and they are not always pretty. Bullies exist in reality and in this story. People are not always kind in real life and they are not always kind in this story. Discomfort is expressed and felt by the characters and reader alike. But the best part of this book is the author's ability to rise above bullies, meanness, and discomfort and help the characters and the reader to recognise a couple of important things: simple acts of kindness can have big and important results and friendship can be found in unexpected places. 

Wonder is an honest book.

Thank you Palacio. I truly hope that this is not your last novel.

Book One: A Long Way From Home

Book One of #50BookPledge is A Long Way From Home by Alice Walsh.

A Long Way From Home was recommended to my by my school Library Technician.

Mini Summary: A young girl, Rabia, from Afghanistan travels to America on September 11th. Her plane is diverted to Gander, Newfoundland after the airspace over the United States is closed.

Musings: A Long Way From Home reminded my of The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. Similar things happen to the protagonists in both novels. Both books shine a light on the plight of Afghan citizens, with a focus on the struggles of girls and women. Both of these books are important reads for youth. Some of Rabia's conversations from A Long Way From Home seem, to me, to be forced. It is as if Walker really wants to get a point across to the reader but doesn't truly capture the conversation of a thirteen year old.

Important themes are touched on throughout this book. Obviously, the plight of people in Afghanistan, with a focus on girls and women. Reacting to situations rather than responding to them. Judging groups based on the actions of a few. With all of these themes, family and friendship is also central to the story.

Teaching youth about world issues though fiction is an engaging way to help youth understand human issues. It is a way to broaden their horizons. Realistic fiction introduces topics to youth in a way that holds their interest and educates at the same time. A Long Way From Home is a book that should be included in the reading of a well educated youth.

T.

#50BookPledge

Last year, I was tempted to take the #50BookPledge but never thought that I would be able to read 50 books in one year. As of December 31, 2012, I have completed 51 books! I am amazed. And I am excited to sign up for #50BookPledge at the beginning of 2013 with the expectation of meeting and exceeding this goal.

My reading journey has been a rather recent one. I read as a child and as a teen. Much of my reading during high school and university was assigned. After completing university, I remember thinking, "I am done with reading for a while." In 2008, a friend of mine told me I must read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. You can go to her website here: Diana Gabaldon Reluctantly, I decided to take her up on her recommendation. I did not really anticipate getting anything from the book or even enjoying it much. I was just willing to humour a friend.

It took me a while to get into this book. However, Outlander was the first book that actually kept me awake, make me loose sleep, and truly started my love of reading journey. Since 2008, I have become a constant reader. I love to read. I always have a book "on the go". I have a book with me where ever I go now - whether it is a paper copy or on my kindle. I read in the grocery store line up as I wait for my turn in line.

I am going to attempt to keep a book blog to record the 50 (and more) books that I read this year. I keep a Shelfari account to track my reading. You can link to my account here: My Shelfari Account

Here's to the beginning of a  new year! Here's to the beginning of another 50 book journey!

T.