Tuesday Book Review

Five-star review of Code: Elephants on the Moon by Jennifer Bohnhoff

I didn’t immediately get into this book, but it is a compelling story about one girl in a small French town during World War II. The writing became much surer as the story unfolded and I was there with Eponine as she felt the ostracism of the Norman girls because of her red hair and freckles yet felt more loyal to France than those who went along with the Germans occupying the town and nearby area. The amount of research that went into making the reader understand and learn about this difficult time for everyone  in France and, in fact, all of Europe is evident. Eponine’s eyes were gradually opened to all her mother and their house guest were doing and then did her part along with her horse. Excellent for children ten or eleven and up.  

Tuesday Book Review

Five-star review of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Linda See

Lady Tan is based on a real female doctor (in both senses) in 15^th Century China. The story of her life allows us to learn about the medical practices, expectations of women, customs, food, clothing and social classes and many other aspects of Chinese culture of the time. Everything is described in detail using beautiful and not so beautiful language. Tan Yunxian came from a prestigious family and married into another. Trained by her grandmother to treat women throughout the stages of their lives, she was initially forbidden by her mother-in-law to practice, she proves how much she can help the females of the family compound. I learned so much from this book as See made it all interesting.

Tuesday Book Review

Four-star review for Fatal Intrusion by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Moldonado

 

This first book in a new series introduces readers to the team of Homeland Security agent Carmen Sanchez and Professor Jake Heron, whose special field of study is intrusion theory. Carmen is particularly determined to lead the investigation of a seeming series of murders after her estranged sister is attacked. The case, or cases, took many twists and turns and through it, the relationships among the characters changes. Deaver and Moldonado  have written another interesting thriller that takes the reader to an assortment of Southern California locales.