2017 Book Reviews

I have loved many of Chris Bohjalian’s novels but with this one I found the book good but not like his others that I’ve read. The elements regarding sleepwalking were very interesting and the ending did surprise me.

I thought the characters were interesting as well. When Annalee goes missing her daughters struggle to cope with the sudden loss of her especially as their father isn’t too supportive. Annalee had sleepwalked many times but never disappeared completely. Her older daughter narrates the story and for me it was quite slow until closer to the end where it picked up and I felt I had to know what would happen.

I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Cary McClain and Grace Experience. I haven’t listened to either narrator before but I did enjoy their telling of this story. So while this may not have been a favorite of mine I’m still very much looking forward to the next book from Chris Bohjalian.

Source: Library copy

PinThis was a great psychological thriller with an interesting plot and an ending that’s sure to surprise most, if not all readers. I was one of those who did not predict the ending of this one at all. It has a touch of fantasy to it that appealed to me. I didn’t really love any of the characters but it didn’t matter to this story. The story stood out on its own and I always love a book in which I can’t predict what might happen.

I listened to the audiobook which has several narrators including Anna Bentinck, Josie Dunn, Bea Holland, and Huwm Parmenter and they all do a wonderful job of making it a great listen. I recommend this one for those who enjoy psychological thrillers with something a little different.

Source: Library

I really enjoyed listening to this book. Of course it doesn’t hurt that it’s narrated by Cassandra Campbell who is one of the best narrators in the industry. She breathes life into each and every story she narrates.

This book is about the end of the world. A supernatural event occurs and except for a few the majority of people go into a mesmerized state. One that doesn’t is one of the main characters Minji. She’s strong and fearless. Not scared to fight to the end to protect her family. This was a great listen for me!

Source: Personal copy

Another 5 star read for me from Camille Pagán. Her novels never fail to hit an emotional chord in me and this one was no different. A story involving complex relationships and great characters. Characters who didn’t necessarily do the right things or things I approved of but I still found myself liking them. By the end of this book I was in tears. I cared so much what happened to the people inhabiting this novel.

I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Timothy Andres Pabon. I’ve never listened to him before but he has a wonderful reading voice and he brought all the proper emotional tones to this story. Excellent and highly recommended for those who love women’s fiction.

Source: Personal copy

Another book from Ellen Hopkins that I couldn’t put down. Her stories are always so real and this one was as well- being based on a true event from her own life.

In this novel we meet Ariel who lives with her often volatile father who seems to keep a short leash on her making her feel like a possession instead of a daughter. Why does he do this though? It’s a question she’s asked herself many times. And soon enough she is blind sided by an event that shakes her to her core and leaves her questioning who she is. Another excellent novel from Ellen Hopkins!

I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Candace Thaxton, Rebekkah Ross, and Kirby Heyborne. Need I say more – all are excellent narrators and brought this story fully alive in my mind.

Source: Library

Another amazing novel from Pam Jenoff. She is an amazing storyteller and I never fail to be enthralled by a novel of hers.

In this novel Noa is thrown out by her parents after she becomes pregnant by a Nazi soldier. She is forced to give up her baby but upon seeing a train full of Jewish infants bound for a concentration camp she takes one.

After fleeing Noa finds work with a circus doing things she never thought she could. She also meets Astrid and at first the two women clash but soon they form an unbreakable bond. They share secrets that bring them together like nothing else can but as the war rages around them will their friendship be enough to save them both.

I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Jennifer Wydra and Kyla Garcia. They do a wonderful job of bringing this WWII novel to life. This is an emotional and powerful novel. Highly recommended!

Source: Personal copy