Beryl Markham: Fact or Fiction?

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think I may be getting frustrated with books that are part biography and part novel. While I enjoyed getting to know about Beryl Markham's life (her accomplishments as a woman are amazing), I kept wondering how the author could know what she (Beryl) was really feeling. Of course she can't, and she has every right to take creative license as it is a novel, but I find myself wanting to know the real bits. That said, I am intrigued to read Beryl's book, West With the Night, so I can see what she has to say in her own words.

To be fair, as a story, I would give it 4 stars, the 3 stars are my frustration with not knowing what is truth and fiction.


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The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was pulled into this story of Rachel, a daughter of a Norwegian and a Black American GI. It is a story of loss and despair, with some hope pulled in. I thought the ending was just right. You can view a good synopsis on Heidi's website.

I think this would be an excellent classroom or book club discussion book.


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Yeah! Flavia's Back!

As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm glad to say that Flavia is once again back on the job! I was concerned that with her growing older, and going away to boarding school, we would lose some of the Flavia that I've grown to know and love. Thankfully that was not the case.

Flavia is leaving home to attend boarding school. The unjustness of being banished from her home has laid her spirit low. She even misses her cruel sisters.

Flavia arrives at Miss Bodycote's Female Boarding School in the dead of night. If you are a fan of Flavia, you know that something is bound to happen sooner, rather than later, and you would be right. She's barely asleep when there is a knocking at her door and a body drops from the chimney into the hearth in her room. Before authorities get there, she manages to pocket a small token that was clutched in the body's hand, starting Flavia on her next adventure.

Thoroughly enjoyed this most recent book in the series and the ending made me happy.



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Fun Adventure Series for Adults and Children

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book series, which contains, The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia, and A Conspiracy of Kings. This review really encompasses all four books which I read over a weekend. Let me just say, I am very sad that books 5 and 6 are not out yet.

So, disclaimer here, these are children's books, for ages 10 to 14. I don't think I'll disclose my age, but I am well past that, and yet became thoroughly caught up in the story. I say story because even those these are 4 separate books, they are the continuation of the lives of Gen, Irene, Helen and Sophos.

The stories have a feel of Greek myths, although the gods have been created from the author's imagination. There is adventure, betrayal, forgiveness and love (both true love and friendship love).

Gen says he can steal anything, and sets out to do just that. The whole series is based on this premise.

Gen is adept at hiding who he really is, but that doesn't keep him from being captured by the Queen of Attolia. The consequence of being a thief in her kingdom was a truly shocking one. What happens after the consequence is even more surprising.

This quote from the goodreads book description captures some of the intrigue of Book 2:

When Eugenides finds his small mountain country at war with Attolia, he must steal a man, he must steal a queen, he must steal peace. But his greatest triumph, and his greatest loss, comes in capturing something that the Queen of Attolia thought she had sacrificed long ago

Whether you are adult or child, pick up this series for a quick and adventuresome read!



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All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was truly as good as the reviewers said it was. You will be sympathetic to all the characters, which means you will embrace both the good and bad of both sides of the war. It is so easy to vilify Germans in these World War II stories, yet they are people like you and me. The main characters are Marie-Laure, a young blind girl and Werner, an orphaned radio repair man.

As you get to know Werner, you begin to understand why he made his choice, and also to see that you may have made the same choice. As you get to know Marie-Laure, you feel her fear, and also, her courage. Werner's sister displays that innate sense of what is right and the ability to stay true to that. Marie's uncle, who becomes her caregiver after her father is captured, is both a coward and a hero.

The author allows us glimpses into their lives, the background story, if you will, of why they are who they are. You gain a sympathy and understanding for each of them. For me, this is part of what makes the story so powerful. Of course there is good and evil in the world, we see, read, and hear about the evil everyday. Somehow, evil becomes a country, or a people, or a political party. This story helps me to remember that it's individuals who make up the groups--perhaps, if we know their back stories, and help them in an appropriate way, they will have the power to change the evil into something good.


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