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Zev Bronfman, an angry atheist who was brought up in a Hassidic home escapes death from a falling beam. This near death experience was a wakeup call for Zev, who leaves his parents for a not-so-lucrative job as a cab driver in New York City.
About: Forty Acres by Dwayne Alexander Smith is an engaging novel which is thought provoking with an interesting premise. This is Mr. Smith’s debut novel. 384 pages Publisher: Atria Books Language: English ISBN-10: 1476730539 My rating for Forty Acres – 4 Buy this book from in paper or electronic format* Thoughts: Forty Acres by Dwayne Alexander Smith is an interesting novel which makes the reader think how one would avenge a sin caused by their forefathers. The novel also takes a look at racism and getting justice through revenge. This is a contemporary novel and the author included “ripped from the headlines” events about race. More than the upfront, in your face premise, I thought the book made me think about the social consequences in American society which racism and discrimination causes. The injustices which were suffered long ago in the open, still exist in places, however they are covered with honey but are not any sweeter. The struggle to overcome these injustices make some people do things which they otherwise wouldn’t dream of, and shape their character in a way many of us couldn’t understand. I enjoyed the unique premise of the book, it is an interesting, yet…
The story of the small village and its surroundings were responsible for saving thousands of people during World War II who were on the Gestapo’s wanted list
The story is told through the eyes of the woman who lived it, while it took around the same time, each one had an individual and unique experience. While the synopsis might sound like a fairytale (falling in love, crossing the ocean, etc.) the reality was much harsher and difficult.
About: Normandy: A Graphic History of D-Day, The Allied Invasion of Hitler’s Fortress Europe by Wayne Vansant is a graphic novel recounting the events of that fateful day and those leading up to it. 104 pages Publisher: Zenith Press Language: English ISBN-10: 0760343926 My rating for Normandy: A Graphic History of D-Day – 4 Buy this book from in paper or electronic format* Thoughts: Normandy: A Graphic History of D-Day, The Allied Invasion of Hitler’s Fortress Europe by Wayne Vansant connects to the reader more than a mere history book. The excellent art draws attention to historical details in vivid details and colors. Mr. Vansant starts at the weeks and months ramping up to D-Day, and ends at the liberation of Paris – about two months after D-Day. The author does a great job educating the reader about the leaders who made great, lucky and disastrous decisions on both sides as well as the consequences suffered by the civilian population of the battlefield. The author does an excellent job representing all the countries who participated in the invasion of Europe, not just the big ones we hear and learn about. A special mention of the Polish 1st Armored…
About: Death of Kings by Bernard Cornwell is the sixth novel in this historical-fiction series featuring Uhtred of Bebbanburg. The series is called The Saxon Chronicles and tells about eh unification of Anglo Saxon England as well as the expulsion of the Danes from Britain. 336 pages Publisher: Harper Paperbacks Language: English ISBN-10: 0061969664 My rating for Death of Kings — 4 Buy this book from in paper or electronic format* More Books by Bernard Cornwell Thoughts: I have not read any of the previous books in the series or any books by the author, however I did enjoy Death of Kings by Bernard Cornwell. I enjoyed the historical detail of the story as well as the depth of characters which the author presented. Mr. Cornwell chose a wonderful time in history to write about, much hangs in the balance and the story is told in a fast pace, describing larger than life events. The novel weaves action, political intrigue and religious schemes throughout. I enjoyed reading about the main character, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Uhtred is not a nice man, he is tough, a great warrior and excellent leader. Uhtred is not an action hero, he is a general…
The book is not only a memoir, but a commentary about the life in a small southern town circa the 1920s. A town where almost everyone never even saw a Jew nevertheless interacted with one.
There are many well described aspects which surround the story: familial roles, household chores division, raising children, religion and more. The author tries to accentuate the harshness that some women have in their life and that no matter what they’ll do, they’ll never get ahead because of how they grew up and /or who they were born to.
Ms. Crawford wrote an amusing book, easy to read, quick, intelligent and often funny. The author even made me like some of the most spoiled kids the protagonist was engaged with, as well as a few pointers on writing essays (and if you follow my blog you know that there is certainly a lot left to be desired).
The story takes place over a course of about 12 hours, but much of the story is told in flashbacks and memories which are triggered by external events which the protagonist, a flier named Leslie Mason, experiences. Mason is experiencing a profound sense of loss almost every waking moment due to his luck of having survived many missions, but loosing many friends who did not have such good fortune. In his depressed state, Mason is concerned only with the present and survival, not concerned about past or future.
