Review: Blue Sky July by Nia Wyn

This beautifully written memoir, Blue Sky July, is a true testament to a mother’s love for her child. When she and her husband were preparing for their new baby, they were just like any other expecting parents out there. When she noticed that something wasn’t right, doctors assured her everything was fine and dismissed it over and again but tests confirmed the discovery of a severe disability. Doctors told her that her child would never walk, talk, speak or know who they were. She was determined to prove them wrong. 

Through an honest open journal of her daily interactions with her son over the first seven years of his life, we see an incredible woman fight to beat the odds. She gave up her life to try everything and anything she could do to help make his life better. Despite the medical opposition, he ultimately surpassed all their initial assumptions. He is everything that they said he could never be. 

Her resilience and dedication to her son was inspiring and gives hope to any parent out there who is going through the same experience. The leaps and bounds he achieved because of her gives hope to those who may have none. There are many people who give up and cannot cope but after reading this amazing book, it can offer some comfort and inspiration.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Review: Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

When you think of Michael Crichton, you think of dinosaurs, emergency rooms and pirates. Pirate Latitudes is the title of a Michael Crichton manuscript discovered after the author's passing and is as the title implies... all about pirates. This is not Crichton's first piece of historical fiction based on real events and people. Eaters of the Dead, was the tale of a Muslim who finds himself in the company of Vikings in the early eighth century A.D. Crichton has delved into the past in other works as well such as "The Great Train Robbery" and "Time Machine". 

Pirate Latitudes, is probably the most entertaining of them all. It is a wonderful  pirate story. The characters are interesting and unique and in one case, incapable of speech. The novel follows the Captain as he plans his raid, secures a cover story and assembles his crew of misfits and ne'er do wells in search of Spanish gold. Although it takes place on the high seas, it is truly a crime novel. It comes with all the joys associated with the genre with double crosses, a big score and trouble all around.  The pirate setting however adds flavor to the format and structure of the novel, making the story seem very realistic. That being said, a creature of the deep even make appearances through out the novel.

As a young man, I grew up reading and loving Michael Crichton novels, and this book was no different. Crichton's simple, and insightful style makes the reader feel clever. You read along learning and deducing what challenges or changes might come next in the story all the while never really being sure how the novel will end but know that no matter what the outcome you will be happy with it.

Reviewed by Andrew Swanson

Book Information
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date: 11/24/2009
Pages: 312

Review: Sisterhood Everlasting by Anne Brashares

If you have enjoyed the Sisterhood Series, than you will not be disappointed when you read “Sisterhood Everlasting.” Ann Brashares brings back a long awaited reunion between those four young women we grew to love and experience their lives 10 years later in one of the most moving, memorable books of this year.

Even if you are unfamiliar with the Sisterhood books and this is your first time reading with this book, you feel like you have known these girls your whole life. There is this connection to the characters in this book that make them easy to identify with and love. The words just come so alive from the page that it captivates you from the very beginning and makes you feel as you read that you know them personally. It was like reconnecting with an old friend. The kind of friend that no matter what happens in your life and you drift away, you can pick up where you left off and your feelings never change. 

Continuing their journey through life 10 years later, Brashares reintroduces us to Tibby, Bridget, Lena and Carmen and their bond that has seemed like a lifetime. This touching and heart breaking reunion, answers everything that you had hoped and experience with them a unexpected loss that ignites life changing moments that affects all of their lives forever. Despite living in different places and their own lives, we see them grow, experience loss, love and come full circle to who they have become as women. Their unspoken bond that no matter what happens unites them in ways that no one can understand but leaves you in awe.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Book Information
Publisher: Random House
Release Date: 6/14/11
Pages: 368

Review: One Summer by David Baldacci

Summary
Jack Armstrong, a dedicated war veteran, with the battle scars to prove is facing one fight that seems unbeatable. With his loving wife Lizzie by his side, he is facing a terminal illness that he is trying to share his last moments with his family the best way he can. In a twist of fate, tragedy strikes and he loses the love of his life and is faced with the uncertainty of taking care of his children in his final days. In a tearful goodbye, his kids say goodbye before being separated to live with different relatives across the country.

In another twist of fate, Jack notices something that changes his fate forever. Igniting hope that was all lost and the love that he had for his kids gave him the push to fight the hardest battle of his life that led to the greatest miracle that surprised everyone. What was supposed to be his death sentence, his summer began a new life of love, hope, and a reuniting of the family that was thought to be gone forever.

Review
One Summer, is definitely one of David Baldacci's best written stories ever. It is one of those stories that are so compelling to read and it just takes your breath away. It's a beautifully written novel that shows just why he is one of the best storytellers in the world. It is definitely a book that is a must on your list this year. It will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate life not just for yourself but for those around you.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Book Information
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: 6/14/11
Pages: 352

Review: The Jefferson Key by Steve Berry

Summary
When an assassination attempt was made on President Daniels, former government operative Cotton Malone was called in to solve this case of who is behind this who done it. Unfortunately, this particular case was not your typical. It is connected to a dangerous secret society of pirates known as the Commonwealth who because of a clause in the Constitution can protect them from the law despite what they do. 

There is one problem. This part written is missing from the original pages that would make them untouchable. Tired of the government coming after them, they are willing to kill to protect themselves and get to the pages before anyone else can. How it can be found is by deciphering a code which will lead them to where they are located. 

In their most dangerous case, Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt risk their lives to unravel this plot and in the process almost lose their lives to stop them from doing anymore harm.

Review
I thought the overall story was very intriguing. He did such a great job with mixing the historical facts and creative fiction into such a compelling read. Once you get into it, it really grabs your interest. Not only the who done it but all things that happened that led up to end. The different turns in the plot make this book very fascinating. 

I think the best part of the book was that whole storyline with the pirate culture. It wasn’t your typical Hollywood stereotype. He gave it depth and you get a whole different opinion of them compared to what your accustomed to in the movies. If you like action, this definitely was filled with a lot of scenes that came alive and for that aspect you will not be disappointed. So, if you are up for a thrilling adventure, it’s not a short read, but it was a good one.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Book Information
Publisher: Random House
Release Date: 5/17/11
Pages: 480

Review: State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

Dr. Marina Singh, a medical researcher, was sent to the heart of the Amazon to try and find answers about the death of her friend and colleague who went there to check on a team that included her once mentor, Dr. Annick Swenson. On the verge of discovering a new valuable drug, is no where to be found and was the last person to see him alive. She leaves everything behind and faces the unknown to try and accomplish what her dead friend couldn't. 

Once in the Amazon, she faces and finds more than the world in it's primitive form. In this descriptive and compelling written narrative, we are taken on a journey that places you straight at the heart of anything beyond what you could've thought. On her quest to find answers, she confronts her past and make choices that challenge her own beliefs and makes decisions that she never thought could. An enjoyable story with a few surprises twists, you won't be disappointed.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Book Information
Publisher: Harper
Release Date: 6/7/11
Pages: 268