Mini Book Reviews (3)

1.  The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Not my favorite of John Green's but it's still great and makes you keep a box of tissues nearby. A beautiful story on dying. What do we do when we have a disease that will inevitably kill us in a short amount of time? Lots of philosophy throughout this one and dealing with death is something we should always be aware of. It happens to us all and to all those we love.

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2. Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism by Susan Jacoby

Jacoby is a great writer and she is able to seamlessly combine history and mini-bios into one great book. There are so many great people that history seems to have forgotten--Ernestine Rose, Robert Ingersoll, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, all due to their outspoken views on patriarchal religion. I loved getting to know these beautiful people that all helped shape our great nation.

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3. Trapped by Kevin Hearne

This is the fifth installment of Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles. This time Atticus is trying to bind his new druid apprentice to Gaia but somehow the only place he can do it is in Greece near the Olympic Gods!

This one has funny pop-culture references, talking dog, hilarious gods, monsters, and goddesses he's always annoying and killing! Even a bit of romance! If you haven't read the first book go do it now!

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4. The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

This is the finishing sequel to Clarke's Assassin's Curse. Both are amazing kick-booty female-driven fantasies. Ananna and Naji are bound together because of a curse. She's a pirate and he's a blood assassin. He must keep her alive to live and if she actually wants to be a pirate captain she must find a way to break the impossible curse.

She's tough, smart, and gets things done. It's great to see female-centered books that don't only focus on romance and finding a man. One of the best adventure-fantasy series I've read in a long time!

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5. Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters by Donna Jo Napoli

I picked this one up to read with my son. It's beautifully illustrated and Napoli adds in some commentary that helps with discussion. She also has little info boxes about science, history, and geography to help put times and stories into context. My son is still little so I think I enjoyed the stories more than he did but he loved the pictures! I will be returning to this one again and again.

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