Room

Told through the eyes of a five year old, Room is a disturbing story of a woman kidnapped and held against her will.

Jack is born in an 11 foot square shed.  He spends his first five years of life there and is led to believe that shed is the entire world.  His friends are spoons and eggshells and books.  His Ma is only trying to protect him, but in the grand scheme of things, she only makes his life far more confusing.

 
Let's break it down...

Jack
Extremely intelligent in some ways and far behind in others, Jack is a sweet, befuddled, and often scared child that will surely steal your heart.  In his small world, the most important things are "having some" (breastfeeding), Phys Ed (exercising), and Dora (picked up on a small TV with bunny ears).  His days are so full; he never even realizes they are being held in captivity. 

Ma
Despite having conceived and birthed Jack under far less-than-perfect circumstances, she loves him so completely.  Her only goals are to keep him safe and find a way for them to escape.  When Jack starts asking questions (and refusing to believe the answers), she knows she must tell him the truth and begin devising a plan. 

Old Nick
The man who is holding them captive, Old Nick is the grocery getter, trash man, and bed creaker to Jack.  When things don't go exactly his way, he punishes Ma and Jack in cruel ways, such as cutting the power to the shed.  When Ma finds out Old Nick has been laid off, she is terrified of what will happen next and knows they must find a way out.   

RATINGS

Writing Style  9/10

Characters      9/10

Storyline         9/10

OVERALL      9/10

Emma Donoghue's Room is both brilliant and terrifying... A must-read novel!

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*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*

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Safe Haven

This book is nothing if not predictable, but Nicholas Sparks gives his characters enough personality to make it worth your time.  Although I can say it was unlike any Sparks book I’ve picked up so far, it is still a wonderful showcase of his writing abilities.  Set mainly in present day Southport, North Carolina, Safe Haven is your classic romance novel with a dark twist.  

Let’s break it down…

KATIE

Katie is a beautiful young woman trying to start over and run from her disturbing past.  Now a small town waitress, she spends all her time waiting tables or working on her tiny home.  Although she is lonely, she refuses to develop relationships with anyone.  When Katie starts falling for a local store owner, can it work out despite someone from her past trying to interfere?

ALEX

The owner of a small grocery store, Alex is a widower and the father of two young children.  When he falls for mysterious Katie, he must work overtime to get her to trust him. 

JO

After moving in next door, Jo finds a way into Katie’s life and considers the two friends.  She’s a little flighty and a LOT nosy, but her friendship finds a special place in Katie’s heart. 

KEVIN

Katie’s demented ex-husband and a detective in Boston, Kevin is a control freak you’ll love to hate.  The chapters written from his perspective are particularly creepy and are likely to stick with you well after you put this book down.  

RATINGS

Writing Style:     8/10

Characters:         8/10

Storyline              8/10

OVERALL:       8/10

Fans of Nicholas Sparks won’t want to miss this suspenseful, contemporary romance! 

*Kindle Users:  Get it here*

These Things Hidden

Oh. My. Goodness.  Heather Gudenkauf draws you in and has you begging for answers before you finish the first page of this gripping novel.  These Things Hidden explores the difficulties surrounding 21 year old Allison and her release from prison.  By court order, Allison moves into a halfway house in Iowa.   Once her hometown, Linden Falls is a small place where your past is always sure to haunt you… especially when it involves heinous crime.  This is a book that makes you want to kiss your babies, hug your parents, and never trust another human being.  (Don’t worry.  That feeling passes. ;) 

Let’s break it down…

*Note:  Like The Weight of Silence (also by Gudenkauf), each chapter is titled for and written from the perspective of one of the four main characters.  I couldn't read books in this format all the time, but it is a pleasant change every now and then.  

Allison

Once the perfect daughter, student, and athlete, Allison has just been released after serving five years of a ten year prison sentence.  Her past catches up with her in unexpected ways as she learns to live in the real world again.  Only 21 years old, this character’s youthfulness will draw you in; however, along with the residents of Linden Falls, you’ll find yourself disliking her for her past.  

Brynn

As Allison’s younger sibling, Brynn was always forced to live in the shadow of her sister’s greatness.  That is, until the day she was forced to live in the shadow of her sister’s horrific crime.  Gudenkauf’s writing will make you feel torn right alongside Brynn as she struggles with the choices she must make now that Allison is free.    

Claire

Wife, mother, and bookstore owner, Claire is a character whose feelings you’ll share throughout this book.  You’ll feel the love for her store, the love for her son, and the sadness she carries from her past.  

Charm

Although you may question some of her actions, Charm will have your respect during the course of this story.  She is a full time nursing student with a flaky mother and a dying ex-stepfather who was kind enough to take her in years earlier.  When Charm’s selfish mother discovers a secret, will the lives of others be ruined?

RATINGS

Writing Style:   8/10

Characters:     8.5/10

 Storyline:        9/10

OVERALL:  8.5/10

Whether you love suspense novels or usually pass them by, you must read These Things Hidden.  Suspense fans are sure to love it; and those who aren’t fans just may be after this extraordinary read!

*Kindle Users:  Get it here!*