The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

**** [4/5]

I read this based on a recommendation of a friend. I found it much lighter and funnier than I would have guessed for a civil rights era story. A fun read if you have time.

Sarah's Key

by Tatiana de Rosnay


*** [3/5]


This book explores the consequences of one fated decision. A young girl tells her brother to hide in a cupboard when the French police arrive to take her Jewish family into custody. The ripple effects of this moment cascade through the book and the results are not revealed until late in the story. The book explores a less known round-up conducted by the French police during WWII with un-flattering context. Not a cheerful read but interesting for historical context. 

Magic's Poison

by Gillian Bradshaw

*** [3/5]

This book is fantasy, which is not always my favorite, but the work is well done. It tells of a world with magicians who have the ability to magnify power with a poison from another race. The theme is based on this power conflict and the issues with balancing the power. I liked the first two books in the series but the third was not as well executed.

The Sojourn

by Andrew Krivak

**** [4/5]

This is the story of two brothers (sort-of) who spend the second world war as snipers. The story is very sad but also well told. The depth of the characters is great and the story unfolds with several surprising twists.

Spirit Horses

by Alan Evans

** [2/5]

This book is about one man and his experience with the wild mustangs of Wyoming. The story is sad and a bit predictable in form, but a fast read.