Lost In The Rain

I read The Wolves of Winter during the Christmas break and could not put it down. Packed full of adventure and treachery, the post-apocalyptic world that Tyrell Johnson created is a frightening reminder of what our future could look like.

There is so much normal life in this book, and I think that is why I enjoyed it so much. Hay’s does a superb job of writing about the minutia, the daily routines and motherly worries! As Hay writes about how Lucy “looses-it” and needs a mini-vacation; I thought to myself and smiled “been there!”

The Shoe on the Roof by Will Ferguson was funny and thought provoking; the story really surprised me. It’s certainly not comparable to anything I’ve read recently. The Shoe on the Roof is unquestionably this year’s stand out novel.

I know I keep on saying this anytime I read YA, but where were these amazing stories when I was growing up? Now, if I was still in high school (thankfully I’m not) and had to write a book report I’d pick Strange Fire. Wallach packs friendship, family, betrayal, a dusting of romance/lust but more importantly, a very strong religion vs science theme within the pages of Strange Fire.

Seven Fallen Feathers is the most powerful, thought provoking, soul crushing book I’ve read this year and every Canadian should read it.

Jennifer Egan must have done quite a bit of research for Manhattan Beach, the little details of day to day life, the slang and the different views people had at the time gave me the impression of being right alongside these characters. I couldn’t help feel that everything, everyone was on a tipping point.

When I met Marion, the first thing I felt for this bullied little soul was pity, I liked her. I wanted to rescue her out of the pages. As for the rest of Marion’s family – I didn’t enjoy meeting them. I can’t imagine growing up without affection and love. It just tore me apart to read how Marion ended up after her parents died – surrounded by hording. Then, things took a turn.