Julie Berry’s “Lovely War” is a poignant, moving take on passion, young love, and the loss of innocence. The novel begins with a conversation between the Greek gods in an effort to answer why Love is always drawn to war, but quickly spirals into the tale of Hazel and James, two teenagers in a time of chaos.
Considering the rough and difficult aspects of being involved in the war, the fictional work The Things They Carried. The main character is pulled into the Vietnam War and reflects on the war journey and life before it in a unique writing by Tim O’Brien. The Things They Carried was written by Tim O'Brien to indicate how running away from problems does not solve them.
The Passion of Dolssa is a historical fiction novel by Julie Berry about a young girl in 13th century France named Dolssa. Dolssa can speak to Jesus and is blessed with the ability to bring good luck and healing to others. She wants to spread the word and love of Jesus, but members of the church, like Friar Lucien, see her as a heretic who is trying to trick innocent people. Friar Lucien wants to burn Dolssa at the stake, like the Church did to many heretics in this time period.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle takes you through a young girl’s story in the Victorian Era. With exciting plot twists and a fun storyline, she learns to think for herself and who she truly is, even though the people around her might not approve. On a voyage to America, she discovers why she is on that ship, followed by a mystery. I enjoyed reading this book because of its wonderful storyline and mysterious foreshadowing. I can connect with the characters and it is easy to follow along.
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid is an historical fiction book.
When Daisy Jones, a talented and lively up-and-coming singer, moves to L.A., her producer sets
her up with a new blues-rock band, the Six. There she butts heads with Billy Dunne, the broody
lead singer, and discovers their odd connection. Thus, legends are made.
This book is a great read if you just want to escape reality for a little bit. I loved the
Alex & Eliza, by Melissa de la Cruz, tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler’s
romance. Set in the late eighteenth century, Eliza is the daughter of a high standing family that
has lost most of their money. She meets Alexander, a poor young soldier from the West Indies,
at her family’s ball. The two immediately disagree and separate as enemies. As one of three
oldest daughters, it is Eliza’s duty to bring her family back to its former legacy by marrying rich.
Sula is the child of a small town in Ohio, of a complicated family past, of racial inequality,
of motherhood, and of a burning desire to see the world for herself. Years after an abrupt
disappearance from her childhood hometown, Sula returns and meets her former best friend -
Nel. Their lives have been so different since their separation, yet they meet once again and
immediately reconnect. However, their vastly different lives will lead to unique consequences for
The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead, is a creative imagining of the Civil
War. Whitehead takes the concept of the Underground Railroad, which is ironically visualized as
a real railroad that runs under America. The novel follows a young slave, Cora, after her
mother’s escape from their plantation. After years of torment and abuse, Cora and a new slave,
Caesar, escape the plantation and make their way North by underground trains. Throughout her
Liesel Meminger’s life changes after her brother dies and she moves in with a foster family.
This book covers her adventures with her best friend, her struggles and a secret she had to
keep. From the point of view of the narrator Death, Liesel experiences Germany during World
War II and steals books to read thus becoming “The Book Thief”.
