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Books 4, 5, & 6

This is the second post I've blogged in regards to the books I have read thus far in 2018.  This edition includes:
  • A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  • The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
   #4.  A Wrinkle in Time is a wonderful book that intertwines modern science with good moral values when encountered by dark disturbing forces.  Appropriate for all ages, I found this tale to be utterly fascinating!  From the get-go, I was drawn into the message that L'Engle was stating.  The position a brother and sister is in will break your heart.  Their father, who works for the government, (top secret stuff) has gone missing.  Their mother is positive he will come back and be completely unscathed.  However, her children can read the worried expression on her face.  Sometimes in a fit of helplessness, children have to take matters into their own hands.  They do just that with the help of some pretty fascinating friends.  I can't wait to read the rest of the books that make up this quintet.  First published in 1962, this book will still strike a cord with those who need a pick-me-up.  

I read this book because I am wanting to revert to some classic literature that is included in the children's collection.  I also recently found out that they are making a movie based off of this book.  I'm sure it will be amazing, though how could it be even more so than the book itself.  I highly recommend this title.



#5.   Oh how I adored A Man Called Ove.  I will admit that it was a tad slow at first.  But I had heard such amazing things from this book that I decided to keep reading.  Boy am I glad that I did!  Ove is the typical grumpy man, set in his stubborn ways.  Ove comes from a family who always strive to do the right thing, even if it meant making your family suffer in the end.  However, being trampled on one too many times, he has definitely had enough.  This bitter man does indeed have a soul, and it will take a lot of picking from some unruly neighbors for his heart to shine again.  He is coming to retirement age, has just lost the love of his life, and has nothing to live for anymore.  He can't wait to see his sweet Sonja on the other side, and decides day in and day out that this is the day he will meet her again.  However, many failed attempts at suicide because of annoying circumstances will put that journey off.  I dare you not to smile, laugh, and cry while reading this story.  It is a true gem!  Oh yeah...they're making this into a movie too!  



#6.   The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman left me highly disappointed.  I had read Practical Magic by her years ago and loved it.  I fell in love with the characters, and who could forget that amazing movie starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman?  This is the story of the Owens family and how the curse of love, or not being able to fall in love, came to be in the 1620's.  Fast forward to the 1960's and we meet Susanna Owens.  Her three children all share the same uniqueness - they're witches.  The synopsis carries on with the difficulties they face, the love they lose, and the squalor that is their lives because of the curse that was held to the family centuries earlier.  I think a great story could have been told.  In my opinion Hoffman used her platform for more political reasons.  I am compassionate for the issues that she brings to light.  I just feet that she used too much time trying to get her point across.  The story was lost.  



I am currently reading The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas and The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston.  I can tell you right now that one I am loving while the other...not so much.  I will keep you posted with those shortly.

Until then, happy reading!  

Books read in 2018: 6


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