Recommendations?

Grace told me I could ask for book recommendations on this part of our blog. When I asked her I used the example of wanting some fantasy ideas since I'm not very familiar with that genre and both Grace and Faith are. I think I got her excited and I felt bad popping her bubble by saying I was only using that as an example. :(

The book recommendation I am really looking for is more in my genre (and I think Josie's too)--Historical fiction.

Recently I seem to have gotten stuck in a rut of WWII time period books. I decided to change things up a bit by going back about 30-40 years to WWI. And there is my problem. I cannot find more than one book, (War Horse, a wonderful book by the way) that is written about that war. Every author seems to gloss over it and move on to the more exciting, more recent and more decisive WWII.

Any ideas? They can be fiction, non-fiction, biography, histories (preferably not but if it was a very good one I might be able to stay awake long enough. ;) ), autobiographies?

Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye

Find and Stranger, Say Goodbye--Lois Lowry

Summary--Natalie Armstrong, an attractive, happy teenager about to enter college, sets out to discover the parents who gave her up at infancy.

Con's--though there is an immoral relationship in this story it is dealt with pretty carefully. However  I was upset to find many other entirely needless off color comments and conversations. There was also a bit of language.

Pro's--I am not adopted but if I were think I would be just like Natalie. I could identify with her struggles, her desire to find her mother/parents and her reaction when she did. The story is very realistic and I was drawn in immediately.

This book is a toss up for me. I wouldn't exactly recommend it due to much of the content but the story line was wonderful...I can only inform a potential reader of the pro's and con's and let them decided for themself.

Ages 16 and up. 3 out of 5 stars.

Chasing Jupiter

Scarlett Blaine's life in 1960s Georgia isn't always easy, especially given her parents' financial struggles and the fights surrounding her sister Juli's hippie lifestyle. Then there's her brother, Cliff. While Scarlett loves him more than anything, there's no denying his unique behavior leaves Cliff misunderstood and left out. So when he wishes for a rocket to Jupiter, Scarlett agrees to make it happen, no matter how crazy the idea might be. Raising the rocket money means baking pies, and the farmer's son, Frank, agrees to provide the peaches if Scarlett will help him talk to Juli. The problem is, Scarlett really enjoys her time with Frank, and finds herself wondering if, someday, they could be more than friends. Just as she thinks everything might be going her way, Cliff suffers an accident that not only affects the rocket plans, but shakes Scarlett's view of God. As the summer comes to an end, Scarlett must find a way to regain what she's lost, but also fulfill a promise to launch her brother's dream. (from Amazon.com)

Pros: I absolutely loved this book! Such a sweet story line! However, it will not end exactly how you want it to. The author does a good job of making this story seem real. It's the most hear-warming, heart-breaking story all at once, and you will not be able to predict the end. This is actually the first teen book in which I've related to the main character. She doesn't want to grow up, and the funny thing is, she's actually one of the most grown up people in her family.

Cons: It may have just been me, but it took the first chapter or two to get used to the writing style. Also, at one point the preacher's wife gives the main character some advice I didn't exactly agree with. I mean, telling a teen girl who is not old enough to consider marriage to tell this older young man her feelings, I'm just not sure it's wise.


Ages 13 and up. 5 stars