My Nose in A Book

Since moving to Germany, I seemed to have my nose much more in a book.  I love reading and prior to having children I probably read a book a week. Then came my first son along with sleep deprivation that did not make way for my love of books. I struggled to keep my eyes open and that has been my life for the last 18 years, but I wouldn't change any of it. When I packed my bags back in May, I was optimistic that just maybe I might find some time to read.  Still, sleep deprived but I am determined to read as much as possible.  It also helps that despite having Amazon Prime I struggle to find things to watch.

Goodnight from London written by Jennifer Robson takes place in London, England during WWII and while fictional gives us some insight on what it was like to live in London at that time. I love historical fiction books and this book did not disappoint.  I found the story-line completely believable and was sad when I turned the last page because I knew I would have to say goodbye to Ruby Sutton a war correspondent from America covering the events taking place in London. Ruby has a secret though and will her friends and new boss find out?  Does she find love despite all that is going on around her?  Having never read one of Jennifer Robson's books before I can honestly say I was not disappointed and look forward to reading her other bodies of work.

To learn more on the Blitzkrieg I found this documentary very interesting. So much is said about what took place in Germany, but we often don't hear much about what happened to England at that time through recent TV shows on BBC are introducing us to more shows that are set during that time period such as Land Girls and Foyles War.

Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks is my next book and it was truly a delight.  Russ a man who thought he had it all: a great job, a beautiful home, a gorgeous wife, and a totally sweet 5-year-old. Russ finds himself navigating raising a child on his own, dealing with his now to be ex-wife, and the loss of his job. Unlike most of his books, Nicholas approaches the storyline from the side of Man's perspective Enchanting and totally captivating this book does not a disappointment.

Black Souls a sequel to Black Hearts written by Nicole Castroman is a fictional Young Adult read through can appeal to adults just as well as teens.  The story is about Edward Teach Drummond  a English upper crusted society member who is forced to sail on one of his father's ships towards the Caribbean in pursuit of his love Ann, who was kidnapped and placed on another ship that departed earlier for the Caribbean, with the hope that it would prevent Edward from furthering  his relationship with the girl. I totally fell in love with the two characters in the first book and was so excited to see what happened to them.  I can't say this book stands on its own because so much of what we know of the two characters come from the first book in this series.  While the book is promoted as a pirate book, which I am not so fond of the genre it is really more of a love story that is set on the high seas port of Nassau. The book while fictional also gives you a possible scenario of how Black Beard became a pirate and go his name.  It is a fun easy read but leaves you wanting so much more which I believe was completely intentional as my hopes are that all the loose ends will be wrapped up in Book Three which the author is currently in the process of writing.

My last book for review is Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult who takes on the issue of racism in America in a plausible fictional scenario which seems totally befitting the current political climate here in America.  Jodi addressed the concept that being non-racist is more than just having a couple of black friends or having nothing against them, but to be truly understanding and opening up a dialogue of racism here in America whites must first understand that their success may also come at the price of others misfortune. Also, we can not just say we want equality for all but what we should be asking for first is equity.  You can only have equality when you the playing field is level but without a level playing field, equality cannot be achieved.  She gives an example in the book of giving a test to a blind person.  Equality may provide extra time for the blind person to take the test but a truly fair scenario might be to provide the test in braille. The book is really thought-provoking.  I loved the characters.  Ruth Jefferson an African American Labor and Delivery Nurse who did everything by society rules in order to advance in a predominately white society.  Kennedy a white attorney who wants to win a case but doesn't understand when her client wants to testify when it may cause her to lose the case. We follow her journey to understanding what it might really be like to live in America as a black person and Turk Bauer a new father and skinhead who does not want Ruth to touch his newborn son. At times this book may make the white reader feel uncomfortable, but I believe it is meant to do this to bring honesty to the current dialogue of past and present attitude and behaviors towards black in America.

Well, It is Friday!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Do you have anything planned?  We will probably drive into Frankfurt and do a little exploring and we are excited for my husband to return home after having been in America last month to attend a work conference and to take our son to college.  Can't believe my baby is off to college.  It is surreal. If you want to be inspired you need to watch this video.  And I am totally excited to make this recipe this weekend.  Trying to soak up the last bits of summer goodness.  Happy Weekend!