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MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Shine the Light in Books

Nov 4, 2019

Shannon is out to save the world one caring act at a time. Shes stood by her best friend, Amber, through their whole lives especially when Amber lost her sight. She has an active outreach ministry to the homeless and disenfranchised. And shes even let down her guard long enough to let a boyfriend, Justin, into her life.

Her life has settled into a pleasing routine of teaching, freelance photography work, quiet dinners with Justin, and taking Amber on treks to find new subjects for her visionary paintings. But when a man from her past shows up, her secure world crumbles into triggered PTSD episodes that threaten everything she relies on. Will she be able to overcome these old memories, or will her past crush any hopes she had for a future?

My Thoughts: This is a book that touches the heart. A book that deals with many concerns. It deals with homelessness, physical disabilities, and PTSD. The author has spun a story expertly around these topics. It is a story of love, friendship, healing, and forgiveness.

This was a novel that the reader can become engrossed in, finding it hard to put down. The characters are easy to relate to, and the reader can come to know and love. It brings empathy toward the homeless and their plight. It is a compelling read and I enjoyed this and I know that the author has put much time into research for this novel.

Kudos

Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Elmet in Books

Sep 30, 2017

Elmet

Fiona Mozley | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry

8.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Grim, intense and brutal

This is a rather disturbing and intense book, written in the point of a view of a young teenage boy, who describes his life and how he has ended up homeless and in search of his sister. It is a rather grim look at some aspects of British gangster culture, a feudal system, with a landowner exploiting the vulnerable through violent means.

It is gory, and grim for the majority of the book, which describes the boy living with a father, a hired thug who has escaped that lifestyle, and a scrappy sister, living off the grid. It is well written, even though I don't think it is Man Booker Prize worthy.

Kudos

Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Double Bind in Books

Feb 13, 2018

The Double Bind

Chris Bohjalian | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry

8.5

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

This book completely caught me by surprise. I couldn't put it down... it tells the tale of Laurel, a young woman who was attacked while in college -- an attack that left quite an impression on her. Currently Laurel works for a homeless shelter. When one of her residents dies, her boss gives Laurel (an amateur photographer herself) a box of his photographs. Convinced he was somehow tied to a rich family, quite infamous in Laurel's hometown, she goes on a quest to learn everything she can about the man and his family. The book adds an extra layer as it weaves much <i>The Great Gatsby</i> lore into its own story.

Kudos

Karlaalyy (10 KP) rated The Selection in Books

Jul 14, 2018

The Selection

Kiera Cass | 2012 | Children

7.9

(48 Ratings)

Book Rating

Character development (2 more)

Romance

Not your average heroine

Setting wasn’t very descriptive (0 more)

Dystopian fantasy

Contains spoilers, click to show

The story follows America, an unlikely heroine, in a futuristic USA where presidency has been overthrown and monarchy rules. In order to stop riots and rebellions across the country the monarchy organises a selection of women from different social classes (ordered by number) to compete to marry the crown prince. America is a singer, a woman of a lower class above only manual labourers, slaves and the homeless. Her large heart, rebellious spirit and social class endear her to both the prince and the people however the king sees her as a threat and will do everything in his power to get rid of her.

Kudos

Sue (5 KP) rated Camellia in Books

Aug 13, 2018

Camellia is a beautiful model whose life is not her own. She does everything that her parent’s want including paying all of their bills. At a photo shoot, she meets a handsome pastor and an abused homeless teenager. Through them, Camellia finds a purpose in life and a backbone to finally do what makes her happy.

Camellia develops through faith, prayer, and the support of other women to have a deeper relationship with God and to finally find happiness. This book is filled with hope, a little romance, a little mystery, and a greater understanding of church and faith.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.