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Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated Orange is the New Black: My Time in a Women's Prison in Books

May 14, 2017

Brutally honest and well structured (0 more)

Could be slow at times (0 more)

Better that the netflix series

When I lifted this book from the shelve I thought it had been put in the wrong section as I was looking for memoir. I was delighted however, when I turned the book over and the blurb revealed that is was in fact a memoir. I had just finished watching all three series of 'Orange is the New Black' on Netflex and had quickly become a fan. The TV program is very thinly based on Kerman's actual experience and because of this I cannot make comparisons. The novel stands alone as an intelligent and well structured memoir that reads like fiction. The author portrays her time in prison through her connection with the other female prisoners and the way in which they were/are forced to endure prison life. The book is emotional, funny and heartbreaking. Kerman has captured a time in her life with precision that only a true writer can. I feel like I could have been there with her. Well done.

Kudos

More Traditional Dutch Ganseys: 65 Classic Sweaters to Knit from 55 Fishing Villages

Stella Ruhe

(0 Ratings) Rate It

Book

Between approximately 1875 and 1950, Dutch fishermen wore sweaters with characteristic knit and purl...

GA1: An Assassin in Orlandes

Games and Book

(0 Ratings) Rate It

App

An interactive fantasy adventure! It's a book. It's a game. It's an RPG. It's a Gamebook Adventure! ...

Jamie (131 KP) rated Island of the Blue Dolphins in Books

Jul 22, 2017

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Scott O’Dell | 1960 | Children, Young Adult (YA)

8.3

(18 Ratings)

Book Rating

Strong heroine (2 more)

Accurately conveys feelings of loneliness

Brings a little known piece of history to attention

Pretty depressing for a middle grade book (1 more)

Themes of loneliness will likely be missed by many given the age group

The story of the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island

This was my absolute favorite book growing up and I still cherish it more than a decade later.

Island of the Blue Dolphins is based on The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island: Juana Maria, a Nicoleño Native American left alone on San Nicolas Island for 18 years. She was the last surviving member of her tribe and died after she was rescued. This incredible story has largely been lost in the greater narrative of American history.

The story follows a young girl named Karana as she learns to survive on her own. Facing certain death, her tribe flees the island and Karana is left behind. The story has plenty of adventure as Karana fights to survive, learning how to be resourceful – hunting for food and materials for clothing, building shelters, and dealing with the local wild dogs and other dangerous creatures on the island. Where this book really shines is how the writing managed to portray Karana’s feelings of isolation and loneliness which really struck a chord with me.

The book is beautifully written and I’ve read it countless times since it was first gifted to me in elementary school. I look forward to when my own daughters grow older and I can share this story with them. This is a wonderful book for all ages that I absolutely adore. Fantastic for middle grade girls just getting into reading.