Women of a Promiscuous Nature

Based on a real government program this is a book that is a real eye opener as to where our government has been and that there is always a chance it could come back.  This is a tale that centers around two women one a fifteen-year-old who’s parents took her to a doctor for an abortion, her mom, whom has major mental issues, thinking she had been sleeping around but in truth it was her father that got her pregnant.  The other just a woman walking to work when a sheriff takes her in with no cause and has her tested and she tested positive presumedly with syphilis, even though she has only kissed a guy.  Both women are sent to a state-run industrial farm colony for women.  Where punishments are doled out freely and severely for any little thing.  These women are supposedly test often to make sure they are cured and given mercury-based drugs that make them so sick they can hardly move but are expected to work.  Others are sterilized to cure them of ever being pregnant again as they as presumed women of ill repute.

This is a wonderful book even if it does turn your stomach at times.  The things these ladies went through are gut wrenching, but the friendships forged will never break.  The people running the colony are the only ones to say when the ladies are truly cured and then can be released.  When one lady defies the order to hurt, correct, another by using the switch on her, you can really see how horrid the place and people in it are.  This is a book that needs to be read so history never repeats itself, it would make a great woman’s history book club book.  I really do not know what else to say but it is so good that it will be a go to on my recommended list.

 

The Daughter of Death

Fern is back telling more of Rosemary’s story.  Rosemary has just turned thirteen, and her talents are progressing.  She must take part in this years Yule hunt while trying to uncover what is behind some of the odd things going on at Fern’s school, like people not remembering things that happened not long ago, or death by ice cycle, even in the magical worlds that is not a good thing.

I really like this series of books, Rosemary has been through so much but still seems not to ever give up and persevere no matter what, and now she is not alone she has her dad, the Grim Reaper, who she can go to for advice and help. This is a wonderful book written by Fern about Rosemary and her life since Fern rescued her.  This book is a great addition to any MG library or book club.

 

The Wish Ring Cipher

Emma is going through a lot for a new seventh grader.  She has just moved to this school where she stands out being the new girl when all she wants is to not be seen.  Even bigger Emma has just been diagnosed with Autism.  The only thing that sooths her are her ciphers and she is good at them and fast too.  When Nate sees her brake a cipher fast he invites her to a little club they have a lunch where they solve ciphers for snack bets, but there is a bit more to the club than just lunch.  They are trying to solve a real ciphers that will lead to some very interesting artifacts in some colony ruins in their town.

This book is so good.  I love all types of codes and ciphers books and this one doesn’t disappoint.  The characters are great and their kindness is so wonderful.  As the secrets come out so does the action and it does not stop until the end.  There is also so much suspense, especially with the magic and adventure, I wish my town had something like this.  This is such a good book one that should be a part of any tween book club.

 

It Lurks in the Night

Maya wants one more best friends summer trip around some Caribbean islands near their home, friendships are strained but they all go for Maya.  When they have to stop on the island of Annatto, a island even tourist avoid because it is said to be haunted and have monsters on it.  The girls are forced to leave a dead friend behind and run for their lives.  When officials go the retrieve the body it is no longer there.  That is when the weirdness starts because all of a sudden, she is found at home but not quite the same.  The friends must watch out for what is coming next because something is lurking in the night.

I like this as it is bound in Caribbean lore.  The story has so much suspense you need to make sure you take breaths.  The action is palpable and runs nonstop throughout the book.  The characters work really well and keep the story together.  I really liked this book and hope you do too.

 

The Academy 3

Leo and team pulled off the impossible and didn’t finish last in their league, and the team owner has entered the team into the tournament of champions that is like the gold cup for U14 teams.  The team will travel all over Europe to play the games.  Just before they leave they find out they are playing to stay in the youth premier league, and their beloved coach, Sam, would not be able to go with them but instead they have a very interesting interim coach, that retired from coaching the pros.  If that isn’t hard enough someone is trying to sabotage the team and it looks a lot like it is Leo doing it. 

I love this series it teaches teamwork, friendship, and fairness.  This has been a series that I keep waiting for more and more of.  Leo, Samantha, and team are like family now because the characters are so well made.  The story line is great and you will feel you are part of the team.  I like how the players that have been together band together around Leo and have his back.  This is a wonderful series for any soccer lover young and old.

 

The Academy 2

Leo is making his dream come true, he has worked hard and it has paid off he is a player on the U14 team, but not exactly the London Dragons, but the same league.  He is a member of the Lewisham Knights; however, he isn’t a starter, the team is in last place, and if they don’t win the top spot by the end of the season the owner is not going to keep the U14 team anymore.  Leo has to find a way to get on the field, and get the coach to see they need to change the way they play or they will never win a match.  But Leo can’t do it by himself he needs his team behind him.

Oh my this book has a lot of action, and even more suspense than the first book.  These characters are just as wonderful as the last and a bunch do make a repeat appearance, after all they play in the same league.  Even though Messi still isn’t there with Leo he is still giving him help from afar.  The story line is wonderful it picks up where the first one left off, but there was still a break in it.  I love how Leo’s friends are still there for him and they all joke around about Leo’s playing.  This series is wonderful for reluctant reader especially if they like sports, soccer in particular.  I have loved this series and now have to wait for then next to come out, I hope it is soon.

 

The Academy 1

12-year-old Leo has never really left his little town where he is the local soccer star. But when a chance encounter brings a recruiter to one of his games he is extended an offer to a youth soccer camp and tryout for the London Dragons youth development team. Leo is so excited that his dreams are starting to come true, but they are soon slowed down when Leo gets a rude awakening that he is one of the few players there that hasn’t had formal training and that makes his dreams even harder to reach. Can Leo’s creative playing work out for him in the end?

Oh my gosh I totally loved it all. I was a soccer player in my younger (and much better knees) years, and after watching some shows that also feature some of what is going on here, it made it even more interesting. I devoured this book and it’s second part The Academy II the Journey Continues and cannot wait for more. The characters are awesome and relatable even Messi was there cheering Leo on and helping him make good choices from afar. This book is action packed and has its very suspenseful moments. This is a book that will keep any soccer player engaged. It is a really good book and I cannot wait for more.