The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini-371 pages (paperback)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies.

A sweeping story of family, love, and friendship told against the devastating backdrop of the history of Afghanistan over the last thirty years, The Kite Runner is an unusual and powerful novel that has become a beloved, one-of-a-kind classic.

The 10th anniversary edition of the New York Times bestseller and international classic loved by millions of readers.

Thoughts: This is really, really good. It is sad, but hopeful. Amir endures much and makes a decision he regrets for many years, but he finally gets the opportunity to atone. The synopsis above is a really good description. I did not want to put this down once I really got into it. 

A Pocket History of Scotland by Blair Millar

 A Pocket History of Scotland by Blair Millar-256 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was a fast-paced, informative, but brief look at the history of Scotland. I enjoy reading about the history of places I visit. It could have been a bit more informative, which is why I didn't give it 5 stars, but it was still a good, if short, read. I learned some of the info. in the book from the tour director on the recent tour I took.

Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire #1) by Veronica Roth

 Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire #1) by Veronica Roth-416 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A new epic romantic, dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor's Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Elegy Ahn did not ask for destiny to find her.

She is happy with her life as a soldier, defending her small country from the Talusar, a powerful nation who worships a deadly Fever. A fever that blesses half of its victims with mysterious gifts.

But then she’s summoned to hear a prophecy–her, and the most ruthless of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Brought face to face, they learn that one of them will lead their people to victory over the other…but they don’t know which. And at the center of both of their fates: a man. A man that, Elegy is told, she will fall in love with.

In just one day, Elegy’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. She and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing.

Elegy intends to make sure it’s her.

Thoughts: I have read most of Roth's previous books and I've met her at author events twice now (both were great experiences). This is probably my favorite of hers since Divergent. It starts a bit slow, but really picks up in the second half. I look forward to the second and final book of the duology, which the title was recently revealed to be Curse the Left Hand. 

Dark Knights of Steel Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 by Tom Taylor

 Dark Knights of Steel Vol. 1 by Tom Taylor et al.-176 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

Swords! Sorcery! Superheroes! A brand-new DC Universe is born from writer Tom Taylor ( DCeased, Nightwing) and artist Yasmine Putri.

An entire medieval world will be forever changed when a spaceship crash-lands from a doomed planet. Years later the El Kingdom reins and Jefferson Pierce, the head of the Kingdom of Storms sees their family as a threat and gathers allies to challenge them. Monarchs will die, kingdoms will rise, and what seemed like the end of the world for many…was only the beginning! An epic high-fantasy story set in a DC Universe where nothing is what it seems…

Dark Knights of Steel Vol. 2 by Tom Taylor et al.-208 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thoughts: I was intrigued by Batman and other DC characters being put into a medieval world with sorcery and swords and this short series did not disappoint. I enjoyed seeing all of the characters (even many side characters) have a role to play in the story. 

1776 by David McCullough

 1776 by David McCullough-386 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

America’s beloved and distinguished historian presents, in a book of breathtaking excitement, drama, and narrative force, the stirring story of the year of our nation’s birth, 1776, interweaving, on both sides of the Atlantic, the actions and decisions that led Great Britain to undertake a war against her rebellious colonial subjects and that placed America’s survival in the hands of George Washington.

In this masterful book, David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence—when the whole American cause was riding on their success, without which all hope for independence would have been dashed and the noble ideals of the Declaration would have amounted to little more than words on paper.

Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is a powerful drama written with extraordinary narrative vitality. It is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color; farmers, schoolteachers, shoemakers, no-accounts, and mere boys turned soldiers. And it is the story of the King’s men, the British commander, William Howe, and his highly disciplined redcoats who looked on their rebel foes with contempt and fought with a valor too little known.

Written as a companion work to his celebrated biography of John Adams, David McCullough’s 1776 is another landmark in the literature of American history.

Thoughts: This has been on my TBR for quite some time and I decided to finally read it for this month's challenge. I like that McCullough begins in late 1775 with the British perspective and the events in the British Parliament that lead to the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. I learned some things about King George III (he had 15 children!) and his attitude toward the American colonies and the conflict that he viewed as a rebellion. I also learned that some British MPs (Members of Parliament) were more sympathetic towards the American colonists and wanted to try more conciliatory measures, but were ultimately outnumbered. This is a nuanced, even account of the first year or so of the American Revolutionary War and especially of Washington and his Continental Army. It was very bleak for Washington and the army for most of 1776. Even though the Declaration was signed on July 4, it was not looking good for the Americans for most of the year. The tides finally turned in late December, 1776 at the Battle of Trenton where the Continental Army surprised approx. 1,500 Hessians and routed them inflicting 1,100 casualties (111 dead or wounded, 900 captured). Up until that point it had been defeat after defeat. In early 1777, the Continental Army won another victory at the Battle of Princeton. If not for these two victories (especially Trenton), the American Revolutionary War may have ended quite differently. This was a really good read and I learned some things.

Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer by Dylan Mulvaney

 Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer by Dylan Mulvaney-266 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Actress and content creator Dylan Mulvaney’s honest account of her journey through girlhood

When Dylan Mulvaney came out as a woman online, she was a viral sensation almost overnight, emerging as a trailblazing voice on social media. Dylan’s personal coming-out story blossomed into a platform for advocacy and empowerment for trans people all over the world. Through her “Days of Girlhood” series, she connected with followers by exploring what it means to be a girl, from experimenting with makeup to story times to spilling the tea about laser hair removal, while never shying away from discussing the transphobia she faced online. Nevertheless, she was determined to be a beacon of positivity.

But shortly after she celebrated day 365 of being a girl, it all came screeching to a halt when an innocuous post sparked a media firestorm and right-wing backlash she couldn’t have expected. Despite the vitriolic press and relentless paparazzi, Dylan was determined to remain loud and proud.

In Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer, Dylan pulls back the curtain of her “It Girl” lifestyle with a witty and intimate reflection of her life pre- and post-transition. She covers everything from her first big break in theater to the first time her dad recognized her as a girl to how she handled scandals, cancellations, and . . . tucking. It’s both laugh-out-loud funny and powerfully honest—and is a love letter to everyone who stands up for queer joy.

Thoughts: I picked this up not realizing Mulvaney was the one in the Bud Light commercial/ad that conservative media (and Kid Rock among others) went berserk over. This is an insightful look into one person's experience as a transgender woman and coming out to her family. She documented her experience for a year on Tiktok and became pretty famous. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and I enjoyed Mulvaney's humor. I like to read books from people's perspectives/experiences that are different from mine. I am an LGBTQ+ ally, but not a member of the community and I am still learning. 

Wade Wilson: Deadpool #5-6 by Benjamin Percy

 Wade Wilson: Deadpool #5-6 by Benjamin Percy-32 pages each, 64 total

⭐⭐⭐⭐

STARING DEATH IN THE FACE! HAMMERHEAD has DEADPOOL'S book of omens. But with BLIND AL in the crosshairs, will WADE sacrifice his life for hers? The secret from issue #1 revealed!

BADPOOLS! Who's that knockin' at the door? Sounds like Wade. SMELLS like Wade. But it's not Wade...OR IS IT?! The BADPOOLS enter the scene, and DEADPOOL's life will never be the same!

Thoughts: I continue to like reading through this series. I am all caught up so far. Deadpool is as irreverent as ever! Blind Al helps Deadpool survive Hammerhead and then a "Badpool" shows up at their door to confront Deadpool. It turns out all those limbs and body parts Deadpool has lost (and then regenerated new ones) have become sentient and are after him. Will he survive? I'll have to continue reading the following issue(s) to find out.

Marvel/DC: Spider-Man/Superman #1 by Brad Meltzer, et al.

Marvel/DC: Spider-Man/Superman #1 by Brad Meltzer, et al.-72 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

THWIP, THWIP AND AWAY! Fifty years ago, DC's Man of Steel met Marvel's friendly neighborhood wall-crawler, and the world of comics has never been the same! In celebration of that historic milestone, thrill to ALL-NEW tales of Spider-Man and Superman and their friends and foes!

Brad Meltzer and Pepe Larraz pit Spider-Man and Superman against Lex Luthor and Norman Osborn as their greatest villains exploit some of their greatest weaknesses!
In the shadow-laden 1930s, Spider-Man Noir encounters the original Golden Age Superman as told by Slott/Martin!
A crisis ensues as Johns/Frank bring the Super- and Spider-families against each together at the summons of Mysterio... but is their true foe an ally out of control?!
Symbiote hordes invade Metropolis as a new War of the Realms ignites in Aaron/Dauterman's epic.
Co-creator of Steel Louise Simonson hammers out the tale of John Henry Irons' clash with the Hobgoblin, as drawn by Todd Nauck!
Kelly/Ramos take us on a campus crossover between Gwen Stacy and Lana Lang!
Miles Morales (Spider-Man) teams with Superman, as Bendis and Pichelli re-team!
All this, and more than a few super-surprises you'll be talking about for the next fifty years!

Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this collection of short stories/comics from Marvel and DC. There are more superheroes and supervillains than just Spider-Man and Superman. Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Ghost Spider, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Jane Foster Thor, and so many more make a brief appearance. 

Wade Wilson: Deadpool #3 & #4 by Benjamin Percy

 Wade Wilson: Deadpool #3 & #4 by Benjamin Percy-32 pages each, 64 pages total

⭐⭐⭐⭐

ONLY SMILING ON THE OUTSIDE! WADE WILSON is down, and fate (and the gangsters he’s gotten wrapped up with) keep kicking! He’s smiling on the outside, but what tragic fate has befallen DEADPOOL? Witness the gut-wrenching horror Wade has endured…even as he walks into a deadly murder in Central Park that will change the course of his life!

MOB LIFE! The gangster HAMMERHEAD has cottoned on to DEADPOOL's secret. But WADE can't be bought… No wait, that's not right. Wade can totally be bought. That's his whole deal as a mercenary… OH, Hammerhead has the 'Pool by the floats, that's what it is, and whatever choice he makes, someone close to him will wind up DEAD!

Thoughts: I liked both of these issues/volumes and I look forward to continuing this series. I enjoy Deadpool's irreverence and sarcasm. 

Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera Issues #1-4 by Tyler Boss and Martin Simmonds

Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera Issues #1-4 by Tyler Boss and Martin Simmonds-32 pages each, 128 pages total

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (for each issue)

This short series is a new take on the Phantom of the Opera story. It is beautifully, hauntingly drawn. The story has some of the same characters as the musical and the novel, but the Phantom or "ghost" turns out to actually be Christine Daae's father. He does many horrible things, including multiple murders, to give Christine her chance and ultimately to become famous himself. 

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

 The Help by Kathryn Stockett-451 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

Aibileen is a black maid in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, who's always taken orders quietly, but lately she's unable to hold her bitterness back. Her friend Minny has never held her tongue but now must somehow keep secrets about her employer that leave her speechless. White socialite Skeeter just graduated college. She's full of ambition, but without a husband, she's considered a failure. 

Together, these seemingly different women join together to write a tell-all book about work as a black maid in the South, that could forever alter their destinies and the life of a small town...

Thoughts: I've seen the movie, but I hadn't read the book. This is our next book for the Book to Movie Club. It is really good and it makes one think critically about the perspective of others. For a long time after the Civil War and Reconstruction Era (circa 1861-1876), blacks were not seen as equals to whites. This is illustrated by the Plessy v. Ferguson decision of 1897 which established the separate but equal doctrine (and the "one drop" rule) that perpetuated until the Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954 and beyond in some areas (such as Mississippi, which is the setting for this book). Can you imagine being told where you can go or where you can sit on the bus? Can you imagine caring for another person's child and becoming close with that child and then moving on and not getting any gratitude? Can you imagine fearing you or someone you love might be hurt or killed for speaking out? Such is the world that Aibilieen, Minny, and the other maids live in and deal with every day. The book and the movie are both good. 

The Lost World (Jurassic Park #2) by Michael Crichton

 The Lost World (Jurassic Park #2) by Michael Crichton-400 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

It is now six years since the secret disaster at Jurassic Park, six years since the extraordinary dream of science and imagination came to a crashing end – the dinosaurs destroyed, the park dismantled, the island indefinitely closed to the public.

There are rumors that something has survived....

Thoughts: I read Jurassic Park a few years ago and I've seen all of the Jurassic movies, including The Lost World: Jurassic Park. The movie is very different from this book, though. The first one was somewhat different, but this one is very different. Some of the characters have the same name and are similar such as Ian Malcolm, Sarah Harding, Kelly, and Eddie Carr. However, in the book Kelly is a friend of Richard Levine and Dr. Thorne (2 characters not in the movie), but in the movie she's Malcolm's daughter. In the movie, Sarah Harding is already on Isla Sorna, but in the book she decides to travel to the island later after an invitation from Ian Malcolm. Another similarity is that there's a scene where Eddie takes an infant Tyrannosaur that's leg is broken. Eddie and Sara try to make a cast for it in both the book and movie. In both, chaos ensues as the Tyrannosaur parents come for the infant. The scenes aren't exactly the same, but they're similar. In both the book and movie, Ian Malcolm travels to Isla Sorna to rescue someone. In the movie, it's Sarah Harding. In the book, it's Richard Levine. That's about where the similarities end. One scene from the movie that's iconic (and not included in the book) is the Tyrannosaur getting loose in San Diego. This scene is not in the book, but it's such an iconic scene. It seems like they took inspiration from different parts of this book for scenes from other movies in the Jurassic series, though. Overall, I like both the book and the movie, even though their vastly different. 

Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden

 Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden-274 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/4

Quinn Alexander has committed an unthinkable crime.

To avoid spending her life in prison, Quinn makes a run for it. She leaves behind her home, her job, and her family. She grabs her passport and heads for the northern border before the police can discover what she’s done.

But when an unexpected snowstorm forces her off the road, Quinn must take refuge at the broken-down, isolated Baxter Motel. The handsome and kindly owner, Nick Baxter, is only too happy to offer her a cheap room for the night.

Unfortunately, the Baxter Motel isn’t the quiet, safe haven it seemed to be. The motel has a dark and disturbing past. And in the dilapidated house across the way, the silhouette of Nick's ailing wife is always at the window. Always watching.

In the morning, Quinn must leave the motel. She'll pack up her belongings and get back on the road to freedom.

But first, she must survive the night.

Do Not Disturb is a Hitchcock-style psychological thriller that will keep you tearing through the pages until you reach the shocking conclusion!

Thoughts: I liked this one, but not quite as much as others I've read by McFadden. I saw some of the twists coming, but I didn't see the biggest one, which was pretty shocking (but made sense looking back). Freida McFadden has emerged as one of my favorite mystery/thriller authors.

The Divorce by Freida McFadden

 The Divorce by Freida McFadden-354 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What is a happily ever after really worth?

Naomi was living the quintessential love story. Boy meets girl. They fall in love, get married, buy a dream house, start a family…

Then―he kicks her out, hires the city’s best divorce lawyers, drains their accounts, and takes up with a 20-something.

It’s a brutal end to the story. Naomi should accept defeat: move into a dingy apartment, get back into the workforce, and piece together the shattered remains of her life.

Except, why should she?

Instead, Naomi fixates on her husband’s new girlfriend. What begins as cynical curiosity soon twists into obsession―and then into something far darker. As Naomi uncovers secrets she never imagined, she realizes her own life may be in danger.

But if it keeps her perfect family intact, isn’t it worth it?

Thoughts: This is right up there with The Intruder for me. I really liked this one. I saw some of the twists coming, but not all of them. McFadden is so good at leading the reader in one direction, but then going 180 degrees in the other direction and throwing readers off. McFadden's books are fast paced and so readable. I don't usually want to put them down and The Divorce was no different. 

Monster Blood IV (Goosebumps #62) by R.L. Stine

 Monster Blood IV (Goosebumps #62) by R.L. Stine-118 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Evan Ross can't forget about Monster Blood—the evil green slime that never stops growing. It can turn ordinary pets into ferocious animals and twelve-year-old kids into freakish giants.

But now there's a new kind of Monster Blood in town. It comes in a can just like the others. Only difference is this slime is blue instead of green. And instead of just growing, it's multiplying—into terrifying blue creatures with razor-sharp teeth...

Thoughts: I have now read all of the original Goosebumps series! This one is pretty good. This is a new, different kind of Monster Blood that grows and multiplies. Evan, Kermit, and Andy are in for a big surprise. This one has a fun ending like many of the others in the series.

The Case of the U.S. Space Camp Mission (The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen #4) by Carol Thompson and Bonnie Bader

The Case of the U.S. Space Camp Mission (The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen #4) by Carol Thompson and Bonnie Bader-80 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Mary-Kate and Ashley can solve any crime by dinner time. When NASA's space shuttle is held up because of mysterious holes in the fuel tank, the twins track down the clues and make a surprising discovery--this mission has gone to the birds!

Thoughts: This was a fun, short read. I thought I had the mystery solved, but it actually went in a different direction. 

Classic Star Wars: Luke's Fate (A Step Into Reading Level 3 book) by Jim K. Thomas , Isidre Monés

Classic Star Wars: Luke's Fate (A Step Into Reading Level 3 book) by Jim K. Thomas, Isidre Monés-48 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Illustrated in full color. Readers are introduced to young Luke Skywalker, who dreams of being a star pilot but has to stay planetbound, helping his uncle run the farm. Then the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO show up...and Luke's destiny beckons irresistibly. Based on the beginning sequences of the original Star Wars movie and radio plays.  

Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this children's novelization of the beginning of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. It starts a bit before the movie and covers up until Obi-Wan and Luke agree to travel together to Alderaan after seeing Princess Leia's message. It was a fun little read.

I Live in Your Basement! (Goosebumps #61) by R.L. Stine

 I Live in Your Basement! (Goosebumps #61) by R.L. Stine-128 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Don't do this! Watch out for that!" Marco's mom thinks the whole world is a danger zone. She won't even let Marco play softball. But Marco just wants to have fun. So he sneaks off to a game. And that's when it happens. He gets hit in the head with a baseball bat. Now things are getting really fuzzy. Really scary. Because when Marco gets home he gets the strangest call. From someone who says he lives in Marco's basement...

Thoughts: It was interesting reading the British edition of this book. This one is a trippy story with a surprising twist at the end. Although, I should have expected the twist since it's similar to other books in this series. Overall, this was a pretty good read.

Werewolf Skin (Goosebumps #60) by R.L. Stine

 Werewolf Skin (Goosebumps #60) by R.L. Stine-125 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Picture this—Alex Hunter, photography freak, hanging out in Wolf Creek. Who lives in Wolf Creek? Alex's uncle Colin and aunt Marta. They're professional photographers.

Uncle Colin and Aunt Marta are pretty cool. They only have two requests. Don't go into the woods late at night. And stay away from the creepy house next door.

Poor Alex. He just wanted to take a couple of pictures. But now he's about to find out the secret of Wolf Creek. Late one night. When the moon is full...

Thoughts: This is a good read. The mystery of who are werewolves is somewhat shocking and so is the ending. This is one of my favorites that I've read so far in this series.

Don't Go To Sleep! (Goosebumps #54) by R.L. Stine

 Don't Go To Sleep! (Goosebumps #54) by R.L. Stine-118 pages

⭐⭐⭐1/2

Matt hates his tiny bedroom. It's so small it's practically a closet! Still, Matt's mom refuses to let him sleep in the guest room. After all, they might have guests. Some day. Or year.

Then Matt does it. Late one night. When everyone's in bed. He sneaks into the guest room and falls asleep.

Poor Matt. He should have listened to his mom. Because when Matt wakes up, his whole life has changed. For the worse. And every time he falls asleep, he wakes up in a new nightmare....

Thoughts: This one is pretty good. Matt Amsterdam ends up in a reality loop and wakes in a new reality each morning. Will he ever get out of the loop? I enjoyed reading this one.