Room by Emma Donoghue

Room by Emma Donoghue, 321 pages

When I heard this book was being made into a movie, I knew I had to read it. This book is written entirely from the perspective of Jack, a five year old who is born in a shed where he and his mother are held as prisoners by Old Nick. Jack's Ma is kidnapped as a college student by the man known as Nick.  She is raped and tortured for seven years in the shed in the backyard also known as the "room."  It is very interesting to read what life is like from the point of view of a five year old who only knows the world as it is inside this room.  This book reminded me of the Jaycee Dugard story, but was written before that. The story may also remind people of Josef Fritzel, who held his daughter captive for twenty four years in Europe.

We Need to Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver

 We Need to Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver, 400 pages

This was an absolutely brilliant work of fiction.  The subject matter is uncomfortable, the characters are all pretty reprehensible, but it is so totally honest and raw- it was kind of like reading a work of horror fiction.  Eva is writing letters explaining how her son, Kevin, committed a school-mass-murder, and events leading up to it.  It's a fascinating look into reluctant motherhood, among many other topics.  This was recommended as one of John Waters' favorite books, and as usual, he was right.

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth  526 pages

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally

Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally - 397 pages

This book defies classification.  Why?  While considered fiction, it really isn't.  It's an excellent blending of fact and fiction in one book based on a collection of papers held by a Schindlerjuden (as the rescued Jews called themselves). Keneally's style in writing this book more closely resembles a traditional history book with long narratives and little dialogue.

As most may know from the Oscar-winning movie, Oskar Schnidler was a Czechoslovakian industrialist in World War II whom through his work managed to rescue over a thousand Jews from ultimate destruction by employing them at his factory in Plazkow, Poland.  Once he learned of the Final Solution's upcoming last big push, he managed to move his entire factory-workers and equipment-back to his native land where the Nazi's had slightly less influence.  However, that is not the full story.  The book covers what went on in the background to make these plans work, including collaborating with the Jewish Underground and how Schindler used his contacts to further his cause.  Also, we learn a bit more about the concentration camp commandant, Amon Goeth, and how Schindler "played" him.

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause - 264 pages

Vivian's pack had to flee to the suburbs of Maryland after being attacked with many being killed.  There the pack must decide who will lead, where they will live and what they want from the future.  Meanwhile Vivian just wants to make friends and gets the chance when she meets Aiden -- a "meatboy" she makes a connection with.  Now she must decide whether to tell Aiden the truth about herself or to leave him behind and fully commit to the pack.

I've been wanting to read this book for a while.  I loved Klause's vampire book The Silver Kiss which I read when it first came out 20 years ago.  This came out about the same time.  I've seen the movie and while the movie wasn't great it was okay.  However, it had almost nothing in common with this book.  The only common things was the names of two of the characters and that they were werewolves.  Everything else was completely different.  The hero and villain switched places in the movie.  And the romance took a completely different turn.