April's Reading List

I didn't get much reading done this month but I did enjoy a few books. So here they are...

The Fire By Night was one of my favorite kinds of books! It takes place in WWII so it's historical fiction. The story line switches back and forth between two Army nurses, one serving in Europe, the other in the Pacific. They are strong women with flaws and quirks but determined to survive and thrive in the worst of circumstances. I liked that the characters were different but best friends, and that not everything had happy endings, wars rarely do. I highly recommend this book!

House Rules is another Jodi Picoult book that has the crazy twist at the end like she usually includes. That being said, the twist was different than what I was expecting and the characters were very engaging. The story focuses on a boy with Aspergers Syndrome. All of the family members have strong story lines and I found myself really feeling for each of them for different reasons. If you like Jodi Picoult, you'll like this book. It was long, but I'm glad I read it, and I hope you will too.

Lilac Girls is the book I've been listening to on tape this month while commuting to work. Another WWII story from the perspective of three very different women, who endured very different experiences during the war. One was a Nazi doctor, another a Polish prisoner, and an American volunteer worker. The story seems to spend most of it's time with the American, but all three story lines are well developed and realistic. I'm on the last CD and I don't want this book to end, so that tells you how I feel about it.

I read The Zookeeper's Wife years ago with my book club. I see that it is in theaters now. I really hope I get to see this movie as the book was wonderful! Yet another WWII movie set in occupied Europe and the struggles of keeping the animals alive while running a safe house for escaping prisoners gets complicated. I would recommend reading the book before the movie if you get a chance.

While most of these books are all one theme, I honestly didn't plan it that way. I just requested some of these books at the library and I never know which ones will become available, or when. I have no idea which books I'll read next month, but I do already have a couple of books on CD in my car for the commute.

As always, I love to hear your book recommendations as well. Enjoy!!
Diane