Jacob Have I Loved

Photograph by: Amber Murray

Penned By: Katherine Paterson

Twins are an intriguing topic and are a common subject in literature. Often twins are seen as almost mystically connected and two halves of one person. Jacob Have I Loved takes the biblical tact and tells a story of twin sisters who are more disconnected than cats and dogs.  If you've ever been that person that is never "cared for", simply because you're capable of taking care of yourself - this is the book for you. One sister coddled and cared for since birth learns to take for herself and the other left to fend for herself, learns to sacrifice. Is it as the "hated" sister sees it? Or is their hardworking parents love equal but different? Step into a world of 70 years ago on a tiny island and discover that family was just as complicated then as it is now.

Quote: "At bedtime Caroline finally remembered that she had a sister."

Genus: Literary Minded

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: Casual Read

Series: No

Film: Yes, made for TV in 1989

Your type of tale? Try these: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi, And Both Were Young by Madeleine L'Engle, My Sweet Audrina by V.C. Andrews (Era: Older is Better)

What do you think of my suggested books? Are there other books you would suggest more?

Ready to buy it?

The Hunger Games

Photo by: Amber Murray

Penned By: Suzanne Collins
                 
Series: 1st book of 3 part series

This book gets into your soul. The reader doesn't merely empathize with the characters, they become one. I like to tell people that this book is "The Roman Coliseum meets Survivor." It often seems a composite of other moral tales, however, it is unique in it's telling and characters. The fact is there are many, many things that can be said about it. It is a fast read, not just because of it's easy style but because it's impossible to put down. Suzanne Collins describes a future so believable it will haunt your dreams. Her characters are so human that they enthrall as much as frustrate. Follow Katniss, as she sacrifices herself for her sister and fights a horrific game of survival, sacrifice, and love. Her compassion captures a nation, her will to survive changes the game, and her contentiousness will light a fire.


Quote: "That I'm more than a piece in their games."

Genus: Realistic Future

Era: Everyone (I suggest parents read it before their children.)

Difficulty: 2

Determination: Must Read

Film: The film rights have been purchased, the screen play written, and some casting done. With that said there is no firm release dates. I have high hopes for the movie of this fantastic series because Suzanne Collins primary career is as a screenwriter and she has been a close collaborator thus far.

Your type of tale? Try these: The Host by Stephenie Meyer, The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin.

Ready to buy it?