BOOKS FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY

Liberty. Independence. Freedom.

That's what July 4th means to me. Oh, and BBQ! Baked beans! Lemon pie! Yummm....

And I happen to be reading two books -- one contemporary and one historical -- that fit the theme:

SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL by Trish Doller

I'm about half-way through it -- it's a tight, raw read. These characters are people you know or knew. Travis is home from Afghanistan, and you know, that's TOUGH. He's seen a lot, lost a lot, and he just wants his life to settle. Of course there's a girl... gritty book that makes you feel like a Marine. Written by a fabulous author who didn't give up, Trish Doller. Read it!






THE ASTONISHING LIFE OF OCTAVIAN NOTHING by M.T. Anderson

    
















These books are brilliant. I'm on an audio version of Volume II, as I drive.

I am pretty much in awe of M.T. Anderson's ability to tell a story. I first discovered him with FEED, a book I've read numerous times, and these are nothing like that, except in that they are also AWESOME.  Octavian is a slave during revolutionary times who is the victim of an awful experiment. Except this experiment arms him with tools to survive his bondage and pursue freedom during tumultuous times. So much research went into these volumes. "Astonishing" really is the best word for it. Those shiny stickers are well-deserved! Don't miss.

Hope your 4th is everything you want it to be. xo