Turn The Page ... Tuesday

Tell The Wolves I'm Home

From Amazon: "1987. There’s only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that’s her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn’s company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June’s world is turned upside down. But Finn’s death brings a surprise acquaintance into June’s life—someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.

At Finn’s funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn’s apartment, and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she’s not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.

An emotionally charged coming-of-age novel, Tell the Wolves I’m Home is a tender story of love lost and found, an unforgettable portrait of the way compassion can make us whole again."

Yo! Adrienne says: Wow. I loved this book. I read it over spring break and really could not put my kindle down. I even read in the car (I get motion sick but it was worth it). My library had an electronic version. Anyway you can get it do so. This is such a tender coming of age book. I could relate a bit to June - I was 14 in 1987 and remember many a health class addressing this "mysterious illness". Growing up in a smallish southern city I was a bit more sheltered than June but still could throw myself back to my early teen self. I think you will really enjoy this one.

Boys In The Boat

From Amazon: "It was an unlikely quest from the start. With a team composed of the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team was never expected to defeat the elite teams of the East Coast and Great Britain, yet they did, going on to shock the world by defeating the German team rowing for Adolf Hitler. The emotional heart of the tale lies with Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not only to regain his shattered self-regard but also to find a real place for himself in the world. Drawing on the boys’ own journals and vivid memories of a once-in-a-lifetime shared dream, Brown has created an unforgettable portrait of an era, a celebration of a remarkable achievement, and a chronicle of one extraordinary young man’s personal quest."

Yo! Adrienne says: Goodness. The determination and obstacles that these young men had and endured just blows me away. Their maturity is hard for me to grasp. I just don't see 19 & 20 year olds with this kind of drive and direction these days. Do I sound old? I'm approaching 43 quickly and have finally strarted to put a demi-glaze in my hair (but not covering all the gray - I kinda like it - just don't want to look like my children's favorite great aunt) - does that make me an autority of the demise of our young people and breakdown in society? Probably not. But it's hard not to compare when you read this. I really enjoyed how the author focuses mainly on one character, Joe Rantz, but introduces you to many of the heros of that time. Yes, I said heros. These young men dug deep and gave much blood, sweat, and tears to their team, school, and country. This is definitely a favorite of mine. I plan to hang on to my copy for my sons to read when they are a bit older. It's a keeper.

Gods & Kings

From Amazon: "Gods and Kings is the story of King Hezekiah, heir to the throne of King David. When his evil father plots to sacrifice him, Hezekiah's mother, Abijah, searches frantically for a way to save him. But only two men can help her, and neither of them seems trustworthy. In a time and place engulfed by violence, treachery, and infidelity to Yahweh, Abijah and her son must discover the one true Source of strength if they are to save themselves and their country. Book 1 of Chronicles of the Kings."

Yo! Adrienne says: There are 5 books in this series and I really love how the author brings the old testament to life. Those that are mentioned in the Bible were real people - I often forget that. They lived, loved, lost - just in a different environment than us. I would recommend this series (which I am working my way through) to anyone who wants the equivalent of a historical fiction to use as an aid to help them dig deeper in understand the OT.