Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Two Book Reviews


I really loved Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers.  It is an excellent sequal to Voice in the Wind.  I reread the ending every day for about a week after I finished the book.  It's Biblical fiction, and is surprisingly good for this genre.  It is somewhat predictable, but I still found myself routing for the inevitable.  The cheesiness factor is low, but it still a leans a little to far on the side of chic lit for me to recommend it to my husband.  Still, one I would recommend to most of you...






Oh. my. goodness....My Sister's Keeper was my first Jodi Picoult novel, and it won't be my last.  Kate is diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.  Her parents use genetics to conceive Anna who is a bone marrow match for Kate.  They plan to only use the cord blood, but after 13 years, Anna has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots to save her sister's life.  She has never questioned this...until now.  This book challenges your thinking about medical ethics and as I've learned is characteristic of Picoult novels, it has a twist.  If you read it, you gotta tell me what you think!


18 comments:

Mari said...

I've read them both. Francine Rivers books are always good. This was my first Jodi Piccoult book too and it really made me think. It gives a whole new view of what it is like being the other daughter. I thought it was really good.

KCB said...

I love Jodi Piccoult novels. They're always so thought provoking and there's always a twist.

Kristen said...

I loved both of these books. I read the Francine Rivers book in about a half of a day two days before Mauryn was born - the middle of the night insomnia!

The Jodi Piccoult book had me a little unnerved. It was on my mind the entire time I read it. I sobbed, like a baby through parts of it. I think the unnerving part is the ethical issues. It reminded me of the health care ethics course I took in college. Anyway, I haven't read any of Jodi Piccoult's other books but they are on my to read list after I finish you know what...

jj said...

My Sister's Keeper - HATED HATED the ending! Loved the book until I got to the end, then felt cheated.

Currently reading Plain Truth by same author (I do like her style despite my review of My Sister's Keeper). You might like it b/c it's set in Lanc. Co.

Susan said...

Just wanted to say hello and I had fun with the abc's of me. Thanks for thinking of me.
Love and hugs, Susan

Jessica Brown said...

oh goodness.

i LOVE the mark of the lion series - all three! i agree, the cheesyness factor is low. a key ingerdient for Christian fiction, at least to me.

i also LOVED my sister's keeper! read it last year for book club, and it was interesting to discuss.

thanks for sharing!

Greg and Shara said...

I'm ready to get back into reading...took a break for a year or so. I've seen several books by JP, I want to read one...now!!
Are you part of online book clubs? Will you email me with info? Thanks, Shara :)

Growin' With It said...

i've been meaning to tell you i bought that *messy spirituality* book you recommended...sniff, sniff! thank you my friend!

krista said...

If you've read my review of The Mark of the Lion books on my Shelfari shelf you KNOW how much I like them...especially #1 and #2. I just loved all of the insights into Roman culture and society as well as how she made that time in history personal for me. I too like the low cheesy factor--my definate preference for this genre.

Am going to look into both Piccoult novels mentioned: My Sister's Keeper and Plain Truth. Sound hard to put down! I love books that make me think while engaging me in a truly well-written story.

Kara said...

I am a huge Francina Rivers fan....well, I loved a couple of her earlier books, but didn't know if I could get into some of her newer works. Maybe I shall branch out and give this one a try. Thanks for the recommendation girl!

Janelle said...

I loved both of those books you recommended. I don't love all of Jodi Piccoult books. There are a couple that I couldn't get through because they were TOO thought provoking. But for the most part, a very talented author.

Jen said...

I just ordered My Sister's Keeper and requested Plain Truth from PaperBack Swap - thanks for the recommendation!

Johanna said...

The Voice in the Wind series is my ALL TIME favorite read. Francine Rivers really outdid herself in bring that part of history to life! Oh, it was sooooo good!

Mary@notbefore7 said...

Gonna have to check these out. I have read a few by FR. LOVED redeeming love. WAsn't so hot on Annointed ONe (or somethin glike that) I'll give her another shot!

The JP book sounds good.

Christie said...

I really liked "My Sister's Keeper" but probably not the best book to read just before I was moving; I was already sad and I sobbed thru the end of it. I read the "Plain Truth" by her also. You'll have to read it and let me know how accurate it is.

keenbliss said...

Loved, loved My Sister's Keeper. I read it when I first got here at my aunt's recommendation. I just got another one of hers from the library, and am forcing myself to hold off starting it until my household goods get here, or else I won't get all the stuff done I need to do to make room for them! I also just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns. I really liked it too, and it stuck with me for like a week afterward. I just kept thinking of the characters and their life. The mark of a good book, I guess!

Jenni S. said...

Love the Fancine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series. The third one is just OK, but I wept at the first two.

The second book sounds interesting. Once I get through my current reading list, I may have to check it out.

krista said...

I know I commented here earlier, but I just finished Plain Truth by J.P.--LOVED IT! Though, as warned, I should have been waiting for the twist ending. OH MY WORD! Didn't see that coming!

Oh, and for some reason I thought she was a Christian fiction author--which doesn't matter to me. The language just surprised me and clued me in.

This was the most accurate and educational portrayal of Amish life (in a work of fiction) that I have ever read--and I'm sorry to say it but it puts the Lewis and Brunstetter bunch to shame. I still think Woodsmall does a good job and am anxiously waiting for my preordered book #3 to arrive.

I think I may try J.P's Nineteen Minutes next. :o)