Are you ever amazed at how many great books there are out
there? I read two wonderful books this week. The first was Mirka Breen's, The Voice of Thunder. I was lucky enough to get a free Kindle copy during the
publisher’s special promotion so I didn’t have to wait for the September 4th
release date.
I don’t read enough middle grade fiction. That's how reading this book made me feel. I read it in one sitting last weekend because once I got started, I couldn’t
put it down. Mirka has taken these big issues: war, prejudice, intolerance, and
filters them through the eyes of two ten- year-old Jewish girls living in Israel in 1967. Mira and Gili are richly drawn characters: neighbors in the same apartment complex and best friends. They have crushes,
secrets, dreams, and they are both amused and frightened by their eccentric old
neighbor. They could be any one of our younger selves. But at a time when
they’re discovering their own voices in the world and through their own diary
entries, they also discover a frightening new voice broadcast over the
radio.The Voice of Thunder from Cairo threatens the annihilation of all Israeli
Jews. As uncles, fathers, and friends go off to fight, Mira and Gili are left to make
sense of how their world is changing and what it means for their families and
themselves. This is a beautifully written, compelling story you won't want to miss.
The second book I read and loved was I’ll Be There, a YA novel by Holly Goldberg Sloan. I originally added this to my TBR list because of the cover. I discovered it while reading about illustrator, Neil Swabb's process here. The cover turned out to be just one of many things I will remember about this book. Among them strong, memorable characters revealed through multiple third person narrative, a gripping emotional journey, and a sweet, sweet romance (the very best kind, in my opinion.)
One of the reasons I've experienced so many wonderful books lately is because of the reviews and recommendations on your blogs. So thank you! Do you have a book you're dying to give a shout out today? I'd love to add it to my list.


