A Long Way Gone

A Long Way Gone: Memories of a Boy Soldier is really good. However, it is also really graphic. Some of the stuff that happens in it is so brutal and awful. It really makes me sad knowing that stuff really did happen in real life. But, i am glad i am reading it because it gives me a lot of new knowledge about a topic i really didn't know a lot about. I like to expand me horizons, hahaha.

Breaking Dawn

Breaking Dawn, the last book in the Twilight series came out this summer. I read it when it came out and thought it was fantastic. There were just a couple of things that bugged me about it, however I won't say what they were because I don't want to ruin the book for everyone. This book is worth reading!

Shackleton's Stowaway

Shackleton's Stowaway by Victoria McKernan is a great adventure story. I just finished rereading this book and had forgotten how suspenseful the story is. The book is a based upon factual events of Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition to Antarctica in 1914-1916.

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."

This is a quote taken from an advertisment for one of Shackleton's expeditons. Even though the description is factual, the story of the men's journey and survival is very compelling.

Here's a Google Earth Community placemark which shows the events of the story.

This novel is also a Battle of the Books selection for the 2008-09 season.

Kabul Beauty School

Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Behind the Veil by Debbie Rodriguez is a non-fiction account of a mid-western beautician who goes to Afghanistan to help the women there. This book talks about the treatment of women in Afghanistan before the Taliban, during their reign of terror and after. By opening a beauty school, Rodriguez has helped many women not only feel better about themselves but earn a living for their entire family.

Rodriguez tells how she came to Afghanistan as a relief worker but ended up opening a beauty salon and school. The author befriends many women and tells their stories. Even though some stories are sad and eye-opening, this is a book of hope for many women.