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The Language of Flowers

This story features a woman who grew up in the foster care system.  She jumped around from family to family and eventually ended up living in group homes until she became of age.  At one point she was almost adopted by a woman who taught her the language of flowers but certain events tore them apart.  Using her knowledge and talent with flowers to get out of homelessness she begins to form a few close relationships until an unexpected pregnancy throws everything for a loop.

I found the book interesting but it also frustrated me.  I wanted to tell the girl to behave, I wanted to vacuum her carpets (you’ll understand if you read the book), and my heart broke over a number of decisions she made about her baby.

Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter

I thought I knew a lot about the Kennedys but after reading this book I learned so much more.  Often when you read or hear about the Kennedys the content focuses on the affairs, the wars, the assassinations, but the girls of the family aren’t typically the focus.  I knew the daughter Rosemary had had a lobotomy and that she had been placed secretively in a home in Wisconsin but that was about the extent of my knowledge.  This book opens your eyes to so much more, the good and bad.

I found the history of the Kennedy family and specifically what happened to Rosemary fascinating.  I am so glad pictures were included!  The book also makes me thankful for how far our society has come in our knowledge and acceptance of people with disabilities although there is still so much farther to go.

The Darkest Minds

If you liked The Hunger Games you need to read this series.  I am hooked, I can’t wait to read books two and three.  The premise is that preteens and teens are either dying or are developing powers.  Many are rounded up and sent to “rehabilitation camps”.  As soon as they arrive the children are divided into color categories depending on their powers.  The first book follows the story of Ruby, her life at camp, leaving camp, and joining up with a group of kids trying to find safety with a notorious leader. There is a little romance, some violence, and a few plot twists to keep you interested.

Between Shades of Gray

It is not what you are thinking – at all, this book has nothing to do with that series. Instead, this book tells the story of a Lithuanian girl taken from her home along with her family by the NKVD and are sent to work camps to give 20 years of service to Stalin’s Soviet Union. Through long journeys, starvation, and sickness few survive. It is a fictional account based true events that Russia still doesn’t recognize actually happened.  We read a lot about Nazi Germany and concentration camps but I had no idea the number of people Stalin had deported and how what happened to them was kept a secret under threat by the government.  Includes a map – I love maps!

Want more reviews and recommendations? Check out what I read for July!