Archive | February 2024

Open Minded by Chloe Seager

Feb15

When The Mouse Roars

Open Minded by Chloe Seager is a contemporary book exploring relationships. It was an absorbing read that I read mostly in one sitting – pausing only to sleep!

We see that there are many types of relationships – parents, siblings, partners, friends. One size does not fit all. We follow the two main characters and their interactions with others, their work and each other. They meet in unusual circumstances but a friendship develops.

At work, we see the bully in the workplace. Others tiptoe around the bully until one awards evening when – the mouse roars! And the reader applauds.

It is important to be true to oneself. Too often we try to fit into the mold that others, or the world, have created for us. Sooner or later, it will all come crashing down. To your own self be true.

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An Eagle In The Snow by Michael Morpurgo

Feb14

Wow – What An Ending!

An Eagle In The Snow by Michael Morpurgo is a powerful historical children’s novel that I loved. It is perfect for ages ten years and over. It is based on fact, on the actions of Private Henry Tandey in World War I. It is an inspiring and amazing tale. It will educate you as you read. At the end of the book is a brief history of Henry Tandey’s life.

War is futile. Politicians send young men on both sides to be slaughtered. No one wins. Everyone loses. “We had won, but it didn’t feel like winning, it never does.”

Young men were changed by war. Some lived. Some died. Survivors were wracked with guilt. No matter how many years had passed, you couldn’t escape the war. “The war stayed in his head… It’s the same for all of us who’ve fought in a war. You don’t forget. You can’t. You want to, but you can’t.”

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An Elephant In The Garden by Michael Morpurgo

Feb14

All For One

An Elephant In The Garden by Michael Morpurgo is a powerful dual timeline novel that I just could not put down. It is perfect for ages ten years and over. Whatever your age, this is a beautiful novel that will educate and entertain.

The story is set in present day in a nursing home and also looking backwards to Dresden in 1945.

An old lady is dismissed as having dementia when she talks about the elephant in her garden. Only a young boy recognizes it as true and longs to hear her tale.

We witness the dreadful destruction of Dresden by the Allies. Michael Morpurgo writes powerfully about the fires of hell that engulf the town. Like the story of Lot in the Bible, the family must move forwards and not look back.

Families come in different shapes and sizes. This family is a mother, two children and a baby elephant. The elephant is an orphan and views the human mother as her mother. The baby elephant brings out the mothering instincts in the human mother.

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The Bad Weather Friend by Dean Koontz

Feb13

Choose Wisely

The Bad Weather Friend by Dean Koontz is an exciting contemporary suspense that I read in just two sittings – pausing only to sleep! This is the author’s latest offering but was the first novel that I had read by him – and what a treat it turned out to be.

The lead character’s story reminded me of the story of Job in the Bible. He is a very credible lead character and incredibly nice, not a mean bone in his body. He is also loyal to his friends.

We see how our upbringing molds us. The lead character, Benny, has been shaped by adversity. His early years saw him meet many questionable adults but he retains his integrity and ‘niceness’ (for want of a better word).

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