Let's talk books: Fiction

While on vacation I had the privilege to access an early read (available 8/28) of a beautifully written book. Here are the details:

Title - Sold on a Monday
Author - Kristina McMorris
Specific fiction genre - historical fiction
Why I liked it - it is inspired by an event in history. This incredible story captures the depth of how people's decisions can have an unexpected impact on many lives. There are great discussion questions at the end of the book that really got me thinking even further about this unique story.

Here is the official description of the book:

2 CHILDREN FOR SALE

The sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs, and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.

For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.

At the paper, Lillian Palmer is haunted by her role in all that happened. She is far too familiar with the heartbreak of children deemed unwanted. As the bonds of motherhood are tested, she and Ellis must decide how much they are willing to risk to mend a fractured family.

Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, Sold on a Monday is a powerful novel of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths that bring us home.

While on vacation I had the privilege to access an early read (available 8/28) of a beautifully written book. Here are the details:

Title - Sold on a Monday
Author - Kristina McMorris
Specific fiction genre - historical fiction
Why I liked it - it is inspired by an event in history. This incredible story captures the depth of how people's decisions can have an unexpected impact on many lives. There are great discussion questions at the end of the book that really got me thinking even further about this unique story.

Here is the official description of the book:

2 CHILDREN FOR SALE

The sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs, and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.

For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.

At the paper, Lillian Palmer is haunted by her role in all that happened. She is far too familiar with the heartbreak of children deemed unwanted. As the bonds of motherhood are tested, she and Ellis must decide how much they are willing to risk to mend a fractured family.

Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, Sold on a Monday is a powerful novel of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths that bring us home.

I know I am a bit behind the times with this read since a movie has even been released, but I am glad I finally took the time to read it. AMAZING! I can't wait to watch the movie.

Title – Wonder
Author – R. J. Palacio
Specific fiction genre – Young Adult
Why I liked it – it is a compelling story of a young man who conquers his fears and ventures into a new world, even though everyone looks at him like he is a freak. It tells the story of how this young man feels, how we can all do better in the world with accepting differences, and how other key characters in his life were impacted. Well written! A must read!

Here is the official description of the book:

I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

I own the movie but currently have it out on loan. You can certainly borrow it to watch. It's a great family movie.