Book Review #76: "Daring to Drive"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman's Awakening," by Manal Al-Sharif. This book is hot off the press as it was published June 13, 2017 by Simon & Schuster. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This is Manal Al-Sharif's story of being a activist for women's rights in Saudi Arabia. This book tells the story of Manal Al-Sharif's childhood to the day she was imprisoned for driving while being female in Saudi Arabia. It is a coming of age story of how Manal grew up in an Islam fundamentalist environment and how she immersed herself into their particular views and lifestyle. She then goes to college where her whole life changes and she is able to see the bigger picture of the country she lives in and changes her lifestyle. She is a very successful woman who stands up for all women's rights in Saudi Arabia, in particular the right for woman to drive.

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This was an excellent book, I am so glad I read it. Reading it was so empowering especially for females. I love reading books of different cultures and learning about different traditions and customs out there. I love reading books that deal with injustice,  and inequality. This book had both so it was the perfect book for me to read. It was a very inspiring book, and well written also. I can't imagine all the obstacles that Manal had to overcome just to write this book and get to where she is today. I find it amazing how education can open a person's world. That Manal's story could have been much different if she did not attend college and receive her education. I like how Manal combined her own personal experiences with facts on Saudi culture and history. It was a really well balanced book. You could definitely tell that Manal Al-Sharif poured her heart and soul and her passion into this book. With all this said I highly recommend reading this book.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Manal Al-Sharif, and Simon & Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #75: "The Prisoner in His Palace"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "The Prisoner in His Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid," by Will Bardenwerper. This book is hot off the press as it was published on June 6, 2017 by Scribner Books. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This book is the untold story of what took place after Saddam Hussein was captured and his death. This book brings to light of a tale different from the Saddam Hussein we thought we knew. This is also the story of the twelve guards who were assigned to guard him and the relationships they formed with Saddam Hussein. 

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This was a well written story, and a story that needed to be told. While I do not approve of the horrible things that Saddam Hussein did, this story brought more humanity to Saddam Hussein as a person. While it is difficult to process the horrible things Saddam Hussein did and the person that he was characterized to be in this story explains why this book needed to be written. The only criticism I have for this book was the organization of this book. I felt at times it was disorganized and did not flow together well with the overall book.  Otherwise this book is highly recommended for everyone to read.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Will Bardenwerper, and Scribner Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #74: "Once, in Lourdes"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Once, in Lourdes: A Novel," by Sharon Solwitz. This book is hot off the press as it was published on May 30, 2017 by Random House Publishing Group. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE.  This book was about four friends who made a pact to commit suicide in two weeks. It is about the the developments and events that take place during the two weeks from when these four friends made the pact.

     Overall I rated this book three stars out of five. This story had a good premise. It seems interesting, and interesting enough to get your attention to read. However, this book did not flow well it was to all over the place with little organization. This made the book difficult to get through. The character development was good and in depth. However, the characters to me were unlikable, which again made this book difficult to read. I think this book had great promise, it just did not meet my expectations.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Sharon Solwitz, and Random House Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #73: "Shadow Man"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Shadow Man: A Novel," by Alan Drew. This book is hot off the press as it was published on May 23, 2017 by Random House Publishing Group. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This is Alan Drew's second book, his debut novel was "Gardens of Water." This book is about a police detective investigating a serial killer. During his investigation the death of a 17 year old boy brings his past back to life. This is about how he copes with his past and his failing marriage while capturing the serial killer.

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This book caught me off guard, in that I was surprised in how much I liked it. Reading the back cover of  this book was not a typical book I would have picked out to read. But boy I am glad I did. The character development was extremely enriching. This book captured my attention from the very beginning all the way to the end. The only thing I would eliminate would be the pages written from the serial killer's point of view as I thought it took away from the book instead of adding to it. I enjoyed the mystery as well as the personal growth of the characters. I would highly recommend reading this book.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Alan Drew, and Random House Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill