Promised by Caragh M. O'Brien, a book review

Promised by Caragh M. O'Brien is a really good final book in the Birthmarked series. I enjoyed it and felt like it definitely continued to deliver more of the engaging and enjoyable story about Gaia and Leon. What's more, this trilogy is a worthwhile read. There are challenging topics mentioned and faced, mostly related to birth since Gaia is a midwife. Abortion is the most controversial subject handled and that was, more in the second book, Prized, than this one.

As a result of those subjects relating to birth, as well as due to the action sequences, and other mature topics, I won't let my twelve and ten year old daughters read this trilogy until they are sixteen or older. However, this story will provide a great backdrop for many conversations once they do read it.

One of the indications of a really good book is that it seeps into my dreams. My mind can't seem to let go of it even while I sleep and so the story comes alive in my dreams. This did not happen while I was reading the Birthmarked series. However, another indication of a well-written, enjoyable, and engaging story is that I feel unable to disconnect from it when I've finished the last book in the trilogy or series, as the case may be. Even though I moved into another book that was a continuation of a series I already know I enjoy, I couldn't stop thinking about this series. Since I missed reading the first before the second and third, I'm looking forward to reading it just because I want to learn more about the incidences alluded to in the second and third installments of the trilogy. Gaia Stone and Leon Vlatir definitely got my attention while I read about them… and maintained it even when I was done.

Obviously, I enjoyed this book and recommend it for mature teens and adults.

Have you read Promised by Caragh M. O'Brien? What did you think of it?

Goldfish and Chrysanthemums by Andrea Cheng, a book review

In Goldfish and Chrysanthemums by Andrea Cheng, a little girl is inspired by a letter her grandmother received from her brother in China. Perhaps Nancy hears the sorrow in her grandmother over the loss of a family property that was so treasured. Room must be made for apartment buildings, so a place she remembers with much fondness is being overtaken.

This Chinese grandmother, Nini, lives with her grandchildren and their parents. Nancy decides to create a garden like the one her grandmother has lost. She does an admirable job with her limited skill set and no expenditure. Her parents allow it, and a neighbor helps, but the little girl does most of the work. She invites her brother to join in the project of finishing the surprise for their grandmother.

Potentially a good story to help children see that they are able to do things to help if they think creatively and are willing to put in some work. Others want to help those who are working hard to make things happen.

Michelle Chang does a good job illustrating this story. The colors are muted, so they didn't hold the attention of my three and five year olds. Still, the rest of my children enjoyed it.  My seven year old especially enjoyed it.  She asked me to review it.  So, here we are.

Have you read Goldfish and Chrysanthemums by Andrea Cheng?