Ioana Is Reading: What I've Read Lately #13

Title: Zuleiha deschide ochii [Zuleiha opens her eyes] Author: Guzel Yakhina Language Read in: Romanian Format: Paperback
Genre: Russia, Historical Fiction Pages: 414 Stars:5*

This book, read in Romanian and written in Russian, is emotional and exposing on raw parts of the human nature. I am at a loss of words because how can a mere reader approach a novel that takes place in a country and time she knows nothing about? Zuleiha is so strong and she continued to surprise me time and time again. She found the strength to go on and continue grasping for life. In comparison, Ignatov the rough and wanna-be-unemotional Russian soldier is the one I feel the most - striving to be the perfect peg in the Russian system, but not being able to stomp on his humane feelings towards the deported.

It's not an easy book. I had a hard time getting into the novel; it took me about 100-150 pages to find my rhythm, but I am so glad I kept on reading. Probably the rawest, deepest and hard book of the year.

Title: The Giver [Darul lui Jonas// Jonas' Gift]
Series: The Giver #1
Author: Lois Lowry
Language Read in: RomanianGenre: Middle grade, YA

Format: Paperback
Pages: 194
Stars: 5*

This book shocked me and kept me reading and reading. It was new and fresh and unexpected. It's a dystopia and I loved it so much.

People no longer have feelings, nor sad memories. Except for a young boy who is entrusted with the weight of humanity. I couldn't even make guesses about what coming because I was engrossed in the story I let myself be surprised by each new chapter.

The novel ended with an open ending, but luckily there are three more books in the series, which I read, of course!

Title: Gathering Blue [Fauritoarea de albastru// Maker of Blue]
Series: The Giver #2
Author: Lois Lowry
Language Read in: RomanianGenre: Middle grade, YA

Format: Paperback
Pages: 200
Stars: 4*

Not as good as The Giver, but still engaging. There are few references to the first book in the series, but that doesn't matter. The world presented here is cruel and inhumane. This too is a dystopia.

Title: Messenger
Series: The Giver #3
Author: Lois Lowry
Language Read in: English

Genre: Middle grade, YA

Format: Kindle
Pages: 169
Stars: 5*

Recurring characters from the first two books in the series. This one is more sinister. The ending is sad, but hopeful at the same time.

It's so good to see the characters using their powers to do good and change things. Every character is endearing and well-created.

Title: Son
Series: The Giver #4
Author: Lois Lowry
Language Read in: English
Format: Kindle
Genre: Middle grade, YA

Pages: 393
Stars: 4*

A bit more slow going than the first three. Maybe the reason is that there are three parts in this novel, each dealing with a different world. My favourite was the second part, then the third. It follows the journey of Claire, a female who did not match the standards required by the Comunity she lived in. The comunity is the same one Jonas lived in. It was so fun to see some characters return, but see things from different perspectives.

It was interesting to follow the theme of evil in this novel, as it's probably better noticeable than in the previous three.

Probably one of my favourite series!

Title: Love & Luck
Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Language Read in: English
Format: Kindle
Genre: YA

Pages: 303
Stars: 2*

It was a cute read, but I liked Love&Gelato better. Lena, the character in that novel, makes an appearance only for a short time. It's Addie whose story we follow around Ireland in this one.

The characters are likeable, but a lot of the plot could have been avoided if proper communication and grasp of real life had happened. But then again we wouldn't have had this novel.

I like a good road trip novel, and this delivers. It's cheesy, I gotta say that, and the "guide voice" that both Addie and Rowan listen to is too much, but somehow it fits perfectly into the story.

A lot of the plot is exaggerated but you just roll with it because it's Ireland and it works.