Happy Spring Equinox, when light and dark are balanced. It’s time for the birds, flowers, bears, and bees to return to the forest. While nature is providing spring’s splendor, I debated whether to bring “Books That Changed Me.” back to my blog. Like my garden that springs forth life every year with growth, color and fragrance, so do the books I read. Many stories are still blooming in my mind with new ones planting seeds in my thoughts. I realized I had to share them with you.
“Books That Changed me” is here for another year celebrating the changing seasons, with the first three books of the year that left a lasting impression.
I really love how this author writes her characters. Her first book was great, but this one was amazing. Mixing in familiar Bible Stories only added to it. What really pulled me in was Dracul’s character. Taking someone coming from so much evil, and trying to do good, struck a chord in me. It was a sharp contrast between characters that came from so much good and ended up so evil. The first book had the same theme, but Dracul gave an insight that I really embraced. He represented to me the struggle we all feel, sometimes, to do the right thing even against all odds. I’m always a fan of the good vs. evil battle and this is the perfect balance of it.
Son of the Serpent (Fantasy Angel #2)
“Son of the Serpent” continues the Fantasy Angels Series with the son of Satan and Lilith, Dracul. I loved the first book and wasn’t disappointed in this story, in fact I think I enjoyed it even more. Familiar biblical people and events were interwoven into the story line perfectly. It’s told through two points of view: Dracul and Lilith. I sympathized with Dracul and his quest to be good and helpful, while coming from evil. Self-centered Lilith relished being cruel and malicious, while originating from good. It was a good balance of both sides. Familiar characters from the first book made appearances which I appreciated. The descriptions were vivid and well-written adding to the reality of Dracul’s journey. I highly recommend this book. Although you could read this as a stand-alone, I wouldn’t. Go back and enjoy this dark tale from the beginning.
This is an author who really makes you care about his characters. So much that I wish I actually had my own Root Monsters. I wouldn’t ask them to break any laws, but I can imagine them living with me in the forest. I have a feeling no bear would tip over another garbage can again! I won’t ruin how they were created, but to make me believe in them, that takes a lot of writing skill. Every character is full of life in their own way. Plus, add in a ship, pirates, and a quest–this is a world I’m happy to explore. I can easily picture this story on the big screen.
by C.S. Boyack
I’ve read other stories and books by this author and have always been impressed by them. When I saw Mr. Boyack had a new book with pirates and magic, I couldn’t wait to read it. I was not disappointed. It’s full of adventure, magic, excitement, friendship, love, family and the best part the root monsters. The Lanternfish is a ship I’d want to sail on and carries people I’d like to get to know. I loved the pirates, the monsters and their relationships, but the captain’s quest to save the woman he loved had me hooked. This is a world I’d like to visit where I could meet root monsters. I highly recommend this high-seas fantasy.
I think of this story when I make my bone broth soup. I try to imagine the soup being all I had to feed my family. It’s nothing I’ve had to endure. Yet, this author was able to show her readers what sacrifice, selfishness, hunger, and strength were through the characters. How a family could be treated so badly when a kind word might have had a huge difference. A story that made me think of life outside of what I’m comfortably used to. It’s a glimpse into the past, and ourselves.
DOG BONE SOUP (Historical Fiction): A Boomer’s Journey
“Dog Bone Soup” is a story told through a boy’s eyes as he grows up in a desperately poor family in the 50’s with an abusive-alcoholic father. Shawn spends time surviving and taking care of his family’s needs, as well as finding time to enjoy life with his brother. I wondered what dog bone soup was and quickly found out it came from Shawn having to get dog bones at the butcher, so his family could eat. Ms. Stevens’ descriptions of the era really pulled me into the story. I loved the relationship between Shawn and his younger brother Willie and the creative ways they found to supply the family with food. It was sad how people treated them and the pride the family had–that ended up hurting them at times. Using an outhouse and having to bring water in each day when everyone else had indoor plumbing was made worse when the father made sure he had electricity for his TV. This was one of many examples of what four children had to endure from a selfish father and a mother struggling to care for her family. A beautifully written coming of age story that I can highly recommend!
The “Just Her Poetry” tour continues! I will post the links for each day.
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Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D.L. Finn
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