A Timely Theme Wrapped in a Good Story
587235
The fact the this story is set in the city of Vancouver made it interesting for me. The opening scenes were intriguing and made me want to know more. The ugly issue of human trafficking is timely. As a first book, it passed muster and I enjoyed Charity and her friends as they worked to put a stop to the criminal activity.
3869727
A very good read, timely in this period . Plausible plot and well developed characters make this a great read
2725697
It is  very timely story, and could be occurring right now  !!
16031
A 5-star rating for A Scout is Brave as it is a timely story that magnifies the entrenched bigotry that permeates our culture.  Jay Hawke skillfully uses Native American mores as a foil, a contrasting, social structure that incorporates the differences in acceptance of individual differences. Bullying is another theme that is explored within this story. Having been a Gay Boy Scout, I found myself revisiting many of the issues I faced while in scouting as well as the bullying I personally received while in school.  The experiences of the characters within the story are reflective of what I experienced while in scouting with the exception of someone threatening someones life.  In addition, the background characters to the story were made two dimensional and expressed extreme views in order to create conflict within the story.

The central character Joshua, is the catalyst that creates the energy within the story.  As Joshua deal with holding onto his Native American culture in contrast to the constraining values of fundamental Christianity.  Joshua is a great example of the core values of compassion willingness to help others to thrive.  . The friends that Joshua attracts adopts these values and together they strive to create an environment that nurtures each member. Within this  nurturing environment, the group members felt secure enough to show their hidden talents. Forming a group of supportive friends is a great coping strategy for dealing with bullying. As I read the story, I could feel the agony the characters experienced

I recommend this novel to those who enjoy a great human interest story that explores the challenges of a teenager in dealing with bullying, prejudice and bigotry.  This story is not about sexual exploration but is about coping with the previously listed challenges.  The level of violence may be seen as over top as the violence piggybacks on the tragic circumstances around Mathew Shepards death as one of the murders was an Eagle scout.  I don't want to provide detailed explanations as this would spoil the story for the reader.
4908954
The characters come alive in this book. The theme that hit a very definite cord for me: if there's something that really weighs on you, attempt to resolve the issue. Don't wait until it's too late or you'll regret it forever.

plot - some twists
mood - hopeful
pace - fast
characters - complex
2391579
This geopolitical thriller is a timely tale about terrorism, technology, and rival intelligence organizations.  It depicts a clash of cultures and includes vivid descriptions of exotic foreign locales.  The story builds to a climax as one group of formidable individuals seeks to destroy and another group of equally committed individuals works to protect.  It is a struggle to determine which group will prevail, based on their skills, resources and determination.  Each of the competing groups has individuals willing to die to achieve its goals.

The characters in this novel have different personalities and motivations.  My favorite character was Irina Belakova, a beautiful spy who trades sex for secrets.  Some of the powerful men she entertains know she is a spy, but they meet with her anyway.  They seek to use her sexually and to provide false or imprecise facts as part of a counter-intelligence effort.  She has enough charm and vulnerability to be an intriguing character.

This is a fast, easy read that is perfect for holiday travel, lounging by the pool or laying on the beach.  I look forward to reading the next novel written by this author.
1470544
The theme covers the two characters apparently un associated paths of a troubled ex soldier, and a muslims shattered life.  Ill openly admit I didn't expect the story I read to unfold as it did.

Brought up by an extremist Cleric, a balance insight is offered into jihadist teaching/indoctrination not so that you feel sorry for the character Tariq, but gain an understanding of his motive and the intention,

Rory the ex-soliders life hasn't fared that well, isolating himself from his lifes events, becoming an oil rig worker. The two characters lives are brought back together in a path that continues the plot well.

The book doesnt glorify nor condone the characters and their actions, but covers a sensitive collection of current affair subjects war, religious differences and terrorism all very  objectively.

I was recommended that I read this, and glad I did, will be looking forward to reading other novels by this author.
953671
I picked this up as a bargain for my 12-year-old, then finished it myself that day. While some characters fall into  stock categories (looks and popularity-obsessed pretty girl, scruffy tomboy, burdened-but-valiant poor girl), they are well-drawn enough to come fully to life and even present a few surprises. The adults are similarly nuanced, flawed but appealing. The special beauty of the story is its realistic and sympathetic handling of the mother's mental illness: the roots of it, the paths to healing, the reactions of family, especially the 13-year-old main character's. Little touches, too, keep this far from formula, such as the father of the poor girl, who in other books would turn out to be an abuser, but here proves to be neither noble nor savage. A tiny quibble: in 1960, no one wore white lipstick (try mid-to-late 60s) or used Dippity-Do (invented in 1965)--nitpicking, I know, but annoying--and there are a couple of other anachronistic details. Here and there, plot twists feel a bit facile. Overall, though, the strengths more than compensate for the few, minor weakensses. An honest, gentle, moving and uplifting book, with a big heart and a family of individuals you grow to love and are sorry to leave.
1789459
This novel tackles some deep themes, from the ties that bind a family, to family divides, to religion, God and death.  Set in contemporary times the narrative flashes back to New York circa 1980, and to times of old in rural Kentucky.  The protagonist, Josiah, presents several key questions to the reader and challenges us regarding family and religion at large. This novel will stick with you and provoke many reactions with each chapter.  I found the tone somewhat somber yet it left me feeling hope at the conclusion of the story.
3701876
Although the story begins centuries ago, it easily transforms into a modern-day theme based around two parents that you might recognize as your own neighbors who go through the daily parental rituals of hard work, caring for their home, and raising their children as best as they can. So the power of love, protection and teaching strong values to their children is the norm.  However, there are other powers that this family possesses that are not normal, and this is the real story. And it is a good story.  The writer's style is smooth, making it an easy read.  She also has a gift in bringing the characters to life so that you want to know more about them as the pages turn.  Above all, it is an intriguing read in the never-ending search for good vs evil. And which wins?  I choose to keep that one a secret!
2970502
This is the story of a young woman, Mae, who goes to work at a Google-like company (Circle) and eventually becomes its face to the world.  The plot moves ahead at a slow to steady pace and is largely sustained by Eggers' good writing and imaginative rendering of the Circle's fantastic campus and culture. The Circle is effectively trying to create a monopoly on "transparency" or personal data.  This isn't done clandestinely, and much of the plot involves the characters wrestling with whether the "public good" should trump personal freedom and privacy and the level of engagement that they wish to have with the digital world. While this book didn't consume me completely when I was reading it, I continued to think about the topics it raised long after the book was finished. The relatively "modern" topic made this stand out.
1036350
The story line is timely and the characters are developed in a manner which makes the action realistic and very readable.
3354663
This book encompasses a new version of an old theme. In many ways, it has a little bit of everything in it, enough for most readers to sink their eyes into. The main character reveals aspects of ourselves which enables the reader to build a stronger connection to the story. It's not the best book but it gives a worthwhile effort based on what it set out to accomplish. The prose is passable and does not detract from an understanding of what's going on. Thankfully, the author didn't try to overwhelm the reader with ten-dollar words so that you'd need an MIT degree to figure things out. The author does a good job setting up the plot but didn't thoroughly probe into the characters' motivations and psyches. Overall, this book is an interesting read, even if one isn't particularly interested in the underlying subject matter.
2456058
Great action and timely plot and themes. I recommend this book for those who like an interesting and quick read.
1447232
Good theme, interesting and enjoyable, good writing.
76451
"Fallout" by Mark Ethridge, is a very enjoyable story with social justice and making a difference as themes, and that shines a light on current day affairs. I don't read a lot of fiction books anymore and concentrate on non-fiction focusing on ethics, social change, mindfulness and yoga. This book fits right in with these topics, although it is fiction. It is a life-like tale that exposes corporate and personal greed in the antagonistic characters, as well as love for family and commitment to community members in the protagonists.  "Fallout" also explores issues of powerlessness and oppression and the journey of overcoming small-town poverty. And perhaps best of all for a reader it is fun to read - it kept me interested and devouring it straight through. I happened to read it while spending time in an area that could have been the setting for this story and it draws a picture of a geographic area that is not often explored in contemporary fiction - West Virginia and the Ohio Valley - which has a fascinating history worth remembering - and this books recalls some of that history.  I'd highly recommend the book for its point of view and fast pace, and clear, compelling writing.  It has all the elements that make for a good book - well-drawn characters, mystery, suspense, romance, and subjects that thoughtful readers will care about.  The motif of interconnectedness between past and present and the never-ending battle between selfishness and social responsibility makes it a worthwhile read and the great writing makes it fun. The book has more than one hero, which makes it even more unusual  - the efforts of good people of different ages and sexes makes it relevant for a wide range of readers. This is Mark's second book, the first being "Grievances", which I also read and liked, which has been made into a thought-provoking and action-packed movie, "Deadline".
2325009
The publication of Crash and Burn by Michael Hassan is very timely. The narrator, Steven "Crash" Crashinsky, relates how he managed, on April 21 of his senior year in high school, to stop a fellow classmate from blowing up the school and killing hundreds of people.

Crash has known the potential shooter, David "Burn" Burnett, since grade school, and in a slow, meandering narrative, Crash details their relationship over the years leading up to the fateful day that Crash became a national hero.

I had trouble putting down Crash and Burn. The narrator is a very flawed character, and the book is filled with unabashed teen-aged sex, drinking, and drug use. Part of Crash's charm is that he knows he is not the hero he has been painted in the media. Crash has a very troubled relationship with his father, as well as a complicated relationship with both David Burnett and Burnett's older sister. There are a lot of characters to keep track of in Crash and Burn, but that helps make the story feel like a memoir rather than a novel. There are a lot of people in our lives, and they don't have to play a big role to be an important part of our story.

The book was not quite what I expected. Only a short portion of the book deals with the actual day that David Burnett took the school hostage (and that portion is tense and chaotic). But the details about Crash, Burn, their families, and their schoolmates that lead up to that day are also compelling. I winced at many of the exploits of Crash and his friends. I sincerely hope that all high schools today are not like the high school depicted in Crash and Burn. But I didn't feel that the exploits were unbelievable.

Crash and Burn covers many timely topics. Crash has been diagnosed with ADD and struggles with his studies. Every student, weird, popular, or smart, worries about fitting in. The kids play a lot of video games, and watch a lot of stupid and violent movies. A girl is involved in internet porn. Everything is woven together in a credible way, and Crash has a strong and likeable voice. The circumstances that lead Crash and Burn to the faculty lounge on April 21 are messy, with no pat solutions offered.

Crash and Burn is a great read on an extremely relevant topic. Anyone who enjoys psychological fiction, plots that keep you guessing, and strong character development may enjoy reading it, and it would make a good book club selection.

I read an advance reader's edition of Crash and Burn