The Women by Kristin Hannah

 

    In this book you're transported into the world of the late 60s and early 70s when the Vietnam War is ever prevalent. Frances Grace McGrath is a nurse and a good one at that. As you follow her story through the depths of the war and her life after you learn both of the good, the bad, and the ugly she endured as a woman during that time. Reading this book opened my eyes even more to what women early on in military and during ward endured. It is important to remember all those who served including the women. This book even brought tears to my eyes as I thought of things my own Grandmother must have gone through during the World War II era. Yes, women did serve. They may not have been on the front lines of every single battle, but they were there mending people back together, and helping them stay alive (even if it meant just getting them home.) Below is a picture of my grandmother. I am certain her just like all the women who served in both the World Wars and Vietnam would want their memories to live on. 

Kathleen Ada Weckmueller (Mayhoffer) was my grandmother and she served as an army nurse during World War II. She was discharged in 1946. 

Storm Front by Richard Castle

 

    I know you're thinking it because I sure was... Is this the Castle from the TV show? Yes, it is! And yes, the books are real, and yes Nathan Fillion ( I mean Richard Castle) is credited as being the Author. This particular story follows Derrik Storm and his help with the CIA to find a mass killer on the loose that could interrupt the stock market. While the man is hard to find in the end good must prevail! Right? Well, find out! More Castle books to be read soon. 

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

 

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Book 1: The Magician's Nephew (1955)

Book 2: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (1950)

Book 3: The Horse and His Boy (1954)

Book 4: Prince Caspian (1951)
Book 5: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)

Book 6: The Silver Chair (1953)

Book 7: The Last Battle (1956)

    The Chronicles of Narnia Series is wonderful for all ages. While a child can it get wrapped into the world of Narnia and all the excitement it brings and adult can find deeper meaning throughout these books, and it will also help to find a purpose through life. I had read bits and pieces of each of these books and a couple here and there before, but I must admit that reading them from the beginning of the series to the end of the series helped me to find new meaning of life and closure on some things that I, myself needed to face. While I won't tell you exactly everything that is under the covers of these wonderful books I can say that C.S. Lewis knew more about the meaning of life than any of us could possibly imagine. I am a huge fan of C.S. Lewis and these books originally meant for young readers can help to captivate anyone. I hope you'll read them, and get brought into the wonderful and beautiful world of Narnia just like everyone in the books did. 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

 

    The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the prequel to The Hunger Games series. Review of Hunger Games Series

It is set about 64 years prior to the Hunger Games and gives an outline of how Corionilius Snow became the Presdident of Panem in the Hunger Games series. It follows his story and talks about him and you get to really know him and how he became that man. 

This series and this book is overwhelmingly captivating and takes you into the Hunger Games yet again, but in a different way than you had experience in the sequels. I loved every second of this book, and I loved that the movie also followed the book so closely (despite what some might say). I felt like this book was definitely a wonderful addition to the entire series, and I would 100% recommend reading it. I think if you are into the Hunger Games in either Jr. High or High School you could definitely add this book to your list of "to be read" as well. READ  IT TO FIND OUT ALL OF WHAT HAPPENED TO SNOW!