News of the World by Paulette Jiles

My rating: 4.7

Captain Kidd is an elderly widower who in 1870 makes his living by traveling throughout Texas reading the newspapers. He is offered a 50 cent gold piece to deliver a 10 year old girl, Johanna, who after spending 4 years with the Kiowa Indians, was rescued and needs to be returned to her family.

Their 400-mile journey south through unsettled territory and unforgiving terrain proves difficult and at times dangerous. Johanna has forgotten the English language, tries to escape at every opportunity, throws away her shoes, and refuses to act “civilized.” Yet as the miles pass, the two lonely survivors grow a bond with each other and with the reader.

I have read several books on Americans encountering Indians such as: Wild Girl, 1000 White Women, and, for real historical insights Empire of the Summer Moon,  This book skimmed on some of the historical facts of the kidnapping by the Indians and then the reluctance to re-enter their former world but Empire of the Summer Moon definitely covers that best.

I fell in love with the quiet ways of Captain Kidd and the sweet mischevious spirit of Johanna. A very enjoyable read.

The Last Child by John Hart

My rating: 4.0

A young boy's twin sister is abducted. While his home life falls apart, Johnny makes it his mission to find his missing twin.

While the character development and writing are strong, this doesn't come close to Hart's amazing novel Redemption Road which was stellar. Still, a very enjoyable read. 

The Mothers by Brit Bennett

My rating: 4.0

This novel explores the many forms of being a 'mother' including all "the mothers" at the church who pray for everyone. Beautiful 17 year old Nadia who is reeling from her mothers suicide gets swept up with 21 year old Luke. When she finds out she is pregnant, she makes the decision to get an abortion and finds out that this decision doesn't end with the termination of her child's life.

I was surprised that this is Bennett's first novel and hope it isn't her last. The writing was beautiful and I felt that she really pulled off the collective voice of  'the mothers' at the church.

A Faint Cold Fear by Karin Slaughter

My rating: 4.5

This third in the Grant County Series involves several suspicious suicides on campus and involves both Sara Linton, the ME and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver.

I enjoyed the continuation of the characters, Sara, Jeffrey, Tessa and Lena. As always Slaughter combines a very readable book with a grippingly descriptive storyline and you quickly feel like a rubbernecker that can't look away from this twisted tale.

One In A Million Boy by Monica Wood

My Rating: 4.8

This is the story of 104 year old Ona and an 11 year old saucer-eyed boy who has been sent to help her every Saturday morning. After he does the various chores he comes inside for cake....and stories.  Soon Ona is sharing more of her life than she knew she remembered.

Ona's stories transported me back in time to her memories. This is so well written. I absolutely loved this story.  So many layers to all the characters and so much heart. Don't read too much about it but, definitely read it. So beautiful.

I have read two books by Wood previously: My Only Story and Any Bitter Thing both of which I enjoyed. I will have to read more by her as she is a fabulous author.