So Spring Break came and went. Unfortunately it went by way too fast. And unfortunately i didn’t get as much reading done as I would have liked to. For some reason time just swept right under me (Daylight Savings doesn’t help either). I liked one book, disliked the other… Let me explain. I’ll start with the bad first.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
The entire plot revolves around an island where there’s abandoned orphanage. Jacob finds that there really are “peculiar children” and really goes out of his way to fulfill his adventure. There are several different characters that we come across… all with interesting facts about themselves. There’s honestly a lot going on with this novel, and I’m not sure I’ll be reading the others in the series.
This book really has a fascinating plot and I took interest in the ideals of it. I enjoyed the relationship between Jacob and his grandfather in the beginning of the story, except, the beginning took me forever to get in to. I would have put it down before the second half if it weren’t a book club read because it was boring me. Also, this book does have really interesting graphics. Some are kind of disturbing and creepy, but for the most part caught my attention.
The fact that I’m not into fantasy maybe could be why I didn’t like this book, but I gave it a fair chance which is really what being an active reader is all about. I gave it a chance to prove me wrong. I just couldn’t connect with the characters. It was an interesting idea don’t get me wrong, and if you’re into fantasy this might be for you. However, if you’re like me, I’d say just leave this one on the shelf and save it for another reader. Then again, I would also say to try it because I think it’s important to give every book a fair chance. So I mean, whatever you feel like is best to fill in your reading time!
Salt to the Sea
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys was not what I was expecting! I’ve read a few books now on World War II and this one seems to be on the top of my list for sure! It’s all about the untold tragedies and unkept promises that are lived out during the times of war. It’s about the adventure, the worry, the strangeness of being together with strangers all running away from the same fate. Better yet, it’s about teens that are trying to survive. I couldn’t imagine going through what they did. Readers get four different perspectives throughout the story, which makes all of the characters in this novel seem to be real, true, and interesting.
The realness of this novel kept me interested and it’s fast-paced keeping readers motivated with every page flip. I definitely won’t be apologizing for reading this novel, and won’t be apologizing for saying that YOU NEED TO READ IT. The historical fiction that is featured in this novel will not be forgotten any time soon.
Life With Books 
It’s great that you were able to stick with this book even though it didn’t terribly interest you. I am constantly telling students in my libraries that although it is okay to “ditch” a book periodically, that it is important to work on their stamina as well. Sometimes teachers assign books that they aren’t going to enjoy and sticking to them won’t kill them.
LikeLike
Personally, I’m not so sure I would have stuck with it if it weren’t assigned for my book club reading… I’m confident that I wouldn’t have actually. Unfortunately, I am a firm believer that if you are reading for fun, it’s okay to drop a book that is uninteresting to you or make the decision to keep reading. While it builds up good stamina, I don’t think it’s necessary when reading for fun because you should really just be enjoying what your reading in your free time. Thanks for the comment!!
LikeLike
Several of my students have basically DEMANDED that I read Salt to the Sea. It’s on my list–I’ve really got to get to it! I’ve tried to read Miss Peregrine, and while it has some of the things I like in a novel, I just can’t make it stick for some reason. Interesting that you didn’t care for it either! I had big plans for reading over break as well–but ended up doing more writing than reading. Oh well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m surprised you haven’t read it yet! I think you would really like it! I agree, Miss Peregrine isn’t awful and I didn’t hate it… just wasn’t something I was interested in.
LikeLike
My thoughts are the same regarding these two! I loved the photos, but found the story to be…meh. I didn’t pick up the remainder of the series and have no plans to.
Salt to the Sea is completely different. I adored that story! Have you read her other – Between Shades of Gray? I really enjoyed that one too, and it served as the hook for a student that had previously been uninterested in reading.
LikeLike
I for some reason had heard great things about Miss Peregrine. It just really disappointed me. Glad i’m not the only one.I have not read her other novel Between Shades of Gray! However! I really would like to now and it’s on my reading list. Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m so glad that you liked Salt to the Sea! I’ve only heard great things about it and I’m definitely thinking about picking it up myself. I really love historical fiction pieces when they’re written well, and I’m sure that this one won’t disappoint. Awesome find!
LikeLike
Ali,
I do think that you will really enjoy this one! For some reason I also enjoy historical fiction, but just never go out of my way to read it! I think that’s something i’m going to start working on. Reading historical fiction that’s actually entertaining is really rewarding in my opinion! Add it to your TBR! 🙂
LikeLike