Hello, beautiful readers! I finished the book I started reading in November and found time to read two more this month! I shared all the books I read in 2024 in a separate post which you can view here. These are my reviews for this month.
Genre: Biographies of the Vietnam War, Vietnam War History
Pages: 464 pages
Book Blurb:
In 1970, John Kowalski was among the many young, inexperienced soldiers sent to Vietnam to participate in a contentious war. Referred to as “Cherries” by their veteran counterparts, these recruits were plunged into a horrific reality. The on-the-job training was rigorous, yet most of these youths were ill-prepared to handle the severe mental, emotional, and physical demands of combat. Experiencing enemy fire and observing death up close initiates a profound transformation that is irreversible.
The author excels at storytelling. Readers affirm feeling immersed alongside the characters, partaking in their struggle for survival, experiencing the fear, awe, drama, and grief, observing acts of courage, and occasionally sharing in their humor.
"Cherries" presents an unvarnished account, and upon completion, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the trials these young men faced over a year. It's a narrative that grips the reader throughout.
My Review:
I have never really been into war stories or biographies, but this novel captivated me from the very beginning until long after I finished it. Although the author is telling about his experiences in the Vietnam War, it does not read like a biography or autobiography. It reads like a novel, and I couldn't put it down.
The author doesn't sugarcoat the events he endured nor does he curb the language used. This is a raw account of the terrors and tragedies that took place during his time in Vietnam. Though each war has its own unique qualities, this book helps the common person to understand the trauma soldiers go through during war. Truly, our soldiers deserve more compassion, respect, and support when they return.
I could not help but care for each of the soldiers in this book. My heart hurt every time one of them sustained an injury or lost their lives. I cannot even begin to fathom living in the conditions that they had to deal with on a daily basis, including riding out a hurricane while in the jungle! The author shows the humane side of the soldiers and how they relied on one another and their good luck charms (I'm still angry at the person who stole the six-pack of beer!). You cannot help but see these soldiers as young men who simply want to do their duty and get back home in one piece. Sadly, many of them did not. :'(
This author is a hero. Not only did he save the lives of many of his fellow soldiers (while also having luck on his side on many occasions), he also courageously relived the entire experience to create this novel so readers can learn about the realities of this war.
Although there were a few typos, I still gave this book five stars because the storyline was so powerful. I highly recommend you read this book. You will walk away with a better understanding of what war is really like, and you will appreciate the sacrifices others make for your freedoms.
Lover Arisen (The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Book 20)
by JR Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 429
Book Blurb:
True love brings a deadly threat to the Black Dagger Brotherhood in this sizzling new novel in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Possessed by the demon Devina, Balthazar is once again on the hunt for the Book of Spells—and fighting an undeniable attraction to a woman. As a thief, he has stolen a lot of things…but he never thought his heart would be taken by another. Especially not by a human.
As a homicide detective, Erika Saunders knows there is something otherworldly going on in Caldwell, New York. Mutilated bodies that cannot be explained are all over her case list—and then there are her nightmares in which she’s hunted by shadows and captivated by a mysterious man who is both a suspect and a savior.
When Devina’s wish for true love is finally granted, Balthazar and Erika unwittingly become the gateway for the rebirth of an old enemy of the Brothers. Will the very thing that brings them together lead to the ultimate destruction of the Brotherhood? Or will they have to lose everything in order to save the race’s most sacred defenders?
My Review:
I am absolutely in love with this series. This book continues the incredible writing of the author. The main focus of this story is Balthazar and Erika, but the side stories of Rahvyn, Nate, and Lassiter as well as Devina's interference gutted me!
I was happy this book focused on Balthazar after his interaction with Erika in the previous book. Erika is the perfect female for him, and I loved their connection from the very beginning. The buildup of their passion and its rewards were so brilliantly written. JR Ward is an expert at writing these scenes.
Devina... How is it possible to love and despise a character at the same time? Lol! She is the epitome of a complex character, but her evil core never allows her to be redeemed. Her plot twists in this story were core-shaking, and I can only imagine the havoc she and her new beau will wreak in future books.
Nate... My heart breaks for him. The author better have a HEA coming his way. Seriously, how much more can this male handle?
Lassiter... I won't give anything away, but... pure gut punch! I didn't think I could love this fallen angel any more, but I do!
If you haven't read this series, it is absolutely amazing! Every single book! Plus, Passionflix is now creating a TV show of it, so jump on board the BDB fandom! You won't regret it!
(This is an adult book series. There is violence and passionate sex. Just an FYI in case you do not like those types of stories.)
by Colleen M Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle
Genre: Poetry Anthologies
Pages: 128
Book Blurb:
Sunflower Tanka, edited by Robbie Cheadle & Colleen M. Chesebro, is an annual anthology of contemporary tanka, tanka prose, & experimental tanka from a broad mix of new and established poetic voices from across the world.
Our theme, "Into the Light," draws inspiration from the way a young sunflower bud constantly turns to face the sun. Poets delved into the realms of death, love, and the natural world, capturing their human experiences in the timeless form of syllabic poetry.
Contributors to the first edition of the Sunflower Tanka: Suzanne Brace, Yvette M Calleiro, Kay Castenada, Luanne Castle, Robbie Cheadle, Colleen M. Chesebro, E.A. Colquitt, Melissa Davilio, Destiny, Tamiko Dooley, Lisa Fox, Cindy Georgakas, Chris Hall, Franci Hoffman, Marsha Ingrao, Jude Itakali, JulesPaige, Kenneth, MJ Mallon, Brenda Marie, Selma Martin, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Lisa Nelson, D. Wallace Peach, Freya Pickard, Dawn Pisturino, Gwen M. Plano, Jennifer Russo, Aishwarya Saby, Reena Saxena, Merril D. Smith, Nicole Smith, Ivor Steven, Ben Tonkin, Trilce Marsh Vazquez, Cheryl Wood.
My Review:
This anthology of poetry is so beautiful! From the cover to the words within, everything exudes light and hope. The book is comprised of works from poets across the world, bringing together different perspectives from many cultures. It is organized by the poet's name, so you are able to read the poems from one poet at a time. The beginning explains why the two editors, Robbie Cheadle and Colleen Chesebro, chose this theme and the tanka variations for the anthology. They also highlighted one poem from each type of tanka poem, and I was honored to see one of my poems listed there. At the end, there are links for the readers to find more works from the poets, which I found to be a nice touch.
I had SO many favorites. Many poems made my heart feel lighter. I found myself smiling, reflecting, and connecting throughout the entire book. Some of the poets whose words I really connected with are Melissa Davilio, Tamiko Dooley, Chris Hall, Marsha Ingrao, Jules Paige, Brenda Marie, Selma Martin, Michelle Ayon Navajas, D. Wallace Peach, Gwen M. Plano, Jennifer Russo, Reena Saxena, and Nicole Smith. Like I said, I loved all the poetry in this book.
As it's an annual anthology, I look forward to reading the next edition. If you enjoy reading poetry and finding moments to sit in reflection and gratitude, I highly recommend this book!
Have you read any great books lately? I'd love to hear from you.
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