The Child Thief

The Child Thief

By: Bella Forrest

Published: June 11, 2018 

Bella Forrest is one of my favorite author’s.  She has written and continues to write many series.  Some of the series I have read by the author are: A Shade of Vampire, Hotbloods, The Gender Game, and Shade of Kiev.  Since I have enjoyed her books I felt believed I would delve into “The Child Thief” series.  The book’s focused is on what could happen in America when the government takes over, thinking they know what is best for children.  Take children from poor families and give them a better life in a wealthy one.  That world though causes many problems, and much trauma to those who lose a new baby or young child.  

The main character Robin was not only one such child, raised by a wealthy family with many other children, but due to an unplanned pregnancy, loses her own.  Robin later with a group of other’s attempt to make things right by stealing from the rich (taken children) and given back to their biological parents.  Yes, it’s a twist from the childhood story of “Robinhood.”  

Ms. Forrest is an excellent writer, but this novel which is the first of the series seemed to drag on.  The writer spent almost 90% of the book building up to some actual drama and developing the supporting characters like Jace.  The last 10% of the book grabs the reader’s attention, and leaves one with a major cliffhanger.  Yes, cliffhangers are meant to keep one wanting more.  For me I felt drained and frustrated that it took so long for something to really happen.  Will I pushed forward to book #2?  I’m not sure.  Check back in a few months.

Rating: 3/5

The Advanced Day Planner User's Guide

The Advanced Day Planner User’s Guide

By: Hyrum W. Smith

Published: 1987

I am a Franklin Covey system fan since the early 90’s when I noticed at work a dental assistant at the office I worked at walk in with a beautiful binder.  My curiosity caused me to ask her what it was and then my life was forever changed.  At that time the company brand name was Franklin Quest, with stores found in the local mall to touch, and sift through all the offerings the company had in their planner system.  In my opinion the Franklin system is the godfather of bullet journaling.  Fast forward to 2019, no longer are the stores available in the mall.  Instead their online store, Amazon, and various resellers abound through the internet.  

Let’s get to this book I read “The Advanced Day Planner User’s Guide” by Hyrum W. Smith who became the face of the company.  This is an old book, with no real chapters, instead sections with illustrations.  Yes the book is old but it has so many “nuggets” that many users of the system today may be missing.  Take a look at section #23 “Go, Call, Do.”  This section demonstrates how an everyday person figured out a system to determining things like items outside the office, tasks, and calls.  When the reader looks at this, you see what?  Yes!  Bullet journal symbols!  Also as stated, the idea is not from the writer, but a planner user with illustration sample of how the idea looks on the daily pages.  So much of the book is usable today, and is an easy and enjoyable read.

Rating 5/5

Vagabond #9 - Japanese Manga

Vagabond #9

By: Takehike Inoue

Published: November 17, 2010 

I have been reading this series on and off for the past couple of years.  My interest in period Japan guided me on the journey of reading and enjoying Vagabond.  The books do carry a “Explicit Content” warning.  Therefore I would not recommend this for young manga readers.  There is a lot of fighting, with exquisite illustrations that are dark, with some sexual content sprinkled in here and there.  

Musashi is the main character who is on a journey of personal growth.  His battles on the field are just as important as the battles within himself.  Although this series is meant for entertainment, one can use it to periodically self reflect  along with Musashi.  Inner growth and understanding one’s purpose in life is indeed a journey.  

Highly recommend this series.  Each book is thick, with vibrant colors on the outer cover.  Once you collect several of the books, line them up. Watch the spine develop into an amazing photo which is an extra treat for collectors.

Rating: 5/5

February Read: Livia Lone Book #1

Livia Lone

By: Barry Eisler

Published: October 25, 2016

Livia Lone novel is spoken by the main character Livia Lone.  This is the first book in a series by the author Barry Eisler.  The novel paints a picture of Livia’s journey tying the past with the present as she sets out to take revenge on those who turned her and her sister’s life upside down after their Taiwanese parents sold them.  Livia refers to her sister as “Little Bird” throughout their childhood and as an adult during her search to find her sister after they were separated by those who sexually abused them during their travels with other children in a shipping container.  

I listened to Audible version during my commutes to and from work.  From the start I found it difficult to listen too as Livia paints a vivid picture of the atrocities forced upon her and the other children.  Sexual abuse, beatings, verbal abuse and ultimately death for some.  I did get through this book, cheering on Livia throughout many episodes of challenges.  Livia finds her strength, and friendships that changed the course of her life as she becomes an adult as a detective.  

The end didn’t offer what I hoped would happen for Livia, but it does offer many “wins” the reader gains through Livia’s story.  In my opinion the author wrote an exceptional start to Livia’s voice, and I look forward to book two.

If you're uncomfortable with descriptions of sexual abuse against children, this is a book that should be avoided.

Rating: 4/5

Reading

January Review: "Becoming" By: Michelle Obama

Becoming

By: Michelle Obama

Published: November 13, 2018

An inspiring autobiography by the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.  I was eager to get this book which is major since I don’t read a lot of autobiographies.  This one came from the voice of Mrs. Obama in a way that felt like she was telling a story I could imagine, as if watching on a movie screen.  The voice is real, doesn’t hold back, but also demonstrated maturity even as a youth growing up in the South side of Chicago where the community was changing as resident moved out to the suburbs.  Her voice is one that can inspire young people to reach beyond their current circumstances and learn when it’s okay to change course.  

When reading how Mrs. Obama became an attorney, gained all the “things” but still felt unfulfilled, this spoke to me.  Attaining a degree and career ultimately means nothing if not completely satisfied.  Mrs. Obama understood this especially after losing loved ones, and meeting “Barry,” former President Barack Obama.  

Highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn more about this lady’s past and where she is today.  Her book inspires anyone regardless of gender, race, or religious background.  Excellent book for all readers.

Rating: 5/5

January Books I've Read/Reading

1. Prisoner of Night (Audible version), by J. R. Ward

2. Ice Covered Stars (Book 1), by Rachel Russel

3. Becoming, by Michelle Obama - Currently Reading

4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey - Currently Reading