The Green Glass Sea - Review

Review:

It is 1943, and almost eleven-year-old Dewey Kerrigan is on a train to New Mexico, where she will live with her father. She doesn't know where in New Mexico, exactly; the corporal who took her to the station can't tell her. It's wartime, and so many things are secret.

Soon she arrives at a town that -- officially -- doesn't exist. It is called Los Alamos, and it is abuzz with activity, as famous scientists and mathematicians from all over America and Europe -- Dewey's father among them -- work on the biggest secret of all, something everybody calls only "the gadget."
- from the book jacket

So, this book takes place in Los Alamos, New Mexico at the time of the Manhattan project, during World War II. It centers around two young girls, both are outcasts and they don't like each other. The story follows their struggles  and developing friendship as they realize they have more in common than they thought.

I became interested in this book when I realized it took place during the Manhattan Project. There is currently a series on tv (called Manhattan) that centers around the events in Los Alamos and I really like it. This story is more geared towards middle grade students, as it follows the girls and sees things from their point of view.

There isn't a lot of action or suspense, this is definitely more realistic historical fiction than adventurous historical fiction. The story is good and the characters are likable. The story moves rather slowly and for whole chapters nothing much happens. Overall, this book was basically just ok for me.

I read this book as part of my Historical Fiction genre of the month project. Once again, I believe it is better for older readers and will recommend transferring it to the Middle school library. Not because it is violent or inappropriate, but because it seems it will appeal to older readers more.

Recommended to:
Students in grades 6 and up who like historical fiction that focuses more on the realistic characters than the historical events or drama.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1296081/the-green-glass-sea-review

Deliciously Dark & Disturbing

Review:

That's what mortal terror felt like, he realized. Tiny fingers tickling you from the inside.
-Chapter 13

The dividing line between genius and insanity is very thin and quite permeable--which is why so many geniuses descend into madness.
-Chapter 33

It came down to that flexibility of a person's mind. An ability to withstand horrors and snap back, like a fresh elastic band. A flinty mind shattered.
-Chapter 36

Wow. This book is creepy and I couldn't put it down. There were times when I was cringing and trying to read a little faster just to get through a part - like when the sea turtle was attacked and during the vivd descriptions of the effects of the contagion.

This is very old school horror - gritty and bloody and gross. And it doesn't let up for all 358 pages. If you are squeamish, then this book is not for you. The sickness tears people apart and Cutter describes every detail vividly. He doesn't hold back, not one bit.

However, this book isn't all about gore. There is a psychological component to  the story. The group dynamics are fascinating. Each boy has his own back story that gives the reader insight into his actions on the island. Many times, it had me thinking of Lord of the Flies. But you add in this contagion and the stakes are raised immeasurably.

I kept trying to figure out who, if anyone would survive the island. But, it wasn't easy. Cutter kept that secret well hidden until the very end.

So, if you are a fan of creepy, gory horror that doesn't let up, then you need to read this book.

I will leave you with this quote that really resonated with me:

They'd made a pact to be friends forever, but forever could be so, so brief.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1285651/deliciously-dark-disturbing