Book Summaries

[Emma]

The first book that I read was Into the Water by Paula Hawkins. I really enjoyed reading this book; it may in fact be one of my favorite books I have read. The mystery that was portrayed in this book was so eerie and interesting that I never had the will to put it down. It had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story and many events, especially the ending, completely surprised me, which strengthened my interest and love for the novel. The killer was both unexpected and mind-blowing, and it really made me appreciate Hawkins more as a writer due to the fact that the plot had not been what you had expected during the book, or even remotely close to it. I don’t always love reading horror, but this book was different in the sense that it had more to the actual plot that just horrifying details about the death and torture of characters, like some books I’ve read in the past that I haven’t particularly liked quite as much. This book went back and forth between the past and the present, so you may be a little confused to the beginning, but as you read on, more and more detail would be added to the reader’s knowledge. I would 100% recommend this book, more specifically to a person who enjoys mystery novels and is not afraid to read some fairly gory details.

The second book I read was Nine Hills to Nambonkaha by Sarah Erdman. The reason for my reading this book is my huge interest and love for all things history, so when I read the summary, I was immediately intrigued. The protagonist had been in the Peace Corp (the book being about her time there), which is exactly what I’d like to do when I get older - write a book about it included. I love hearing true stories, especially about the under-privileged and the help they get from others. Hearing about how people grow, both the volunteers and the civilians, throughout the book increases my love for the book. It also inspired me to want to do the same. Hearing about the wonderful things Erdman did for people warmed me inside, and it motivated me to want to feel that warm feeling with my own actions. I would definitely recommend this book, but it really is not for everybody, for only people with much historical-interest should should it. It may be a little bit boring for people who don’t like to read geographic and non-fiction novels.