White Fang (Jack London) Book Review

2017 Reading Challenge

27. White Fang by Jack London
      Prompt: book set in the wilderness

Synopsis:
White Fang is part dog and part wolf, and the lone survivor of his family. In his lonely world, he soon learns to follow the harsh law of the North--kill or be killed. But nothing in White Fang's life can prepare him for the cruel owner who turns him into a vicious killer. Will White Fang ever know the kindness of a gentle master?

My Review:
This is the story of White Fang, a wolf-dog, who has to survive in the wilderness. It begins from the time he was just a small pup and continues as he grows up into adulthood. I believe he was under a year old when he became the only survivor of his family. While he did learn some survival tips from his mother, White Fang had to learn most of what he knew on his own, essentially known as survival of the fittest. At times, he was by himself and at other times, he was under the watch and care of self-proclaimed owners. A couple were kind and cared about his well-being, while most were harsh and taught him to kill, as in brutal dogfighting. This is a story that asks can a wolf-dog be tamed and domesticated in a world of surviving the harsh realities of life? The answer lies in the wonderfully crafted ending.

I wasn't really expecting to like this book. The theme and plot is something I usually wouldn't read. I liked the perspective of a wild animal and how they survive in the outside world, whether that be the wilderness for wolves and bears or the ocean for whales and dolphins or anywhere else for whatever wild animal there are. There are parts that are heart-wrenching and pulled you into the story. I feel that animals are just like humans, in that sometimes they just want to be loved, which describes White Fang. Since he was part wolf, he had an instinct to attack and kill, but since he was also part dog, his other instinct was to be gentle and playful and just be loved by someone, like I just mentioned.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

~Meg~

Summer at the Lake (Linda Barrett) Book Review

2017 Reading Challenge

26. Summer at the Lake by Linda Barrett
      Prompt: book with one of the four seasons in the title

Synopsis:

Veteran NY cop, Rick Cooper, heads to his family’s lake house after losing a hostage negotiation, resulting in the death a child. He brings only his dog and his saxophone for company. His agenda includes lots of fishing while figuring out an appropriate career change.
Single mom, Kristin McCarthy hears the sound of the saxophone gliding through the night air…a healing sound for her daughter. She begins a search for the person who can play so beautifully. Her high hopes fall, however, when the musician turns out to be a cop. The police fell short when she and Ashley needed them most. But still…if this cop could make a difference…if he can help Ashley…well, Kristin would do anything for her young daughter.
An attractive widow with a damaged kid are the last people Rick needs in his life, and he tries hard to remain aloof. The ladies, however, knock down his barriers simply by being themselves. Fearful but brave, smart but silly. Before long, warm feelings grow between him and Kristin. Feelings that spark potential for a future together.
However, before Kristin allows herself to dream, Rick must prove he’s a man she and her daughter can trust. Can they count on him forever?

My Review:

This was a good, heartfelt romance. Kristin and Rick are struggling to come to terms with tragic experiences that happened to a child while under their care. As they come together to help Ashley regain her confidence and strength, Kristin and Rick form a simple friendship. It was filled with sincerity as it slowly developed into a warm romance.

At the forefront of this story was the healing and recovery of Ashley after she endured sexual assault/abuse. The author did an incredible job of dealing with such a sensitive topic, all the while avoiding the actual attack on the page. Everyone reacts differently when they suffer a trauma. For Ashley, she shut down completely. No parent wants to see their child hurt and unable to express their feelings and like any other parent, Kristin would do anything to help her daughter enjoy life again, to regain the innocence of childhood back. With the help of a therapy dog and music brought by Rick unexpectedly, Ashley begins to recover and get back to what she loves to do. Obviously, I don't think anyone gets over a traumatic event in a short amount of time, as in the pages of a book, but it was still nice to see Ashley start her way on her healing journey. 

What I enjoyed the most about this book was how much music was incorporated into the story. Ashley's father was a musician who passed it on to his daughter, even though he died several years prior. Ashley, herself, is considered to be a music prodigy and plays the piano and flute. Rick and his family are also music players. I, myself, have played the piano. I also tried playing the flute, but I ended up quitting because the music teacher was horrible. She didn't really teach and expected you to know everything right off the bat and yes, starting with the very first lesson.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

~Meg~