Books Tackling Tough Issues

Each of these books tackles a tough issue, whether it's dealing with a loss of a loved one or infidelity in a relationship. Be sure to check out The Broke and the Bookish to see which books other boggers selected for this list.

1. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer -This novel tells the story of how a family deals with losing a loved one during 9/11.

2. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls -This is a haunting memoir beautifully written with fervent emotion. Jeannette has been through many things that many of us can only imagine. Her family lived so poorly, she "aspired to be white trash." Her parents wer afflicted with many faults and vices, and she and her siblings had to fend for themselves as a result. This is an account of how a young girl conquered poverty, hunger, and abuse.

3. A Time to Kill by John Grisham -Grisham's first work tackles the controversial topic of racial discrimination in the court systems, specifically with white-on-black crimes and vice versa. This novel will have you wondering whether there really is a time to kill.

4. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay -This novel told the story of a family that was victim to Vel d'Hiv -Paris' dirty little secret. This is where French, not Nazi, soldiers rounded up Jewish families in Paris and sent them to different concentration camps. Read my review here.

5. The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town by John Grisham -This is Grisham's first non-fiction work. It chronicles the journey of a man wrongly convicted of a crime, and how he fought to prove his innocence. I don't believe the issue of wrongful convictions receives the attention and support it deserves.

6. Mathilda Savitch by Victor Lodato -I can't tell you too much about which "tough issue" this book is about without giving a lot away. More vaguely, it's about a girl that deals with the loss of a sibling.

7. Something Blue by Emily Giffin -I know what you're thinking -since when did chick lit deal with tough issues? Really though, this book deals with infidelity in a unique way. It really shows you that relationships and are less black and white than we may make them out to be without completely condoning betrayal and deception.

I didn't quite get to 10, but each of these books wonderfully addresses topics that are hard for most of us to think about in our mundane, everyday lives. Sometimes reading about how fictional characters deal with tough issues can help someone that is going through the same thing. Which "tough issues" book would you recommend?

Love and (a book) light,

~Dorothy

It's Monday -What are You Reading? 7/25

This is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey. 

Read last week:

One Day by David Nicholls

One Day was a good read. I hear the movie with Anne Hathaway is very true to the book. Can't wait!

Reading Now:

Freakonomics by Levitt & Dubner

I'm currently enjoying Freakonomics. I usually alternate between fiction and non-fiction. I think this book is very accessible, whether or not you have background in economics or statistics. 

Up Next:

Room by Emma Donoghue

I've heard lots about this book, both good and bad. I'm going to see for myself soon as I finish Freakonomics.

My To-Read list is already incredibly long, but I'm always taking recommendations. I often change my mind about which book to read at the last minute because of a friend's review or recommendation. So tell me, is there something else I should read next?

Love and (a book) light,

~Dorothy

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

I was originally drawn to this book by its cover. The cover photo is haunting and filled with intrigue. After reading the synopsis on Amazon, it really seemed like my kind of story, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I found myself really enjoying the book, but it left me wanting more. I think Riggs had a great concept with this story, but instead of running with it he sort of cut it short. When I consider the goals he had with the photographs, I can understand why the story was not as epic as it could have been. Riggs had photos from several photograph collectors, and wrote the story around each of these photos. I think the integration of photographs from various collections into a unified concept was brilliant. However, the story really was the star to me. I wish the characters had been developed more, and the plot had much more promise than the resulting product.

Overall, it's a great summer read with an interesting concept. The photographs add an intriguing and fresh element that will appeal to many. I was willing to invest much more in it than it required. I believe it had potential to become a series, but also stands alone well.

Love and (a book) light,

~Dorothy

I'm Back! Book Blogger Hop

After a month-long hiatus, I'm back with another post. What better way to return than Book Blogger Hop? This weekly meme is hosted by Crazy for Books, so be sure to check her out.

This past month has been filled with moving to a new home, busy days at work, and grad school midterms. I can't wait to get you guys all caught up with what books I've been enjoying. Keep an eye out for those posts during the week. Now on to the hop:

How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?

When I was younger, I got books from libraries, whether it was the school's, the county's, or a friend's personal collection. Recently, I've been buying my books a lot. I know I should take advantage of the library more, but the experience of owning my books is quite new to me. I buy my books at Barnes & Noble, used bookstores, garage sales, libraries sale, etc. If I can wait to read a book, I like to order it from Barnes & Noble online. I get free shipping with my membership and I save a lot on the books themselves.

I also have a Kindle, so I buy eBooks a lot. It really depends on the cheapest form that I can get my hands on.

Where do you find your reads?

Love and (a book) light,

Dorothy