Review: Breathe My Name by R.A. Nelson

“I need to see you. Please come right away.
We have to finish.”

Frances Robinson is in high school now. She lives a quiet, suburban life, far from her horrifying past. When she was a child, her birthmother smothered her three sisters. Through pure luck, Frances survived. Now her mother has just been released from prison . . . and she wants to see Frances.

A new boy at school called Nix charms Frances. Together, Nix and Frances embark on a clandestine journey to visit Frances’ mother: to confront the monster in its lair. This trip will help Frances at last find peace or die trying? But no matter what, Frances will discover just what it means to finish.

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I picked up this book and knew it was going to be a good one. The story is like none I have ever read before. The original idea of the story is what drew me to want to read this book. A mother who had killed her own children? The one that survived? Intriguing! I love Frances and her parents, the Robinsons. I found myself not wanting to put this book down. I really like the relationship between Frances and Nix. Although Nix did seem a little unrealistic. I really liked the way in which Nelson handled this storyline, and the tragedy it focused on. Overall, this book is definitely one that I’d recommend for anyone to read on a summer day.

Review: The Giver by Lois Lowry

“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”

Jonas’s world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

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This is a type of book that really makes you sit down and think. I really enjoyed it! To be honest, I started to read it and wanted to get it done because the movie will be coming out soon, but it’s always been on my “reading bucket list.” It’s a super quick read and reminds me of a lot of other dystopians. I did not get the feeling that this was a book written awhile ago. Overall, I enjoyed the read, the characters, and the story. I would recommend this book to those who love dystopians.