Then Like the Blind Man by Freddie Owens

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Warning:  This book contains language that may be objectionable, even if it is historically accurate.

Orbie is a young boy growing up in Detroit.  He is often bullied and he has very prejudiced ideas.
Orbie's father is killed.  A short time later Orbie's mom marries the man who was his father's boss. Orbie doesn't like him.  He has good reason.  Orbie's new stepfather Victor is very abusive.  He is physically abusive and molesting Orbie's sister.  Victor doesn't like Orbie.  He decides they are moving to Florida and he doesn't want to take Orbie with them. They drop him off at his mother's parent's house.  Orbie feels deserted for good reason.  He soon learns how prejudiced he was raised and that his grandparents truly do want the best for him. This is a realistic look at life in the early  1950's. The pacing is great.  You don' t have a problem and then a sudden solution.  It moves gradually so that everything flows smoothly and naturally. I would recommend this to people who love those coming of age stories set in a time period before most of us were born.  I would warn that because of the time period there is the use of the "n" word, as well as other  coarse language. The author did a great job with bringing everything to a VERY satisfying ending.  

Student Saturday: Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

Student Reviewer: Elizabeth B.

Genre:  Middle Grade, Fantasy

This series by Rick Riordan was one of the best I have ever read. I am amazed about how such a wonderful writer could produce something stunning. I swear, I could not stop reading it. I connected with this book by thinking how wonderful my life could be in this world, Greek, Mortal, or Roman. I have too many connections that it won’t fit here. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone especially one who doesn’t like to read – this will make them beg for more.  I loved how the settings were all over the world; Pompeii, Italy, and Athens, Greece. There is so much to say about this awe-inspiring book I can’t say enough about this truly unique book the story basis has high quality. 

September Sky by John A. Heldt

Genre: Adult, Science Fiction

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I have always loved time travel stories.  This is one that is really great for many reasons.  First of all the reader knows the rules of time travel from the beginning.  The two main characters are very well developed. They are believeable because we know people just like them.  You know who I am talking about. The father who has spent so much time with his career that he has forsaken his son. The son who barely knows his father and now they are trying to mend that relationship.  While on a cruise to do just that, the two of them attend a conference about time travel by a Dr. Bell.  When they return home they are given the opportunity to travel back in time with the idea they will do nothing to change the course of history and will gather data for Dr. Bell.  Things change because Chuck, the father immediately breaks the rules. He had his own agenda.  Not to mention they both fall in love. The author did a lot of research for this historical time period.  He also included the Galveston Hurricane to spice things up. 

This is an easy read and once you get started you really don't want to put it down. So, if you are like me and love time travel books that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then this is the book for you.  Highly recommended.