I believe I got this book from a friend, not knowing what it was about. I was surprised at how much I liked it and how much I learned. The story takes places in Belfast and is about the IRA. The story is written in first person and takes you along the journey of a news producer becoming a spy. I good book to read if you are looking for something that will stimulate your brain.
I am a huge Hocus Pocus fan and that is an understatement. I have Hocus Pocus shirts, I have a Hocus Pocus cross stitch and I watch the movie year round. This book is actually two books in one. The first book, which is based off the screen play and mirrors the movie we all know. The second part is the new sequel, based on the new movie, which should be on Disney+ in time for Halloween this year. The first part is great and I actually really enjoyed reading it. The new sequel…was terrible. The story would have been great if they didn’t have to go and through in a bunch of stuff that, in my opinion, wasn’t necessary. I know that in today’s culture we have to be super inclusive of all people and I am all for it, but I felt like it was added only to check boxes off a list. I don’t want to go into detail because I want everyone to read the book and for their own opinions, but for me it really did nothing for the storyline. When I was done I felt like a balloon that had been popped.
I read this book as part of a parenting class for my oldest daughter. She is in the Gifted program in our school district and I was encouraged to do the class by a friend. I will say that if you have a gifted child, you should really read this book. It has helped us so much, not just in parenting but understanding how my child thinks and reacts to things.
I read this one with my oldest, as she has been interested in the White House. This book in just one in a very large series about all sorts of people, places and things. I highly encourage all parents who have kids who are interested in something to look into this series and see if there is a book for your topic.
I have become a huge fan of Fiona Valpy. Her books are well written and suck you into the lives of the characters right from the start. This particular story is about a young girl who leaves London to head back to the Scottish Highlands after her mother passes. With her tail between her legs she returns as a single mother, not wanting to admit that she failed at her dreams. While back in her childhood home she learns so much about the past of her grandmother, mother and the entire town and the part they played in World War II. A wonderful read that I will definitely be reading again.
Casually christine 