Banned Books Week {book lists}

Happy Banned Books Week!  

It's a week where we celebrate the freedom to read.  It's a week to be aware that books are challenged and asked to removed from the shelf. 

"Yes, books are dangerous. They should be dangerous - they contain ideas." Pete Hautman 

 All of the books on these lists have been challenged or banned from school or public libraries.  Their reasons vary, but are usually as a result of the author's personal actions or beliefs or the content in the book.

"If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed." Benjamin Franklin 

Librarians across the world strive to keep books on the shelves.  Librarians strive to avoid censoring books; we believe parents and the individual can make the choice for himself, herself, or for one's own children. 

"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there." Clare Booth Luce

Banning books inhibits free speech.  Books have power to teach, inspire, unite, and honestly change the world.  Books have power.  Let's not limit that power by censoring books for everyone. 

"Banning books is just another form of bullying.  It's all about fear and an assumption of power.  The key is to address the fear and deny the power." James Howe

I'm a banned book reader. Are you?  Join the Rebellion, and support the freedom of speech; the freedom to read.  

"To forbid us anything is to make us have a mind for it." Michel de Montaigne

Hopefully, some of these book lists will entice you to pick up a book. 

You must check out the most Ridiculous Reasons Books are Banned in this list.  

These books were all Banned For Being Too Religious or offending a certain religious group. 

Books that are powerful, impactful, or have Too Much aka Too Good are Banned. 

Books for the young and old are banned for all types of reasons. 

The Kid's Banned Books List always surprises everyone.  I'm assuming b/c the list is full of books they read and loved. 

The YA and Adult Banned Book list is full of classics.  A lot of the classics are banned... interesting huh?

Let's see how much of a rebel you are.  How many banned books have you read?

Join the Rebellion. Read a Banned Book! 

Dream Country gets 4.5 Stars {ya, historical fiction}

Dream Country comes out today!  On this day, when in America we think about freedom, you can grab a copy from Amazon, the library, or your favorite bookshop to read about a Liberian family (5 generations) searching and fighting for freedom. 

A Blog Tour means you get a chance to read what many of us thought of this newly published book by touring the participating blogs.  Yesterday, An Existence Transcribed shared her thoughts, and tomorrow you can head over to Jena Brown Writes to see what she thought of the the book.  Though this teen read is distressing, it is fantastic and adults as well as teens should give it a read.  

Dream Country  by Shannon Gibney is well deserving of it's 4.5 out of 5 stars in my review.  I found this young adult book to be a page turner.  It's a fascinating and enlightening story, that had me feeling for each of the characters in each of the parts of the story.   Dream Country is truly eye-opening to experiences and journey that spans almost 200 years for a family.

This book was broken up into 5 parts, each section was set during a different time with a different main character.  The parts of the story connect b/c they are all one family, but it isn't until you are in the last 2 sections you see how it all intertwines.  Too be honest, I loved the different sections of the story and the history that I learned with not only the historical events but how the people and main characters were treated.  The facts make the story interesting, but the character's feelings make the story powerful.  I loved the complex nature of the story that brought everything together.  I loved that the story of her family was created by Angel, a character you meet in the beginning.  She wrote the story for therapeutic purposes to help her understand not only her family, but also herself.  

Truly, Dream Country is a great book; it is well written (only one typo found).  The only improvement to the story would've been the curse words.  I felt the swearing was a bit excessive at the beginning, and a bit out of place in other sections.  Sometimes, I feel writing a book with that much language is in an effort to attract teen readers.  The story would've been just as powerful, if not more so, with less language.

Shannon Gibney's author note, at the end, explains how compelled she felt to write the story and who she hopes will read it.  "It is for anyone anywhere who has tried to make themselves whole through small pieces of a larger story they could cobble together.  It is for everything we have forgotten, and what we dream."

Dream Country is really great; I hope you get a chance to check it out.  I learned a ton, and found myself completely engrossed in Angel, Kollie, Togar, Yasmine, and Ujay's stories. 

My main thoughts while reading this book: Sad. Eye-Opening. Appreciative to know their stories. Sad tho.  Can't wait to her what you think of it. 

Happy Deep Insightful Distressing YA Historical Fiction Reading!  


Dream Country by Shannon Gibney
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: 15 and up, 9th grade and up
# of Pages:  337
Clean Read: No, a lot of language with mentions, though little detail, of violence and raping. 
Worth a Check Out: Yes, this book is deep and sad, but so very good.
Buy It or Not: This book is well written with a beautiful story entwined. Definitely worth a purchase.   
Book Club Discussion: What do you think of the term fictional canvas of fact in regards to the narrative family history Angel wrote?  Why do you think it was therapeutic for Angel to find out where she came from?  The author stated that "some stories you choose, and others choose you. How do you think that would change the writing experience?  Do you think Yasmine changed b/c of where she was at, or b/c of the experiences she had? 
Lesson Ideas: Refugees. Refugee Camps. Liberia/Congo conflict. American Colonization Society. Forced Labor Period. Liberian Civil War. Immigrants. African Americans and Black Americans. Monrovia. Slavery vs. Poor Wages. Racism.  

Once you read Dream Country, I'd love to hear what you thought of it.


More than a few quotes I loved from Dream Country: 

"They {curse words} were like ketchup on a hamburger or pepper in soup- they gave everything flavor." -Kollie

"The brilliant younger daughter who everyone liked, and the disappointing older son who just wouldn't try. Those had been their identities and their relationship to each other as long as he could remember." - referencing Angel and Kollie

"DAD CANNOT SAVE YOU FROM EVERYTHING. ESPECIALLY YOURSELF." - Angel

"They say that America is the Land of Opportunity, and I suppose that it is.  If you want to better yourself, they will give you the opportunity to do so. But if you want to destroy yourself, they will give you that opportunity too."

"I worry I done wrong, brining you here," Yasmine said. "I worry that this place making you-making us-different. Meaner. Smaller, somehow."

"Time for allowing and forbidding and punishing's long gone. Now's the time for acceptance. And happiness for what's to be, and what already is." - Lani

"This was his favorite part of being a father; the physical closeness between him and the child. They way it inexplicably, magically translate into emotional closeness." - Ujay

"Our bodies enclose the twisted threads of history- passes flesh to flesh, from parent to child, conquer to conquered, lover to beloved." -Angel 

I received an ARC from Penguin Young Readers in exchange for my review and honest opinion.  All of my thoughts, opinions, and words are my own.  

My Dear Hamilton gets 4.5 Stars {historical fiction, adult}

20 minutes.  That's how long I sat telling my husband about My Dear Hamilton.  It was one of those books I wanted to talk with someone about, but I didn't know anyone else that had read it.  Therefore, my poor husband becomes my sounding board.  

I shared with him the things that shocked me such as Alexander's well known scandal as well as the things Eliza found out after his death.  I was baffled that Gentlemen Duels lasted as long as they did.  I was surprised how Lafayette explained why an affair doesn't mean the husband doesn't love his wife.  I'm inspired with Eliza's dedication to serving and helping others.  I shared with him how wise her father, Philip Schulyer, was about what he chose to do with his wife's questionable actions.  I am amazed that Eliza was able to forgive and love through all that she suffered.   

Now, it took me far longer than 20 minutes to read this almost 700 page book. At times I felt like I was reading an incredibly well written US History book b/c the amount of factual history found inside these pages was impressive.  However, I do think the 637 pages was a bit excessive, and though I was anxious to turn the pages to find out what happened there were some moments that lulled and moved slower than I would've liked.  To be honest, I think that was my only qualm with the book.  

Hence the reason why My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie earned 4.5 out of 5 stars in my review.  

This book is fantastic.  It's a well written historical fiction novel with a story line that shocks (and per the author note at the end, all of the shocking things are factual), inspires, and educates you all at the same time.  I felt Eliza really grew and developed as a character, and the emotions you felt for her were captivating.

My Dear Hamilton, though long, is a great novel that is definitely worth a check-out.  Though, be warned that this new release novel will usually give you a limited check-out window from the library, so you'll have to read fast.      

My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: Adults
Clean Read: Yes.  Though, there is talk of affairs, drinking,  homosexuality, and violence. 
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: If you love Historical Fictions and US History then buy it.
Read Aloud: No.
Book Club Discussion Ideas: There is an entire section in the back for book club questions; a few of my questions are: The Schuyler family's motto was Semper Fidelis- Always Faithful, Always Loyal. How does this play out in Eliza's life? Why was it important for Betsy to start going by the name Eliza? What did you think of the relationship among Eliza, Angelica, and Alexander?  How did Eliza's opinion of slavery evolve as she matured and aged? What did Eliza and her family sacrifice for the sake of the nation? What were Eliza's most important choices she made in her life?

This is an excellent, though long, historical fiction.

Just a few quotes I loved from My Dear Hamilton:  

"God put us here to make a better world." Eliza's mission her entire life. 

"The people we love are not exactly knowable. Even to themselves. But we love them anyway."

"Life, like backgammon, is a game of perseverance in which you're forced to choose the best move, even if it is only a choice between evils." 

"The only just way to judge a person is by the sum of their deeds, good and bad.  And in the balance, your father did far more good than harm.  That's all any of us can aim to do with our lives." 

Happy Interesting US History reading!  As always, I love to hear your thoughts on the book. 

Secrets of a Charmed Life gets 5 Stars {adult, historical fiction}

World War II. London Blitz. Fate. Mystery. Family. Dreams.  

Secrets of  Charmed Life by Susan Meissner is a beautiful WWII historical fiction story of resilience, family, mistakes, chasing dreams, and the makings of a happy life.  This novel is fantastic; I loved every minute of it.  There was excellent character development, an unpredictable story, and powerful moments that are impactful.  

The story of Julia and Emmy set during the time of the London Blitz not only opens your eyes to how extensive the bombings in London were, but also how resilient the community was with the motto, "Keep on and carry on" spoken.  Julia and Emmy's stories have similar threads of love and acceptance.       

Susan Meissner is a wonderful author.  I loved Fall of Marigolds, but I enjoyed Secrets of a Charmed Life even more.  If you are looking for a great clean adult historical fiction read, you must check out Meissner's books. 

Happy London Blitz Historical Fiction Reading! 


Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner
Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: Adults.
Clean Read: Yes. There's action, and intensity regarding war time, but considered it clean. 
Worth a Check Out: Yes. The audiobook is a great check-out as well.
Buy It or Not: Buy, especially if you love historical fictions.
Read Aloud: The historical aspect of the London Blitz and the mystery that goes along with it would make a good read aloud with the right group/class.  It'd make a great book club book.
Book Club Discussion Ideas: How extensive the London Blitz was, Resilience, Impact of choices, Is it ever okay to lie?, People make mistakes, Fate and providence, What makes up a happy life?


Did you read Secrets of a Charmed Life? What did you think? 


Just a couple quotes and thoughts I loved from Secrets of a Charmed Life:

"Don't chase only the dream. Life is a journey not a destination."

We play the cards we've been dealt and other cards around us are impacted by the cards we play.

A happy life is not made up of what you dreamed of or achieved, but who you poured your  life into and who poured theirs into yours.  Love for others should be the motivation.

My Favorite Books of 2017 {Picture Books, Middle Grade Lit, YA Lit, Adult Fiction, Non-Fiction}

I read or listened to a lot of books in 2017.  I'm super behind on writing reviews for them, but I wrote a review on all of these books here on my blog, Instagram @alohamroaopenabook, or my Goodreads Megan-Alohamora Open a Book.

Of all the books I read to this year, these 15 are my favorite.  What are some of your favorite books you read in 2017?  

My 15 Favorite Books of 2017

Picture Books

She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

Inspiring. Educational. An all around fantastic book. 

Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford

This Caldecott Honor book has gorgeous pictures, and a beautifully educational book. 

The Most Perfect Snowman by Chris Britt

Such a sweet story story about friendship and giving. 

Old MacDonald Had a Truck by Steve Goetz

This is one of my absolute favorite books to read aloud, and my very favorite version of this story. 

Middle Grade Fiction

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Fantastic book!  This quick read provides a valuable new perspective on the experiences of refugees. 

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

This Newbery Medal winner writes a beautiful and magical story. 

Young Adult

March Book Three by John Lewis

I love all three March books.  These non-fiction graphic novels about the civil rights movement are so well done.  

Perfect by Cecelia Ahern

The follow-up book to the Flawed series is fast paced and a great addition to this dystopian series. 

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Fast paced mystery like novel with a strong female character.  Basically, a really fun read. 

Adult Fiction

The Black Book by James Patterson and David Ellis

This mystery may be my favorite James Patterson book.  Well paced story leaves you guessing until the end. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

I'm not sure if I can say this is my favorite Moriarty book, but I did love it.  I also loved that the story was unpredictable. 

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Picoult did it again.  She wrote a great book about a controversial yet relatable topic. 

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

This historical fiction is fantastic.  It's heart warming, emotional, and powerful. A definite favorite this year. 

Non-Fiction

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

Amazing!  Definitely listen to this one (Chip and Joanna read it).  This book is inspiring, hilarious, and 100% enjoyable. 

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

If you love sports, athletic shoes, or own your own business then you should definitely give this book a read.  Excellent book! 

These are my favorites. Do we have any in common, or do you have some to add to my TBR list? 

Happy Fantastic Book Reading in 2018!

Stalking Jack the Ripper gets 4.5 Stars {mystery, historical fiction, ya lit, teen}

Murder. Surprise. Suspense. Unpredictable. Historical fiction. Mystery. Romance. Girl Power. Family drama. Fast read.

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco is the first book in a new series that seems perfect for this time of year.  Though, honestly it'd be a fun read anytime of year.  Definitely check this one out.   You may be grabbing for the second (Hunting Prince Dracula) book sooner than you realized.

This new teen/young adult read was so very close to a perfect rating.  Though, 4.5 out of 5 stars is pretty darn impressive, and is definitely worth a read or listen (audiobook) to. Maniscalco truly wrote a unique and fun story that keeps you guessing until the very end.  I loved the story line, and I loved that a historical fiction type story to be inspiring.  I love seeing strong female characters, and Stalking Jack the Ripper is about a girl that is smart, pushes herself to learn and grow, and not afraid to go after what she wants.

This book is fantastic.  It has some language and deals with murder, but overall it's a really fun read.  The only reason Stalking Jack the Ripper didn't get the perfect 5 stars is because of the romance.  At times the love story was cheesy and a bit over the top in my opinion, but otherwise this book is fantastic.

Definitely check this book and enjoy your reading time.


Happy Bone Chilling Fun and Fascinating Mystery/Historical Fiction Reading!

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: 14 years old and up, 9th grade and up. 
Clean Read: Language
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Buy it if you have a young adult or find this time period fascinating.
Read Aloud: No.
Book Club Discussion Topics: The beginnings of forensic science. If you were in Anna's situation with her family, what would you have done? Jack the Ripper, what do you know about him?