BOOK REVIEW: The Light Through the Leaves by Glendy Vanderah

 

When Ellis's baby daughter disappears on a trip to a national park, she descends into a nightmare of guilt, self-loathing, and substance abuse. Across the country in a rural home, the infant that was taken is growing into an intelligent and strong willed girl. Raised by a woman who suffers from mental illness and follows mystical naturalist beliefs, the child now known as Daughter of Raven struggles to balance the teachings of her mother with the realities of the world. Only by finding each other can these two broken and seeking women discover the love and acceptance they need to heal.

This is this author's second novel and, though very different from the first, it is no less engaging. Exploring the subjects of mental illness and substance abuse, as well as the love of nature as a healing force, this follows a woman and her daughter who, though miles apart, are bound by an inner strength and resilience that enables them to survive situations that seem insurmountable. This is another triumph for this writer.

MOVIE REVIEW: Messenger of Death

 

While investigating the merciless slaughter of a family, a journalist discovers a plot to set two feuding religious factions at each other's throats.

This 1988 movie stars Charles Bronson, who was best known for the Death Wish series of films. Known for his macho persona, this is something of a departure, but he carries it off well. The religious connotations are also well done, though somewhat sensationalized in favor of the storyline. However, for those who are fans of the "tough guy" flicks of years past, this is a great one.

BOOK REVIEW: Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

 

Taking place in the 19th century, when beasts of burden were the primary means of short distance transportation, this follows a horse through his life and the many masters that he is owned by.

Though primarily about a horse, this also teaches lessons on love, kindness, and respect in the way that all creatures are treated. Written at the end of the author's life, it has become a classic, not only for its lovely story but also as a great influence in the movement against cruelty to animals. Anyone who loves horses, or just animals in general, will want to read this one.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Secret of Moonacre

 

After having been orphaned, Maria and her nanny come to live with her uncle in Moonacre Valley. While learning about her new home, Maria discovers that she is the only one who can bring two feuding families together and save the magical place she has come to love.

This is based loosely on the novel The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge. Though the characters have been somewhat changed to reflect a more modern audience, this is still a completely engaging and well done story about love and loyalty, and how things like pride and greed can get in the way of happiness. This is an excellent movie for family viewing. 

BOOK REVIEW: Intensity by Dean Koontz

 

Chyna Shepherd is a college student who is also an abuse survivor, having grown up with a mother addicted to both drugs and violence. While visiting a friend's family for a weekend, she finds herself in the middle of a nightmare when a serial killer invades the home and kills everyone but Chyna. While attempting to save herself, Chyna hears the killer talking about a girl he has imprisoned in his basement, and decides to make sure this maniac doesn't get the chance for another victim.

This is a novel that is very hard not to read in one sitting. The action is intense, the suspense never stops, and the main characters are completely engaging. The heroine is strong, determined, and unstoppable. The villain is the essence of evil and totally menacing. This one will definitely be an all-nighter, so be prepared.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Thing 2011

 

A woman paleontologist is asked to come to Antarctica to examine the remains of a creature found frozen next to what appears to be a space ship. Upon analyzing it, she discovers that it is an alien life form that can replicate whatever it kills, including humans. How can you destroy a creature when you don't know who among your comrades is a monster?

For those who know and loved the 1982 version of this story, this is a prequel to that. The special effects are quite good and there is a lot of action and surprises. In keeping with the times, the main character is a female. A scientist who seems to be the only one who can figure out anything, though there are two male doctors who are supposed to be the leaders of the expedition. The problem I had with this was, having seen the previous film and therefore knowing the fate of all the participants, it was kind of hard to watch all the effort go into what was a foregone conclusion. But, for those who don't know that destiny, this is a good horror prize.

BOOK REVIEW: Germination by Jamie Thornton

 

Mary is a 17-year-old runaway more interested in surviving on the streets than in listening to the rumors of monsters that have been floating around in the news. But, when she and one of her friends are attacked by a man carrying a human heart, and a drop of his blood flies into her eye, Mary finds out that the monsters are not only real, but she is becoming one. Now she has to run, not only from those who would imprison and experiment on her, but from her own friends as she struggles to maintain her humanity.

This is a novella that opens a series telling the story of its characters from the pint of view of the monsters. It is well written, easy to read, and with engaging personalities. A wonderful beginning to what we hope will be a great and unique series.