Reading Between The Lines

To start off the New Year, the Paw Press is introducing a new segment: Reading Between The Lines. Reading Between The Lines is a series of book recommendations to get avid readers out of a slump of not reading.  To give recommendations for books that deserve some love from other readers, please go to the following google form to rate a book: Google Form

Week 1: Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney

Sometimes I Lie is a psychological thriller about Amber Reynolds, who woke up in a coma. She suspects her husband is involved in what happened to her, but can’t remember why. The story is told through a combination of Amber’s present state through hearing conversations during her coma, memories of the week before her accident, and childhood diaries.

The student rating the book 5/5 stars and had them on the edge of their seat.

Just Mercy by Bryan Stephenson

Just Mercy is a memoir of Bryan Stevenson going deep into his journey as a fresh lawyer, explaining a lot of his cases with individuals facing discrimination. All the cases he touches on leads up to the one major cases that went viral. Bryan’s determination to represent innocent people is so inspiring and an incredible influence to other lawyers to fight for what they believe is right.

The rating given was 5/5 stars and had the reader wanting to fight for what’s right themselves.

Week 2: A Thousand Broken Pieces by Tillie Cole

A Thousand Broken Pieces is a romance/young-adult fiction book about two teenagers who travel the world to cope with grief after losing a sibling. The book explores themes of loss, healing, and finding solace in others. The student rated the book a 4/5 and said the story keeps up with the plot well.

Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Lessons In Chemistry is a fictional piece that tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, who becomes a beloved cooking show host in the 1960s after being fired as a chemist four years earlier. The reader gives her opinion on the book: “I lovveeeddd this book! It was so good! The main character was so lovable, and I liked how a lot of the events in the book came back full circle. My favorite quote from the book is, “Whenever you start doubting yourself, whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change—and change is what we’re chemically designed to do” (Garmus 360).”

Week 3: Tender Is the Flesh and The Housemaid 

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

Tender Is the Flesh is a Horror Fiction novel perfect for people in a book block. This book is appropriate for older audiences and is great for horror lovers. Tender Is the Flesh is about a dystopian society where all the meat has become contaminated. In order to survive, humanity must turn to eating the only meat left, other humans.

Emma Wolfe rated the book 5/5 stars for the psychological torment and chilling dystopian viewpoint.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid is a domestic thriller centered around a housemaid, Millie, who secures a job for the frivolous Winchester family. Nina Winchester hires Millie on the spot, and since Millie has a criminal record, she considers the job fantastic– until it’s not. Things go downhill when Nina Winchester exhibits bizarre and frustrating behavior. Millie is also offered a room in the house in the attic that only locks from the outside. Millie soon begins to wonder what type of people she’s really working for, and takes matter into her own hands. 

The series has gained rapid popularity and has become a trilogy.

Week 4: Fourth Wing and They Both Die At The End

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing is a romantic fantasy about Violet Sorrengail, a girl who is forced into becoming a dragon rider, despite wanting to be a scribe. Throughout the book, Violet is faced with many vigorous trials to determine if she is capable of becoming the fierce rider she needs to be to survive.

Kourtlynn Blackburn rates the novel a 5/5 for the suspenseful pace.

They Both Die at the End.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

They Both Die at the End is a young adult literature about teenagers Mateo and Rufus, who learn that they only have one day to live. The men go on an adventure together to make the most of their last day on Earth. They have to let their families know about them dying, and one can never guess what happens at the end.

Sophia Boles rated the book a 5/5 for the gay romance.

Stay tuned for next week’s reviews!