ABC Reads: March Review

Today is the day to link up your ABC Reads!!  Here's a refresher on the terms of the challenge in case you missed it previously:

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

Each ABC Reads book that I read this month was fantastic.  I devoured all three.  Each one was well-written and more than held my attention.  Each broached heavy topics - murder, cancer, thoughts of suicide.  It was all very real and heartbreaking.  Two were true life stories written in memoir style with the other being a fictional work.  I completed the following letters: Y, L, and R.  Here are my thoughts...

The Year We Disappeared: A Father-Daughter Memoir by Cylin Busby and John Busby

I really enjoyed reading this one.  What an incredible story!!  John, a third shift policeman, is nearly murdered on his way to work in the late summer of 1979.  The book alternates between his perspective and Cylin's (his daughter) 9-year old voice.  It is well presented and gives an intriguing look into the politics and corruption of the police force in small town American.  Check out my full review HERE.

Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagan

I found this little gem via the monthly Kindle First emails I receive.  Such a creative and intriguing story surrounding the heavy topic of cancer.  The story begins with Libby being told she has a rare form of cancer.  In her denial and shock, she tears out of the doctor's office to head home and tell her one and only love (seriously...childhood friend turned high school sweetheart turned husband), Tom.  However, when Tom sees her so terribly broken up he assumes she's found out his secret.  And then the real fun begins.  It was a light-hearted tale that broaches many a tough topic.  Definitely worth a read.  Perfect for reading at the beach this summer!  

The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town by Ryan D'Agostino

What a truly horrid and terrifying story.  Bill Petit finds himself beaten and tied up in his basement while two intruders do who knows what to his wife and two young daughters.  Miraculously, Bill escapes and rolls to a neighbors house to get help for his girls, but it is too late as the murderers have set the house afire.  It is absolutely heart wrenching, but a fascinating look into the power of human resilience.  For my full review, click HERE.  

Which letters did you cross off your list this month?

 

Andrea :)