The Cost of Dreams

Gary Stelzer has written a terrific novel of struggle, faith and hope, in "The Cost of Dreams".

It is a nail biter, both harrowing and hopeful, that follows Flora Enriquez on her journey from Central America to the US. Walking from her village with her brothers and sister, she endures starvation and dehydration, while trying to get her family to a better place.Flora get a job, gets educated, and starts a family, and a job as a teacher. When her husbands drug dealer brother comes looking for missing drugs, he shoots Flora in the neck,leaving her unable to move or speak, as her husband runs and hopes for the best. Flora is picked up by strangers and hauled onto a freight train,leaving her husband and children behind, taking her on a journey even more harrowing than her trip from Central America.

This is one terrific read, full of heart, and hope. I really liked it so much! If you are looking for a wonderful story with adventure thrown in, this is for you.

I received this book from Robyn at Carol Fass Publicity, for review. Thank You!

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much

Allison Hoover Bartlett has written a terrific book, part detective story, part delving into obsessive behavior, and all interesting!

“The Man Who Loved Books Too Much- The True Story of a Thief, a Detective and a World of Literary Obsession” is the true story of John Charles Gilkey, a book thief extraordinaire, who knew what books he wanted and did whatever it took to get them. Using stolen credit card numbers, placing telephone orders, and collecting his books, Gilkey hit many rare book stores, amassing an incredible array of books we would all kill for.

Ken Sanders, a book dealer, and self appointed “biblio-dick” is the detective who hunted Gilkey and let booksellers know the danger he posed to their prizes.

Gilkey stole rare maps from libraries, books from dealers, and conventions, collecting from a list, books he may never have read but wanted to own. Possession seemed the goal, just having them around him made him feel smarter than the normal guy on the street. Maybe he was smart.. He managed to fool so many people, and the police, seeing it as a minor crime, did not seem to take the thefts seriously, but Gilkey stole hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of books. As someone who never stole anything, I find it hard to understand the need to steal something that you don’t use, need, but just want.

Allison Hoover Bartlett’s book is an amazing journey through the the mind of thief and into the world of rare books. It is painstakingly written, and wonderful to read.

If you love books, as I do (no stealing allowed) get this book! It is a terrific look into obsession, books and booksellers.

Thanks to Lydia Hirt at Riverhead Books for this wonderful read!

American Rust

“American Rust” by Philipp Meyer is a splendid book. (Friendship, again, is what grabbed me) It tells the tale of Isaac, a gifted young man who is taking care of his father while yearning for something else, Poe, a former highschool football star, lost in a dying town, Grace, Poe’s mother, hopeless and lonely, and Harris, the local lawman, who is in love with Grace.

Set in Buell Pennsylvania, a town once booming with factories and businesses, now a shell of it’s former self, there is not much hope to be found. When Isaac decides to go to California, he wants Poe to go with him. Poe feels he needs to stay and care for his mother, but agrees to walk a ways with him. A rainstorm drives the two boys into an abandoned factory, where events occur that will change both of their lives forever. When Isaac runs, Poe stays, only to be arrested and charged with a terrible crime. Both boys can talk themselves into believing anything and I found it easy to go right along with them into lies and silence. While some may not find it as easy, it is a terrific story, full of characters that you will care about. You may not agree with their choices, but you will find them compelling.