The Blue Notebook by Dr. James A. Levine – 224 pages
Book Blurb:
An unforgettable, deeply affecting debut novel, The Blue Notebook tells the story of Batuk, a precocious fifteen-year-old girl from rural India who is sold into sexual slavery by her father. As she navigates the grim realities of Mumbai’s Common Street, Batuk manages to put pen to paper, recording her private thoughts and writing fantastic tales that help her transcend her daily existence. Beautifully crafted, surprisingly hopeful, and filled with both tragedy and humor, The Blue Notebook shows how even in the most difficult situations, people use storytelling to make sense of and give meaning to their lives.
My Review: 4.5 stars
A short, phenomenally well written book by a doctor who wrote this story after visiting Mumbai. It is extremely dark as we live in this young girl’s head, but her spirit and tenacity to find solace with pen and paper keeps us cheering her on. I really enjoyed this book as depressing as it was.
I highly recommend if you can handle the subject matter. All US proceeds of the book go to help exploited children.
Quotes I liked:
You can never fully straighten bent metal; you can only make it less bent.”
I could not put this book down! The subject matter was difficult but handled well. I was so glad to see that the proceeds of the book go to help exploited children – Thanks for the recommendation. Laurie d.
Review:Drive Me Crazy by Carly Robyn blew me away with its humor, heart, and heat. I’m newer to rom-com (Romantic Comedy) and after reading quite a few of them, I totally think that this one shines above.Full disclosure, I know the author quite well. She’s my daughter; but it’s the honest truth when I say I loved the heck out of this book. I was literally laughing out loud at some points and fell hard in love with Blake, the broody Brit, and Ella, the relatable journalist who could be my BFF.The pacing of the story was spot on as I fell into the fast-paced life of an F1 driver, and the toll racing takes on both their minds and bodies. I appreciated the slow burn to the ultimately spicy and steamy romance. It made the wait and tension totally worth the wait! For me, smart conversation and good banter can make or break a book. This one had so much wit and humor that I’d be happy with that alone.The settings in this book take the reader all around Europe which makes for great escapes. Ella, who hails from Chicago before moving to New York, offers many local references which I loved.On top of the heart, humor and heat, there are also some serious issues woven through the book such a loss of a parent, mental illness, and sexual abuse. These issues are presented with sensitivity and care.Bottom line, if you’re looking for a book to make you laugh with a good dollop of spice, pick this one up. Readers are all saying they can’t wait for the second in the series.@carlyrobynauthor 📘Have you ever watched an Formula One race? OR Favorite trope in rom-coms? ... See MoreSee Less
I could not put this book down! The subject matter was difficult but handled well. I was so glad to see that the proceeds of the book go to help exploited children – Thanks for the recommendation. Laurie d.