Red Rising / Pierce Brown / 400 pgs / Dec. challenge - Swans-a-Swimming

A science-fiction book where humans have the technology to colonize other planets and genetically modify their bodies to create "superior beings" with inhuman strength, speed, etc; yet are still under a caste system society.  Humans are categorized by color with the "Reds" being the lowest level as they are virtual slaves working in the mines on Mars.  The highest are the "Golds" who are modified to have every physical advantage and are trained from birth to value power.  Darrow, a "Red" is taken from his mining colony and is trained to infiltrate the Gold Society and try to take it down from within.

This book is being marketed as the "Next Hunger Games" but for Adults.  I would say due to the violence and implied sexual violence, this is not a book for younger teens.  This is book #1 in a trilogy, and I cannot wait to read book 2!!

(I got an Advance Copy from NetGalley.  This Book is due out: January 28, 2014 - Get on the list Now!)

The Yellow Birds / Kevin Powers 226 pages

For all those who have followed the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for the past decade or at least knew there were two wars going on, read this book.  The story follows two soldiers, Bartle and Murphy, who become friends (or really, acquaintances) from basic training through their deployment.  Throughout the book, you learn the struggle soldiers experience when they are deployed (IEDs, mortar attacks, fire fights, girlfriends writing the “Dear John” letters) and what happens to them when they return home as well as what happens to their families.  It takes place between the years 2004-2005, a period where the military and government did very little in response to PTSD and mental health.  The Yellow Birds can be a heavy read and somewhat depressing at times (be sure you have a light, humorous read next in line) but it is also one of the most beautifully written books on the Iraq War.  I have read many books written by soldiers or about soldiers during the current conflicts, but this one really stood out to me because of the way it was written… the writing itself, the flow of the words, the vivid illustrations make you feel as if you are there and really immerses you into the mind of the main character.

Fobbit / David Abrams 369 pages

“Fobbit: A U.S Army employee stationed at a Forward Operating Base, esp. during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011).”

Everyone hears the stories of the conflicts fought during Operation Iraqi Freedom, such as Fallujah, Mosul, Sadr City, Basra and the heroic men behind those battles.  However, little is mentioned about what happens on the FOB (forward operating base) regarding those who sit at a desk for twelve hours a day determining what gets published in the press releases, the incredibly long emails from HQ about whether the enemy is an “insurgent” or “terrorist,” or the true definition of “death by PowerPoint.”  Fobbit starts off a little slow and can be slow in some spots (who wouldn’t want to cringe every time you start to read an email from the higher ranks?) but the wit and humor of the writer with the occasional vivid, nail biting scene (e.g. suicide bomber lodged underneath a tank) is worth the read.  Most might see this book as a satire on Fobbits, maybe even criticizing those who are not on the front lines, but I believe this book satirizes the war in general because whatever occurs during the war, the Fobbits are on it making sure the American people (or the public, for that matter) only see what they want them to see.  To understand what I mean, read the book…

New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2012

Publishers Weekly Top 10 Pick for Fall Literary Fiction

Barnes and Noble Best Books of 2012