Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers is written by Elias Chacour who writes about his experience growing up in the Middle East during the 1940's through the 1980's.  He is a Palestinian who grow up in the quiet village of Biram near Galilee.  In 1948 and 1949, his family was driven from their village by Zionist troops and forced to move to Gish, a village that had already been destroyed by the soldiers.  Elias became a priest and devoted his life to helping his people and the Israeli people live in peace.  The books follows him through the years as he struggles to find that peace while in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that displaced and separated countless families and resulted the deaths of many innocent people.  
This book is very inspirational and through provoking in that it shows what the actions of one man searching for peace can have on a nation during a time of war.

Book #3- The Children of the Promise (series)
                Volume 1- Rumors of War
                By Dean Hughes

The Fifth of March

The Fifth of March is written by Ann Rinaldi.  It is a fictional story, but the events that happen in it are all based on fact.  It follows Rachel, a fourteen year old living in Boston during the time before and leading up to the Boston Massacre, which took place in 1770.  She is a housemaid to John and Abigail Adams and their three kids.  In 1768 and 1769, the British begin to move troops into Boston to keep an eye on the citizens.  Among these soldiers is a young man named Matthew Kilroy, who is stationed just outside of the Adams' residence.  Rachel takes a liking to this boy, but their relationship becomes very complicated quickly.  Rachel has to face the internal struggle of befriending this young man who is serving the Crown, and becoming an "American"; someone who has separated themselves from those still loyal to the King.  It all becomes more dramatic when Matthew is charged with taking part in the firing upon Boston citizens, later to be know as the Boston Massacre. 
I enjoyed reading this book because of the historical aspects presented in it mixed with a little romance and drama.  It is a book that I would recommend for a fun, quick read.

Book #2- Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour

Just Books

That is what this blog is all about- Just Books.  It is my attempt to post about books I have just read and share my thoughts and feelings about them.  It is also my attempt to get myself to read more.  I love to read, but somehow I always fill my days with time consuming, useless things, like Facebook or reality TV.  So I had a thought; if I had a place to write about the books I have read, maybe I will actually begin to fill the free time I have with something productive, educational and fun-- like reading.  So here's to JB :) 

Book #1- The Fifth of March by Ann Rinaldi