Rosh's Reviews

AUTHOR: Poornima Manco GENRE: Short Story Anthology SERIES: Around the World, #1 RATING: 3.75 stars. The title of this book doesn't leave you in any suspense about what to expect. You know that the book will have twelve stories from various countries. But the question is, how have the stories been handled? Here's the good news: What the title lacks in originality is more than made up for by the book. Almost all the stories in the book will leave you hooked. By their inherent nature, only a few of the stories are quick-paced. Yet the intrigue factor keeps you from slowing down. In some cases, the end of the story brings an unexpected twist that catches you unawares and leaves you shellshocked. I enjoyed most of the stories in this collection and would recommend it to anyone looking for an interesting mix of short tales. I received this free ARC from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts expressed above are of my own volition. Here are my reviews for the o...

AUTHOR: Garrett M. Graff GENRE: History, Nonfiction. PUBLICATION DATE: September 10, 2019 RATING: 5 stars. Today marks the completion of 19 years since that devastating day when we realised for the first time that planes could be flown into buildings without regard to the sanctity of life or the concept of humanity, that a hijack doesn't necessarily involve one plane or hostage/ransom crises, that no country in the world is safe from partisan extremists. I'm sure I don't need to tell you the details of the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks or their aftermath that continues to this day. It is one of those events in history that will always be remembered, the deadliest terrorist attack to date in terms of fatalities. We've heard of the multiple hijackings. We've seen the second plane fly into the South Tower, the two towers collapse into the huge dust cloud, the shattered section of the Pentagon's distinctive structure,... But can you try imagining what would ...

AUTHOR: Deborah Ellis SERIES: The Breadwinner, #1-4 GENRE: Middle-Grade Fiction RATING: 4 stars. Book 1: The Breadwinner introduces us to Parvana, a gutsy 13 year old living with her family under Talib-controlled Afghanistan. After her father is arrested without any reason, she decides to dress up as a boy in order to fend for her family. In the course of time, she discovers an ex-school friend, Shauzia, who has resorted to the same method to support her dreams of going to France and sitting in lavender fields. The book narrates the story of both these little girls and their bravery and struggle to be the breadwinner. - 4 stars. Book 2: Parvana's Journey focuses on Parvana's quest for her mother and the various children she meets on the way. This book is the most hard-hitting in terms of impact and some scenes can cause you bitter anguish. - 3.75 stars. Book 3: Mud City changes the narrative to Shauzia and talks of her life after Book 1. Do her dreams of going to France come...