Hey all! Here is the 5th installment of my little experiment, Sweeping the Shelves, where I try to force myself to share my book hoard by donating books I probably won’t read.
The Boundless (Kenneth Oppel)
Description from Goodreads: The Boundless train is on its maiden voyage across the country. When first-class passenger Will Everett gets the key to a train car containing priceless treasures, he becomes the target of sinister figures from his past. To survive, Will joins a travelling circus, helped by ringmaster leader Mr. Dorian, and Maren, a girl his age and an expert escape artist.
Final Verdict: Well, this one sounds kind of fun, but my library has a copy that I could borrow, so… — DONATE
A Faithful Soldier Writes Home (Elizabeth Plume Fuss)
Description from Goodreads: An old heavy suitcase that belonged to the widow of a World War II soldier had been moved from place to place over many years. The contents remained unknown other than an explanation to her daughter that it contained “your Daddy’s letters.” After her death the suitcase revealed a family treasure and a legacy. The letters tell the story of a soldier’s experience in Europe with the 83rd Division, known as The Thunderbolt, and portray a beautiful tale of love and devotion. They describe the heroic actions that earned a Bronze Star for Valor and a Purple Heart. They illustrate the limitations of communication in the 1940s and describe the contrasts of going from a clean home to fox holes and destroyed buildings; from clean sheets on a soft, warm bed to dirty blankets on a cold floor. The old suitcase also contained letters from and about the widow’s young brother who was killed when his B-24 Liberator was downed over Belgium the night before the D-Day invasion. This book shares these letters and also accompanying pictures and documents in appendices such as General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s D-Day speech, Bronze Star Medal citations and an award-winning essay What I Am Fighting For. These letters tell a love story and chronicle the day-to-day life of a WWII soldier who was faithful to his country, his faith and his beloved wife. Enjoy and be inspired.
Final Verdict: I bought this one directly from the author herself at a book fair, so I feel compelled to keep it…but I honestly don’t think I’ll read it. I wonder if my sister might like it? Hmm… — KEEP (To Gift)
The Novice – Summoner #1 (Taran Maharu)
Description from Goodreads: When blacksmith apprentice Fletcher discovers that he has the ability to summon demons from another world, he travels to Adept Military Academy. There the gifted are trained in the art of summoning. Fletcher is put through grueling training as a battlemage to fight in the Hominum Empire’s war against orcs. He must tread carefully while training alongside children of powerful nobles. The power hungry, those seeking alliances, and the fear of betrayal surround him. Fletcher finds himself caught in the middle of powerful forces, with only his demon Ignatius for help. As the pieces on the board maneuver for supremacy, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of an empire is in his hands.
Final Verdict: You know, I’ve had this one in the TBR pile by my bed for a couple years now, so I would have expected to be excited by it. But re-reading the description, I’m not really interested anymore. — DONATE
Spellbinder (Helen Stinger)
Description from Goodreads: Belladonna Johnson just wants to be normal. Okay, she can talk to ghosts, but everyone has their problems. And since her parents are dead—but “living” in their house—this is a pretty convenient problem to have. Then one day, the stars go out. Just for a second. And the ghosts start to disappear . . .
Soon Belladonna and her friend Steve find themselves on a dangerous quest to the deserted, decaying Other World, where the spirits usually dwell. They need to find out where Belladonna’s parents and all the other ghosts have gone—before it’s too late.
Final Verdict: I’ll be honest, I bought this one originally just because of the title (gotta love nostalgia for old, obscure tv shows, lol!) But I did start it already, so I should probably try to finish it before donating. — KEEP (For Now)
A World Without Heroes – Beyonders #1 (Brandon Mull)
Description from Goodreads: Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable–until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he’s ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail. In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor, and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.
Final Verdict: Eh, I think I’ll keep this one for now. The story sounds interesting and the library’s copy has been out for AGES. — KEEP
Today’s Count: Keep = 3, Donate = 2
Overall Count: Keep = 15, Donate = 10
