Follow Friday #50

Thanks to Parajunkee and Alison Can Read for hosing Feature and Follow Friday as always!

This weeks question is an interesting one...

Q: Today’s is the US’ Independence Day. Share your favorite book with a war in it, or an overthrow of the government.

A: First, I know Independence Day was yesterday, but I didn't get around to this yesterday. :-P Second, I don't think I've read many books with war or overthrown government in them.There was War Horse by Michael Morpurgo, but I felt so bad for that horse the entire time I wanted to throw my book out the window every time something happened to that poor animal. Then there's The Hunger Games, which I love, but I don't know if it's my favorite.

I don't know if this is considered either one of those novels, but I would have to go with Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Or maybe that whole series, because I love them. Katsa is usurping the rule of her uncle, King Randa by working with her friends to save people rather than kill them, which is what he thinks she was more or less born to do. Not to mention she has to save Bitterblue from King Leck and then find some way to defeat him.

What's your favorite "war" book? 

Review - War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

I had to read the book before seeing the movie. I couldn't watch War Horse without knowing what was going to happen. Michael Morpurgo definitely put together an incredibly touching story when he decided to put pen to paper (so to speak) for this one.

In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?

This story is told from Joey's point of view. It's unbiased and incredibly observant and completely heartwrenching. Joey's sold right out from under Albert's nose by an alcoholic father who is desperate for money. The man who buys him promises Albert he'll take wonderful care of him. And he does, but it doesn't last forever. Joey's story is full of miracle after tragedy after miracle and it's so sad to read. But warms your heart at the same time. Just when you think things couldn't get any worse, they get better. Only to get worse again... only to get better. It's an incredible roller-coaster of a story.

War Horse is a fast read. And I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it through without sobbing because I HATE seeing animals hurt or neglected... I can't stand it when they die in movies (seriously, I was a blubbering mess in King Kong and I Am Legend when the dog dies saving Will Smith).

It was really interesting to read it from Joey's point of view... kind of gives you a look into the mind and soul of these big, beautiful creatures that we can't get otherwise. He's got an incredibly huge heart and a gentle spirit and there were several places in his story that had me tearing up. I kept having to put my Kindle down because I just didn't think I could read any more. The poor thing just couldn't catch a break! But every time I read something that broke my heart, it was followed by something that put it right back together.

I think this would have to be one of my favorite novels. It's absolutely wonderful. I STILL don't know how watching the movie will go (I'll be sure to have lots of tissues) but if it's anything like the book it has to be wonderful.

Definitely recommended for everyone.

Teaser Tuesday #36

Thank you to MizB of Should Be Reading for giving us Teaser Tuesday every week!
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week's teaser comes from the book I finished today, War Horse by Michael Morpurgo.

An ominous shadow had fallen on the yard that morning, and not one of us could settle in our stables. When we were led out for exercise, we were jumpy and skittish, and Albert, like the other soldiers, reponded with impatience, jerking sharply, something I had never known him to do before.

Lots of commas, but I promise you, the book is definitely worth reading. Can't wait to see your teasers!

Teaser Tuesday #32

Thank you to MizB of Should Be Reading for giving us Teaser Tuesday every week!
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week's teaser comes from War Horse by Michael Morpurgo.

It was nothing special when he came into the stable that morning and led Zoey out. But when he came back into the stable afterward and began to sweet-talk me and held out a bucket of sweet-smelling oats, I was immediately suspicious. But the oats and my own inquisitiveness overcame my better judgement, and he was able to slip a halter over my head before I could pull away. His voice, however, was unusually gentle and kind as he tightened the halter and reached out slowly to stroke my neck. "You'll be all right, old son," he said softly. "You'll be all right. They'll look after you - they promised they would. And I need the money, Joey; I need the money bad."

I really wasn't sure I wanted to read this book, after watching the previews for the movie. Horses hold a soft spot in my heart and ... well, I just don't know. But There it is. That's how far I've gotten. Can't wait to see ya'lls teasers!