Since everything in today’s America must start with the phrase gluten free, I thought it necessary to throw that in. But that’s not what this post is about.
I’d say being sick means I have more opportunity to read. But I prefer my nose in a book whether I’m sick or not. There are some moments when it seems like I’m on a winning streak with books, and February was one of those months. Grand slam. A vast array of genres passed before my eyes, all fantastic, all worth the recommendation.
Hunger Games Trilogy
This trilogy caught me off guard a bit. I was expecting something a bit more clandestine, rather I got a more post apocalyptic feel out of it. Which was fine, it was a fantastic series and I’d read it 10 more times in a heart beat. Truly could not put it down and loved every moment of it. Great character development, which is very important. I found my self absorbed in the story, the injustice of their world and the emotions each of them had to deal with on a moment by moment basis.
These are classified as “young adult”, which I don’t understand. I studied young adult literature when I was in college, and from what I remember the fiction that was typically classified as young adult was due to the fact that the plot and characters more aligned with a young adults world rather than a contemporary adults world. Meaning more teenagers and younger could relate based on the fact that they had not yet met full adulthood. Now however, I think if there is a teenager in the book and there isn’t explicit sex, it gets lumped into this very broad genre.
I digress…
Greatest Knight and Scarlet Lion
Greatest Knight and Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick
I mentioned this in my post on what kept me sane while I was sick. This series was a mental gift! I am so glad I stumbled upon it and blame many late nights and many shed tears on this series. The story of William Marshall, known as one of the greatest knights in 12th and 13th century England. Marhall (where we get the rank Marshall from) served under the realm of King Henry II, King Richard, King John and King Henry III.
A fascinating blend of history and historical fiction Chadwick does a great job pulling the reader into the lives of Marshall, his family and those that serve him. Scarlet Lion begins where Greatest Knight leaves off and delves deeper into his personal life with his wife Isabelle. Overall the book spans about 50 or so years and is a fantastic read. And yes, you will need tissue for the end.





















