Rome's Pride

Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry My rating: 5 of 5 stars This book was a fun light read while tastefully bringing up questions the reader can ask themselves about their own personal lives. Heretics Anonymous created a world where different ideas are respected within a group and shows that this diversity can be used to enhance the group's abilities in certain situations. It is about not only being open minded to others' beliefs but also encourages one to challenge and grow in their own. The characters were written well and you follow the character development of the protagonist as he starts asking the harder questions. All of this is done inside a high school drama and a love story with some twists of comedic releases sprinkled throughout. It also has an underlying theme of taking ownership of your choices and being willing to receive the consequences for them. I really enjoyed this book and will keep an eye out for other works written by Katie Henry. View all my review...

Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler My rating: 4 of 5 stars This addition to the Earthseed series took a twist with the story coming from the original protagonist's daughter's point of view. Throughout the book you follow Ashe's thoughts, Lauren's journals, as well as some writings from Ashe's father. The story continues with Acorn being established and facing adversity. Another extremist religious establishment threatens their existence and brings harsh circumstances the group must survive, unfortunately, not everyone did. In this process many of their children are taken, including Ashe when she was still only a baby. This book is her journey coming to know her past and confronting the truth of it. Although originally this was meant to be a trilogy, I do not feel a third book is necessary. Octavia leaves the reader feeling content ending the story. I did enjoy this book and, being written in 1998, felt there were very current topics and ideas present. T...