Day: September 18, 2015

The Forest of Whispers by Jennifer Murgia is told in two points of view-Rune’s and Laurentz’.  Rune’s mother is a mystery to her.  She lives with Matilde as the older woman’s apprentice.  When Rune discovers her mother’s history, her life completely changes. The story has German origins and I enjoyed the German vocabulary lesson at the beginning of both books.

Castle of Sighs by Jennifer Murgia continues where Forest of Whispers left off.  Rune now lives in Pyrmont.  She finds traces of protection but she’s not sure what she’s being protected from.  She has been left in charge of two orphans from the Bishop’s witch hunt.  She worries for their safety and asks Laurentz to take them to his castle.  Rune finds an ancient book that reveals the history of the Pyrmont Castle and her ancestors, including her mother.  Everything changes drastically after finding the old, magical book.

I recommend this series for fantasy and supernatural readers.  The Forest of Whispers Series contains wonderful and dynamic characters and interesting setting!

Elena Vanishing by Elena Dunkle is an autobiography of an anorexic sufferer.  This book was difficult to read, but I stuck with it!  My eyes and heart have been opened!  As I began reading, I wondered, “Are Elena’s perceptions true?”  I wondered if she had witness accounts or documented incidents to show the true happenings of the contention and actions taken against her.  I wasn’t sure if her perception had been swayed by the stress she was under.

Elena’s pregnancy, and subsequent miscarriage, led her to seek treatment.  Caring for another being is what helped pull her up from rock bottom.

I appreciate Elena sharing her experiences and her mother for helping bring everything together!  This book can and will help a lot of people who struggle with a disorder, regardless of whether it is an eating disorder or something else.  Elena Vanishing will also help the family, friends and acquaintances surrounding the sufferer.  Highly recommended!