Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: March 31st, 2015
Rating: N/A
Source: ARC Trade
Pages: 368
Summary (from Goodreads):
A new historical thriller masterpiece from New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Wein
Emilia and Teo's lives changed in a fiery, terrifying instant when a bird strike brought down the plane their stunt pilot mothers were flying. Teo's mother died immediately, but Em's survived, determined to raise Teo according to his late mother's wishes-in a place where he won't be discriminated against because of the color of his skin. But in 1930s America, a white woman raising a black adoptive son alongside a white daughter is too often seen as a threat.
Seeking a home where her children won't be held back by ethnicity or gender, Rhoda brings Em and Teo to Ethiopia, and all three fall in love with the beautiful, peaceful country. But that peace is shattered by the threat of war with Italy, and teenage Em and Teo are drawn into the conflict. Will their devotion to their country, its culture and people, and each other be their downfall or their salvation?
In the tradition of her award-winning and bestselling Code Name Verity, Elizabeth Wein brings us another thrilling and deeply affecting novel that explores the bonds of friendship, the resilience of young pilots, and the strength of the human spirit.
Emilia and Teo's lives changed in a fiery, terrifying instant when a bird strike brought down the plane their stunt pilot mothers were flying. Teo's mother died immediately, but Em's survived, determined to raise Teo according to his late mother's wishes-in a place where he won't be discriminated against because of the color of his skin. But in 1930s America, a white woman raising a black adoptive son alongside a white daughter is too often seen as a threat.
Seeking a home where her children won't be held back by ethnicity or gender, Rhoda brings Em and Teo to Ethiopia, and all three fall in love with the beautiful, peaceful country. But that peace is shattered by the threat of war with Italy, and teenage Em and Teo are drawn into the conflict. Will their devotion to their country, its culture and people, and each other be their downfall or their salvation?
In the tradition of her award-winning and bestselling Code Name Verity, Elizabeth Wein brings us another thrilling and deeply affecting novel that explores the bonds of friendship, the resilience of young pilots, and the strength of the human spirit.
DNF at 20% (ARC page 68 of 343)
I picked this book up for a couple reasons:
1. I ADORED Code Name Verity. It was such a fantastic book. The characters were great. The story was great. It made me cry and that was great. I can't think of anything I didn't like about that one.
2. It's historical fiction and lately I have found myself being mildly obsessed with historical fiction. I love it.
I started reading this book a couple days ago and I simply cannot get into it. I have tried so so hard and it makes me sad. I'm certain that if I could just get further into this book, it would get better. But the thought of picking this book back up to try again has filled me with dread all day. So I'm going to have to put it down.
My reasons for putting this book down:
1. I don't love the format it's written in.
It seems to be a dual point of view between the two main characters, Emilia and Teodros. It's written in the form of letters and school assignments and little stories that they wrote.
2. I don't think I have learned really anything useful yet.
I don't believe I've learned anything about the two main characters. I practically know the life story of Rhoda, Emilia's mother and the woman both kids call 'Momma'. But all I think I know about Em and Teo is that they like to make up and act out stories.
3. I don't feel like anything is happening.
I'm just so bored reading it.
I could possibly pick this one up at a later date, but I don't know. The idea is still making me sad. I really wanted to love this book! :'(
Have you read this book before? Does it get better?
It is slow to start. It does get better, and the second time through I really liked it (listened to audio version that time).
ReplyDeleteOoh! Maybe I'll try the audiobook!! I love her writing so maybe I will try this one again!
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