Books Like...

'The Story of Beautiful Girl' by Rachel Simon follows the intertwined lives of Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, Homan, a deaf African American man, and Martha, a retired schoolteacher and widow. Lynnie and Homan escape from an institution where they were imprisoned, seeking refuge at Martha's farmhouse where Lynnie gives birth to a baby girl. As the authorities catch up to them, Homan escapes, Lynnie is caught and sent back to the institution, and she entrusts Martha to hide her baby. The narrative spans 40 years, exploring the challenges faced by these characters and the extraordinary love that binds them together.

The author, Rachel Simon, narrates the story through the eyes of each main character, providing a deep insight into their perspectives and experiences. delves into themes of institutionalization, inclusion in society, and the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities, offering a compelling and emotional journey of love, loss, and resilience.

'Free as a Bird' by Gina McMurchy-Barber narrates the heartbreaking story of Ruby Jean, a girl born with Down syndrome, who is mistreated and placed in an institution called Woodlands School. Despite the challenges she faces, Ruby Jean's narrative is filled with moments of hope, friendship, and resilience. The writing style is honest, direct, and simple, capturing the raw emotions of the characters and the harsh realities of the institutional setting.

The book sheds light on the dark truths of institutional living, highlighting the abuses, isolation, and lack of compassion faced by individuals like Ruby Jean. Through Ruby Jean's perspective, readers are taken on a journey of sadness, hope, and ultimately, triumph. The author, drawing from her own experiences working at Woodlands, brings authenticity to the narrative, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read.

Heroes by Robert Cormier is a dark and gripping novel set during World War II, following the story of Francis Joseph Cassavant, a young war hero who returns home without a face. The book delves into Francis's quest for revenge against his childhood hero, Larry LaSalle, who committed a heinous act that changed Francis's life forever. Through flashbacks and suspenseful storytelling, the author explores themes of heroism, betrayal, and the impact of war on individuals' lives.

'Shaman' by Kim Stanley Robinson is a novel set during the Ice Age, following the journey of Loon, a young man destined to become the tribe's Shaman. The story delves into the harsh realities of survival in a primitive era, detailing Loon's initiation rites, his struggles, relationships, and the challenges he faces in a world where Neanderthals are not just enemies but fellow travelers. The narrative provides insights into the daily life, rituals, and beliefs of early humans, while also exploring themes of human resilience, survival, and the importance of stories and myths in shaping our history.

The writing style of 'Shaman' is described as detailed and immersive, with a focus on the protagonist's perspective that shifts occasionally to other entities like the wind or animals, providing a magical sense to the world. The novel captures the essence of prehistoric life through vivid descriptions of the environment, social interactions, and the characters' experiences, offering a realistic portrayal of survival in a challenging and unforgiving era.

'Dance of the Tiger: A Novel of the Ice Age' by Bjorn Kurten explores the coexistence between Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens during the Ice Age. Set approximately 40,000 to 25,000 years ago in Scandinavia, the novel delves into the relationship between these two species, portraying the Neanderthals as gender egalitarian, courteous, and skilled individuals. The plot follows Tiger, a Cro Magnon, who is rescued by a Neanderthal tribe and discovers surprising connections between the two communities, ultimately presenting a model for the disappearance of Neanderthals.

Kurten's writing style in 'Dance of the Tiger' is praised for its educational yet enjoyable nature. The author incorporates a slight mystery element by challenging readers to uncover the contributing factors for the rapid extinction of Neanderthals, providing background information to enhance the novel's educational value. The narrative weaves together the natural world of Scandinavia during the Ice Age with a captivating story of the interaction between two distinct cultures.

The Quality of Silence by Rosamund Lupton is a gripping thriller that follows Yasmin and her deaf daughter Ruby as they travel to Alaska in search of Ruby's father, who is presumed dead. The novel delves into themes of love, survival, and determination as Yasmin and Ruby navigate the harsh Alaskan wilderness while being pursued by unknown dangers. Lupton's writing style beautifully captures the essence of Alaska, portraying the cold and desolate landscape as a character of its own, while also highlighting the strong bond between mother and daughter.

"The Half-Life of Planets" is a young adult novel that follows the story of two teens, Lianna and Hank, who meet and form a close bond despite their differences. The book is written from dual points of view, with each author capturing the distinct voices of the characters. Lianna is a science geek with a passion for astronomy, while Hank is on the Asperger's spectrum and deeply connected to music from before 1990. As their relationship blossoms, they navigate issues such as social anxieties, family dynamics, and societal labels, all while maintaining a sense of humor and honesty. The alternating chapters provide insight into each character's perspective, adding depth and richness to the story.

'Willow King: Race the Wind!' by Chris Platt is a captivating story about Katie Durham, a determined young jockey, who refuses to give up on a colt with weak legs. The book follows Katie's journey to train the colt, Willow King, and turn him into a champion racehorse, despite facing challenges such as jealousy, mean-spirited individuals, and self-doubt. Through solid storytelling and well-rounded characters, the author portrays Katie's courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her beloved horse, making it a compelling read for both young adults and older readers who have a love for horses.

Katie's inspiring story in 'Race the Wind' not only showcases her passion for horses but also touches upon important themes such as self-image, overcoming physical and emotional handicaps, and the power of determination. The book delves into Katie's pursuit to prove herself as a jockey, despite her own doubts and fears, as she navigates the challenges of the racing world and strives to guide Willow King to victory in prestigious races like the Kentucky Derby.

'I Am David' by Anne Holm is a touching survival story of a 12-year-old boy named David who escapes from a European prison camp and embarks on an uncertain journey to freedom in Denmark. The story is described as dramatic, heart-wrenching, and with a twist at the end. It explores themes of mystery, danger, adventure, moral themes, justice, human rights issues, emotional highs and lows, and the educational value of understanding the effects of communism and the plight of refugees. The author portrays David's journey with a light sprinkle of good Christian characterization, allowing readers to share in his thoughts and feelings.