Since we just celebrated Independence Day it made me wonder just how independent we really are. Are you free from influence, persuasion, or bias while relying only on your own abilities and judgment? If you said YES, then good for you but stop reading now because I’m only talking to the folks who said NO. I’m trying to persuade and influence you to read these books which show what could happen when people forget to think for themselves. Freedom of thought seems to be just one of many of the freedoms we have that is under attack. Perhaps a helpful hint here would be in order. Yes, you do have the freedom to think for yourself but that doesn’t mean you should share (tweet) every thought that comes into your head. Think about your thought before you share and save yourself and everyone else some pain. Helpful hint number 2 is be prepared for others not to agree with your thought. If you have the right to think for yourself so do they. Stepping off my soap box now I really want you to read and enjoy these books but it is okay with me if you don’t. Be independent!!
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood was published in 1986 but it really holds up and is still timely. The value of females to society is one element that is explored. The United States is now called the Republic of Gilead and freedom is a thing of the past for most of the population. People are trying to get out of the country instead of in. It will get you thinking.
Pines by Blake Crouch will introduce you to Wayward Pines Idaho a beautiful place to visit. Ethan Burke comes to town looking for two Secret Service agents who have disappeared. Now Ethan can’t seem to find his way out of town and why does an electrified fence with razor wire surround the town. Is the fence to keep something in or something out? It is a thriller with noir tendencies.
Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor is my favorite book I’ve read this summer. The story begins with a teenage girl named Rebecca Shaw missing on New Year’s Eve. The effect of this event on a small rural village is fascinating. The writing is so good you will get to know these people and find clues about what happened. It has humor, drama, mystery blended together to produce the perfect book.
