Mundie Moms

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

RONIT & JAMIL by Pamela L. Laskin / Book Review


By: Pamela L. Laskin

Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
To Be Released on: February 21st, 2017
Pre-Order from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads 
Rating: 4 Stars - I Enjoyed It
A copy of this book as provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Pamela L. Laskin’s beautiful and lyrical novel in verse delivers a fresh and captivating retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Julietthat transports the star-crossed lovers to the modern-day Israel-Palestine conflict.

Ronit, an Israeli girl, lives on one side of the fence. Jamil, a Palestinian boy, lives on the other side. Only miles apart but separated by generations of conflict—much more than just the concrete blockade between them. Their fathers, however, work in a distrusting but mutually beneficial business arrangement, a relationship that brings Ronit and Jamil together. And lightning strikes. The kind of lightning that transcends barrier fences, war, and hatred.

The teenage lovers fall desperately into the throes of forbidden love, one that would create an irreparable rift between their families if it were discovered. But a love this big can only be kept secret for so long. Ronit and Jamil must face the fateful choice to save their lives or their loves, as it may not be possible to save both.


This is a beautifully written book. I'm not a huge fan of verse, but I'm a fan of the way Laskin wrote this book. Poetic, diverse, sensual, complicated, and hopeful, this is a beautifully written, modern day Romeo and Juliet. 


Set in war torn Israel and Palestine, Ronit and Jamil's story is a forbidden love story, fueled by love, and hope for a better future, and riddled by a history of hate among their people. Separated by a border, and forbidden to cross it's side, Ronit, an Israeli, and Jamil, a Palestinian, begin a secret romance. One that if discovered, could have deadly consequences for the two. Unlike the traditional Romeo and Juliet retellings, this story has a very non-traditional ending. 


I really enjoyed the story being from the two points of views of both Ronit and Jamil. I loved their hope, and understood their fears. I admired their love for another, and their wishing things were different, so that they could openly be together. 

The diverse cultural setting was mesmorizing. I loved the way Laskin brought her setting to life, and the way she described everything. Especially when it came from the different sides with Ronit, and Jamil. From the sites, to the sounds, the fear of living on two opposing sides of a barrier that separates Ronit and Jamil's homes, and on going conflicts that are constantly going on around them. It definitely makes their relationship a challenge, especially since it's already a forbidden one. 

I liked the notes the author includes about her inspiration behind Ronit & Jamil, the setting, and why she gave their story a non-tradiontional ending. Which I loved. I also enjoyed learning about her research into this story, as well as the footnotes she includes on various pages through out the story. I also liked the fact that many of the pages are labeled, so you know who is talking. At least for much of the book. There are a few times it is confusing on who's point of view the story is told from. 


What I admired about Laskin's writing, she says best herself at the end of her book, "In a world of feuding national and ideological viewpoints, and territorial claims, this narrative renews itself with heartbreaking regularity and brings collective trauma to the painfully detailed, individual level again and again as a story."

This book is definitely one worth picking up, especially with the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth, and for any creative writing class. 


FIRE BLOOD by Elly Blake / Waiting on Wednesday #293


By: Elly Blake

Published by: Little Brown
To Be Released on: September 12th, 2017
SeriesFrostblood Saga #2
Pre-Order from: Amazon 
Add it to Goodreads

In this action-packed sequel to Frostblood, the future of Ruby's world and a court ruled by the love of her life depends on the uncovered secrets of her past..

Against all odds, Ruby has defeated the villainous Frost King and melted his throne of ice. But the bloodthirsty Minax that was trapped inside is now haunting her kingdom and everyone she loves. The answers to its demise may lie to the south in Sudesia, the land of the Firebloods, and a country that holds the secrets to Ruby's powers and past....

Despite warnings from her beloved Arcus, Ruby accompanies a roguish Fireblood named Kai to Sudesia, where she must master her control of fire in a series of trials to gain the trust of the suspicious Fireblood queen. Only then can she hope to access the knowledge that could defeat the rampaging Minax--which grows closer every moment. But as sparks fly in her moments alone with Kai, how can Ruby decide whom to trust? The fate of both kingdoms is now in her hands.
 


I can not wait for this sequel to be out. I loved Frost Blood, and immediately after I finished it, I pre-ordered this book. I need to know what happens next. Thankfully I won't have to wait too long to get them. Check out this cover. The covers in this series are amazing. What book are you waiting to get your hands on?


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