I hesitated before listing my current book as I found it had little to recommend itself. It slid across the circulation desk one afternoon and the title grabbed my attention — Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall. I see many such books in a day and several command my attention enough that I skim through them to see if I want to read them. This book was no exception.

It is the story of a young lady who escaped the life as a child bride and the clutches of the FLDS — a fundamentalist sect of the Church of Latter Day Saints. It recounts her childhood up through the trial of the their leader, Warren Jeffs, on the charges of poligamy and forced underaged marriages.

I actually enjoyed reading and learning about the FLDS and snatches of her story were gripping. My disconnect with the book came with my realization that while Ms. Walls had a tragic life and should not have suffered as she did, she came across as cold and shallow. In the chapters where she recounts her wedding and marriage to her 18 year old first cousin, she never considers that he might be a victim of their religion even as she was. She spares no sympathy for him and this made me, as reader, lose interest in her story.

I am of two minds as to whether or not to recommend this book. It had moments of insight and I definitely learned quite a bit about the history and beliefs of the FLDS. However, at the same time, I didn’t finish the book due to the author’s lack of sympathy and overwhelming sense of self pity. I will still place this book on my Staff Picks for those who might wish to read it.

Enjoy!

Descriptive language, exotic settings, and memorable characters all can be found in Cindy Pon’s first novel, Silver Phoenix. Set in the Xian Period in ancient China, the story swirls around Ai Ling, only daughter of Master and Lady Wen, who when we meet her has just endured the humiliation of a broken betrothal. Artistic and intelligent, Ai Ling is different than most girls in that her father insisted that she learn to read and write. When her father leaves for the Golden Palace, he leaves the house and his wife in Ai Ling’s capable hands.

Unfortunately the time stretches on while Master Wen is away and Ai Ling soon finds herself fleeing the unwanted courtship of an unscrupulous merchant named Master Huang. On the road she encounters Chen Yong, a youth of similar age who is seeking answers himself. They soon decide to travel together as the path is fraught with dangers from demons and other monsters. The duo becomes a trio when Chen Yong’s younger brother, Li Rong, seeking for his elder brother, meets them.

Throughout the book we are treated to descriptions of food that make the mouth water as well as vivid depictions of places as different as a small village and the Land of the Goddess of Mercy. Mythology and history combine to make this a delightful read making one anxious to find out what happened to Master Wen, what makes Ai Ling special and exactly who are Chen Yong’s parents. With danger and prophecy colliding at every turn, the reader is left wondering who will return safely.

I highly recommend this book and you will find it under my name in the Staff Pick’s display. Enjoy!