Tag: Spy Novel

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Today’s book recommendation: BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD-AND STEAL-THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON by Steve Sheinkin -Young Adult Nonfiction

Okay, I already admitted that I love spy stories, but this one is a MUST READ! Sheinkin is a genius at making this true story from the past read like an international espionage thriller novel. Even if you know your history, you can’t help but turn the page to see what happens next.

Also, one thing I love is the amount of detailed research Sheinkin puts into his books. It’s absolutely astonishing! If he says it was raining, it was actually raining on that day in history, and if there are tulips blooming, then there were tulips blooming!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents.

In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. 

This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world’s most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.
*****

There is a reason this book has won all kinds of awards, including National Book Award Finalist, Newbery Honor Book, and Cybils Winner for Nonfiction. It’s really that good!

Sheinkin beautifully weaves the American, Russian, and German parts of the story together, and you come away from the book with a healthy fear of the power of the atom bomb and an appreciation for the individuals involved in making it. 

True stories are sometimes the most unbelievable, and this is one you don’t want to miss.

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: GIRL FROM NOWHERE by Tiffany Rosenhan – Young Adult Thriller

If you like spy stories, this is the one for you! The pacing is right on the money, and who doesn’t love living the fantasy of having all the language, self-defense, and survival skills that the main character, Sophia, has by the time you’re a teenager? 😊

Honestly, I am kind of obsessed with espionage stories, so I was an easy sell, but if you or your teenagers are looking for a bit of pure entertainment, look no further!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Ninety-four countries. Thirty-one schools. Two bullets. Now it’s over . . . or so she thinks.

Sophia Hepworth has spent her life all over the world–moving quickly, never staying in one place for too long. She knows to always look over her shoulder, to be able to fight to survive at a moment’s notice. She has trained to be ready for anything.

Except this. Suddenly it’s over. Now Sophia is expected to attend high school in a sleepy Montana town. She is told to forget the past, but she’s haunted by it. As hard as she tries to be like her new friends and live a normal life, she can’t shake the feeling that this new normal won’t last.

Then comes strong and silent Aksel, whose skills match Sophia’s, and who seems to know more about her than he’s letting on . . .

What if everything Sophia thought she knew about her past is a lie?

Cinematic and breathtaking, Tiffany Rosenhan’s debut stars a fierce heroine who will risk everything to save the life she has built for herself.
*****

I’ve had the privilege of meeting Tiffany, and she is as delightful as her book! And while she hasn’t traveled to all of the countries that Sophia has, she has traveled extensively, and it adds a wonderful note of authenticity to the novel.

Make sure you can afford to neglect all your responsibilities for a good day or two before you dive into this one because you won’t want to put it down. 😂

Happy reading!