I've written a review for the entire series here: http://the-bookish-life.com/review-real-mermaids-helene-boudreau/

I've written a review for the entire series here: http://the-bookish-life.com/review-real-mermaids-helene-boudreau/

I received a copy of this book from Hachette Books in exchange for an honest review.

Although unintentional, it seems fitting that I'm posting this review on Remembrance Day. Indestructible is the true story of Pappy Gunn, an American pilot in WW2 who moved heaven and earth to free his family from a Japanese POW camp in the Philippines. Pappy was former Navy, living in the Philippines as a civilian with his young family. He ran a fledgling airline, and flying was an integral part of who he was. But in the chaos of the Japanese bombing and subsequent invasion, Pappy ended up in Australia with the American Army, while his family was forced into the Santo Tomas civilian POW camp. Thus began a 3 year fight to liberate his family. But it wasn't just a fight against the Japanese army, it was also a fight against American military bureaucracy, time, distance, and limited flight technology. And in the end, he became a legend.

This biography is not a dry read. It's told in a story-like manner, complete with reproduced conversations and detailed battle descriptions. Bruning explores the emotions Pappy must have experienced while separated from his family, going far beyond facts and figures detailing his contributions to airborne warfare. Bruning also delved deep into the Gunn family experience in the POW camp - he interviewed one of Pappy's sons, resulting in a nuanced and emotional narrative that doesn't hold back.

While not perfect (Bruning can get pretty repetitive), this book is definitely worth reading if you are interested in the history lesson.

4/5

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I've probably said this before, but I'm a big fan of anthologies. Short stories are hard to write well, and I really appreciate the efforts of those who create them. So when I had the opportunity to read an anthology from Curiosity Quills, I was very happy to do so.

It has been a really long time since I've read a story about ghosts, and I was a bit worried about it - I'm a total scaredy cat. But Cast No Shadows struck a really good balance. There were definitely stories that were terrifying - I still have one stuck in my head that had a truly disturbing ending. No spoilers though! But there were also a couple stories with a more thoughtful and mysterious bent toward spirits and hauntings.

Overall the book was well organized, with some great story choices. There were a couple that could have definitely used a bit more character development, but it really didn't bring down the overall quality of the anthology.

So... confession time. I read this at Halloween, so this review is a bit late! And it was perfectly suited to be read at that time. But don't let the holiday season deter you - this book would be a fun read in front of the fire too.

Cast No Shadows is now available for purchase. Enjoy the creepiness!

3.5/5

This review also appears on my blog: http://the-bookish-life.com/review-cast-no-shadows-curiosity-quills-anthology/

I'm really glad I decided to get this set. It had some great stories, that led me to look up some new authors. Some of the story choices were unusual, but overall it is a great curated collection. I'll be buying the set next year!

I adore The Wizard of Oz, and this book is full of behind the scenes info about the film. There are also tonnes of b&w photos. I recommend this to anyone who is a fan.