At HopeWords in Bluefield, West Virginia there were many things. Authors, speakers, casual writers, etc. But there were also books. So many books. And me being the crazy devouring reader that I am decided I needed as many as I could possibly get. I think the final count ended up being between 15 and 20. This post is about some of my favorites so far. And if you haven’t already read my post about HopeWords itself, definitely go check that out!
My favorite book that I got is called Rosefire by Carolyn Clare Givens. I actually got to meet Carolyn at HopeWords which was so cool and she is such an amazing person. Rosefire is based in a medieval world in a kingdom called Asael. The main character is Karan, the daughter of a nobleman. The story is centered around Karan’s journey helping Anya–a girl who literally appeared on her doorstep in the middle of a rainstorm–’save the line of kings’. Karan, her brother Richard, and their friend Edmund all set out to help Anya fulfill her purpose. This is just such an amazing book, definitely a must read. It is great for lovers of medieval fantasy and books with a ‘god element’.
Another good one by a HopeWords speaker was Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins. It is about Pandita Paul, a twelve year old Indian-American girl. This book tells about how Pandita finds her voice in the form of a drama camp, eventually even speaking in front of tons of people in an effort to save an old building across from her house. Pandita is such a fun character and I love her so much. This book is great for lovers of realistic fiction and ‘hero stories’. Pandita may not save anyone’s life, but she is doubtless a hero.
The very first book I read on the trip was called Exile by Loren G. Warnemuende. I literally could not put this book down! This is a fairy-tale retelling of the Brother’s Grimm fairytale ’Maid Maleen’. Before reading this I had never heard of that fairytale but now I want to go and read it! Maleen is a spunky, spoiled girl, the daughter of the king of Arden. She is used to a life of ease and beauty, silk dresses, and servants. And freedom. But war is approaching Arden. A neighboring kingdom has been attacking small towns on the outskirts of Arden. Maleen’s father, the king, decides that to keep her daughter safe she must either marry the prince of another kingdom–a good ally–or stay locked up in a secure tower for the entire war. With no way out. Maleen, desperate to keep her freedom, agrees to the tower in the hopes that the war won’t last very long and she will soon be reunited with her lover. But it is not to be. This book is great for lovers of (again) medieval fantasy, fairytale retellings, and princess stories. There is also a ‘god element’ in this book. This story is honestly just such a special story and I know so many people will enjoy it.
What have you been reading lately? Are you going to try any of these books? Let me know down in the comments section!
Your bookish friend,
Isla