One second after is a frightening and thought-provoking read. Forstchen has crafted a very realistic scenario of the aftermath of an EMP (Electromagnetic pulse) attack that’s hard to get off your mind once you finish the book. The idea that we’re vulnerable to this kind of attack is enough to make me run for the hills with a stockpile of survival gear.
The story is told through the eyes of John Matherson, a history professor, widower, and former U.S. Army Colonel living with his two daughters in the small town of Black Mountain, North Carolina. John is someone with integrity, a good father, and a devoted teacher and active member of the community. He takes on a leadership role after the attack and despite horrible losses, guides his town through the nightmarish months that ensue.
This is one of those books that pulls you in and keeps you engaged – I found myself reaching for it every time I had a spare minute. I felt a connection to the characters and shed a tear at a couple of the losses. I think it served its purpose very well (it was written as a warning of the real possibility of an EMP attack). Read the rest of this entry »
The title isn’t the only thing that makes this book perfect for a Get Lost in a Book review; it’s a terrific read! John Connolly has cleverly woven a captivating story, set during WWII, about a 12-year-old boy named David who finds himself in another world on a quest to find his way back home.
Broken Colors is a story that spans the life of Sophie Marks, an artist born during World War I. Her life is marked by terrible tragedy that shapes her character and her will. It’s a story of survival in the face of enormous grief, loss and abandonment, and it’s the story of how art mirrors our deepest emotional struggles and our greatest joy. Sophie’s painting is an outlet for her sadness and despair, yet it surprises her by reflecting a light and beauty that give her hope and propel her forward. Sophie is a true artist – art is vital for her existence and survival and dominates her thoughts, sometimes obsessively.