by Paulette Jiles
I’m getting pickier . . .
The more I read (and the more I write), the pickier I get about spending time with a book. When I picked up Lighthouse Island, I ran it through my list. Well written? Check. (It only takes a couple of pages to confirm that!) A new word every so often as a bonus. Action along with conversation or contemplation. A setting that’s new to me.
And lately, I’ve looked to mix in some books dealing with preparedness, emergencies, etc., just because.
Lighthouse Island checks all the boxes. And it’s absolutely compelling!
The story starts out simply, with a main character who has sort of given in to the constant burdens of life in her time – a future time where society has morphed into great masses of people being constantly manipulated by a few at the top of the heap.
Crowds of people being moved, directed, even sent off to . . .?. Meaningless bureaucracies designed to chain some to desks and factory floors, working to develop and manufacture – who really knows what?
It’s a gray and amorphous world where hope is pretty much dead.
Our hero emerges from this murky mess.
She decides there’s more to life and she’s prepared to claim it. Her quest is to reach “Lighthouse Island” – a mystical green place which may or may not be real, but which becomes her beacon.
Her journey involves many traditional “survival tactics:” foraging for food, finding shelter, outsmarting or avoiding the enemy.
She is clever – and becomes cleverer!
I admired her ability to be “gray” when necessary. And I loved how she talked her way into safe places – and talked her way out of trouble! (Delicious!)
If you’re somewhat of a jaded reader, this book will grab you and renew your interest in books – and your hope for humankind.
Not bad for a New Year’s read, eh???
Lighthouse Island is a book you get for yourself. It’s at Amazon:
Want to know when we add a new book?
Thank you for subscribing.
Something went wrong.