Chapter 15 - The Hurricane Sisters

We were on hurricane watch last week. The tension can get to you waiting to see where the path of the hurricane will go and how big a storm it will be but, after all the preparations are in place, (whether we stay or go), we are often boggled as to what to do while sitting it out. A tropical storm or even a Category 1 or 2 hurricane are sort of like snow days for us as we are lucky enough not to live directly on the water. The time is often pleasurably spent reading and the weather is so miserable you have a good excuse to catch up on all those great books you haven't had time for.

While I don't want to trivialize the terrible impact hurricanes (especially Harvey and Irma) have had on the communities hit by them, here are a few suggestions of books to read while sitting through a storm. These kept me sane through Hurricane Matthew last year.

The Last Child by John Hart - The story develops around a boy looking for his twin sister who disappeared the year before. During the year, his family has fallen apart as well as the family of the investigating detective. A fast read full of twists and turns and questions about who is the good guy and who is the bad.

Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard - You already know I'm a history buff so this book was on my list when it first came out. I don't care about O'Reilly's politics, I just know he and Dugard bring history to life. The book tells about World War II in the Pacific from 1944-45. It was at this time that America was really turning the tide of the war and Japan was throwing everything they had into it. It was a captivating read.

Dracula by Bram Stoker - The power was off, the Kindle was charged, and Dracula is in the public domain, ergo "free". This was a great read for a few evenings where the only light was candlelight. Dracula is one of the best examples of the gothic novel - a tale of horror, suspense, surprise, love, and redemption. It had a hero, damsel in distress, villain, good, evil - simply a wonderful read.

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena - Now in paperback, this debut novel is about a couple who have dinner with their next door neighbors and leave their 6 month old baby alone in the house, carrying the baby monitor with them. When they get home, the door is open and the baby is gone. A story of lies, betrayals, secrets, and a surprising ending.

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan - The only "light" book I read during my hurricane time out, the story is about a librarian who loses her job and decides to start a mobile bookshop in Scotland. Although a "fluff" novel, the characters are finally drawn by Colgan and her descriptions of the Scottish countryside beckon me to go back.

Have you had a mandatory stay-at-home day or weekend? If so, what have you read?