What better activity to do with coffee than read a book? I have read so many books in my life; my love for reading began in the 4th grade when I read a book titled Mrs. Peculiar. Since I was so competitive, I told myself I had to finish that book during silent reading time-that day. I was glad I chose that book because it kept me hooked the entire class period. I DID finish it before the bell rang. It was one of the first books I remember having loved as a child. Ever since then, I knew that I could read well, that I could read fast, and that I unequivocally loved reading.
Reading becomes an outlet when I am having a bad day or when I just want to get lost in a different world. There is something so powerful about holding a book in my hand (not those damn ebooks) and getting lost in the author’s words. It is my favorite hobby. In fact, when I was a kid, I used to walk around with at least one book in my hand during school, even if I didn’t read it or didn’t like it because I simply enjoyed the fact that I was holding a book and that I was such a good reader. I thought I was cool. Now that I think about it, it was pretty strange. But as a teacher, I would definitely encourage it! =)
The main genres that interest me are horror, mystery/thriller, erotic/romance, and children’s books. What an interesting range!
In my opinion (and many others’ apparently), Iris Johansen is one of the best authors in the world. She writes stellar novels on my most favorite genre-thriller/mystery.
Not too long ago, I bought Silent Thunder, written by her and her son- Roy.
Here it is! (and here I am!)
Want to know what Iris and her son look like? Here they are!
It is a captivating novel-one that immediately got me interested and has yet to cause me to skip paragraphs or even pages at a time because I got bored and wanted to get to a more interesting section. I have not yet finished the novel; I wanted to share the suspense with you before I finished! (Also, I don’t want to spoil the answers to anyone who does end up reading it!)
I love this book so much that I could have finished it in a week, but three weeks ago my little thieves (probably my almost 2 year-old) wandered into my room, walked over to my nightstand, snatched it, and hid it quite well underneath my bed. It was hidden so well that I couldn’t find it for a couple weeks and I was so frustrated because I just got to the part in which a well-loved character was killed!
Then three days ago, it magically appeared on my dresser. I asked my husband where he found it and he said, “I don’t know. The kids found it and put it there.”
Those little guys hid it from me, and then so kindly put it back-three weeks later. Ugh.
So, I had to jump right back to where I left off.
Plot Overview: The main character is Hannah Bryson, who is the best marine architect in the industry. She is assigned to take apart a retired Russian ship for a museum. Her job is to design modifications that ensured it was safe for future museum visitors. Because she is so thorough, she literally takes apart every inch of this vessel. She couldn’t do it alone, so she called on her brother, who also happens to be a photographer, for assistance.
This was a nuclear attack submarine used by the Russians. It also had quite the interesting, but scary history. The sub’s contents have significant meaning to some people, that if found, could expose the killer. Thus, these people are keeping a close eye on Hannah, even someone who she should be able to trust.
Hannah and her brother soon begin their quest and while taking apart a section of the ship, they discover some very intriguing materials. But before they could determine their significance, something terrible and life-changing happens. I won’t tell you; it’s a secret. You have to read and find out! =)
Hannah then is determined to figure out what these contents mean and how they are connected to the sub and to the mysterious deaths that occurred on it.
At some point during her search for answers, she stumbles upon an ex-Russian Silent Thunder crew member, Kirov, who doesn’t seem quite who he makes himself out to be. I wonder if he and Hannah will end up in some sort of romance? I can’t wait to find out!
She then proceeds to use this mysterious man to help her uncover the sub’s secrets. Along the way, other people tied to the Silent Thunder are being murdered for fear that the secret information would be unveiled, and Hannah and Kirov are under constant surveillance because they are getting closer and closer to the truth about the Silent Thunder.
This is the part where I left off. I cannot wait to find out what happens!
Reasons Why I Enjoy This Book:
What makes this book so interesting is that there is constant drama-something bad seems to happen on every page. Someone is either being killed, or the plot takes a different turn.
I also love that the theme involves a sub (I love anything related to water) and a strong female character who has earned her value at a position that is typically male-dominant. I love it when women take on these non-traditional roles, especially when it intimidates men at first, but then gives them a newfound respect for women in that role. This is the case for Hannah.
Additionally, I thoroughly enjoy novels that not only keep me interested due to the plot, but that also teach me something new. Silent Thunder involves a Russian sub, so naturally it also involves Russian characters and some Russian language and characteristics/manners related to the Russian culture. One can never learn enough and I love it when I can learn something new simply by reading a good book.
That is all I will share for now-stay tuned for a “Spoiler Article” next week!