Her Fearful Symmetry ~ Audrey Niffenegger

It was pure coincidence that I read two books on twins and both, extremely interesting.

Now about Julia and Valentina who are identical twins from Illinois. Intriguing is the fact that they are mirror images of each other, and in the literal sense too- in their appearance, anatomy and personalities as well. The twins are surprised by a letter that arrives in the post one day all the way from London. This letter is from an aunt they had no knowledge of, informing them of an inheritance bequeathed to the girls. Aunt Elspeth is the estranged twin sister of their mother Edwina. To their delight they learn that they are now owners of a flat with all its effects. There is but one condition, just that they must live there for a year before they decide to sell it, if at all. The news of their windfall and the possibility of striking it out on their own has the twins excited and they are soon on their way to London. The flat is gorgeous and it  faces the historic London Highgate Cemetery. Their neighbors - Martin who lives in the flat above theirs is a writer who hasn't left his flat in two years and suffers from an OCD; Robert who Iives in the flat on the lower level works as a tour guide in the cemetery and was their aunts' lover.
It gets interesting when Elspeth's spirit that is trapped in the flat gets friendly with her niece, Valentina. But there are motives deep and dark.
 A tale of self-discovery, of breaking free and about love in all its forms both dark and pure. The suspense and unpredictability will keep you on edge and will not let you put the book down, not till it's done atleast.
This is the second book by Audrey Niffenegger, after ''The Time Travellers Wife', another personal favorite.

Black Heart Blue ~ Louisa Reid

Black Heart Blue is a tale about Hephzibah and Rebecca. The twin daughters of the vicar of the village church couldn't have been more different; while Hephzi had the looks and big plans for her life, Rebecca, the smarter but quieter one of the two, has Treacher Collins syndrome and doesn't hold out much hope for herself.

Hidden behind the smiles and happy facade but lurking inside the vicarage, a place called home, are deep, dark secrets that can never leave the confines of the four walls. The girls are there for each other but the surrounding darkness threatens to imprison and smother them if they are not quick to escape it's evil clutches.
This book is about fears, about facing and conquering them. Though haunting and sad in numerous ways the story sends out ripples of hope and happiness lapping on the shores of a bright future just waiting to be embraced. It's important to remember there is a beautiful life beyond the shackles that bind you and that you have been chosen to live a glorious life.
This is one book that will stay with me for a long time to come.

My prayer for you ... my dear readers!

Abduction - Robin Cook

I have read most of Robin Cook's medical thrillers and was skeptical about this book; "Abduction", a story that has taken a foray into the Parallel Universe, a topic that is far removed from Dr. Cook's medical expertise.
A team of researchers have taken a dive into the Atlantic in their submersible and they find themselves trapped in an underwater volcano. This is their gateway to a world unknown to man as he knows it - a world technologically far advanced and a place that is home to genetically engineered  and physically near perfect humans. This is the land of "milk and honey"! These "first-generation humans", from millions of years ago, had to find a place to live before Earth was wiped clean in a meteoric crash. Ever since they have lived peaceful and fulfilled lives, removed from the plague of violence. Their lives are a secret from the earthlings and the constant monitoring of life on Earth is to ensure their safety in anonymity. The abductions of these "secondary humans" is to prove just that! Will the abductees be able to call this heaven home?

I have heard how time and space exists, and its is only our perception that moves through time and space. A concept that is difficult to get my mind around. You've got to read this book to find out more. It's insanely good and the master of suspense has given the usual unpredictable and nail-biting finish. I was done with the book in a few days, to prove that.

Huh!! What the .... ???

Following is a link to help you understand the concept a bit better. The theory may be too elaborate for a lay person, like me, but I hope this helps a little!
how stuff works - warp speed

The Girl From the Train - Irma Joubert

I was at the library looking for a break from the thrillers I had been reading. So that was a no-no to James Patterson, Michael Connelly, John Grisham, Robin Cook, Sandra Brown or Nora Roberts .. My current favorites. So what then? My eyes happened to fall on "The Girl from the Train". With the current state of affairs in the world today - the war, the economy, the immigrant crisis, this seemed liked the perfect book. So as the story goes ...

It's a rainy morning and I have the perfect book in my hand, hot coffee to go with it too.

It is World War II and Little Gretl Schmidt, all of 6 years, is a survivor. Born and raised a German Jew she managed to escape what would have been a cruel fate at the Auchwitz. But she's paid a heavy price losing her grandmother and her sister in the bargain. Mercifully she is rescued by Jakob, a Polish Catholic, who pities the beautiful child he sees and he takes her under his wing. Three years fly by strengthening the special bond they share. But war is cruel and life is tough and Gretl must flee. By divine providence Jakob decides to send Gretl to South Africa, so she can stand a chance to be adopted by rich, Protestant families looking for German orphans. Being one of the lucky few - Gretl, now christened Grietjie, is blessed with a privileged life and is surrounded with people who love her - a father who adores her, a mother who treasures her, a brother who is a brother and a grandfather who loves her. A loving family, a sound education and a career she adores as a translator is more than one could ask for. But there is something missing - her heart yearns to meet Jakob, after all these years.
Time, distance, language, cultural barriers and faith are the impediments that could keep Gretl and Jakob apart. But will it? A story of courage and determination to fight all odds amidst all conflict.
For a moment here and coming to recent times, I would like to remember the little 3 year old Syrian boy, found washed up the shores of a Turkish beach, dressed in a red shirt and blue shorts .. An image splashed and embedded deep within, never to be forgotten. A lifetime of possibilities and hope lost to this world ...

Just to remember the song and the singer that touched innumerable lives . Here is to a better world - to happy people 👴👵, happy children 💑 and a happier world 🌏.