Review: Let's Go Swimming on Doomsday

Let's Go Swimming on Doomsday
by Natalie C. Anderson

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: January 15, 2019

LET'S GO SWIMMING ON DOOMSDAY by Natalie C. Anderson is about a sixteen year old named Abdi. His family is kidnapped by the U.S. military in Somalia. The only way to get them back is for Abdi to infiltrate a terrorist group called Al Shabab and pass on information to the U.S. His brother was abducted by Al Shabab when they were growing up so Abdi is hopeful his brother will give him the information needed. But his brother has turned into a believer of the movement. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very relevant in today's society where children soldiers around the world are a real thing. Also the topic of terrorism is so relevant at this time and I believe the author tackled the subject in a truly powerful way. It was a heart wrenching story. I found it quite hard to put down. I liked the plot immensely. There were many plot twists and I couldn't see them coming at all.

Review: City of Saints and Thieves

City of Saints and Thieves
by Natalie C. Anderson

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: January 24, 2017

CITY OF SAINTS AND THIEVES is the action-packed story of Tiny, a refugee from the Congo and a formidable thief. For years, Tiny has been planning to avenge her mother, who was murdered by her lover, but when the opportunity arises, things don't go to plan. Tiny must travel through Africa to discover the real story, accompanied by none other than the murderer's son...who is also Tiny's childhood best friend. This story contains a riveting plot with a good pace and well-developed characters, and is a great new spin on the Ocean's Eleven "thief on a mission" storyline while also addressing several important global issues, such as the refugee crisis and systemic poverty. Overall, a great read.