Barkings from a Beagle

Barkings From A Beagle is a weekly feature to recommend/spotlight a book, new or old. Since I already spotlight Toby in my IMM posts, I figured I could incorporate him into this as well. Basically, Toby and I just tell you guys about a book and why I loved it, as well as provide links to buy it from the main booksellers.

This week's pick is a YA title that I couldn't wait to get my hands on and definitely wasn't disappointed though since I have been blogging, I haven't seen it show up on my blogs though it was published in Feb 2009 which could be part of why. Regardless....

Toby Barks: Read Alis by Naomi Rich.


Summary: At 14, Alis has never been outside her strict religious community. But when her parents arrange for her to marry a 40-year-old man, she desperately flees to the dangerous, unfamiliar city. She learns quickly that the only way to survive there is to become a thief--or worse.

My thoughts:

This book had many surprising events and a pretty unique story line. Alis most definitely pulled me in and often times, I had little trouble envisioning the world created. I found myself both loving and hating her family, despising them for how they treat her but knowing it was their lifestyle. This book puts a nice spin on the strict religious community type of scenario.

Now Toby Barks: Buy it!
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