The Orphan Keeper

Title: The Orphan Keeper

Author: Camron Wright

Pages: 9 discs

Genre: Fiction (A novel based on a true story)

Grade: A-

Synopsis: Chellamuthu is around seven years old when he is abducted from his city in India.  He is sold to an orphanage a few hours away and is put up for adoption while his family desperately searches for any information or clues of his whereabouts. Eventually his is adopted by a couple in Mapleton, Utah, where he learns English, has his name changed to Taj, goes to church, graduates from High School and eventually starts a family.

My Review: I give the book an A+ for the story and a B+ for the writing. That the book is based on a true story makes things all the more incredible.  The coincidences and way that things eventually worked out for Taj/Chellamuthu was amazing and inspiring.

Letters for Emily

Title: Letters for Emily

Author: Camron Wright

Pages: 320

Genre: Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Harry Whitney wasn't ever the best father, husband or even grandfather. He suffered from severe Alzheimer's but luckily had a few hours of sanity most days. During his lucid times, he composed a book of poems that he addressed to his granddaughter Emily. The poems each had hidden passwords in them that led the family to more of Harry's advice and brought them together.

My Review: I generally enjoyed this book. I liked the clues in the poems and the linguistic tricks that were often played. The love story underlying the story was a little hokey, but all-in-all not a terrible read.