The Land Uncharted by Keely Brooke Keith

The Land Uncharted by Keely Brook Keith

Lydia Colburn is a young physician dedicated to serving her village in the Land, an undetectable island in the South Atlantic Ocean. When Lt. Connor Bradshaw’s parachute carries him from the world war to Lydia's hidden land, his mission could expose her simple society. As Connor searches for a way to return to his squadron, his fascination with life in the Land makes him protective of Lydia and her peaceful homeland, and Lydia’s attraction to Connor stirs desires she never anticipated. But will they be able to keep the Land hidden?(goodreads.com)

In attendance: Joy, Jamie, Cortney, Moana, Amalie and welcome to Lauren Snow!

We got together at Joy's home. This book was available for download online and not at the Hawaii Public Library. Those who chose to read it found it on Amazon or using their Kindle store.

Usually we like to find a book with a reader's guide or discussion questions. There were none available online so this time we tried our best to make our own questions. Here's a sample from our discussion:

• The author suggests that "The Land Uncharted" was an "unusual mix of science fiction, historical fiction, and romance." Do you feel this is a good description? What would you change or add to the description?
• Connor Bradshaw became the first person to arrive to "The Land" since the colonists' arrival. What did he do -or- what actions did he take to become accepted by the Colburn family and the community?
• "The Land Uncharted" is a place where seemingly time has stopped. Modern conveniences haven't been invented. What would it be like to have the knowledge of modern conveniences and no longer have them? Would you try to possibly improve the lives of those around you or make the most of what is offered from the time of mid-1850s America?
• "The Land Uncharted" may have had a satisfying ending for some. There are sequels. Would you read a continuation of this book? What direction would you like the story to take? Who should the next book be about?

Then everyone was asked to rate the book based on a stand alone novel and not part of a series. The ratings were varied. We all thought this was the bones for a really great story.  (***possible spoiler***) And we all wanted more conflict and resolution with the outside world. No closure or resolution came for Connor, (or his bewildered co-pilot) or with all he could be reunited with in the modern age.(***end of spoiler***)

Because of the book's main focus being the ins-and-outs of this new unheard of community, it was aptly titled: The Land Uncharted.
Here's a link to carry forward to book 2: Uncharted Redemption

The book for next month, May 24th Book Club:
Ready Player One by Earnest Cline suggested by Amalei.

In the year 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the  OASIS. Wade's devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win—and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape(goodreads.com).

 
Our June Book is The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker suggested by Cortney

 A poignant and inspirational love story set in Burma, The Art of Hearing Heartbeats spans the decades between the 1950s and the present.  When a successful New York lawyer suddenly disappears without a trace, neither his wife nor his daughter Julia has any idea where he might be…until they find a love letter he wrote many years ago, to a Burmese woman they have never heard of. Intent on solving the mystery and coming to terms with her father’s past, Julia decides to travel to the village where the woman lived. There she uncovers a tale of unimaginable hardship, resilience, and passion that will reaffirm the reader’s belief in the power of love to move mountains(goodreads.com).

Other books we talked about tonight:
Kat mentioned The Last Girl by Joe Hart  and A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid
Moana mentioned Stung by Bethany Wiggins
Joy mentioned Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Lauren mentioned her favorite classic authors are Jane Austin, and the Bronte Sisters. She also recommended The Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd