Review: The Mine
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 15, 2013
The Mine is unlike any book I have ever read.  Initially, I wasn't sure what I would think about a book where the main character travels back in time to 1941.  I had never read any book that involved time travel and I usually don't consider reading anything that doesn't take place in the present time.  However, after reading the synopsis, I was intrigued and decided I would give it a try because what did I have to lose, right?  I'm so glad I gave The Mine a chance because it far bypassed all my expectations.  I never thought I would enjoy reading a book that for the majority of the time took place in the 1940′s before WWII.  Except, I loved how it actually opened my mind up to what it would be like for people who were living in that time period.  I guess I never gave much thought to what it would have been like to have people you loved be forced to put their lives on hold because they were drafted to go to the Army for a war that would end up happening.This book had many things I liked about it.  First of all, it was beautifully written with a sweet and old-fashioned romance that I found refreshing.  I also loved the characters.  The Carter family, who took Joel in when he got to Seattle, were so nice and kind and they really opened their home to a stranger in weird clothes and a cowboy hat.  They suspected there were secrets he wasn't telling them but that didn't stop them from welcoming him into the family.  I loved the relationship he had with the friends he made.  They all welcomed him into their group almost instantly.Because the majority of this book took place pre WWII there were parts that were emotional and heartbreaking. The Mine was able to make me stop and question what I would have done in a situation like his, it made me laugh, it literally had me in tears at one point, but most of all this book made me happy.  There were so many parts of this book that made it great, but my favorite was definitely the ending.  I don't think there could have been a more perfect way to end this book.I would recommend this book to anyone.  Even if you're like me and don't know if time travel to the 1940′s would be something you'd typically be interested in then I would still suggest you give The Mine a try.  It is definitely worth reading!