Oh, friends. I read some of the most excellent books, mostly courtesy of my public library. Want to hear? Well, of course you do. Here you go, with pictures all courtesy of Amazon, because it’s so, so easy: 
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley: If you’re looking for a witty British 11-year-old scientist who will either solve your mysteries or poison you in your sleep, look no farther than Miss Flavia de Luce. Loved it.
Countdown by Deborah Wiles: I think this is the first of Wiles’s books I’ve read that didn’t make me do the ugly cry. This is a wonderful family story about the Cuban Missile Crisis, of all things. I wonder how over-the-heads of my Kids it might be, as I am no good at discussing things like McCarthyism and such… but there is probably enough pop culture to hold any kid’s imagination. This is almost a graphic novel, with images from 60s advertisements, “duck and cover” propaganda, and photos of the Kennedy family. If you have a kid hovering on the brink of “recent historical fiction” urges, throw this one on.
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith: Where, oh where have I been all my life? If you have not read this book, and you possess any sort of glimmer of romance in your soul, read it. Go. Now. You will want to start writing with a pen in your own personal invented shorthand, in a series of progressively more awesome notebooks. I bought it (the book, not the notebook) as soon as I finished reading. Call me if you want to borrow my copy.[1]
True (…sort of) by Katherine Hannigan: Did you read Ida B? This feels similar, mainly because of the cover, and the rural aspect, and the adorability. Delly. Oh, Delly. She knows she’s so bad, but her heart is so big. There is a very delicate dance around an abused child — probably a good introduction to a tender-hearted kid. Nothing graphic, but frightening enough to “get” the reality. Happy ending. (*whew*)
Unwind by Neal Shusterman: My favorite scary book. In the future US, after the second Civil War, abortion is outlawed, but as a concession to the pro-choice factions, there’s this: Parents can have a child aged 13-18 “unwound” — a scientifically perfect transplant technology, where 99.44% of the unwound person is recycled and reused in other people. From skin grafts to brain transplants and everything in between. I have shiver-arms just thinking about how much this book creeps me out. In the best way. This is a re-read, because I had to buy this one a couple of years ago as soon as I read it.
Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr: This is a re-read, too. I love this book. And Ms. Zarr generously gave me this copy when I commented on one of her brilliant blog posts (I do so like her blog). Sam’s questions way outweigh any answers she’s gotten lately when her life starts to fall apart in this exploration of doubt and faith. I think what I love best about this book is that it is hopeful and faith-filled without being a perfect package — everyone still has problems in the end, but you feel like they’re probably going to be all right. It’s just not cheesy, you get me?
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And you? Read anything great lately?
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[1]Only, not if you’re a stranger. That would be creepy.
(5) Comments for this blog
I’ve been doing so much reading lately that I probably need to do my own post. All right, I must make the acquaintance of Flavia de Luce.
I just read the first Suite Scarlett book by Maureen Johnson. It’s very much like a modern day I Capture the Castle (which book I love, btw).
And I’m sad to report that I tried to read How to Ditch Your Fairy and I just could not get my arms around it. I wanted to love it because you loved it, but that book and I did not fall in love.
Neal Shusterman lives in my town and my critique partner is his critique partner in another group. That’s a just-because fact.
Books I read in June:
The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman which Melanie told me to read and I liked well enough but maybe not as much as her.
Harry Potter: The Sorcerer’s Stone which my 8 year old wanted me to read to her because she didn’t read it when she was 5 1/2 like my now 10 year old did. A fact that does not bother my 8 year old because she can do cartwheels and her big sister can’t.
half of The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon which is very very long and I didn’t think I would like, but do, and I just may finish the last 500 pages in time for next Thursday’s book club.
The only book I read was Being Sixteen, for the fifth time. I really need to get to the library soon.
Thanks for the recommends! I’m excited to try out a few of these 🙂
Becca, I love your blog. Considering entering the blogging world myself… Books I’ve read in June: “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett (very good). “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski (great). “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” read aloud to my 6-year-old (awesome, obviously). “Hadassah, One Night with the King” by Tommy Tenney (eh). “What the Scriptures Teach us about Raising a Child” by Michael Wilcox (hmmm). “Keys to the Dragon Prison” by Brandon Mull. Final installment of the Fablehaven series, which you know is great fun and may be wondering why in the world I put it off this long. (I have no idea!) Just started the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson because a couple of people I love keep telling me to read it. Next on my list is “I Capture the Castle” thanks to your little list here. 🙂