I decided not to tell you about books that I really hated. Because we’re all about the love here. And why on earth did I spend 10 days slogging through a not-well-written YA fantasy, anyway? Should you be blamed for my idiocy? I think not. On to the good ones.
Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt. Re-read. Oh, how I love this one. I’ve sighed a number of sighs over the beauty of the prose, the wit, the tenderness. If you haven’t tried this one, give yourself a gift, I think.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. Again, re-read, out loud to the Kids 3 and 4. For at least the 10th time. I love Kate DiC, because she is brilliant and diverse. This is my favorite of her books, due partly to the divine illustrations by Timothy Basil Ering. If you haven’t read the book but someone dragged you to see the film of the same name, scrub the images from your brain and read this. Reader, trust me. It is so, so good.
The Card Turner by Louis Sachar. It’s about bridge. The card game. Also family issues, best-friend trauma, ghosts, canned peas, and a mysterious girl. I love Louis Sachar, and have ever since my first introduction to Wayside School my second year in college, when my little brother J was reading to me in the car on our way to southern California, and I almost wet myself with giggles. And then I loved him even more with Holes. And Marvin Redpost. He’s just great, okay? Great enough to attempt to write a gripping book about playing bridge.
Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill. It’s a novel in verse about the Salem witch trials, which is fascinating material to me – this one narrated by several of the “real” characters from the trials – the girls who “saw” the witches dancing with the devil and such. Good writing.
The Gospel According to Matthew. The one from the Bible. What can I say, I recommend it. I’m working my way through the gospels as a side project. I’m only slightly ashamed that there’s much more on the fiction side than on the biblical side.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. Re-read, out loud to all the Kids. And Husband, when he was around. My kids thought it was a little slow, but since I’ve read it, I could convince them that the tie-ins were well worth the calm, lyrical Chinese style. This is a MG historical fantasy that may defy my ability to describe it, but it is sublime. Also, Grace Lin illustrated it – and shall we discuss the stunning illustrations? Maybe after you’ve read it yourself? Oh, yes. Let’s.
Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George. Retelling of Cinderella, through the perspective of one of the Twelve Dancing Princesses (who was a star, I’m guessing, of Princess of the Midnight Ball, which I have not read). This was great. Smart and flawed characters, wit and dialog that make me proud to read books. It was a delightful couple of afternoons in the sun spot – a nice way to remember February.
There you have the list – of what was finished and worth discussing. Stay tuned for next month’s list, which will include some great stuff that I’m already into. Woo-hoo.
(16) Comments for this blog
Cool! I’ve read some of these, but I’m looking forward to enjoying the rest!
Cool! I’ve read some of these, but I’m looking forward to enjoying the rest!
Ooo…looks like I have some new titles to add to my To Be Read list.
Ooo…looks like I have some new titles to add to my To Be Read list.
I am definitely adding a few of those to my “to read” pile. I think it is great that you are reading the bible at all. I can attest that it can be hard to wade through in some points. I made a goal to read the entire bible, cover to cover a year or so ago and I am about halfway through the old testament. It can be some hard work.
I am definitely adding a few of those to my “to read” pile. I think it is great that you are reading the bible at all. I can attest that it can be hard to wade through in some points. I made a goal to read the entire bible, cover to cover a year or so ago and I am about halfway through the old testament. It can be some hard work.
I’m eager, maybe unwilling to be patient. I’d like a Wilkie Collins title recommendation; I’m all about revisiting old prejudices.
I’m eager, maybe unwilling to be patient. I’d like a Wilkie Collins title recommendation; I’m all about revisiting old prejudices.
I love Louis Sachar, too. So much fun to read his stuff. Now I’m really curious about the Grace Lin book.
I love Louis Sachar, too. So much fun to read his stuff. Now I’m really curious about the Grace Lin book.
I love your list! (I say that a lot, but I really do!) There’s some I haven’t read that I should check out!
I love your list! (I say that a lot, but I really do!) There’s some I haven’t read that I should check out!
You are so darn bee-U-tiful!
You are so darn bee-U-tiful!
I’m going to have to read that first one. That’s a pretty hefty recommendation from you that I can’t resist.
I’m going to have to read that first one. That’s a pretty hefty recommendation from you that I can’t resist.