More Good Books

Over the past year I’ve read three very different books where the past converges with the present to a very satisfying conclusion.  Each takes place in a totally different time period in history, yet all manage to weave intrigue, drama, and suspense into their tales. All three  involve a diary. All of them are highly recommended.

1. THE SHERLOCKIAN by Graham Moore blends the Victorian London of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (writer of Sherlock Holmes) with the modern day Baker Street Irregulars to solve a mystery.

2.REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelley is a YA that takes place in modern day Brooklyn where Andi Alpers reluctantly accompanies her father to Paris where she discovers the diary of Alexandrine Paradis, a heroine who  lived during the French revolution. When Andi retraces the steps of Alex into the catacombs of Paris, the past becomes the present in a terrifying, spellbinding tale.

3. THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE by Katherine Howe melds present day Cambridge Massachusetts with seventeenth century Salem during the infamous with trials.as the heroine tries to unlock the mystery of her ancestor and a missing book. But there is someone who wants the book even more and will do anything to stop her. This page-turner left me wishing the story would never end.

Any lover of historical fiction, mysteries, and just plain old fashioned story telling will love these tales of past and present.

Good Read

I just finished the MG Historical, ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWAN by Karen Cushman.  She’s the author who won the Newbery Medal for THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. Karen has a unique way of bringing history to life with marvelous details and unforgettable characters. She always reminds me of why I love this genre so much. If you haven’t read her books, you’re missing a real treat.

Wonderful Books For Middle Grade and Beyond

I have been reading some terrific YA and MG books these last few months and wanted to pass them along. Some are classics, others new. Here goes: 1.THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE by Jacqueline Kelly is an historical MG set at the turn of the 20th century. 2. KIRA KIRA BY Cynthia Kadohata takes place during post WWII when Japanese Americans are still struggling to find acceptance in their own country. 3. LIFE OF PI by Yann Martell. This is an adult book that was written a few years ago, but I think a YA audience would also enjoy it. The humor and voice of it is unlike anything I’ve read recently. If you liked WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, I think you’d like this story. 4. MOON OVER MANIFEST by Clare Vanderpool won the 2010 Newbery Medal and rightly so. It is a wonderful historical novel about a young girl named Abilene sent to live with relatives in 1936 Kansas. 5. THE BOY FROM THE BASEMENT by Susan Shaw tells the story of a 12 year old boy held captive in the basement by his father. It is NOT a depressing tale, rather one of hope, humor and life-affirmation.

I hope you enjoy these treasures.

GREAT READS

I’ve recently read some wonderful books for children and adults I’d like to share with you.   Here’s the short list:
1. In the Land of Second Chances - George Sheffner (perfect feel good kind of novel)

2. 8th Grade Super Zero- Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovitch ( this is a Middle Grade novel perfect for your “tween” child. www.olugbemisola.com

3. Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? -Audrey Vernick (This picture book will delight young and old as it answers the question of what to expect in Kindergarten) www.audreyvernick.com

4. Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand (The true, and inspiring story of 1936 Olympic Runner Louis Zamperini who never got to break the 4 minute mile because of WWII. His war experiences as a gunner and POW survivor are unbelievable reading). www.unbroken – book.com

5. The Room  –  Emma Donoghue  (This is told from the POV of a 4 year old boy and is a suspenseful , touching story.)