Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

Youth Fiction - 4 stars

This is a very cute book about a man who lives a somewhat boring life in Stillwater, USA. He is obsessed with Antarctica, and specifically penguins. One day he gets a special gift from a famous explorer, and it starts an incredible adventure. A Newberry Honorary Award winner, Mr. Popper's Penguins is a classic from my childhood. Megan says, "Read this book."

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Youth historical fiction - 5 stars
This is a beautifully drawn and written work of historical fiction for children. Deemed an instant classic, it is good for all ages, but especially the 8-12 set. Selznick writes about Hugo, who lives in a train station in Paris, and he eventually meets Papa Georges, a character based on the real-life Georges Melies, an inventor and silent film maker from the 1930s. At our book club meeting, Susan was kind enough to bring a projector and show some clips of this era. Megan's favorite was George Melies' A Trip to the Moon, thought to be the first science fiction film in history. We highly recommend this book.

Katherine by Anya Seton

Historical Fiction - 4 stars - This is the really complicated love story of the 14th century's Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. These ancestors of the Tudor and Stuart blood lines started out a little rocky, became pretty despicable, and redeemed themselves in the end. I enjoyed the intricate stories, and I can see now why it was a much-documented affair. Ms. Seton was a historical fiction writer from the 1950s, and I must say, she had great talent. Her work is comparable to Philippa Gregory's writing. This makes me want to read her other works.

Living Dead in Dallas, Club Dead, and Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

Fiction - 3.5 stars - Books two, three and four in the Sookie Stackhouse series are pretty similar to book one. The story line is very different from True Blood so few spoilers exist here. I took a break from Katherine to speed through these three shorties. The story line in Club Dead was more interesting than any so far, but they are all pretty simple, fast-paced and fun.

Double Fudge by Judy Blume

Youth Fiction - 4 stars - Megan and I read this for our Mother/Daughter book club last month, and we both really enjoyed it. Lots of humor, some really good dialogue, and scenes that we could totally relate to. Our meeting was great as we did crossword puzzles and word scrambles that were related to the book. Megan loved Fudge's character, and we've already bought Superfudge to read in our spare reading time (because we have so much). Definitely recommend this one.

Frindle by Andrew Clements

Youth Fiction - 4 stars - Megan and I read this for our mother-daughter book club. This is the cutest book! I loved the lesson that it presented. You'll have to read it to find out what that is!

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Fiction - 3.5 stars - The first of the Sookie Stackhouse series, Dead Until Dark is a fast-paced mystery with lots of vampires, sex, and small-town southern culture. If you've seen True Blood on HBO, you know the story line, which kind of follows in the first season. Alan Ball does such a wonderful job creating the show, I'm not sure which I like better. Its a great beach read.

Gertrude and Claudius by John Updike

Historical Fiction - 3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It is the story of the parents of the historical Hamlet, before the setting in Shakespeare's play. Told in three different ways, the story really focuses on Hamlet's mother and her relationships with the elder Hamlet his younger brother Feng (Claudius). I enjoyed Updike's style, and the story was compelling and well-known to me.

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Non-fiction - 5 stars - I grew up with the tv show, a classic for my generation. After reading this book, I only wish I had read these when I was a kid! The story is so revealing about family relationships and the culture of late 1800's pioneer families. Megan and Danny especially liked the stories of the tree that Pa mistook for a bear and the bear that Ma mistook for a cow.

The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters, Volume One by Gordon Dahlquist

Historical Fiction - 3.5 stars - This is a really interesting book. Part sci-fi, part adventure, it is the tale of one woman and two men who attempt to solve a political mystery full of cruelty and intrigue. I really want to pick up the second volume to see what happens. It took a little bit to get into it (and I took a break for Jean Brodie), but for the most part, it was a quick and interesting read.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

Fiction - 3.5 stars - The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is the story of a progressive Scottish school teacher who takes a group of young girls under her wing, makes them an exclusive and judgemental clique, and who eventually is betrayed by one of them. While Muriel Spark paints a good picture of 1930's Scottish education and of a small part of Edinburgh society, her scope in the book is limited to that, much as the scope of Miss Brodie's students was limited to her view. It was a very short, decent book, and I did enjoy reading it. It does, however, depict the somewhat sad existence of spinster school teachers and the lengths they sometimes go to in order to be accepted, and it left me somewhat melancholy.

The Shack by Wm. Paul Young

Fiction - 3 stars This was a provocative, interesting book whick sparked some really interesting conversation in the book club I recently joined. While I don't agree with all of the ideas that the author espouses, it is interesting to see a fresh perspective on why you should not give up your faith just because something bad happens. It's an easy and inspirational read.

The Song of Hannah by Eva Etzonia-Halevy

Fiction - 3.5 stars - This book is an old testament account of the problems with sex, the glories of sex, and the results of lots and lots of sex. You think I'm kidding. Some have joked that it is a "biblical bodice-ripper," but it is a decent account of the time of 11th century Jews. Hannah was the mother of Samuel, one of the Old Testament prophets, and her account is intertwined with that of Pninah, her childhood best friend and her husband's first wife. Their story is set in a time of peace, but as the Jewish people become less vigilant in obeying the Torah, the war with the Philistines comes, a very turbulent and sad time. Hannah and Pninah were female scribes who had many children. I guess the only thing they had to do other than read the Torah was to have lots of sex. :)

The Maul and the Pear Tree by P.D. James and T.A. Critchley

Non-Fiction - 3.5 stars - Really interesting and dry at the same time, this book depicts London murder investigations in 1811, before the establishment of Scotland Yard and a unified police force. The research is thorough, but the detail can be tedious at times. Worth the read if you are interested in the subject and the time.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Fiction - 4 stars - I can see why this book is part of the literary canon, but if I had read it in high school, I would not have caught the subtle depth of the book. It is an interesting portrait of the 1940s, and a very deliberate use of emotional struggle to make the reader sympathize with this disturbed character.

The Remains of an Altar by Phil Rickman

Fiction - 4 stars - This is a really decent book. Written in a very British slang-y style, it is truly for those who have at least limited knowledge of the way Brits speak. It is quite the mystery, and the main character, Merrily Watkins, is a female vicar who investigates paranormal activity within her parish. This book, beyond the actual story, gives a good glimpse into the socio-economic struggles that Brits are dealing with. I really enjoyed it - it's a good read.

eat, pray, love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Non-Fiction - 3 stars - While reviews were mixed about eat, pray, love, I enjoyed it. It was entertaining and pretty informative. Major detractions from the book - 1. The author's dramatic divorce and breakup are a little excessive on the melodrama; 2. Because of the breakups, the author decides to take off for a year to learn Italian in Italy, visit an Ashram in India, and visit a spiritual healer in Indonesia - this makes her a little difficult to relate to as most people cannot travel for a year to find themselves. Otherwise, a good read.

Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough

Non-Fiction - 4 stars - This was a tough read, not because it was dull or bad by any means, but because I'm not sure that I really like Teddy or not. David McCullough paints an excellent picture of Theodore Roosevelt as a child and young man. Definitely worth it.

Prime Suspect series by Linda LaPlante

Fiction - 4.5 stars - These are some great books! If you've ever seen the Prime Suspect series on Masterpiece Theatre, you've seen Helen Mirren as Detective Jane Tennison, the strong, often maligned female detective in the Vice Squad. She struggles with sexism in the workplace while trying to solve murders involving the dregs of humanity.

Lion of Ireland & Pride of Lions by Morgan Llywelyn

Fiction - 3.5 stars - Any fan of Celtic history will like these books. They are decent stories of Brian Boru, who united the tribes of Ireland, and his descendents. The historical aspects are well dramatized, and the personal experiences are described in vivid detail. I really enjoyed them (as did George!) and would recommend them for an easy read.

1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion by Morgan Llywelyn

Fiction - 4 stars - Good historical fiction is my passion, and this book falls into that category. This story revolves around a teenage Titanic suvivor who loses his family in the sinking and returns to Ireland at the brink of the 1916 rebellion. The main characters of the rebellion (like Patrick Pearse) are portayed from this young boy's point of view, and the story develops into Llywelyn's absolute best work.

A Splash of Red by Antonia Fraser

Fiction - 3.5 stars - Another Jemima Shore mystery, this time involving a popular novelist. Lady Antonia Fraser writes a very satisfying book, and while this, like Quiet as a Nun, is not the caliber of her historical biographies, it, too, is very good.

Elizabeth: the Struggle for the Throne by David Starkey

Non-Fiction - 5 stars - Pompous, high-brow, pretentious - all words to describe David Starkey's writing style. That being said, this is a great book! It is the story of Elizabeth's years from birth to coronation, a time most biographies gloss over. It describes her relationship with Mary and Edward, and all of the intrigue surrounding her at all times. Very easy read for historical biography, and I savored every page. Thanks, Michelle!

The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

Historical Fiction - 4.5 stars - Inspector Alan Grant is in the hospital and becomes interested in one of the greatest cases in history, the mystery of Richard III and the princes in the tower. Josephine Tey was a master of historical research and mystery novels, and this is a masterpiece melding of the two.

Quiet as a Nun by Antonia Fraser

Fiction - 3.5 stars - Antonia Fraser, the great historian, has also written some fiction/mystery novels. This is one of them, and it is really decent. Jemima Shore is a TV reporter who helps to solve the murder of an old friend at a convent. It is not quite the quality of her historical biographies, but it is a good story and it is well-written.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Fiction - 3.5 stars - I was talked into buying this one by Jessica (a former employee) and the Borders clerk, both of whom said that it was a revolutionary love story that would touch me deeply. I can say that it didn't. Beyond the music references that any Gen-X pseudo-punk fan would appreciate, the ending was almost anti-climactic. The story was good, but not great. It offered a new time-travel option, and keeping an open mind when reading this is essential. I enjoyed it, but I was not entirely enraptured as I was expecting.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

Fiction - 4 stars - As my mother-in-law says, "That is not Savannah!" However, it's a great story with memorable characters, and it is more intriguing and funnier than the movie (which I also liked). I highly recommend reading this book, even if only for the drag queen and the bulldog stories.

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Fiction - 3 stars - Chocolat is one of my favorite movies, and I really wanted to read the book, but this is one time that I actually prefer the movie. The story from the book is much more elaborate, but Lasse Halstrom just created something in the movie that wasn't there in the book. Also, while I won't give anything away, the plot is slightly different in the book, disappointingly so. I suppose it's worth reading, but I would recommend the movie first.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Fiction - 4.5 stars - This is much different than the movie! There is more detail (of course), Buttercup is very different, Humperdink is very different, the settings are much more elaborate, and I enjoyed it so much, I talked Zachary into reading it as we really enjoy watching the movie. I think he also liked the book better. It is close enough to be familiar, but different enough to add more to the story.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Fiction - 4.5 stars - Darn that Mr. Willoughby! This is a great story, and it is only not on the level of Pride and Prejudice because the female characters are not as strong as Elizabeth Bennett. I do appreciate the humor in this story (as in most Austen books), but it is still not as compelling as I would like. Yet, it is one of my favorite books on the shelf (thanks Jen for the beautiful brown leather copy!).

Emma by Jane Austen

Fiction - 3.5 stars - Not my favorite of the Austen books. Emma is a self-centered, spoiled, meddling busy-body who goes about her business without any thought of others' feelings. The book is well-written, but goes kind of slow. I could have skipped the book after watching the movie, as Gwyneth Paltrow manages to make Emma at least likeable.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Fiction - 5 stars - Elizabeth Bennett is one of the best female characters ever written! The value of this book is so underestimated by modern readers. There would be no Bridget Jones' Diary without this book, and many of our other female characters have similar personalities to Ms. Bennett. Truly one of the greatest love stories of all time.

Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice

Fiction - 5 stars - Not since Interview with the Vampire have I enjoyed Anne Rice's writing so much. This is the story of Jesus as a child when his family returns from Egypt to Nazareth. He learns who he is, but in the process learns about the evils of the world. The pain of this learning process is so vividly described by Anne Rice, the reader hurts with Him. I can't wait to read the next one.

Timeline by Michael Crichton

Fiction - 3.5 stars - A good historical/archaeological-interest story. If you've seen the movie, ignore your opinion of it when reading this. The characters are interesting, the story is compelling, and it is a quick read. I really enjoyed it.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

Fiction - 5 stars - Also one of my all-time favorites, this story is timeless. It is funny, scary, and truly satisfying. I read it every Halloween. The Disney cartoon's not too bad either. I grew up watching the made-for-tv Jeff Goldblum version, and he is the best Ichabod Crane I could ever imagine.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Fiction - 5 stars - I read this during my "getting back to the classics" phase, and I loved it. Of course most people know the story, but actually sitting down and reading it was one of the most satisfying reading experiences of my life. It is truly a "feel-good" story, and it is one of my all-time favorites.

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

Fiction - 5 stars - Truly a classic. This is, in my opinion, Anne Rice's best novel. I could not put it down. The struggles of being immortal, of feeding off of humanity, and of brotherhood are played out fantastically in this book, and Anne Rice's subsequent vampire novels lost that quality.

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Fiction - 5 stars - Sherlock Holmes at his finest. This is a scary, suspenseful tale of murder, but also an easy read that you could finish in a few sittings (or one if you've got some time). I borrowed it from Zachary, and couldn't put it down. If you've never read any Sherlock Holmes mysteries, this one is definitely one to start with.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Fiction - 3.5 stars - This book could have been a 5-star book if the ending had not sped up and then come to a screeching halt. Ms. Kostova leads the reader through a truly suspenseful and eerie journey from England through Eastern Europe in search of vampire kidnappers (including Dracula). Slightly romanticizing the Eastern European culture is this book's main strength - it makes you want to travel there. Unfortunately, the weak ending was a let-down.

American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis

Fiction - 4 stars - This book is disturbing on many levels, but it is the best use of deliberate detail that I have ever read. Everything holds the same weight (the description of the microwave=the description of the woman he's killing). I refused to see the movie as Christian Bale is one of my favorite actors, and I can't see him in this horrific part. It's definitely worth reading if you can stomach it.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Youth Fiction - 5 stars - This is a wonderful book, and even though I've seen both films, I still got more out of the book. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. Although it was written in the '60s, it has some issues relevant to today's parenting. For example, the song that the Oompa Loompas sing about television could have come out of a current article on the debate on kids' watching tv vs. reading. I think it was a motivator for Megan, too.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Fiction - 4 stars - Really good story about the plight of women in Afghanistan. Borrowed from Michelle who says it's better than The Kite Runner. I have yet to read that one, but this was definitely a realistic description of Afghani culture in the 80s through today. It was also an extremely easy read.

The Mistmantle Chronicles (all three in the series) by M.I. Mcallister

Youth Fiction - 4 stars - Seriously, 4 stars. This three-book series is a youth series (Zachary read them right before me), and the story is well-developed and keeps your interest to the end. I really enjoyed them, and I would read another if a fourth book was added to the series. Something about British authors, they know how to write about feudal rodents. Just discovered that the fourth book came out in October. We'll have to read that one soon.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg

Fiction - 5 stars - A true southern classic, Fried Green Tomatoes... gives readers a view of life in southern life from post-WWI through the early 1980s. Very different from the movie, the book details the lives of many characters that the movie omits, and it delves into topics that make the book truly provocative. It also describes the bonds of friendship as vital to the female characters. For me, the book was familiar, and it will be to anyone who has spent any time in the small-town South.

The Velveteen Rabbit by Marjery Williams

Children's Fiction - 5 stars - Probably my favorite children's book, The Velveteen Rabbit is a story about the power of imagination in a time before TV. While the story line will be hard for children to comprehend as major illnesses are not so common any more, it could lead into a good history lesson! I read it to Megan, and seeing her face light up at the end was a beautiful sight.