Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Fiction - 5 stars

Our February book club selection, Pride and Prejudice, is probably my favorite story of all time. The story is of Elizabeth Bennett, 2nd daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett of the British landed gentry. She is a girl with gumption. In the story, she meets Mr. Darcy, a proud aristocrat who immediately turns her off, and she doesn't mind telling him so. However, she uses such manners and grace in telling him that he is drawn to her spirit despite her dislike and initial refusal of him. As he seeks to win her respect, he in turn makes her fall deeply in love with him. (I know this is a spoiler, but if you don't know the story of P&P, you need to crawl out from under that rock!) Neither of these characters is a pushover, and both have intelligence, integrity, and are incredibly loyal. These characteristics are what make me love them so. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Youth Fiction - 4.5 stars

Another mother/daughter book club selection, Stargirl is the enchanting story of a free-spirited newcomer to a small Arizona high school. Stargirl is told from the point of view of Leo, director of Hot Seat, the school's talk show. Leo becomes the love interest of Star Girl, but her free-spirited ways, at first accepted by the other students, soon become a source of contention between them. To show her love, Stargirl gives up her free-spirited ways and becomes "normal," but her reputation with the other students is beyond repair. She only has one true friend who likes that she is not like everyone else, and is angry when she changes to please Leo.

This sweet story about the price of popularity, the meanness and exclusiveness of high school, and the challenge of first love is probably one of the book club selections that Megan most identifies with. We both loved it. It is a quick read, but so provocative and insightful.

Death Without Company by Craig Johnson

Mystery - 4.5 stars

Book #2 in the Walt Longmire mystery series is just as well-written as the first. In this book, the sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming is investigating the poisoning murder of a Basque woman whose story is so intriguing, Walt can't let it go until he's figured out the puzzle. Including realistic scenes of hand-to-hand fighting, shooting, and even drowning, this book is one I couldn't put down. I recommend it for any mystery fan.  

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine

Youth Fiction - 3 stars

From the author of Ella Enchanted, Fairest is the reworking of the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by the Borthers Grimm (one of my favorite fairy tales).  In the story, Aza is a large orphan girl taken in by innkeepers in the Kingdom of Ayortha, neighbor kingdom to Frell. Aza embarks on a journey that brings her to the castle where she meets the new queen and Prince Ijori. A story of love, self awareness and choosing between right and wrong, Fairest is full of references to the original story. Megan really enjoyed the book, and it is perfect for the tween crowd, especially if they love fantasy/fairy tales. I think the moms in the book club thought it a little too silly. What we do for our daughters!