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!

Cold Dish by Craig Johnson

Mystery - 4.5 stars

George and I got hooked on the Longmire series on A&E this summer, and because we both fell in love with the show, we decided to read the first book in the series. We are both so glad we did as the show is so different from the books. Cold Dish is such a fantastic first novel for Craig Johnson. It introduces Walt Longmire, Sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming, and a supporting cast of characters that will quietly and subtly knock your socks off. Walt's best friend, Henry Standing Bear, is a perfect example. Henry, like Walt, is a Vietnam War veteran. He is not content living too far away from the Cheyenne Reservation on which he grew up, and so he owns the local bar placed just outside the Reservation boundaries. He is a big, tough man whose quiet ways and thoughtful presence make him oh so popular with the ladies. Vic, the deputy from Philly who cusses like a sailor and gives Walt a really hard time, is also an attractive woman and competent forensics investigator. The best aspect of the books is Johnson's humor. I found myself laughing out loud many times at Vic's attitude and at the self-depracating comments that almost always escape Walt's lips. George is on book 5 right now, and has loved them all. I can't wait to start on the second one! However, it may have to wait until I get done with my next Mother-Daughter selection.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Youth Fiction - 5 stars

One of our Mother/Daughter book club selections, Number the Stars is the story of Danes and the Jews in Copenhagen Denmark in 1943. As the Nazis increased their presence in Denmark, rationing and relocation became realities for the people. An underground resistence movement also existed that focused on the protection and removal of Jews from Denmark to Sweden. This book, told from the perspective of 10 year-old Annamarie Johansen, touches on these very real subjects in a way that children can understand but not be truly saddened. It is one of the few holocaust books that I could say that about. I know Megan will enjoy reading this book, and I can't wait for the conversations that will come from it.

Ratking by Michael Dibdin

Fiction - 3.5 stars

This book is the first in the Aurelio Zen series of mysteries. I enjoyed the writing style, as Dibdin wrote in a very vivid and conversational way. The story - the patriarch of the Miletti family is kidnapped and Zen is assigned to invesigate - weaves in and out of the lives of the Miletti's, their closest companions, and Zen himself. Zen lives with his mother and is in a relationship with an American woman. He's been caught up in controversy and assigned to a desk job in Rome. But, in the end he's a cop through and through. I really enjoyed the book and I'm really excited to read the next. However, I will say I enjoy the short-lived BBC series more than I enjoyed the book - mostly because of Rufus Sewell.

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Youth Fiction - 4 stars

This book club selection for the 6th grade crowd was very provocative. Claudia and Jamie, a brother and sister pair, run away from their home in Greenwich and travel to city to hide out for a little while in order to come back "different." Although their journey does not take them far, it is full of mystery and adventure. Written in 1967, the references to prices for items and travel make me yearn for those times, as does reference to a time when two children could travel the streets of New York safely.  I really enjoyed the book, as did Megan, and we can't wait for the next Mother/Daughter book club meeting to discuss it!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Youth Fiction - 5 stars

This is a beautiful story of a porcelain rabbit named Edward Tulane and the adventures that happen to him in his short life. At first, Edward is loved, but he isn't really attached. As the story unfolds, however, Edward encounters love like he's never seen, and he begins to feel for those who love him. When he meets a 100 year-old doll, she explains to him what life is about for dolls (a category into which he refuses to place himself), and he hopes for the first time. This is such a sweet story, but beware. This story will make your children never want to give up another doll!

Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Christian Non-Fiction - 3.5 stars

George and I decided to read this book because the author has successfully counseled Christian couples into more of an understanding of the needs of husbands vs. the needs of wives. It was informative and in many ways provided true life examples from the author's own marriage. Much of the information about behavior was well-known to me, but Dr. Eggerichs gives biblical explanations of the thoughts behind the behavior, and I appreciated the "why" aspect. I am very glad I read this book! 

John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith

(Youth) History - 5 stars

5 stars for a history book? you say. History books are so boring - Wrong! This book is a hilarious look at 5 (yes, 5) of the most influential men in early American history (John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson), as it places the characteristics most remembered about them into their personalities as children. It is targeted for the 6-8 year old crowd, but it is definitely enjoyable for kids of all ages. I laughed out loud when reading about each of them, and when reading the true/false section that sets the record straight in the back of the book. This is the perfect teaching tool for this 4th of July week. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves teaching kid, humor and history.  

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

Historical Fiction - 3.5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! The story of Carrie McLellan, a historical fiction writer who moves to a small village on the eastern Scottish coast, unfolds while she is writing her latest book which features an ancestor who is closer than Carrie knows. With comparisons of Kearsley to Diana Gabaldon (my favorite writer!), it was handed to me by my friend Susan who thought of me when she read it. I can see why, as the historical research and the setting make this book as close to perfect for me as any out there. My only complaint is the lack of detail that Kearsley gives the main character and her main character's appearances. Other than lovely with bright hair, I have no image of Sophia. Nevertheless, I loved the story and the characters. Totally recommend this book to anyone who likes history or Scotland.

The Name Of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch

Youth Fiction - 4 stars

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is the story of Cass, a survivalist with a curious streak, and Max Ernest, a talkative but un-funny young boy with a big heart. In their desire to solve a mystery, they uncover an even larger conspiracy that involves a quest for eternal youth. Because it is filled with humor, intrigue, and imagination, I'd recommend this book to any young reader, or old reader for that matter.

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

Fiction - 3.5 stars

Little Bee is the perfect book club book. The story of a Nigerian immigrant (Little Bee) to the United Kingdom and the woman she searches for and finds (Sarah), the books deals with real issues. For Little Bee and her fellow immigrants, the issues include the reasons for illegal immigration (horrors from the home countries), life in the British detention centers, and the struggle to survive outside the centers and to "belong." For the other characters in the book, issues like adultery, depression, suicide, and making the right choices are just a few of the issues that make this a complex story full of emotion. Cleave does an excellent job of creating these very different characters, yet portraying them and their issues as very similar, which makes them fit together perfectly. I enjoyed it - easy read and interesting subject matter, and I recommend it to anyone wanting a good discussion book.

The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

Youth Fiction - 3.5 stars

The thing I love about good youth fiction is that you can finish the books in a short amount of time. This book was no exception (I finished it in one day, amidst my regular schedule), and it was entertaining to boot! A story about four unlikely "friends," it is also a reflection of the book they're reading in the book club, one of my favorites - Little Women. The realistic portrayal of the meanness of middle school girls was at times a little too close for comfort, but the setting, and the humor throughout made me able to grin and bear it. A must-read for the 6th grader in all of us.

A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

Fiction - 5 stars

The third book in the Game of Thrones series, A Storm of Swords is all that and more. My favorite so far in the series, this novel is full of intrigue, lust, and violence. The characters and their relationships are so real, and the sheer commitment it takes to read this series creates an attachment I have not felt since the Outlander series. I loved this book!!!!!!

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

Biography - 5 stars

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I am posting on the Pulitzer Prize-winning Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. This beautiful tale of the childhood of an American-born child of Irish immigrants (who then return to Ireland to raise their children in Limerick) is a haunting story of unfathomable poverty out of which the author triumphs. I cried when I read this book, as I would reading any true Irish story. It touched me as few books, especially non-fiction, have.

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? by Dr. Seuss

Youth Fiction - 5 stars

In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday...

I absolutely love this book. Much like Oh, The Places You'll Go, this book is a lengthy work of inspirational creative writing. Beyond the inspiration, Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? teaches something very important, perspective. I think this is something kids need in the midst of epidemics of excess and self pity. Nothing brings you out of feeling sorry for yourself faster than thinking of someone who has it worse than you. This book teaches that in a fun way, without the downer that comes with thinking of the starving and destitute ("There are starving kids in Africa that would love to eat that" - ring any bells?)  I highly recommend for the tween and teen crowds, and I've enjoyed it as a reminder into adulthood.

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

Fiction - 2 stars

I gave this book 2 stars only because I am supposed to appreciate it as a work of fine literature. Never before reading this, and not since I read Love in the Time of Cholera have I experienced such a violent dislike of book or a writer. Now, I am not a huge Hemingway fan, but I would read A Farewell to Arms once a week for a year before I would pick up another Faulkner work. If you are a Faulkner fan, I am sorry if I've offended you. However, "No way, Jose - you can't make me" is what I would say if anyone asked me to read Faulkner again. Can you tell I didn't like it?

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Fiction - 5 stars

If you've never read this book, you absolutely are missing one of the best stories ever told. It is the story of Huck Finn and Jim, the runaway slave that he takes with him down the Mississippi. This sequel to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is truly a classic, and I am glad to have read it. 

The Life and Death of a Druid Prince by Anne Ross and Don Robins

Non-fiction - 4 stars
In August, 1984, a body was discovered in a peat bog in Lindow Moss, near Manchester, England. After further study, it was determined that the 2000-year old remains, known as "Lindow Man", belonged to a 30-year-old druid priest,  sacrificed to the gods in 60 A.D. following a series of disasters. Ross, a Celtic specialist and archaeologist, and Robins, a chemist specializing in archaeology, reconstructed the events around the sacrifice, even going so far as to determine his last meal. This book is for anyone interested in Druid beliefs and practices, history, and archaeology.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Fiction - 5 stars

Not for the faint of heart, this 1500+ page (in small print, I might add) tomme is a masterpiece of storytelling if ever there was one. The story of several characters and timelines, some seemingly insignificant, weaves through the book to culminate into a satisfying and epic conclusion. It only took me two years to read it!

By the way, the movie starring Jim Caviezel is a good adaptation, but nothing beats the book.

Giada at Home by Giada de Laurentiis

Non-Fiction/Cooking - 5 stars

I love this cookbook!!! Every single recipe I've made from it has been delicious and addictive. Giada plays with different flavors, and always comes up with a delectable Italian-American treat. My favorite? The Pomegranate Mint Sorbet. To die for on a hot summer day. My only complaint is an obsession with flat-leaf parsley. Not my favorite flavor, but I either omit or substitute with cilantro.

Note: Because I am reading the third book in the Game of Thrones series (A Storm of Swords), and it is around 1,047 pages, I will be posting other types of books for a while. Maybe a long while at the rate I'm reading it. :)

Hubble: Window on the Universe by Giles Sparrow

Non-Fiction - 5 stars

OK, this book gets 5 stars for the pictures alone. This was an early birthday present for Megan from Grandma and Paw paw Gilbert, and she loved it. Over 400 surreal images of planets, galaxies, and other cosmic entities are arranged and described in this large hardback gem. It is amazing what that telescope sends back from the depths of space. As a science buff, Megan was thrilled to have this one to add to her shelf.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond

Non-Fiction/Cooking - 5 stars

This book has been a staple in my house in the last year and a half. Simple recipes, awesome photography, and Ree's humor all lend to this being a great book. While definitely not for the most health-conscious among us, the recipes are not nearly as fat-filled and decadent as, say, Paula Deen's. They're just plain good cookin'. The photography is a bonus!

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin

Fiction - 3.5 stars

This book is just plain good. Set in North Georgia, When Crickets Cry is the story of Reese, a mysterious man who lives on Lake Burton next to his brother-in-law, Charlie, and Annie, a young girl in need of a new heart. Filled with humor, heartbreaking tragedy, and hope, this book was a quick read and had a wonderful message.  Its a true Southern tale by a Jacksonville writer, and I really loved it.

Portobello by Ruth Rendell

Fiction - 3 stars

Just to show everyone that I don't only read children's books, I had to post this. I finished this book just before Christmas, and it was a decent read. It is a character-driven mystery written for people who have some knowledge of British dialect and culture. Complete with an anti-hero, an obsessive compulsive savior-figure, and other complex (if not a little weird) characters, Portobello is the cause and effect story of events happening in the Notting Hill community along the Portobello Road. I loved it because, well, I love anything British.  It is definitely not feel-good, but depicts a snapshot of characters who could really exist. A slice of life piece, if you will, for the suburbanites.

The White Giraffe by Lauren St. John

Youth Fiction - 3.5 stars

Because this is the next book club meeting book, and some folks haven't read it yet, I'll refrain from saying too much. However, this is a wonderful adventure story that both Megan and I really enjoyed. Part tragedy, part mystical adventure, part story of unlikely friendship, it is the story of Martine, a young girl who moves from London after the death of her parents to South Africa. There she has dangerous and wonderful adventures, and learns of a family legacy that she never dreamed she had. The only complaint Megan had was that she never could picture what Martine looked like. I'll have to agree that the detailed descriptions of main characters were missing (reason for the 3.5 stars), but it was a lovely story altogether.

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Youth Fiction - 5 stars

I am so glad that our book club picked this book. It was the most profound children's book I think I've ever read. In this Newberry Medal winner, Elijah is the first child born in a freed former slave community of Buxton, near Toronto. In the book, a short history of the community is presented, but more importantly at the forefront is a realistic view of how African Americans of the time viewed slavery and its legacy attitudes. Megan and I both loved the book, and its provocative content provided many discussion topics. I highly recommend this book to anyone.