A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle



Youth Fiction - 5 stars

The ulltimate starter book for science fiction fans, A Wrinkle in Time chronicles the adventures of Meg, Charles Wallace, and Cal in their quest to find Meg's father who has disappeared into another dimension. I won't give too much away, but let's just say that this is one of George's favorite children's books, and now Megan's favorite. I loved reading it because the issues Ms. L'Engle presents are very adult issues, but because of the way that she writes them into the book, children can understand a bit of them. They even take their own perspective into account, and the issue changes into something that the individual reader can relate to. AWESOME!!!

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Youth Fiction - 4 stars

I love this book. I finished it on our trip to Austin, and it was just really enjoyable and very provocative. It is the story of Lina, a 12-year-old girl who lives in Ember and has been given her first job assignment after school has ended. This sci-fi tale of adventure and friendship is a good read for upper elementary to middle schoolers (although I think adults will enjoy it more as a commentary on society). I can't wait for Megan to finish it so we can discuss!

An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon

Historical Fiction - 4.5 stars

This book is a beast. At 800+ pages, it is not my favorite of the Outlander series, but it is still a great read. The middle drags a bit, and you only get glimpses of the greatness that is Jamie and Claire. Gabaldon does develop other characters, like Young Ian and William, and introduces some new "friends. " My only regret is that it takes her 3 years to write, and I have to wait that long to resolve the cliffhangers.

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 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.

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 Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

Those who know me best know that this is the series to which I compare all other books. Jamie and Claire are the ultimate couple in the ultimate story. I have read them over and over and never get tired of them. I could go on and on about them, but I will spare you. Read them and you'll see for yourself.