A Clash of Kings, by George R.R. Martin

Historical Fantasy - 5 stars

The Second in the Song of Fire and Ice series, A Clash of Kings picks up where Game of Thrones left off. Martin continues to develop his characters and keep the reader guessing as to the fate of all in these books. This is a very long, complex story, and I can't say anything else because if you aren't reading the books, you might be watching the show on HBO. I don't want to ruin the next season. It's sufficient to say that I can't wait to read the next one. However, sticking to my promise to myself, I'm going with a classic next.

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!!!

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

Historical Fiction - 3 stars

A stark, somewhat depressing tale of betrayal and relationships in a small northern town in the 1910s, A Reliable Wife is an interesting read. Loosely based on the odd and tragic happenings in a real life  rural Midwestern community near the turn of the century, the somewhat predictable intrigue is still interesting because of the realistic basis. Goolrick does a good job creating complex relationships from relatively simple characters, and weaves a tale that closes out in the end. I would recommend it, but it is not a summer beach read. Save it for the winter.   

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Non-fiction - 3 stars

This is a cute little book written by a pastor from Nebraska whose four-year-old son, after a hospital ordeal with a burst appendix, tells his dad that he met Jesus and other family members in Heaven. Definitely not for the cynic, or those who do not believe in God, this book's message is about the power of prayer and God's love for us. I enjoyed reading it (only took me about 3 hours), and its message definitely left me thinking about my life as a Christian parent. Nothing earth-shattering or mind-blowing, just a sweet story.