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.