the higher power of lucky by susan patron
yes. it uses the word scrotum on the first page. it's not graphic. it's not even understood by the character until the last page of the book! so get over it people! totally recommendable. sweet, quirky, and a happy ending! plus, the bonus of all that french thrown in. lovable characters, transparent plot.
water street by patricia reilly giff
historical young adult fiction! cool! i liked the Mallon family - a non-dysfunctional family! huzzah! also, i have a weakness for stories about irish immigrants. it is a mostly character-driven book - nothing much "happens" to the family, and although i liked the Mallon family, i didn't feel drawn into their lives as much as i wished.
Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm
Another Historical young adult fiction book - this time focusing on the prejudice against Italian immigrants trying to make it in America. The mystery surrounding Penny's father's death is what drives the book, and it is sad to hear about the way Italian-Americans were treated during World War II. I love her extended Italian family, and I love the contrast between the grandmothers. (Of course, the Italian one is a great cook!)
Give Me Liberty by L. M. Elliot
Set in Virginia just as the War for Independence is starting, Nathaniel is an indentured servant about to be sold into slavery when an old man rescues him. The old man happens to be a passionate patriot and loves to listen to Patrick Henry and teach his charge music, reading, and 'rithmetic. You get to bump into Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, too. A much more fun read than a history book, but still feels contrived (which the author's afterward cements).
Gossamer by Lois Lowry
Lowry excels at finding a haunting way of telling a seemingly simple story. Ever wondered why you have bad dreams - or good ones for that matter? This story will give you a new perspective. The storyweaving is great, and I only wish the story went on for a bit more. I guess that's part of the appeal - everything is not tied up prettily at the end, but it is not messy, either.
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E. L. Konigsburg
Konigsburg still has it after almost 40 years! I love her stories of young people feeling empowered because they decide being different can be a good thing. Told with her wonderfully quirky style, you'll be singing "God Save the Queen" for a couple days after reading this. The eccentric uncles, although outrageous, are completely believable and Margaret is deliciously self-centered until she finds a greater purpose enter her life.
AND just so you know, I DID read grown-up books, too. One.
The Ladies Auxiliary by Tova Mirvis
A delightful glimpse into an Orthodox community that is put on its head by the coming of a recently converted young, Hippie-ish New Yorker widow. I enjoyed seeing the struggle between Tradition and Action because of Faith. Mostly a book about not judging others and seeing the mote in your own eye, I found a sub-theme to be that you can't expect your children to grow up embracing your faith unless you really live it, not just do the surface things. And even then (as we sadly see) not everything turns out perfectly. Definitely worth reading again.
4 comments:
I'm jealous! That's a lot of books. Hmmm, I think my throat's not feeling so good...
I started reading Higher Power of Lucky to the Romgi on the way up to Grandma's house one Sunday. I was very humorously startled by it, although we didn't end up finishing before the book was due.
The Konigsburg book is also on my list - worth reading?
carrottop: Welcome to commenting! Although all the reading was wonderful, I don't suggest getting sick.
roni: TOTALLY worth it. Especially if you liked The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler.
I picked up The Outcasts book on a whim and adored it, much to my surprise. I think it's much better than the mixed up files. I highly recommend it. =)
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