I've barely finished one book lately before getting thoroughly engrossed in another. And I have been thoroughly enjoying them all!
I finished last week's The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and watched the movie immediately after. I thought the book and movie each had their own merits, and I enjoyed them both for their own sakes; but they were completely, completely different!
Now on to what I've been reading since...
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
I was reading a frugality blog that I really enjoy last week, and I saw two separate commenters recommend this book very highly. I went straight to my library's website, and it was available for immediate checkout as an ebook. YA isn't a genre that I read a lot of, but this really was excellent and I rate it a very rare (for me) 10 out of 10 points.
Ten-year-old Ada and her 6-year-old brother Jamie escape their abusive mother by being evacuated with other London children during World War II. They are housed by a woman who is grieving her own losses, and together they find healing. It is written in a way that young readers can understand, but it is beautifully written and it hardly crossed my mind that it wasn't necessarily for adults.
Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman
This one fulfilled "a book that takes place over a character's life span" category of the 2017 Reading Challenge. In this case that 'character' is the house itself. It was built shortly before the Revolutionary War by a Cape Cod sailor who only wanted to stay home with his family and farm. The stories of its inhabitants through the years were beautifully told. I could hardly put it down.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter
I picked up this one (and another) at the library today and am almost halfway through it.
One would think I had nothing else to be doing. One would be wrong. I've just been letting everything slide, but I'd better get busy! So many chores to catch up on around the house, not to mention quilt retreat coming up...projects to pack...laundry to wash and pack...food to purchase and prepare...aaaaack!
hi Kath, I read Blackbird House but I have forgotten so I think I will re-read it, Alice Hoffman is one of my very favorites. The others I will put on my list. I like books so much better when someone I know recommends them.
ReplyDeleteShe does put words together in the most beautiful ways!
DeleteI am adding Blackbird House to my list. Read Dewey and LOVED it! Such a sweet story.
ReplyDeleteI waited a long time for it, since it had disappeared from the library and I think they must have eventually reordered it. I thought it was worth the wait. :)
DeleteGreat recommendations! Blackbird House looks fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be reading a lot of books about Cape Cod lately. :)
Delete