I loved so many things about this novel. It quickly returned me to the joy of reading that the pandemic had stolen from me. The characters, the transpI loved so many things about this novel. It quickly returned me to the joy of reading that the pandemic had stolen from me. The characters, the transporting magic of the author’s words, and the story were all excellent. I gave it a 4 plus rating because the ending was a little disappointing, but endings are hard....more
I read an ARC of THE REDEEMER by Victoria Goldman in just two days! It’s an intriguing, suspenseful, and, unfortunately, timely crime novel that uncovI read an ARC of THE REDEEMER by Victoria Goldman in just two days! It’s an intriguing, suspenseful, and, unfortunately, timely crime novel that uncovers mysterious plaques, hate speech, and religious persecution in a small English town. It’s full of twists and turns and red herrings that will keep you guessing. Goldman’s debut novel will be available in a few short months....more
This memoir is a page turner and a must-read. Manley is a true survivor of poverty and hardship, and her determination to succeed has been rewarded maThis memoir is a page turner and a must-read. Manley is a true survivor of poverty and hardship, and her determination to succeed has been rewarded many times over. Her father, who lost his leg in a train accident when he was sixteen, managed to keep his children together and put food on the table. It is humbling and inspiring to read about how five-year-old Kathy and her father gathered left-over coal, blackberries, scrap iron, and sold pencils in front of a dime store in Logan, West Virginia. Their adventures in a beat-up truck called the Blue Goose will transport you and make you love her father’s ingenuity and his unfailing love for his children....more
From the unique cover to the first chapter where I read "I'm here to visit Mot, a new and unlikely friend who wanders from place to place dragging a cFrom the unique cover to the first chapter where I read "I'm here to visit Mot, a new and unlikely friend who wanders from place to place dragging a coterie of dead relatives, celebrities, Polish folktale villains, and Old Testament gods along with him in his head," I knew that I would finish this book. In fact, it's the best book that I've read this year. It's an intimate, captivating, and compassionate story of a homeless veteran and a brave woman who tries to help him....more
This wonderful contemporary story is about a troubled young teen named Johnda and how she befriends a mud-covered and abandoned mare she names Mud MarThis wonderful contemporary story is about a troubled young teen named Johnda and how she befriends a mud-covered and abandoned mare she names Mud Mare. It's great reading for teens who need inspiration to begin anew. Johnda's path is not an easy one, though. She is an only child raised by a struggling single mother and is bitter about her father who left them. St. Clair captures the sometimes sully and rebellious, yet loving and giving spirit of Johnda. You will meet fascinating and well-drawn characters along the way like Mrs.Lily, an elderly neighbor who is a "cat lady," and Tattoo, a widower who lost his wife to cancer. Like a million other children, I dreamed of owning a horse one day. This novel recaptures that dream, and you will find yourself routing for Johnda every step of the way. All the details about the care, feeding, and riding of horses are authentic and realistic. It is clear that St. Clair has been a horse lover all her life. I highly recommend this novel for young teens and librarians who need to keep a good stock of well-written novels about horses and determined teens on hand....more
This inviting collection reveals Chavez's bi-cultural coming of age in California. In her vivid and lucid poems, she lets us watch her "Constructing CThis inviting collection reveals Chavez's bi-cultural coming of age in California. In her vivid and lucid poems, she lets us watch her "Constructing Childhood" with a searing wisdom. I will reread this book....more
I just finished Poetry Will Save Your Life by Jill Bialosky. It's a captivating memoir that features poems like a personal playlist to her life. Powe I just finished Poetry Will Save Your Life by Jill Bialosky. It's a captivating memoir that features poems like a personal playlist to her life. Powerful and honest and lucid....more
If you love historical fiction, Corrib Red is for you. It's set in Ireland during the 1880s, and the story is told in the first person by teenager GraIf you love historical fiction, Corrib Red is for you. It's set in Ireland during the 1880s, and the story is told in the first person by teenager Grace O'Donovan, the younger sister of Deirdre who has returned from her studies abroad in Switzerland. I enjoyed the opening of the story as Grace awaits Deirdre's arrival on the Dublin train. The station is complete with musicians and a cheering crowd to welcome home two Irish heroes: Charles Parnell and Michael Davitt. A quiet and sullen Deirdre, though, finally emerges from the train. Her life has changed drastically since Grace saw her last. From this point, a suspenseful story of secrets, romance, star-crossed lovers, intrigue, and tragedy begins to unfold for both of the beautiful O'Donovan sisters. Corrib Red is the second novel in Patricia Hopper's series that began with Kilpara, but both can stand alone. I know that this novel will be enjoyed by readers of all ages, but it would be especially appealing to Young Adults....more
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