Here's the thing.

I think about books. A lot. My mind is constantly whirling with story ideas that aren't really my own because all the books I've read become absorbed into my person. I think that's weird.

But that's not even what I have to say. I have an issue with books that have a brilliant title and then a not-as-brilliant plot. I just saw a title on Amazon and thought, "Ooh, baby. I want to read that like RIGHT NOW." And then I read the synopsis and found out that the novel is set in Ohio. And nothing happens in the book. I won't be reading it.

And, I received a book in the mail to review which has a scintillating title (Priests In the Attic) and it isn't at all what I expected. It was very self-serving, and in my English teacher brain, very poorly constructed.

So, if you're going to have a good title, make sure the book is good. Or else you just wasted a good title.

That is all.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

 

(Isn't the cover SO great?)

Favorite quote: "do you really understand what it means to be in love with an unsuitable woman?" "is there really any other kind?"

This is an absolutely gorgeous book...It came to me in a bit of luck, one of the Buy 2, Get 1 Free books at B&N. And, wow, I couldn't have been happier with my free book. The writing is philosophical but lovely, the characters are just SO well-crafted I kept waiting for them to come over for afternoon tea, and the storyline is slow in a wonderful way. I wa...moreFavorite quote: "do you really understand what it means to be in love with an unsuitable woman?" "is there really any other kind?"

This is an absolutely gorgeous book...It came to me in a bit of luck, one of the Buy 2, Get 1 Free books at B&N. And, wow, I couldn't have been happier with my free book. The writing is philosophical but lovely, the characters are just SO well-crafted I kept waiting for them to come over for afternoon tea, and the storyline is slow in a wonderful way. I was very surprised by how many times I was moved to the point of underlining, which I don't typically do in novels about people my mom and dad's age. :) This book is truthful and generous in its descriptions of how to age well.

I will definitely be recommending this to my smart friends. :)

Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

While I don't generally fall all over myself for YA lit, this book was touching and human and delightful. It may have been so influential because there is an English teacher and a 7th grader and Shakespeare...It spoke to me. I loved Mrs. Baker becoming a human in Holling's eyes as he learned life lessons from Shakespeare. I despised Mr. Hoodhood and was sick over the bigotry (not to mention the bad parenting) he exemplified. I loved how dramatic Holling is because isn't that just 7th grade? I would suggest this throwback novel to anyone who loves teenage interpretations of life.

See pickwickreaders.blogspot.com for more details/reviews of this book.