Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

Written by Elizabeth Strout, this book won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Well deserved!

Olive Kitteridge is a "novel in stories" -- a collection of 13 linked stories about a prickly retired school teacher. Set in a Maine coastal town, the stories allow us to follow Olive Kitteridge through a variety of common life experiences. Mrs. Kitteridge had been a junior high math teacher who scared her students by her gruffness and no-nonsense approach to life. Age has not mellowed her. In her own words, Olive "didn't like to be alone. Even more, she didn't like being with people." She's conflicted about people in her life. Yet, as we read these stories, we're reminded of our own lives: the gossip, the kindnesses, the tragedies...especially in the small-town interactions. In the end of the story, we realize Olive is not bitter, but has both gratitude and regret. "It baffled her, the world. She didn't want to leave it yet."

In spite of her prickliness, I grew to really like Olive, and I wanted her to do well in her relationships with the world around her. My guess is you will also find yourself (or your experiences) in bits and pieces of these stories -- enjoy!

ARC's read lately...

I've been on a tear lately reading ARC's (advance reading copies) that I picked up from the TLA conference in April here is a list of what I've read lately along with a short synopsis:

The Blue Shoe by...?

I left this one at the office and can't get it to pull up on the web. I know Mary GrandPre is the illustrator (hello, HP made her famous too!). Anyway, it's a story about a cobbler who makes a fantastic, magical shoe for a mysterious customer who never comes to claim the shoe. Meanwhile, the boy who becomes his apprentice is caught being a thief and sentenced to prison on a faraway mountain that no one ever returns from. Can the boy come back from prison while freeing his father and the other people who are there? Comes out in October 2009


Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor http://us.macmillan.com/killerpizza

A nice cryptid story about zombies...refreshing since all the rave right now is vampires. The main character, Toby, gets a summer job at the new pizza place in town, Killer Pizza, where pies like the Monstrosity and the Frankensausage are on the menu. However, he may have bitten off more than he can chew in this summer job because it turns out he and his co-workers are being secretly recruited for a monster hunting organization! Can Toby and his friends kill the monsters and keep them from taking over the town? Great story for middle age kids and open for sequels! Came out in May 2009


The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan http://www.carrieryan.com/index2.php

I got a chapter preview of this at TLA and LOVED it! Later, in a book donation from a college professor of library science, I got hold of the entire ARC! Here is what it says on the back: "In Mary's world, there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. Now she must chose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?" A little post-apocalyptic, coming of age, zombie-ish type novel. I really liked it. Came out in April 2009


evermore by Alyson Noel
http://alysonnoel.com/IMMORTALS/index_immortals.php

The first book in The Immortals series (hmm...I think I have a theme going on here...) stars 16 year old Ever, who after a horrible car accident that killed her whole family, "can see peoples auras, hear their thoughts, and know someones entire life story by touching them." Going out of her way to avoid people, she is branded a freak at her new, sunny, California high school where she moves to live with her aunt. But all of that changes when she meets Damen. "Damen is gorgeous, exotic, and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head - wielding a magic so intense it's like he can peer straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. And she has no idea just who he really is -- or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is that she is falling deeply and helplessly in love with him." A lovely vampire story that seems to share some similar elements with the True Blood/Sookie Stackhouse stories. A quick, easy, spellbinding read. Came out in February 2009...the sequel blue moon comes out July 2009

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
http://www.dianapeterfreund.com/books/unicorns/rampant/

Lions, and tigers, and unicorns? Oh my!
From the back: "Forget everything you ever knew about unicorns...Real unicorns are man-eating beasts with cloven hooves, bulletproof hides, and horns full of deadly poison. They can outrun a sports car and smell human prey from a mile away. And they can only be killed by virgin warriors descended from Alexander the Great. Fortunately, they have been extinct for more than a hundred years. Or not. And it is up to sixteen-year-old Astrid Llewelyn to hunt them down." Our heroine Astrid comes from a long line of hunters and when her boyfriend is speared by one her mom ships her off to unicorn hunter boot camp where she meets up with other girls like her. Apparently, hunters attract unicorns, but it's up to Astrid and her unicorn hunting friends to figure out why they have been chosen as hunters and what to do to kill a unicorn before it is too late. The only thing I don't like about this book is the title...I think it doesn't match the story really, definitely leaves it open for sequels at the end. Comes out in August 2009 (ARC says May but according to website release has been pushed back)

The Witch of Cologne

Rich in historical details set in 17th century Germany, this novel does an excellent job of illustrating political, religious (Jewish & Catholic), and societal issues of the period.

Ruth is the daughter of the local rabbi who also happens to be a trained midwife. Despite the fact that she is only 23, she's gained the reputation of being the best and so she finds herself called on by the Catholic population. Add a Catholic Canon who falls in love with Ruth and a Spanish inquisitor to the plot and you have a wonderfully entertaining (not to mention a tad educational) story.

Despited the titillating cover (which gives it more of an S & M appearance in my opinion, than a historical appearance! lol), I recommend this as a good satisfying read!

The Historian

I'm not especially intrigued with all the YA vampire-themed novels/series that are popular right now, however, this book is so filled with intriguing historical details and characters that they overshadow the supernatural aspects. For anyone who has traveled Europe--especially eastern Europe--I think you'd find this an especially interesting read.

Somehow I wasn't "in the loop" last summer when Lisa, Natalie, and Kari read this. I picked this up for $1.00 at Half-Price Books...great read...highly recommend it.

A Can of Peas by Traci DePree

How do newly weds learn to support each others' dreams, find a shared sense of place, and learn toward common goals? After his grandfather dies, Peter and Mae Morgan decide to change their life by managing the family farm near the tiny Lake Emily, Minnesota. How hard can it be to milk a heard of cows or to raise hay, corn, peas (yes, peas!), and chickens? Peter and Mae initially think it'll be a quiet, simple existence after living in the city, but the stress of long hours in the field, the rigors of the milking parlor, and their inability to control weather or milk prices -- it all taxes their young optimism and their relationship. DePree alternates the storyline with early vignettes of characters, giving the reader a sense of history, helping make sense of characters' actions and providing a thread of hope that things just might turn out.

Having lived in a rural community like Lake Emily, MN, the characters and story ring true: the isolation, the dependence on nature and market prices, the peaceful countryside, the bountiful (or meager) harvest, and especially the relationships -- the community that arises to provide hope and unquestioned support during both celebrations and heartaches.

This book came to me via Paperback Swap...but I cannot remember why I placed this on my wish list. DePree is known for editing and writing Christian novels, and I'm not known for being a lover of Christian fiction. But although this book does incorporate a strong strand of Christian message throughout, Can of Peas is a well-crafted storyline and contains powerful characters...and it all works well together. I started reading and had trouble putting the book down when it was time to turn out the light. I found the ending particularly compelling -- life is a full circle of joy and heartache.

Devil in the White City

Apologies for the size of the "Water for Elephants" picture. I tried!!

Another amazing book I read in the last couple of months was "Devil in the White City." I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction for some reason. Perhaps because I know the fate of the characters is either predetermined or bent to fit the historical facts. But "Devil" read more like a journalistic foray into the 1893 World's Fair. I wasn't a standout student in American history class, but I do think I picked up the basics. And I had no idea a) that we hosted a World's Fair, or b) how many, many parts of the American vernacular had their start at the 1893 Fair. Author Eric Larsen takes the reader on a journey through the planning and creation of the fair, from first meetings through the creation of a structure to top the Eiffel Tower.

Interwoven into the chapters of the creation of a fantasyland are chapters relating the story of a madman, one of the first known serial killers in the United States. Larsen has done extensive research on all of the characters in the book, and he states at the beginning that everything in quotation marks was actually written or said. It's still hard to believe that a person like the man described in the book actually existed.

The contrast of the two settings is thrilling, and knowing that this all took place in the blossoming city of Chicago is fascinating. A wonderful read, for mystery-lovers and history-lovers alike.

Water for Elephants

Hey everyone!
I've been a slacker for a while (and I still can't update what I'm reading in the sidebar. Any ideas?) I haven't read much lately, probably because when I have a good book in the house, things like dusting, cleaning, and bathing take a backseat. (Ok, if I must confess, dusting always takes a back seat. You're not allowed to look under the beds.)

But lately, I inhaled "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. Despite it arriving through Paperback Swap with mold damage (ew!) I had heard so many good things about it that I was excited to read it. And, thankfully, it was much more refreshing than popular books often are. I love Gruen's simple style. Each adjective seems chosen specifically, and her images are striking. It's been several weeks since I read the book, and the picture I have in my head is a fuzzy black-and-white photo with bright spots of red in the circus bigtop.

The story is told as a series of flashbacks from the protagonist, who is now a lonely old man in a nursing home. He remembers the circus from his youth, of running away after tragedy strikes and joining with the motley bunch of performers, workers, and animals. The characters are based in truth, and the author discusses her extensive research into the Depression-era circus. Fascinating--a world I never knew existed!

Willa Cather books

I'll be the first to admit that I'm still lacking in what some might call a standard background in literature--never had any required readings in high school and never had any required novel readings in college. Amazing, huh? Having said that, I'm am such a sucker for a rip-roaring female pioneer novel. I really got hooked on that genre after reading Letters From a Women Homesteader by Elinore Pruitt Stewart. Since I've had the opportunity this year to get my hands on books that are above 5th grade levels, I've been prowling around on the shelves to see what I've missed...and discovered that I've completely missed anything by Willa Cather, so I checked out both these books and raced through them last week. Loved them. Liked O, Pioneers a little better than My Antonia...but both leave me with wanting to read more of Cather's works.

Murder on Black Friday by P. B. Ryan

You know I hate to read a series out of order, but I accidentally did that today! lol All I saw were "new" and "series" and started reading. If you like fast reads, subtle humor and romance between a man and a woman with a mystery to solve, and some real historical facts thrown in the plot, then you'll love this series. Unfortunately, it's the only one I have in the series!

Set in Boston, Nell Sweeney is an Irish governess in the wealthy Hewitt family who, over the span of some time develops a friendship with one of the Hewitt sons. Most people assume they are unofficially engaged, but only Nell and Will know the real truth behind their pretense. Nell, being a devout Catholic, is already married to a convicted imprisoned felon and can never divorce....and so, Will keeps her secret and she keeps his--that the little girl to whom she is a governess is not really his adopted little sister, but his real little daughter. That's the background story for these two characters who find themselves solving murders.

I liked it so much that I've searched PaperBack Swap for the others, but could only find one. I need something light and fun after Edgar Sawtelle.

P.B. Ryan's Gilded Age Mystery series:

1. Still Life With Murder

2. Murder in a Mill Town

3. Death on Beacon Hill

4. Murder on Black Friday

5. Murder in the North End

6. A Bucket of Ashes

So...I'm starting another series this evening--The Gaslight Mystery series--by Victoria Thompson and this time I have the first 3 in the series. I think I picked all these books up at Half Price over the summer...and am just now getting around to reading them.

This series takes place in NYC with Sarah Brandt, a midwife estranged from her wealthy family, and Frank Malloy, a police detective, who find themselves working together to solve mysteries.

The Art Thief by Noah Charney

I just finished reading The Art Thief. I had heard it was good; but, like Kim, I tend to drag my feet sometimes when others say it's wonderful. The plot started out slowly, with the theft of several artworks - in Rome, Paris, and London. Seemingly unrelated, the plot thickens as inspectors, art historians, gallery & museum curators, art lovers, and forgers all get involved...and intermingled. If you like art history and a good mystery, this one is for you -- really! Noah Charney is a first-time author, but creates believable characters who speak with authority - probably because Charney himself is an authority: he is the founding director of the Association for Research into Crimes Against Art (ARCA) and holds degrees in art history. http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Noah-Charney

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

I like to think that I keep my finger on the pulse of what's new, what's popular, and what is good reading. That doesn't mean I read all of it---it's just not possible, however, it allows me to recommend a wide range of books to a wide range and ages of people. Having said that, sometimes when a book gets a lot of press and recognition, it puts me off a bit from reading it immediately. (Harry Potter had so much press that I put off reading it until the 4th one was out!) This is one of those books, however, when I saw it at Half-Price books recently, I decided to buy it and not put off reading it. It has 562 pages divided into 5 parts. I'm on page 89 after starting the book today.

While on the surface, it appears to be a sweet period piece story about a rural couple who have a son born who can hear, but can't speak, and the comforting rhythm of the family farm where they breed, raise, and train dogs, the prologue, however, sets in place a rather mysterious, sinister-tinged character and spreads a mood of underlying fear--something you can't quite put your finger on--a fear that something terrible is about to break this family apart--a fear that a young boy's innocence and love for his dog is about to end in a horrible manner. I'm torn between staying up half the night and slamming it shut to put off what appears to be the inevitable.

This first-time novelist, David Wroblewski, is a master at building suspense, using symbols to imbue emotion and drive the plot, and using flashback through stories told by characters to start peeling away layers--all of this in the first 89 pages. Brilliant writer!

This is a book that pulled at me from the very first time I heard about it last year--way before Oprah recognized.

Finished: wow....the last section of the book titled, Poison, is one of the most tension-filled pieces of literature I've ever read. This is Pulitzer material.

Hmmm...I wonder what everyone else is reading?

I'd really like to know what Esther, Rachel, Lisa, and Lori are reading. Has Natalie finished reading her book and what did she think of it?

A couple of mysteries...

Several years back, Esther gave me A Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks. I very much enjoyed her writing style--she has the ability to place the reader in the setting and surround him with the plot. So when Lisa passed along People of the Book to me recently--I knew this would be a story that I'd enjoy. Lisa's review of it was, "I couldn't put it down!" This story combines science and history in a unique plot (with a few love stories thrown in for good measure) based on a true story. To quote from the author's website: (It) traces the journey of a rare illuminated Hebrew manuscript from convivencia Spain to the ruins of Sarajevo, from the Silver Age of Venice to the sunburned rock faces of northern Australia.

The "finds" by rare book expert, Hanna Heath, reveal the story and journey of the book--the fragment of an insect wing, a wine stain, a salt crystal, and a white hair. You can find out more about the book and the real story at Brooks' website: http://www.geraldinebrooks.com/people.html Very interesting story---highly recommend it. On a sidenote here, Brooks was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2006 for her book, March, the absent father character from Alcott's Little Women. I haven't read it, but as a fan of Little Women, I'll be looking for it.

Charles Finch is a newly published British author and The September Society is his 2nd book in his Charles Lenox Mysteries series. I make it a habit to never read books out of order, but I wasn't aware this was the 2nd book until after I'd started it. There hasn't been a sense of having missed anything crucial to the characters, so I've continued on, but I will look for the first one in the series.

Anyone who enjoys the Victorian period set in England and Sherlock Holmes will probably enjoy this book. It's fast paced with an intriguing plot surrounding a missing Oxford student, a murdered cat, and a group called The September Society. There is a sweet love story as part of a side-plot--you'll find yourself rooting for Lenox to work up the courage to propose. For anyone who likes this genre, I recommend it--it's light, enjoyable, escapist reading.

Ester, Kim, Kari... I got Q's!

My fellow literary gals,
I have a question in regards to the first steps in publishing. The love of my life is a children's musical writer, and has 12 completed scripts, all performed at least once on the Casa Manana stage (an equity/union house), with complete musical scores and tracks attached.

What are your suggestions in getting published? Do you forsee large differences in publishing a childrens' theatre script as opposed to a children's book?

Once royalties and rights are established he could make a fortune with these scripts! Everyone is looking for great children's musicals, and with the music/tracks part of the packaged deal, I can't imagine that theatres wouldn't be fighting for this material like Kari Lynn at a designer shoe sale!

So, I want to encourage him to start the process...
and, well, I have no idea how to start this process!

Any thoughts? Suggestions? Links or resourses I can begin researching in order to get these scripts out there???

(You're the best... thanks.)

Three Cups of Tea

I'm about half way through this book (I'm reading the Young Reader's Edition)...and I just had to comment about how inspiring this story is to me personally.

Chapter 13 is a lesson in itself...actually, several lessons--about community togetherness, about listening, about understanding your place in the world, and about forgiveness. The last chapter does such a terrific job of portraying and giving voice to the Muslims and their beliefs. So many kids in the U.S. have not been taught to respect the beliefs and cultures of others within our own society much less in other parts of the world. What a shame--what a disservice we do by not doing a better of teaching inclusion in our world.

If you get a chance to read this, do---I so respect and admire this man's dedication and service to educating others, to reaching across cultures, and his ability to convey his passion to others.

An Irish Country...

Don't be an eejit, nip on over to Ballybucklebo, so and meet the new doctor.

Reading these books are akin to having your favorite comfort food. Very entertaining, warm, and humorous--one might learn a thing or two about medicine, about small-town/rural life, and about the nature of people in general.

Taylor is a terrific storyteller! One can only hope that he writes a dozen in the series! [There is a fourth one scheduled for next year.]

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I so enjoyed this epistolary tale (and I like the word "epistolary" very much, too!) set on the Island of Guernsey off the coast of France shortly after the end of WWII.

Juliet is a writer/newspaper columnist who is searching for ideas for her next book. Her research connects her with a group of individuals (some a little quirky) from Guernsey who formed a literary society while under occupation by the Germans. It is through this connection that Juliet discovers a variety of stories from and about the members--stories of survival, of compassion, and of love.

The collection of letters and telegrams are filled with humor, interesting observations, and a few oddballs. I couldn't put it down.