Kathleen’s Likes and Dislikes

Entries categorized as ‘HIstorical Fiction’

Thank you and catch up on current reading

May 14, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Thank you to all my friends and loved ones who had conversations last week about the joy and passion of reading. My dear friend, April in New Jersey had a small and enthusiastic group discuss reading. Two favorite comments were from two older women. One thought of reading as a treat which she “allowed” herself throughout the day rather than only at special times.  Another gave herself permission NOT to finish a book that didn’t interest her. I LOVE these “tips”.

I simply MUST give you the short version of what I have been reading- too many books are piling up and I must get them back to the Library.

Eva Moves the Furniture by Margot Livesey deals with the “imaginary” friends of a seven-year-old girl. Born in rural Scotland in 1920, Eva’s mother dies of the influenza soon after Eva’s birth. Loved, but a lonely child, Eva yearns for friends. Two “ghosts” join her in the garden one day and come to stay. They even follow her into adulthood. Why? Read this and find out !  

Recommended by my friend, John C., The Camel Club by David Baldacci deals with terrorism (both international and of the home-grown variety).  John said I would like the characters in this thriller and I really, really do ! A page turner with people you want to know more about- I highly recommend this book.

Garden Dreams is a graphic novel by Fumi Yoshi.  A young Arab finds himself the squire of a French Baron during the Crusades.  This book is romantic, historical, and deals with real emotions.  A good introduction to the graphic novel format. Although (I admit that reading the book from back to front was a challenge- and I enjoyed the story.

I love Janet Evanovich’s “naughty” humor and I am so glad that she does the “Between the Numbers” series of books that feature Stephanie Plum and the mysterious “Diesel”. Is he an angel, a devil, a god, a lunatic, just very, very mysterious or all of the above? Plum Lucky  features a self-proclaimed leprechaun and his missing bag of gold. Laugh out loud moments with the ususal crew of Lula, Grandma Mazur, and Connie. The scene with the rocket launcher is NOT to be missed !

 

 

 

 

Categories: David Balducci · Evanovich · Graphic Novel · HIstorical Fiction · History · Margot Livesey · Mystery · Stephanie Plum

Two Wonderful Children’s Books

January 5, 2008 · 1 Comment

One of the great delights of reading is discovering a mentor and role-model. As an adult reader I discovered a “feisty old lady” who, when I-grow-up (and find some courage), I will emulate.  Richard Peck, in two children’s books, introduces Grandma Dowdel. She is as “tough as an old boot” and suffers neither fools nor sentimentalists gladly.  Yet, as we
share her adventures with her city-slicker grandchildren, we discover that under her overalls and rough exterior grandma is a true friend- particularly to the two home-sick children.  Brave, clever, and supremely practical – I love Grandma Dowdel !  Set in rural Indiana from 1929-1945,
I recommend reading these aloud to a friend or family member – they are books to share!  The first book, narrated by the grandson, is A Long Way from Chicago; Mary Alice, his younger sister, shares her story in A Year Down Yonder.

Categories: Children · Grandma Dowdel · HIstorical Fiction · Uncategorized