bmac2202's blog

In the Woods, and The Likeness by Tara French

These books were recommended by another librarian, a friend of a friend, who I met for lunch to help network with.  Eventually the conversation turned to books, and she recommended these stories by an Irish female author.  The arc connecting these two books is that the main characters work in the Dublin murder squad, but each book focuses on a different member of the squad.  And although there is a mystery to be solved, the mystery merely serves as a reflection of the protaganist's own life, doubts, and sins.  It is a really great plot device!  I look forward to reading more from Tara French in the future!

Down the Rabbit Hole, Behind the Curtain, and Into the Dark by Peter Abrahams

My library is now lending ebooks, so I scanned the list of mysteries available, and found this series.  The books feature a young female protaganist, Ingrid Levin-Hill, whose favorite book is Sherlock Holmes.  In fact he is her guide, as in what would Sherlock do, as she becomes involved mysteries.  The stories are not merely mysteries, they explore that time of adolescence when life is confusing and truth is not black and white.  Her family life and her friendships are engaging, and I have come to care for Ingrid and hope she has many more adventures!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Days & The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney

The continuing saga of Greg Heffley and how he survives middle school, his family, and his friends.  I love the snarkiness of this series, and the fact that he rarely learns, but just keeps persevering in his stubborn belief that he is the smartest person in the world, and how come the rest of the universe doesn't realize this!  Laugh out loud many, many times while reading these.  These books capture and chronicle moments of this time and place so eloquently!

Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde

I am a huge fan of his Thursday Next and Nursery Crime series, so I picked up this book.  It sat for awhile because the cover and synopsis just were not appealing to me; but one evening I picked it up, and was immediately engulfed in the story.  And I hope he plans to write further about these characters, and this world ruled by colors and one's ability to perceive them.  Fascinating! 

Cherise the Niece by J.K. Benton

This book reads like a poem with pictures!  It is by the creator of Happy Bunny and other pop culture icons.  It is dark and funny and had me looking at my nieces differently afterwards.  Adored it!

Chicagoland Detective Agency, The Maltese Mummy by Trina Robbins

This is a second in a graphic novel series for young adults, and is quite good!  The story and pictures are a winning combination!  A very funny story with heart and humor! 

Lost at Sea by Bryan O'Malley

This graphic novel by the author of Scott Pilgrim is story of growing up and the confusion, fear, and other extreme emotions connected to reaching for adulthood.  I liked that he had the main character, Raleigh, be a young lady, and I was impressed that he captured her thoughts and feelings quite accurately!

French Milk by Lucy Knisley

I enjoyed this memoir of Lucy's trip to France with her mom, especially the unique mix of words, drawings, and pictures.  I was also hooked by the fact that Lucy now lives in Chicago, where I, too, now live.  The story reminded me of my trip to Europe as a 23-year-old.  But there were times I found her to be very petulant and childish, and I wanted to tell her to grow up.  I would recommend this to others, and would be interested to know if any of my friends have a similar reaction; or is it just me getting older and having less patience!

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell

I was laughing out loud reading various parts of this book.  Vowell's observations and humor mirror my own.  And her obsession with details about the assassinations of these presidents also remind me of my own need for analysis to the nth degree when I am coming to grips with an idea.  An insighful, inspiring, entertaining book!  And then I saw her read from her new book, and I am further hooked! 

Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour by Bryan Lee O'Malley

The last of the Scott Pilgrim stories, volume 6, wraps up Scott Pilgrim's quest to defeat Ramona's evil exes.  Scott and Ramona figure out a lot, do some growing up, and survive together!  Yea!