May Recap

Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt - This is a companion to The Wednesday Wars, which I think is a perfect book. I loved this one, but I don't think it's as perfect as the other. Here's the thing about Schmidt: he manages to write beautifully while telling an engaging story. Some authors write stunning sentences, with gorgeous language, but don't manage to really capture the reader with a plot. And some tell great and exciting stories that are not so well-written. Schmidt excels at both language and story. I cannot recommend these books enough, as well as Trouble (which has a great dog in it!)

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer & Annie Barrows - This was published several years ago, but it might be my favorite read of the year.

Dead is Not an Option by Marlene Perez - While I'm a little tired of paranormal YA, and don't always finish series, this is one I've kept with up. It's just a fun read. The first in the series is Dead is the New Black.

Strings Attached by Judy Blundell - Blundell won the National Book Award for What I Saw And How I Lied. While I think that book was better written, I enjoyed the story of this one more.

Summer and the City: A Carrie Diaries Novel by Candace Bushnell - I read the first one, and wasn't going to read any more...and then I did. Carrie is in New York for this one, hanging out with Samantha and Miranda. I skimmed parts, but this is an easy summer read.

The Darlings Are Forever by Melissa Kantor - First in a new young adult trilogy - lots of fun, and should be popular with teen girls. Recommend to fans of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Kantor's other books.

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street by Joanne Rocklin - A middle grade book that has lots going on for such a short read. I'm interested to hear what kids think of this one - I think it may appeal more teachers and librarians.

Currently reading: Chime by Franny Billingsley