Tin Ba Ba itibaren Dhoke Mughlan, Pakistan itibaren Dhoke Mughlan, Pakistan

I think this book is brilliant. It has all the elements that make a children's book appealing, like a clear-cut cartoonish villan, a hero/ine you can relate to and a cast of interesting characters. But it also has the type of clear writing that makes it enjoyable to read, even into adulthood. I think I read this book regularly, like at least once every year if not more. It never stops being good! Plus I loved that Matilda read as much as I did as a kid, though I was never as prolific as her.

While this isn't classic literature, I was touched by the book. Carrie Bell is a 23 year old woman who is questioning whether Mike, her high school boyfriend turned fiancee, is really the man and the life she wants to commit to. Her decision becomes more complicated and conflict laden after Mike is paralyzed in a diving accident. Would she loyally proceed with the plan to eventually marry Mike and become his cook, nurse, helper, chauffeur, attendant and somehow his wife? Or would she be the kind of person who would willingly walk away and break the heart of a nice guy? We learn about ourselves in stages: facts first, meanings later. And so it was for Carrie. She made her decision, and wondered afterwards what that decision said about her and what kind of person she was. How much do we owe someone we love? Is it a strength or a weakness to walk away from someone in need? Carrie's choice ultimately wasn't about right or wrong or about defining herself; her task was to define her choice, and to recognize and accept who she was. I am the wife of a man who became disabled in an accident. Ann Packer is dead on in her portrayal of the painful questions, trials, and decisions that face an individual and family when a random, tragic accident forever changes life into before and after. I know how in an instant life can change forever; it forces you to personally face how you bear up in the face of tragedy and to examine what you thought you knew about your deepest allegiances.

Book: The Goddess Test Author: Aimee Carter Publisher: Harlequin Received From: NetGalley This debut novel by Aimee Carter was beautifully written. Not only did it capture my interest but it held on tight until I devoured each and every word. The Goddess Test revolves around a girl who is trying to come to terms with the fact that her mother has terminal cancer and doesn't have very long left. Her mother wants to move back home to live out her last days and her daughter wants her to be happy, so they move to Eden. While there Kate has to juggle her mother's illness, a new town, and new kids at school. When she gets invited to a party she thinks that maybe things may be turning around...until everything goes horribly wrong. She finds herself thrown into a place where no one is who they seem and every decision she makes could be a test that has serious outcomes. This story is laced with Greek Mythology, Betrayal, Love, and Loss. A story that is captivating and enchanting, this debut novel is definitely a MUST READ!!!!

The Gawgon and the Boy tells the story of David (The Boy) who lived in Philadelphia, growing up with an extended family of distinct characters at the start of the Depression. After a prolonged bout with New Monia, he is given over to the tender mercies of Great Aunt Annie (The Gawgon) who is to help tutor him to make up for missing so much of the fifth grade. The Gawgon is certainly not an orthodox teacher, but David is an imaginative learner. As always, Alexander refuses to write down to children. His language and writing style can be a challenge sometimes even for adults, but the story is worth it. Read for Spring Reading Challenge 10.9

This story is such a classic. A moral for the ages. Mass hysteria, pointing fingers at others, people turning on friends just to save their own skin. The enemy changes with the times but the actions and reactions of the persecuted and the prosecutors do not. I have not seen this performed on the stage. The movie was okay but I simply cannot take Winona Ryder as a serious actress.