Books I've been reading

The Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman (teen). I've always enjoyed this writer's adult fiction (Intuition is one of my favorite books ever) and this was quite an enjoyable foray into teen literature.   Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell.  Not a bad read, but certainly more lightweight than I've come to expect from this writer. If you really want to see what she is capable of, read The Sparrow or A Thread of Grace.   Unexpected Blessings: Finding Hope and Healing in the Face of Illness by Roxanne Black (nonfiction) -- A good read for anyone who lives with chronic illness. Black (who suffers from lupus) provides some good perspective and food for thought.   Science Fair by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (teen) -- a fun read that made me laugh out loud several times. It seemed to drag on a bit long, but maybe that's because I have the attention span of a gnat lately.

Lily Quench and the Dragon of Ashby by Natalie Jane Prior (children's book)

Very cute and enjoyable!

The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly

Another great thriller from Mr Connelly-- just what I was looking for!

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

A grim but interesting tale about a girl growing up during the time of the Salem Witch Trials. Slightly uneven but gripping.... I stayed up till 1:30 am to see how it ended (I couldn't put it down).

Book lineup

Recent reads:   Children of Green Knowe by L. M. Boston.  I enjoyed this kid's book, which I discovered after I'd read the Penderwicks book and was casting around for something similar to read.   Janes in Love by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg (graphic novel for teens) -- sequel to The Plain Janes, very satisfying.   Good As Lily by Derek Kirk Kim and Jesse Hamm (graphic novel for teens) -- got good reviews, interesting premise, but too many words (and too-small print). Am I getting old and crotchety? I hope not. Probably this is just one of the books that I'd do better reading at another time.   Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve (kid's book). The tale of young Gwyna, who meets Myrddin (aka Merlin), falls in with Arthur's band and poses as a boy (among other things). I am not finished with this one yet but am quite liking it. I always enjoy Philip Reeve's books.