Do you know that there is really nothing I would rather do than read? Maybe that’s obvious, I don’t know, but I was imagining what I would do it I were retired, if I could do whatever I wanted, and what I pictured was old me sitting on a front porch of an old house reading books all day long. I would probably get through a book a day if that were true. But for now, busy as I always am, I read six in February.
My oldest child bought me the first two books on this list. They were old favorites that burned when our house did.
Fifteen by Beverly Cleary
You surely know the amazing Beverly Cleary. Her Ramona books are the best I’ve ever read as far as understanding what really goes on in a little girl’s head. This is a young adult book, about first love at 15, and the author’s grasp of the inner feelings of a teen girl at that time is also masterful. True, this is set many years ago and is dated in some ways, but feelings don’t change, growing up is always hard, and this is a charming and delightful read.
Many Waters by Madeleine L’Engle
This is the lesser-known book about the “normal” members of the brilliant Murry family of A Wrinkle in Time. As I so often write in these reviews, I read this before but I was younger then, and didn’t really get it. I tried to pay closer attention this time, to understand it better. It’s still going to be a reach for some people, and the twins seem very young and innocent compared to boys their age today.
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
I borrowed this one from my sister. It’s a disturbing tale of children whose home is taken over by a charismatic but evil “spiritual leader” who drains the family finances and step-by-step forces them into isolation and deprivation. That’s one half of the story. The other half is about what happened to the baby who was found alone in the house after everyone there was either killed or disappeared. These two halves eventually a collide and secrets are revealed . . . but there’s a sequel! Yes, I want to read it.)
Name Not Taken by Madeleine Henry
This is a really creepy tale that you probably should not read if you are a prospective bride and you are uneasy about your in-laws. Is the protagonist right about her fiance’s family, or is she crazy? Is she imagining things, or are they gas lighting her? And who is that mysterious woman in the picture at her fiance’s family home? Can this relationship be saved? Should it?
The Killing Plains by Sherry Rankin
This was good, but so depressing. The right folks are found and punished eventually, but not until a whole lot of other people suffer irreparable harm.
Into the Fall by Tamara L. Miller
This one kept me guessing right up to the end. A father disappears on a camping trip. Is he dead or did he run away for some reason? Does his wife know more than she is telling?
Thanks for following alone and not giving up on me. I would love to know what you are reading. Bloggers love comments!
