The Mysterious Benedict Society

I second Kellie's recommendation of this book. It was really fun. It's probably aimed at kids aged 8 or 9 to 11 or 12. It's an easy read but good plot and good characters.

I also reread The Three Musketeers (Alexandre Dumas) recently, which I loved as a teenager, but now I thought it was kind of depressing. The plot gets pretty dark at the end. It's a good book, but I'm not sure I'll be reading it again.

And I reread The Hobbit, just for fun. I'm already looking forward to the boys getting old enough to read aloud with me because it's really a fun adventure, much lighter than The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The City of Ember

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Another one I listened to on CD, I like having the noise while I do housework! It was very intriguing a good read for a 10-15 year old boy or girl. It's about a city underground that's loosing power. They don't know they're underground though...it's sort of a mystery. I really really liked it and am listening to the second book, The People of Sparks, right now. I enjoy the way the writer expresses herself.

The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Absolutely loved it! Would appeal to both girls and boys. I listened to it on CD and the reader, Del Roy, was very good. I wasn't sure what to excpect and couldn't guess where the plot would lead me. I like to be surprised and not be able to guess at what's going on. It was refreshing to read (listen to) something so unique.

Time Enough For Drums

Time Enough For Drums by Ann Rinaldi

Loved it! Found it amidst Matt's old books. He said he'd never read it and that it might have been one of you girl's books. It's a historical fiction novel about the revolutionary war. A fabulous story with just enough of a good clean romance. I'd read this again.

A Room With A View, EM Forster

The book is mostly about Lucy Honeychurch who with her aunt travels to Italy for an educational vacation that ends up expanding her view of the world in unexpected ways.

I think this is the 3rd time I've read this book, and I think I like it more every time. That's a good book! I picked it up again because I wanted to read something that I wouldn't get obsessed with but would still offer a little escape before bed at night. I enjoy Forster's characterizations and his subtle humor. He creates some strange and memorable scenes that really stick with you. Definitely recommended.

The Truth About Sparrows

I just read The Truth About Sparrows, by Marian Hale. It is a young adult book, and I liked it. It is the author's first book, and it looks like she's written a couple more since then.

It's about a family who, during the Depression, has to leave their farm and move to where they can find work fishing. The 12 year old girl comes to realize a lot about life as she watches new people observe her father, who can't use his legs, and as she works in a shrimp factory to help out, take care of her mom and siblings, etc., all while feeling very upset about losing their home and living in a shack by the sea.

I suppose it's kind of a "coming of age" book, where she goes from being a girl with a happy life to growing up in her thoughts and actions through her adversities.

The Enchanted Chocolate Pot

Sorcery and Cecelia, or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot
by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

A friend recommended this book to me, and I'm so glad she did!

The novel began as a writing game. The two authors wrote letters back and forth to each other, one as each character, without discussing plot or anything. This is the result. It's the story of Cecelia and Kate, two cousins living in Jane Austen's England -- but with a magical twist.

Highly recommended!