The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans, 283 Pages

Jacob Churcher returns to his childhood home after the death of his mother.  Upon arrival he discovers that the mother he hadn't seen in over 20 years had become a hoarder.  While cleaning through layer after layer of junk he uncovers family secrets that need to be brought to life.  During this process he meets Rachel, a woman looking for answers and trying to fill holes in her own past.  Little do they know that their past lives are intertwined.  During this journey they mend family ties and discover that love is possible and deserving for two people who had given up on ever finding happiness.

I enjoyed this book, and it was a really quick read, taking me only a few hours.  However, it was a bit too wholesome for my taste.  I could have used a bit more grit, with Jacob's abusive past/mother, and a little more steam/hotness with the romance storyline between Jacob and Rachel.  I've never read Richard Paul Evans before, so I'm guessing he writes clean/wholesome stuff.  There's nothing wrong with that, and I did enjoy the story.  I was in the mood for a little, quick wintry and Christmassy themed book and this did the trick. 

The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder 215 pages

This was one of those books I'd heard about, but had put way down on my list.  Only recently I read another book about challenged and banned books and it put The Egypt Game at the top of my to-read list.  It's no wonder this book is a classic and a past Newbery honor book.  It is a book that any kid can relate to, the desire to find the people who will understand you, the imagination and creativity that happen naturally when kids are left on their own for entertainment, and the excitement of creating your own world are all very engaging and inspiring.  Of course, there's a bit of mystery and suspense thrown in just for fun, too.  If you haven't read this one since you were a kid, or if you have a kid 4th grade or older, this should move to the top of your to-read list, too! 

Calypso by David Sedaris 259 pages

The most recent of works by David Sedaris was as enjoyable as any of his others.  While this one did have a significant amount of discussion of how our bodies fail us as we age, it was hysterically funny.  I was so happy that he included another exploration of idioms from around the world, as those are my favorites in his works.  This time it was "How do you tell off another driver when they, say, cut you off in traffic?"  The answers were so good, I may add them to my own repertoire.  As I always do, I listened to this read by the author.  In my opinion, this is the only way to go with Sedaris books.  His impressions of his family are so fun to listen to. 

The Best Man by Richard Peck 232 pages

I absolutely loved this book.  It's told first person in one of the most believable young voices I've ever read.  The boy telling the story isn't super smart, in fact, it's a running joke that it takes him a while to figure out all the random subtexts of life.  He has three men in his life that he knows are what men should be.  His grandfather, his father and his uncle.  By the end of the book, he'll add a fourth.  This is a brilliant, subtle and engrossing look at family dynamics and what really makes a good man.  There are no unrealistic characters and the introduction of a gay character is done with finesse, straightforward and unapologetic frankness.  In my opinion, this is as close to perfect as a book for young people can get. 

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, 342 pages

"Before We Were Yours" has been on my to-be-read list for quite a while and I am so happy that I finally got to it.  This is a fictionalized account of a family of seven children who were victims of the Tennessee Children's Home Society.  The society was real and was supposed to be a wonderful system of orphanages for children, when in fact, it was a horrible place that stole children and sold them for profit.

This is one of those books that I occasionally had to put down because I just needed a break from the heartbreak.  It was also one of those books I struggled to put down because it was such a well-written and compelling story and I wanted to know what happened next.

This one definitely puts the reader through the ringer but it is so worth it.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman, 432 pages

Swedish author Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors.  He tends to write sweet tales about eccentric characters who find love and validation through friends.  That is not this book.

Beartown is a dying town deep in a forest and they have one point of pride - the hockey club and its various teams.  Something bad happens to someone and the aftermath threatens to destroy the club and the town.

Yowza, this was brutal and powerful.  Racism, rape, bullying and peer pressure are all explored.  I loved this in a whole different way from my normal awe of Fredrik Backman.   There is now a follow-up to this book, "Us Against You."  Ohh, can't wait!

Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake 310 pages

I am so happy that there are several books coming out for middle graders that offer realistic looks at what it is like to be LGBTQ.  This is one of the best books yet that I've read.  It was sensitive, and didn't ever have a heavy hand.  It literally just followed a young girl as she tried to sort out why and how she was different.  More than anything it allows young people to understand two things: 1) it's okay to be different and 2) it's okay to not have all the answers.  This story was filled with warmth and characters that you really won't be able to help but love and want the best for them.  I highly recommend it to everyone 8 years+  without reservation. 

Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar 307 pages

To carry on with my India fiction for children, I read Ahimsa.  This takes place during one of the most brutal, but fascinating periods of time in India's history.  I've read several other stories set around the time that Pakistan was established as a separate country from India, but they were always for an adult audience.  This book was set before the split, when India was still under British rule and tensions were running high.  It follows a young girl, Anjali, as her family joins the peaceful resistance started by Gandhi.  If you're interested in historical fiction, I highly recommend this one.  Ahimsa means peace, and this book gently reminds us that one voice can have a huge impact. 

The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris 253 pages

Okay, I admit that I read this simply because I love Neil Patrick Harris.  That being said, it was well worth it!  It was never too heavy, had lots of heart, celebrated diversity and threw in some magic trick how-to's just for fun!  The story follows a boy, Carter, who is excellent at sleight of hand, but has been raised by a less-than-honorable uncle who wants him to use his skills to relieve others of their belongings.  The whole experience has made Carter quite certain that there is no such thing as real magic.  When he runs away, he runs into a group of people who love magic tricks as much as he does.  He will have to decide whether he can trust anyone when it comes to magic, facing off with more bad guys in the process. Do not pass this one up, it's a great story with lots of heart and humor!

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, 203 pages

I saw a movie preview for "A Wrinkle in Time" and thought I better read this classic children's book that I missed reading when I was actually a child.

The book begins with the cliche, "It was a dark and stormy night" which made me giggle.  I missed out on a lot of great books when I was a kid because I didn't think I liked science fiction and fantasy.  You live, you learn.

This is book one in a five volume series.  Kids, adventure, space travel and a little magic.  Great fun!

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill 388 pages

Oh, my goodness!  This was a gorgeous book in every way.  It totally deserved to win the Newbery Award.  I loved that the world, though different from ours, was still accessible and believable... it was just born of magic.  Every year, a baby is left in a clearing for the witch.  The parents have no idea what happens to that baby, but one year, the witch accidentally enmagics the child by feeding her moonlight.  There's too much to tell, but I guarantee you will fall in love with Glerk, Xan, Fyrian and Luna.  This book had an extraordinary story to tell with a simply enormous amount of heart.  If you love fantasy, you will adore this one, no matter how old you are.

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman, 369 pages

I listened to "The Rules of Magic" by checking it out through one of our download services, Axis360. It is the prequel to "Practical Magic" and tells the story of Franny, Bridget and Vincent Owens.  They are raised in New York City by a mother who has rejected her magical background and their logical psychiatrist father.

Franny is called to the family home in Massachusetts the summer she turns 17 and her siblings come along.  During the summer with their Aunt Isabelle, they begin to understand how and why they are different.

The story follows them into adulthood and is an engaging and fun read.  I never read "Practical Magic, " or saw the movie, for that matter.  I will be remedying that tout suite.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman (translated by Neil Smith), 432 pages

Swedish author Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors.  He tends to write sweet tales about eccentric characters who find love and validation through friends.  That is not this book.

Beartown is a dying town deep in a forest and they have one point of pride - the hockey club and its various teams.  Something bad happens to someone and the aftermath threatens to destroy the club and the town.

Yowza, this was brutal and powerful.  Racism, rape, bullying and peer pressure are all explored.  I loved this in a whole different way from my normal awe of Fredrik Backman.  We have this in print, ebook and on audio at the library, and if I have my way we'll have it as a book club selection soon too.

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley 292 pages

Micah has grown up listening to his grandpa Ephraim's stories about Circus Mirandus.  That's why even though his grandfather is seriously ill, he has lots of hope.  Circus Mirandus wasn't just an ordinary circus, it was magic.  In fact, one of its performers is the most magical person Micah can imagine.  The Light Bender was the highlight of all of Grandpa Ephraim's stories.  The best part, the part that gives Micah hope is that the Light Bender owes his grandpa a miracle.  They just have to find him before it's too late for the miracle to matter.  This story is so beautiful.  It was unexpected and heartbreaking, but also so much fun.  You will love Micah and his grandfather, you will hope right along with them that the Light Bender comes in time.  More than anything, you will strain to hear the music composed of pipes and drums calling you to magic.

I listened to this on audio read by Bronson Pinchot.  It was wonderful.

The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino, 208 pages

I don't get HGTV at home but that doesn't mean I haven't heard of Fixer Upper and Chip and Joanna Gaines.  This seemed like a fun book to listen to, and I was not disappointed.  Read by the Gaines, it was a treat.

They talk about their lives before and after they met, their faith and of course, their business.  They just seem like good people and the book makes me want to watch their show more than the little snippets I've caught here and there so far.  

Faithful by Alice Hoffman, 258 pages

Hope. I tend to love books that are hopeful.  In this story, 17 year-old Shelby practically walks away from an accident that leaves her best friend incapacitated.

Shelby was always popular and the tragedy plunges her into depression and guilt and a belief that her life is over, or should be.

This is a story about Shelby eventually learning how to enjoy life again.  5 stars and thumbs up from me.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman, 372 pages

Elsa is seven and friendless except for her 77 year old eccentric grandmother.  Elsa and her grandmother have a secret language that is based on a fairytale world that her grandmother has been telling Elsa about since she can remember.

Elsa's grandmother dies and sends Elsa on a quest to deliver letters to several people.  Through her quest, Elsa learns that some of the stories she has heard are based on real people. 

It took me quite a long time to get into this book but once I did, I really enjoyed it.  Fredrik Backman tells stories about love and broken people and healing.  I am looking forward to the next tale from him. 

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, 307 pages

It is the summer of 1961 and Frank Drum, the middle of three children, is 13 years old.  The family lives in New Bremen, Minnesota and five deaths happen over the summer, some of which change Frank and his family forever.

The book is beautifully written and is told from the perspective of Frank 40 years later.  It is ultimately a book of hope, family and love.  Perfect for the season.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, 440 pages

"The Nightingale" tells the story of two sisters in France during World War II.  Vianne is married with a daughter and a husband in a German prisoner of War camp once the French army collapses.

Isabelle spends the war working for the Resistance.  The sisters and their father were not close before the war.  Their father was distant, physically and emotionally for years.  Vianne is a mother and wife who always considered herself weak.  Isabelle felt abandoned since their mother died and their father sent the girls away and is impetuous and headstrong.

This is a story of what happens to women during war and the actions they take to survive.  It took me a long time to work up the desire to read this one as I kept hearing it was heart-wrenching and sad.  Yep, it's a weeper but beautiful too.  5 stars for this epic story.

The Death of Bees by Lisa O'Donnell, 310 pages

It takes me forever to actually read as opposed to listen to a book as I seem to have the attention span of a gnat.  I read this book in two evenings. 

Set in Glasgow, Scotland, Marnie and Nelly are two sisters with a problem.  Their parents are dead and if anyone finds out they will be tossed into the foster care system.  Marnie is 15 and Nelly is 12.  They have a kind neighbor, Lennie, who figures out something is wrong and strives to help the girls.

This is a darkly comedic novel of growing up too hard and too fast.  It is told from the three perspectives of Marnie, Nelly and Lennie.  What shines through is the goodness of just enough people to make it possible for these two girls to survive in this hard world.  This is a book club book and I am looking forward to the discussion - my only worry is that some of the language is caustic enough that it might stop some people from reading it.