November 2015

In the Unlikely Event

by Judy Blume

(Kindle edition)

I chose the In the Unlikely Event to read for two reasons.  First, I love books by Judy Blume.  As an elementary school teacher, I shared many of her books with students over the years.  Hopefully, my students loved them all as much as I did.  The second reason for my choosing this book was the fact that I live in New Jersey.  Although a work of fiction, the major events in the story did actually happen.  Knowing the area, but not being aware of the history, made this an interesting read.  I had vaguely heard about problems with planes crashing at Newark Airport in the past, but knew nothing about the details.  Blume brought the events to life with very believable characters involved in heart-wrenching stories.  As I was reading, I smiled at Blume’s use of young adults to tell the story.  One of the best authors of children’s and young adult fiction did not go wrong with In the Unlikely Event.  I was not disappointed.  Definitely a good read!

The Lowland

by Jhumpa Lahiri

(Kindle edition)

I love Jhumpa Lahiri’s beautiful, emotional writing… and The Lowland was no exception.  The book takes the reader directly in to the lives and culture of two brothers and the woman they both loved.  The action moves from revolution in Calcutta, India to a quiet, New England college town.  The character and lives of the brothers are as different as the two settings.  Woven in, is the story of the woman that they both loved and her daughter.  Once started, I couldn’t stop reading.  I wish that I could give it more than five starts.  The Lowland is one of those books that moved and stayed with me.  Jhumpa Lahiri has written another truly exceptional book.

The Lake House

by Kate Morton

Narrated by Caroline Lee

(Audible edition)

I listened to the Audible version of The Lake House, written by Kate Morton and narrated by Caroline Lee.  This is not to be mistaken for the other Lake House that was made into a movie.  It’s an excellent audiobook, and Lee’s narration is perfect for the story.  As in other Morton books, the story is told in flashback format, moving between Cornwall, England in the early 1900s and London in 2003.  The transitions are smooth and make sense.  The themes of family, marriage and sisters are woven into a compelling mystery.  The book had all of the elements of a very good read and a very entertaining listen.

Knot the Usual Suspects: A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery

By Molly McRae

(Audible edition)

Knot the Usual Suspects is another cozy Yarn Shop Mystery.  I love the recurring characters, Kath Rutledge and her yarn shop cohorts.  The details are never too graphic and there’s always a little romance thrown in.  The audible version was engaging and entertaining.  Definitely a reliably good listen!