Finally, I have time to read, which means my summer has begun. Ever since I became a reader (third grade), I have enjoyed the freedom of spending my days engrossed in good books. I still love to read and I appreciate recommendations from family and friends. As a writer, reading has taken on a whole new dimension. I read for pleasure but I also read to learn my craft. The following list reflects this new goal.
Middle Grade
The School for Good and Evil–Soman Chainani–Excellent world building, great characterizations, unexpected ending, clever use of the familiar.
The Wright 3––Blue Balliett–clever use of foreshadowing, clue dropping, and red herrings.
Shakespeare’s Secret–Elisa Broach–seamlessly interweaves the historical and literary clues with the contemporary story, interesting and unexpected friendships, strongly drawn characters.
Young Adult
The Geography of You and Me–Jennifer E. Smith–unusual structure and multiple POVs. A believable love story without graphic sex.
Adult
The Art Forger–B. A. Shapiro–effective use of blending real events with fiction. Love the premise and the ambiguity of the main character’s actions and emotions.
The Keeper of Lost Causes–Jussi Adler-Olsen–excellent building of suspense, effective character development, smoothly incorporates back story, and I love Nordic noir.
Grendel–John Gardner–clever retelling of a classic from a new perspective. Descriptive and atmospheric setting.
Younger–Pamela Redmond Satran–funny, fast paced, good character development.
Thin, Rich, Pretty–Beth Harbison–effective use of multiple POVs. Clever use of flashbacks. Characters are developed in unexpected ways.
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