The Perfect Couple

The Perfect Couple is the perfect summer book!  By far, it is my favorite Elin Hilderbrand.  I just hope she is already penning a sequel.

Happy reading,
Christine

Love and Gelato

Love and Gelato is a delightful young-adult novel by Jenna Evans Welch.  Set in Tuscany, Italy  much of the action takes place in the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence.   For a mature teen in your life, this book has romance, mystery, and grief, all presented in beautiful, descriptive language.  I read most of it outside while enjoying pizza.  Molto buono!

Happy reading,
Christine

Truly Madly Guilty

Today is the day!  Liane Moriarty's new book, Truly Madly Guilty is finally available for download or purchase.  Click here to read what I've posted about her other books.

Happy reading,
Christine

Leaving Time

I just finished Leaving Time, by Jodi Picoult.  What a suspenseful mystery filled with foreshadowing and plot twists that I should have seen coming.  It's a quick read read with chapters from different characters' points of view, as well as beautiful descriptions of elephant behavior in the wild and in sanctuaries.  (As if I wasn't emotional enough reading dog books)  Here is a link to The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, mentioned in the book.  Enjoy the videos of the elephants living peacefully, but definitely read the book.

Happy reading,
Christine

Big Little Lies

This is a great "mom" mystery.  It's a great mystery, because it is so well written, that up until the end, you don't even know who is dead, let alone who the killer is.  It's a great "mom" book, because it opens with the homicide detectives arriving at a Parent Association event, and throughout the novel, you read  the viewpoints of various parents and school staffers as they explain events that led to the death.  Seemingly insignificant events, like cupcake wars between moms who think cupcakes at class birthday parties are a rite of childhood, and fit moms who think only nutritious foods should be served; dads arguing over standardized tests; kindergartners being excluded from playdates and birthday parties; moms competing to throw the best birthday parties; and Parent Association officers drunk with power.  Best of all, is the title, Big Little Lies, which begs the question, aren't all lies big lies?

Happy reading,
Christine

March Madness Mystery

Someone left the mystery book, Last Shot in my classroom, which is in itself a mystery, as no one is claiming it.  Someone must be missing this timely title, though.  It is the story of an eighth grader who wins an essay contest for aspiring sports writers.  The prize - a press pass to the Final Four in New Orleans.  While at the Superdome, the protagonist uncovers a plot to throw the championship game.
Suspense and  basketball, what a great combination for young sports fans.  I'm thinking of ordering a copy for my own family.

Happy reading,
Christine