Where the Crawdads Sing

Where the Crawdads Sing is by Delia Owens. A realistic fiction story set in the swamps of the North Carolina coast. The story revolves around Kya, whose family lives in a shack in the swamp. Her drunk abusive father runs off the entire family, who leave the seven-year-old child with her father. When he leaves and doesn't return several years later Kay must survive in the swamp alone. The story follows her as she grows up and learns about nature and people. The amount of suspension of belief required to buy this story is considerable. 

Ratings: Adult - 4 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence). 

The Dead

The Dead is by James Joyce. This historical fiction novella is set around a family gathering in Dublin set on the feast of the Epiphany. Two elderly aunts throw a holiday party for their family and friends. Their nephew also attends with his wife and the story more or less follows them, although Joyce includes all the other party goers as well. The ending is moving and typical of Joyce's revelatory writing. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10. 

At the Bay

At the Bay is by Katherine Mansfield. A charming historical fiction novella set in New Zealand in a small beach side community. This tale revolves around a day in the life of the Burnell family and their friends during the summer on the beach. It begins in the morning and ends at the end of the day. An interesting and beautifully written story about family dynamics.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10. 

The Nose

The Nose is by Nikolai Gogol. A bizarre historical fiction novella about a Russian apparatchik who wakes up one morning to discover his nose is gone. While looking for his nose, he discovers it roaming around town, and apparently his nose has a higher position in society than its former owner. A very Russian version of Kafka-esque writing. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10.  

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry is by Fredrik Backman. Another realistic fiction gem from this fantastic author! Elsa is seven years old; she lives with her mother and stepfather in a building with her grandmother and a cast of strange and strangely wonderful characters. Elsa is a different child and spends much of her time with her grandmother listening to stories about the Land-of-Almost-Awake and the kingdom of Miamas where nobody needs to be normal. Then her grandmother dies of cancer and leaves Elsa with letters of apology she must deliver to various people in the building. As Elsa begins her task, she discovers that the stories she has been told by her grandmother have been based on real people, and the people she has known all of her life are not what she believes. A marvelously charming story by a master storyteller.

Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content). 

Nothing to See Here

Nothing to See Here is by Kevin Wilson. An interesting realistic fiction novel with more than a smattering of magical realism. Lillian and Madison were roommates in a very exclusive boarding school, until Lillian is expelled. Their lives have diverged, but they have remained in touch as pen pals. Then Lillian receives a letter from Madison asking for her help. She is married to a senator, whose previous wife has killed herself. The twins from this former marriage are now coming to live with their father and Madison wants Lillian to come work for her as their governess - only there's a little problem with the kids - they spontaneously combust when they are upset. This is a very interesting novel and a fun read, even though you finish wishing for a little more.

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content). 

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is by Gail Honeyman. A charmingly funny, yet poignant realistic fiction novel. Eleanor handles the accounts for a graphic design company. She is eccentric and struggles with people skills. Then she meets Raymond from IT and the two of them rescue an elderly man who has fallen on the sidewalk and become involved with his family and each other. As Raymond gets to know Eleanor he realizes she has been profoundly damaged by her past and his friendship may be the only way to save her. A wonderful story; you'll cry and laugh at the same time. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

The Witch Elm

The Witch Elm is by Tana French. A strange, yet compelling, realistic fiction novel. Toby is the victim of a home invasion that almost killed him. While he struggles to recover from his head injury, he goes to Ivy House, the home of his uncle, where he and his cousins spent a great deal of time as children. Hugo is now dying of cancer and Toby and his girlfriend Melissa move in to assist him. Then a skull is found in the witch elm in the garden and everything falls apart. Nobody is who they seem and the past is not what anyone believes it to be. 

Ratings: 12th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners

Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners is by Therese Oneill. A hilarious nonfiction read that will completely dispel any ideas you may have about the wonders of the Victorian Era. Filled with information on dressing, hygiene, diet, beauty tips, and much more; this is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content).