Reykjavik is by Ragnar Jonasson and Katrin Jakobsdottir. A realistic crime novel set in Iceland. As Reykjvik is about to celebrate its 200th anniversary, a reporter decides to solve the mystery of a young girl who went missing from a remote island 30 years earlier. But the investigation leads him to a lot of powerful people who don't want the mystery solved.
Ratings: Adult - 6 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).
The Lake District Murder is by John Bude. The first in the historical fiction Golden Age Inspector Meredith series. The Inspector is called in when a body is found in an isolated garage. The investigation winds a complex path through a tangle of shady business dealings and murder. Fans of Golden Age mysteries will thoroughly enjoy this mystery.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Professor is by Charlotte Bronte. A classic historical fiction novel by the author of Jane Eyre. This is Bronte's first novel. William Crimsworth is parentless and penniless. He leaves England to find work in Brussels and becomes a professor at an all boys school. He then secures an additional position at the adjoining girl's school where he is attracted to the older and more dominating directress. Then he meets another teacher at the girl's school named, Frances Henri, and the situation changes. A great look at Bronte's developing talent.
Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10.
Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come is by Jessica Pan. A memoir by a shy introvert who decides to spend a year trying new things. Pan puts herself in circumstances she is not comfortable in and learns she can be an introvert and still step outside her comfort zone.
Ratings: Adult - 4 out of 10.
Death at La Fenice is by Donna Leon. The first in the realistic fiction Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery series. When a famous conductor dies of cyanide poisoning in the middle of a performance, Brunetti is called in to find the killer. But in this case, it's more like narrowing down the suspect pool, which turns out to be larger than you would think.
Rating: 10th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).
Mr. Dickens and His Carol is by Samantha Silva. A touching historical fiction novel with a touch of magical realism. This novel fictionalizes the story of how Charles Dickens came to write A Christmas Carol. Fans of the Christmas favorite will enjoy this book.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
An Orkney Tapestry is by George Mackay Brown. A collection of writing about Orkney seen through the eyes of a poet. This work examines Orkney via travel writing, nonfiction articles, myth, poetry, and drama. This work is magnificent. It makes you want to pack up and head to England. Anglophiles will love it.
Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10.
Greek Lyric Poetry is translated by Willis Barnstone. A magnificent collection of Greek lyric poetry by a variety of ancient Greek poets. A must read for fans of the classic Greeks.
Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10.
The Midnight Folk is by John Masefield. The first in the fantasy Kay Harker series. Kay is an orphan who lives in an old country estate looked after by two nasty caretakers. Kay's great-grandfather was a sea captain who supposedly stole an immense treasure. He maintained his innocence until his death, and now Kay is determined to find the treasure and clear his ancestor's name. His great-grandfather steps out of an old painting and with a groups of magical toys and animals, allows Kay to be transported to an enchanted world every night at midnight to find the treasure before a group of witches does. A charming children's fantasy.
Ratings: 6th grade - 8 out of 10.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants is by Robin Wall Kimmerer. A beautifully written nonfiction book by an indigenous author who is also a botanist. This book is semi-autobiographical look at indigenous culture, it's relationship to the earth, and Kimmerer's life. The worldview is definitely Native American; the writing is stunning in places. It is a fun and thought-provoking read.
Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10.
