Dear Mr. Knightley

Dear Mr. Knightley is by Katherine Reay. A charming romantic comedy take off on Daddy Long Legs. A young orphan is given a scholarship to a prestigious journalism school by a mysterious benefactor. The only thing she needs to do is write him regularly and let him know her progress. While at school, she meets has favorite writer and becomes involved with a group of eccentric people. Since Sam is a huge fan of Bronte, Austen, and other classic writers, this is a fun read for book lovers. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content). 

The Crisis of Narration

The Crisis of Narration is by Byung-Chul Han. A wonderful nonfiction philosophical look at the importance of narration. Humans needs to avoid screen time and talk to each other. This is a must read for home school parents and teachers. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10. 

Our Man in Havana

Our Man in Havana is by Graham Greene. The classic historical fiction satire on spy novels. An ex-pat vacuum cleaner salesman in Havana is forced into becoming a spy for MI6. He begins to file fake reports just to get the money and then finds out his life is in danger because everyone, including the other side, is taking him seriously. Not my favorite novel, but it was worth the read.

Ratings: 11th grade - 6 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna

Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna is by Mario Giordano. The fourth installment in the realistic fiction Auntie Poldi mystery series. Auntie Poldi is shocked by a visit from a priest and a Vatican policemen who suspect her of being involved in the death of a nun and the theft of a Black Madonna statue from the Vatican. Can Poldi find out who took the statue and killed the nun without losing all the friends she has made in her new home? 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - P (profanity).

Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel

Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel is by Elizabeth Everett. A charming start to the fantasy Wayside Hotel series.  A magical hotel which needs a "reboot" strands its magical travelers on Earth - the least magic world ever. Pax, the hotel manager, must keep the travelers in line as he seeks the answer to the hotel's needs. Can a single mom and her four-year-old son really be that answer? 

Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

David Copperfield

David Copperfield is by Charles Dickens. The classic historical fiction epic by the master. This is the semi-autobiographical account of a young boy's journey to manhood and the people who helped him grow into a man of substance. A masterpiece of fiction. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 10 out of 10.

Lies Sleeping

Lies Sleeping is by Ben Aaronovitch. The seventh book in the fantasy Rivers of London series. The Faceless Man has been uncovered and is on the run. However, he is trying to pull off his last bit of magic that will destroy London. To stop him Peter may have to ally with both Lesley and Mr. Punch. 

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

Mr. Pottermack's Oversight

Mr. Pottermack's Oversight is by R. Austin Freeman. A Golden Age classic mystery by one of the masters of the craft. Mr. Pottermack is a murderer. We know this from the start, but this charming mystery starts out with the crime and criminal being known and then explains how the detective finds the culprit. This is one of my favorite of Freeman's novels. Fans of Golden Age mysteries should enjoy this one. Does Dr. Thorndyke do the right thing at the end?

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland

Say Nothing: The True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland is by Patrick Radden Keefe. A fascinating nonfiction look at the Troubles. Jean McConville was taken from her home by masked men in front of her ten children and was never seen again. In 2003, her bones were discovered on a beach. Keefe sets out to tell the story of McConville, her children, and the leaders of IRA and other groups that caused Ireland to be such a deadly place during this turbulent period. This book is well written, well researched, and really really sad. 

Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10 - V (violence) - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

The Keeper

The Keeper is by Tana French. The third book in the Cal Hooper realistic fiction series. The fiancée of the local big shot is found floating the river. Was it really suicide or was it murder? Cal doesn't want to become involved, but as the girl's death begins to tear the entire town apart he must step in to save the town, and the woman, he has come to love. This is a wonderful series and this might be the best of the three books. I understand this is the last of the series and I wish that weren't so. 

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence). 

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi is by Shannon Chakraborty. The first installment in the Amina al-Sirafi fantasy series. Amina retired from piracy when she had her daughter - that was years ago. Now she is tracked down by the wealthy mother of a former crewman, who threatens to divulge her identity and whereabouts unless she agrees to rescue the woman's granddaughter who has been captured by a Frankish mercenary. Having no other choice, Amina begins to gather her old crew together only to discover they are now involved with particularly dark magic. A good start to what promises to be a fun and rollicking series. 

Ratings: 11th grade - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence) = P (profanity). 

The Case of the Burgundy Vineyards

The Case of the Burgundy Vineyards is by Benedict Brown. The fourth installment in the historical fiction mystery Lord Edgington Abroad series. When Lord Edgington and Christopher are invited to visit a famous vineyard, they find themselves in the middle of a family feud that turns deadly. They must find a way to solve the murder and deescalate the feud between the two families before anyone else is killed. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

The Hanging Tree

The Hanging Tree is by Ben Aaronovitch. The sixth book in the fantasy Rivers of London series. When Lady Ty's daughter becomes involved in the suicide of a teenage girl at a party, Peter is called in to solve the mystery surrounding the death without involving the river goddess's daughter = he does owe Lady Ty a favor after all. But the case turns out to be more than it seems... Fans of the series will enjoy this installment as well. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content) - P (profanity). 

The Alpine Christmas Mystery

The Alpine Christmas Mystery is by Benedict Brown. The third installment in the Lord Edgington Abroad historical fiction mystery series. Lord Edgington takes Christopher to a remote Alpine lodge for Christmas and invites Chris's brother to join them. Of course, a Christmas with Lord Edgington is impossible without a murder and one is promptly forthcoming. Now the duo must solve an old mystery of the theft of a princess's tiara - only everyone in the lodge seems to be related to the case somehow, including Lord Edgington. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Death on the Night Train to Verona

Death on the Night Train to Verona is by Benedict Brown. The second in the Lord Edgington Abroad historical fiction mystery series. Lord Edgington and Christopher board a night train to Rome with a famous film star who is killed on the train. They must now solve the mystery of which of the other first class passengers killed her and why before someone else dies. Fans of the series will enjoy this installment. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

The American Book of Fables

The American Book of Fables is by Matthew Mehan, A must have book of fables about America for all Americans young and old. This beautifully illustrated collection contains poetry, fables, and readings from historical documents for Littles, Middles, and older readers. A magnificent and fun way to learn about our great country. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.  

Ratings: 5th grade - 10 out of 10.