This past month, Senior Book Break read fun favorites.
Here are the books we discussed:
Kremlin's Candidate by Jason Matthews // This espionage thriller is the third in a series, following Red Sparrow and Palace of Treason. The author is a former CIA spy, and our reader says the details are overwhelming, featuring exciting and interesting locations all over the world.
Still Life by Lousie Penny // Set near the Montreal border, this cozy mystery is the first book of a series of 15 books. It introduces readers to very real characters in the small town of Three Pines. Our reader says she enjoys the mystery that weaves through the whole series, as well as the individual mystery of each book.
Snipp, Snapp, Snurr and Flicken, Ricken, Dicken by Maj Lindman // These Swedish children's books conjure happy memories of kindergarten for our reader, who says she loves them so much she hunted them down as an adult. They depict the innocent adventures of children as they explore the world around them and learn valuable lessons. Our reader said these books, along with the California State Series, depicting historical figures, rekindle the happy memories of reading in bed on a Saturday as a child, knowing that she wouldn't have to share the books with anyone.
Dune by Frank Herbert // Our reader says of this classic, "Prose makes such a difference, but it's also the things the prose tells you to think about" that make a difference. Our reader enjoys re-reading this book and the others in the series not only for the characters and story, but also for their ideas. The author "hits you with an idea and it makes you want to go back into the books to rethink it."
The Front Porch Prophet by Raymond L. Atkins // This off-the-wall book is about life, family, and friends in a small town in Georgia. Our reader says the characters and story are amazing, and that you'll really enjoy this story if you like books about a time and a people, such as To Kill a Mockingbird. Even if that's not your usual cup of tea, our reader says everyone should read this book; it will make you a better person.
Uncle Wiggily's Story Book II by Howard R. Garis // Our reader has fond memories of her grandparents reading this aloud to all the cousins. And that same reader is now a published author, so keep reading to those little ones! You never know what it might inspire. 🙂
Just One Evil Act by Elizabeth George // Our reader says "Every time you think you've got it figured out, Elizabeth George throws you a curve." There are multiple whodunnits in this mystery that takes readers all over Europe.
Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras // The description from the publisher: Inspired by the author's own life, and told through the alternating perspectives of the willful Chula and the achingly hopeful Petrona, Fruit of the Drunken Tree contrasts two very different, but inextricably linked coming-of-age stories. In lush prose, Rojas Contreras has written a powerful testament to the impossible choices women are often forced to make in the face of violence and the unexpected connections that can blossom out of desperation.
The High Crusade by Paul Anderson // This 1960 sci-fi pairs 14th Century English crusaders with space ships. What could go wrong? Our reader says the action-packed plot reads just like a screenplay. Full of tongue-in-cheek humor, this alternative history packs quite a punch.
Tisha: The Wonderful True Love Story of a Young Teacher in the Alaskan Wilderness by Robert Specht and Ann Purdy // This is the true story of a young woman who, in 1927, goes to teach in rural Alaska. Our reader loves the descriptions of life on the frontier and all the stories Tisha (that's Teacher, as pronounced by her Inuit pupils) relates. Our reader says, "The adventures tickled me pink."
Probable Claws by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown // Our reader loves the descriptions of the animals' behavior in this series as they go about town, solving the mystery before any of the humans can. Our reader recommends getting into this series with its wonderful descriptions, but says make sure to go in order.
To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis // This fun romp through the future and the past is time travel meets comedy of manners as characters travel back and forth to avert disaster while trying not to get too sick from time lag or stick out in Victorian Oxford. Our reader says this is a smart, funny, satisfying read.
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