I simply enjoyed the continued character development in Cormoran and Robin, the wide world in the microcosm of London‘s elite artists being surprisingly horrifying - I frankly wondered frequently at the author and her portrayals (and their accuracy). Was Art imitating life? Did anyone in the rarified “literary” world recognize themselves? I enjoyed the foibles as much as the mystery! On to the next!

If popular opinion demands I watch a movie or read a book, I tend to balk on principle. I‘m just newly returned to enjoying reading for pleasure and finding it difficult to stay focused on even good, engaging stories - but this one held me! I like good character development in imperfect characters. Here is the redemption story of a failing private investigator and the intellectual awakening of the temp who comes to work for him.

What a great book! I loved the characters - Joe and Lila and Carl - and Jeremy. A nice welcome back to reading for fun 😁

If a book can capture the attention of seventh graders and inspire them to try to find more books about kids with synesthesia? It‘s a win. But why the crying parts?! Sheesh!

Kaleidoscope Eyes by Jen Bryant is a novel written in verse and a fast and fun read. All that annotation is because I decided I‘m teaching it in my grade 7 class! The sections are headed by quotes from songs popular in the time setting (mostly 1968). Somehow with few words, the author captures some of the essence of the race tensions, the war tensions, and the excitement of a treasure hunt/mystery. Recommended! 4/5 stars 😁

I don‘t go in for gruesome, yet I stuck with The Ghost Tree by Christina Henry from start to finish. Maybe it‘s because the story moves, not sticking, not stuttering. Action and well developed characters. Equal parts horror, coming of age, and mystery, I greatly appreciated the book - a fast and fun read!

Ok - so that‘s a Bitmoji … the actual book was truly engaging. I read it on Kindle, borrowed from the library, and can‘t access it to capture an image.
I really did enjoy this book so much! More in the historical line (kind of) just like her Alice. I‘m putting this on my to-buy list to keep and reread!
I am dnf‘ing most of what I attempt as I‘m getting back in the reading game. Never thought about dropping this one.

“I think,” Grace said, and they sat up straighter, “that it shows a remarkable lack of planning on Betty‘s part. If you are going to murder your best friend with an axe, you should make sure you know what you‘re doing.”

1. I am unashamedly addicted to fairy tales & have been these 42 years or more.
2. I love getting pulled in to a story.
So - having said that - Alice us not for the faint of heart. It‘s gory, but the author doesn‘t dwell on description. In fact, the violence is disturbingly matter-of-fact. So reader be warned - this story has plenty of triggers (violence against women especially, but also generally). My first by the author, not my last.

I read this with a seventh grade class of reluctant readers. They were utterly engaged, accusatory (they just knew with their deepest beings it was going to end horribly - these accusations starting halfway through), and invested! It was a fast read and fun.

Best investment I‘ve made as a teacher (besides having my own classroom library). Very practical, excellent results! 7th graders (given the chance) are brilliant, kind, and we should really consult them on matters of education! #teacherlife #nonfiction