Barbara Forte Abate’s writing style has always delighted me and I was pleased to accept an arc of Asleep Without Dreaming. Abate took me on a coming of age journey at the Moonglow motel with fleshed out characters and a look at life in a forgotten town. I quickly became caught up in this slow moving tale and let her words carry me away.
When I was younger I read two short stories that gave me the chills. I still remember them as if it were yesterday. They were Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl and The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. (click on the links to read them..eep) Your House is on Fire, Your Children All Gone reminded me of those dark tales. The book takes us to the superstitious and creepy town of Hemmersmoor, Germany. Four young friends share dark tales from their own childhood. This was spine-chilling and the perfect read for fall.
When I read the synopsis for Every Day I knew that I had to read it. I found the idea of waking each morning in strangers body thought provoking. Could I love someone who appeared differently each morning? What about all the senses surrounding that love..like the way they smell, the feel of their hand, the way their eyes sparkle when they laugh. David Levithan not only addressed these questions, he made me think about so much more. I feel in love with the characters, the journey and didn’t want this bittersweet novel to end.
The Priest and the Peaches, by Larry Peterson, captures the life of the newly orphaned Peach kids as they struggle in the aftermath of their father’s death and plan his funeral. This touching tale of faith and hope offers a glimpse into the lives of this working-class Catholic family set in 1960’s Bronx, NY. Steeped in faith and laced with humor Peterson’s tale delivers a powerful message “to love thy neighbor.”
Every once in a while you read a book with characters that touch you. It’s the kind of book you want to share with others. Spare Change is that type of book. It’s the story of a woman who fears marriage and children at a time when all women long to walk down the aisle. It is a beautiful, heartwarming tale about love, loss and unexpected gifts. It deals with a violent murder, a witness and those who wish to keep it a secret. Above all, this novel offers characters you won’t soon forget.
