She went on olden-day sailing ships with
Joseph Conrad. She went to Africa with
Ernest Hemingway and to India with
Rudyard Kipling. She traveled all over
the world while sitting in her
little room in an English village.
from: Matilida
by: Roald Dahl
AMAZON review:
It's the beginning of a lazy summer in 1950 at the sleepy English village of Bishop's Lacey. Up at the great house of Buckshaw, aspiring chemist Flavia de Luce passes the time tinkering in the laboratory she's inherited from her deceased mother and an eccentric great uncle. When Flavia discovers a murdered stranger outside her bedroom window early one morning, she decides to leave aside her flasks and Bunsen burners to solve the crime herself, much to the chagrin of the local authorities. But who can blame her? What else does an eleven-year-old science prodigy have to do when left to her own devices? With her widowed father and two older sisters far too preoccupied with their own pursuits and passions—stamp collecting, adventure novels, and boys respectively—Flavia takes off on her trusty bicycle Gladys to catch a murderer. In Alan Bradley's critically acclaimed debut mystery, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, adult readers will be totally charmed by this fearless, funny, and unflappable kid sleuth. But don't be fooled: this carefully plotted detective novel (the first in a new series) features plenty of unexpected twists and turns and loads of tasty period detail. As the pages fly by, you'll be rooting for this curious combination of Harriet the Spy and Sherlock Holmes. Go ahead, take a bite. --Lauren Nemroff
Im giving this delightful tale **** stars!!
I dont usually read murder/mystery novels- not sure why...
but I sure did enjoy this fun read.
Flavia, the heroine, is a riot, and quick witted and smarter than the average english mate.
Pick this one up and travel into the mind of a brilliant pre-teen as she solves a murder...You'd just have to try if the body turned up in your cucumber patch...wouldnt you!!!?? Since the heroine is only 11, you'd probably surmise that this is a YF book...its not...so go ahead and give it a try!!
ALSO-
It was time again to read a favorite, old Christmas story. I have our book club reading it this month too. Lloyd Douglas of THE ROBE fame, and THE FISHERMAN, wrote a 64 page story for Christmas, and its always worth pulling off the shelf for a re-read every couple of years.
Here is how Amazon reviews the book:
A delightful little story which begins on Christmas Eve when there is no money available for gifts. Philip Garland has already lost his engineering position. He is so despondent he cares nothing for helping Shirley decorate the tree while Polly and Junior are in bed.
In his den, Philip considers the suicide route other bankrupt business leaders have taken recently-even though he knows he can't do that. While in his den, he steps on a needle, driving it deep into his foot. He is able to finally get hold of it and pull it out with pliers, but only half the needle is removed.
Phil decides the remaining half of the needle will soon take his life and his family will be provided for through his life insurance. He avoids doctor treatment, but tells nobody.
Since Phil no longer is looking to the future, only one day at a time, his spirit is lifted, he again interacts with his family, he even acquires a day job, leading to more work. He know, however, it is only a matter of time till his life ends. Tomorrow, likely.
This carries on for a year and the story ends at the next Christmas Eve. I'll stop here, because it's too good an ending to spoil the story.
In his den, Philip considers the suicide route other bankrupt business leaders have taken recently-even though he knows he can't do that. While in his den, he steps on a needle, driving it deep into his foot. He is able to finally get hold of it and pull it out with pliers, but only half the needle is removed.
Phil decides the remaining half of the needle will soon take his life and his family will be provided for through his life insurance. He avoids doctor treatment, but tells nobody.
Since Phil no longer is looking to the future, only one day at a time, his spirit is lifted, he again interacts with his family, he even acquires a day job, leading to more work. He know, however, it is only a matter of time till his life ends. Tomorrow, likely.
This carries on for a year and the story ends at the next Christmas Eve. I'll stop here, because it's too good an ending to spoil the story.
Precious Jeopardy by Lloyd Douglas
I give this Christmas treat ***** (5) stars!!!
Happy reading every one, and Happy Holidays too!
1 comment:
Thanks for posting these suggestions Cindy. I have read a few books lately that were not worth the time I gave them, so I am always happy to have a good recommendation. I'll check these books out!
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