The Silkworm

The Silkworm, by Robert Galbraith, 455 pages

In this second book of the Cormoran Strike series, Strike is approached by a famous novelist's wife, who says that he is missing.  And missing he is, until Strike finds his graphically mutilated corpse in a scene right out of a book- a book that the author wrote.  This book is full of intrigue, mystery, reasons to hate Robin's fiancé and then reasons to understand their relationship a little more, and a cast of characters who are all frustrating and sympathetic at the same time. 

The Cuckoo's Calling

The Cuckoo's Calling, by Robert Galbraith, 455 pages

In this first of the Cormoran Strike mysteries, the reader meets Cormoran Strike- a private eye who has fallen on hard times- and Robin, the eager new temp that he didn't ask for and can't afford to pay.  Already the reader wants to know more about what led them both to this moment, but the action begins without pausing long enough to wonder fully.  Strike is approached by the brother of a famous model who committed suicide- only he insists that she was murdered.  This one literally kept me wondering until the ultimate "unveiling" scene.  The characters are well-formed and interesting, and the story is one that keeps you reading.  This is one mystery series that I would be inclined to keep reading. 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J.K. Rowling, 435 pages

I remember this being the book where I felt like things really started picking up and getting good in the series; but re-reading it, this book really brought up a lot of annoyances for me.  Hermione's bossiness and secretiveness seems arbitrary and unnecessary; Ron is just the absolute WORST- valuing a rat that he has done nothing but criticize for the whole series over his human friend who has saved his life multiple times.  And Harry- it's happened throughout the series, but this is where it really starts annoying me- that he doesn't share anything with Dumbledore.  Like, we all agree Dumbledore's the greatest wizard, totally good, and has been nothing but generous and on Harry's side- so why does Harry continue to lie to him and be secretive?  Ugh- eyeroll.  I mean, I love Lupin and Sirius, and I liked that this book has the "unfinished" feeling with Peter Pettigrew- but it was not as good as I remembered it.  Maybe I'm o.d.'ing on H.P. and I need to take a break. 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J.K. Rowling, 341 pages

Harry is back at Hogwarts- the gang is back together, including an evil presence that is petrifying students and ghosts alike.  What does a wizard have to do to get a break around here?  I found this to still be good- the characters are still finding out about themselves and life, and we see a few inklings of the serious direction the series takes at times- this one is the discovery of the prejudice against non-"pure" blood wizards and witches.  Quidditch is still pretty boring, but at least we get to meet Dobby for the first time in the series.  And he is pretty great. 

Paper Towns

Paper Towns, by John Green, 305 pages

Quentin has always had a crush on his neighbor, Margo- even though they drifted apart into different social circles in high school, the crush on the girl he knew as a child remained.  Margo is a bit of a legend to everyone in school- a daring risk-taker who sneaks into theme parks and turns down famous bassists, and a popular girl with the looks and the cool friends.  So when she shows up at Quentin's window one night to pull him into a night of mischief and adventure, he can't turn her down.  And at the end of the night he feels like she just taught him how to live.  So when Margo stays missing, Quentin is convinced that she has led him into a sort of scavenger hunt to find her.  The rest of the book is Quentin reading Whitman's Leaves of Grass, realizing how good his friends are, and trying to live life like Margo taught him.  Oh, and then realizing that he never really knew Margo, and we can never truly know another person.  This was interesting, and contained quite a bit for discussion regarding YA literature, John Green, and identity. 

The Thirteenth Tale

The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield, 406 pages

This is a very lovely work of fiction that I can see especially appealing for book clubs.  Vida Winter is England's most beloved writer- but also its most secretive.  No one knows her history and everyone wants to know what her "thirteenth tale" was- a story allegedly left out of a volume published with only 12 stories.  So it's surprising when Margaret Lea is approached about writing Ms. Winter's biography- why now?  And will the renowned story teller and weaver of fiction actually tell the truth?  I had some trouble getting drawn in, but once there, I had trouble putting it down. 

Eustace

Eustace, by Steven Harris, 280 pages 

In this graphic novel, Eustace is a sickly eight year old, who basically stays in bed all of the time.  Such is a boring life, so Eustace distracts himself with talking to imaginary people (the reader), which is not crazy because they are not imaginary friends (an important distinction).  Eustace shares memories, whether of appalling family members or soup or taking a bath, that gradually become bizarre and outlandish and quite scandalous.  This is not a book for children, or adults who may be offended by nudity or language. It felt like reading a young person's fever dream.