Ladder of Years...Ann Tyler

I talk a lot about having a balanced book diet with the kids. And I since I try and practice what I preach I picked up Ann Tyler. I figured she would be my protein, my main course. And Ladder of Years is written beautifully but you know what, sometimes the main course looks pretty but doesn't have any taste. I am perhaps being a bit harsh but this is a book I became frustrated with early on and the only reason I stuck with it is because I wanted to see if Delia decided to return home after abandoning her family (on a whim, I might add). I imagine there are people who read this book and say of course that's how Tyler had to end the story. I am not one of them. Which means - if you choose to read the book we may have plenty to talk about.

The Greatest Catch A Life in Teaching...Penny Kittle

Wow. Penny Kittle is thoughtful, kind, and incredibly observant. She is the kind of teacher I wish to be. There is so much food for thought in this little book - about teaching, about writing, about living. A gift.

Night of the Howling Dogs by Graham Salisbury

This is the last of the Nutmeg nominees and it's an adventure story not to be missed. Senior patrol leader of his Hilo, Hawaii, scout troop, eighth-grader Dylan looks forward to camping on the coast in the shadow of a volcano despite the presence of Louie, the troop bully. The hike down to the volcano is tougher than expected and then the troop is hit with not just an earthquake but a tsunami as well. It is amidst disaster that both Dylan and Louie have to let go of preconceived notions and rely on one another to help save their friends. Based on a true story.

That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo

I finished this book a week ago and I still can't decide whether or not I liked it. As the readers of this blog know, I am big into whether or not I can relate and/or root for a character. Split into two parts and filled with flashbacks, Richard Russo creates characters that are memorable; likable I'm not so sure. Jack Griffin returns to the Cape for a wedding. His father's ashes are in the trunk and his mother (long divorced from his father) constantly on his cell phone. The Cape is a place they vacationed as a family, memories plentiful. But his parents were bitter academics and Jack discovers maybe he's more like them than he would like. Over the course of that first weekend he explores his relationships not only with his parents but his wife and daughter, too. Fast forward one year, his daughter is getting married in Maine and life is far more complicated than it should be. There are laugh out loud scenes and Russo gives you plenty to think about.

Elephant Run by Roland Smith

One of the good things about the Nutmeg Award is I end up reading books I wouldn't normally pick up. Elephant Run by Roland Smith is a perfect example. Set during World War II, it tells the story of Nick Freestone, a young man who is sent to Burma to live with his father on a teak plantation. What his mother didn't know when she rushed to get Nick out of England and away from nightly bombings was that the Japanese were on the verge of taking Burma over. Elephant Run looks at WW II from an angle I was unaware of. There are people who are incredibly cruel and there are people who are true heroes. When you finish the book, walk away with the heroes.

A Soft Place to Land by Susan Rebecca White

Recommended by my niece, ASPTL celebrates the joys and frustrations of being a sister. As is often the case when I read a book, I look for someone to root for. I'm still thinking about it. The story is complex (partly inspired by Sully's dramatic Hudson River landing of a plane) and the characters are flawed but ultimately, they do the best with what they have. Is that good enough for the reader? It was for me.

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Eleven year old Caitlin and her father are suffering from a tremendous loss - their brother and son has been killed by an another angry student at his middle school. At first glance you might ask if this is appropriate for elementary school - if you have a mature fifth grader the answer is yes. This is about so much more than a senseless shooting. Caitlin has Asperger's syndrome and her brother Devon interpreted the world for her. As she faces the biggest obstacle of her life she's relying on the school counselor and friends who don't quite get her. Erskine does a masterful job celebrating friendship, forgiveness, and empathy. Join Caitlin as she searches for closure - you won't be disappointed.

Iron Thunder by Avi

Another Nutmeg nominee, Iron Thunder is a historical fiction novel based on the battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac. . Tom Carroll is but 13 years old in 1862 when his mother asks him to find a job to help put food on the table. And what a job he finds - errand boy for Captain John Ericsson - inventor of the first ironclad ship. Will something made of iron float? Will it be capable of fighting of the rebel "sea monster," known as the Merrimac. Plenty of action including Tom being wooed by a rebel spy.

Seaglass Summer by Anjali Banerjee

Poppy has the summer of her life planned - while her parents fly off to India to visit relatives, Poppy has convinced her uncle to let her stay with him on on island off the coast of Washington state where he is a vet. Poppy wants one thing in life - to be a vet like her uncle. Interestingly she's never had an animal as her mother is allergic. There are plenty of lessons to be learned - both from humans and animals alike. Join Poppy, Uncle Sanjay, Hawk, Duff, Mr. Pincus and a whole host of other characters as she learns the ins and outs of island living.

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm

Jennifer Holm, author of the Baby Mouse graphic novels has written an engaging story about Turtle - a young girl trying to find her place in the world. It's the 1930s, money is scarce and when her mother takes a job working for a woman who doesn't like kids, Turtle is shipped off to Key West, Florida to live with an aunt. Turtle is a resourceful girl (you have to be when you're constantly battling with a cousin named Beans) and gets a big old helping of family history as summer passes. And oh yes - there's a treasure map.

Notes From the Dog...Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen does a lovely job telling the story of Finn, an awkward fourteen year old boy who doesn't have a lot of friends and is reluctant to take a risk making one (or two). Enter Johanna, a graduate student who is house sitting next door. It turns out Johanna has a lot on her plate - she has cancer, just broke up with her boyfriend and is training for a triathlon. Somehow she convinces Finn to plant her a garden. Read Notes From the Dog to find out if friendship blooms. (For fifth grade and up.)

For You Mom, Finally by Ruth Reichl

I have read most if not all of Reichl's memoirs - she is a wonderful storyteller and For You Mom, Finally is no different. Unfortunately, it's only upon deep reflection we can truly understand the lessons of our mothers - especially mothers who grew up in 1940s and 50s; women who didn't have the opportunities women today do and wanted desperately to make sure their daughters did (whether they made it explicit it or not). Reichl uses a box of old notes and letters to help tell her mother's story - she is gentle and forgiving. For You Mom is beautifully written. (As an aside, my favorite Reichl book is Garlic and Sapphires about her time as the restaurant critic for the New York Times. Amazing stories.)

Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff

Slowly but surely I'm working my way through the Nutmeg nominees. Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff isn't a book I would have normally picked up but am glad I did. Part mystery, part human interest story, Eleven tells the story of Sam, an eleven year old boy who discovers some unsettling news about his past. Not a great reader, he reaches out to the new kid - Caroline, for help putting the pieces of his life into a coherent story. It is a story about friendship, about family, about unconditional love - well worth a read.

Food Rules...Michael Pollan

Fascinating food for thought (that is too obvious a pun to pass by)...a lot of it makes sense, some of it isn't any fun....and while I don't abide by them all the rules, I do occasionally glance at the book and wonder how I'm doing.

Tip It! The World According to Maggie Griffin...for adults

For those who know me, they know I watch Kathy Griffin religiously - I admire her willingness to take on issues (Don't Ask Don't Tell) and her ability to see the absurd in everyday life. Oh sure, I spend some time asking myself, "Did she just say that?" but all in all it's good fun. I read her Official Book Club Selection last year and was pleasantly surprised to see her mom's Tip It! at Barnes and Noble the other day. Maggie Griffin is a saint - not because she puts up with her daughter but because she understands and accepts Kathy for who she is. The respect these two have for each other is wonderful. And it seems they follow a simple rule - don't take life too seriously and when life gets you down - tip it.