Books for Folks

I met Jessica in college because we had some mutual friends, but we didn't really know each other.  We reconnected several years later when we argued in the comment section of a blog, and then AGAIN a few years later when we started chatting on Facebook. Third time's a charm, I guess, because she's one of my best friends now.  Jessica and I have fairy disparate reading preferences, so it's a challenge to make a list for her-- she still pooh-poos my love of romance novels and she loves suspense (which makes me hide under my blankets) but I keep chipping away anyway. These books are listed approximately in order from least-angsty to most. She wanted well done lit with lower intensity than her normal reads. Here is my attempt. https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780399180996 https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780316556347 https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781101971062 Soulless is just plain fun. It's a comedy of manners with werewolves and airships. Band Sinis

Sarah and Tim have known each other since college, and I finally got to meet her in 2017 when my family went to Scotland. Her kiddos are fabulous. Clever, adventurous and hilarious to a child. M and I still quote H (who was 3 when stayed with them two summers ago) informing us as we were removing our clothing from their washer "Those aren't pants, they're TROUSERS!" Anyway. Sarah wanted some more fun stuff to read-aloud with H, along the lines of their old standbys Julia Donaldson and Dr. Suess. M (who is 8) loves Diary of A Wimpy kid, and H (who is 10) loves The Beast Chronicles. They both love Horrible Histories (as is correct). Recommendations for H: For M: For H:

I've never met E's kids, but they sound like some pretty awesome young folk. This list is for them. The first five are for the 18 year old, who likes historical fiction, especially WWII era. Her most recent favorite read was Vox. The next five are for the middle kiddo, who is 15. She loves a variety of genres and styles, so I basically had a free for all here. It was fun. The youngest is 12, and loves graphic novels and books with  kickass girl protagonists and strong friendships the best. The last five picks are for her. Looking over this list, I can see that most of my choices feature kickass women protagonists, and a lot of historical fiction, so perhaps they can mix and match a bit.

H is a science-loving 12 year-old from Lincoln. He's a fast (and voracious) reader and enjoys fantasy. This is his list.