What have you been reading lately? It's Book Review time!

Maren: I just finished "The Private Patient" by PD James and I would give it a solid 3 stars. It is a mystery set in the English countryside. A renowned cosmetic surgeon transformed his estate into a clinic for the wealthy elite to get their nose jobs etc in privacy. A high profile journalist with a mysterious background comes to the estate to remove a scar and is, unfortunately for her, murdered the day after the surgery. It's up to the brilliant Detective Adam Dalgliesh to untangle the web of back story to find out who killed her.

This is my first time reading anything by PD James and she came highly recommended. James' writing is impressive. Very tight and efficient. I found the story a little bit cumbersome though, lots of wading through police hum drum and not a lot of clinching,- I must read just one more chapter even though its already 1:30 am- kind of reading. I found the characters somewhat boring. It's nice to have a little comic relief now and then but that's just my taste. I would definitely recommend PD James for her writing abilities but maybe not this book in particular.  

Nancy: The last two books I've read were both children's books that I highly recommend.  The first is "The Granddaughter Necklace" by Sharon Dennis Wyeth.  This is the story that teaches a young girl about the women in her family who came before her, and how this special necklace has been passed down through generations.  My eight-year-old daughter fell in love with the book, and so did I. I give it 5 stars, and I say it is a MUST read for young girls.


The other book I read and recommend is Lilly's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff. It's a historical fiction story

with autobiographical touches. Set on the East Coast of the United States during World War II, the reader learns through the experiences Lily and her friend Albert, that the true principles of friendship, family, and love are vital during any era. I recommend this for children between 3rd and 6th grade.It's also a Newberry Honor book.

So now Potluck Pals, what have you been reading lately? Would you recommend them? Let us know!