5 Books I've Read so far in 2023. . .

 and you should too.

Hi friends! 

    Last year, I had a few friends ask what books I had read when I posted a Christmas craft where I put miniature "books" that I read during the year into an ornament.  

It looked like this: 

I am trying to read at least 23 books this year in honor of 2023, and so far I've checked 5 off the list. Since I have a lot of reading friends, I thought I would periodically post some book reviews for you. 

I'll try to keep spoilers to a minimum but give you enough analysis to make it worth your while. 

Book 1: "The Quest of the Missing Map" by Carolyn Keene

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I can hear you know asking me. . . "Is that a Nancy Drew?!" Yes. Yes it is. 

Sometimes, those of us who enjoy reading should allow ourselves an easy read to just have some fun. Backstory: Mom found this book in an antique store when we did an attic exploration in the owner's book stash.  This easy-to-read story was a nice mix of suspense and mystery even if it's slightly cheesy.  (Please don't think less of me for still enjoying a good Nancy Drew.) It's classic Nancy Drew - randomly getting thrown in with a stranger in the midst of trouble and having to save the day with something only she knows because she finds out accidentally.  Even features a good kidnapping or two.  

A fun read of a classic mystery featuring one of America's favorite detectives.

Book 2: "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

How am I just now reading this classic?! While I'm late to the fan club, I absolutely enjoyed this book.  I did a mixture of audiobook and hard copy reading of this book while I was traveling in January.  I believe that the audio book helped me to get into the book through some slightly complicated plot setup.  I love Dickens' style when he condenses dialogue banter (example: court scene interrogation).  After having been to England, the English style and culture are thoroughly captured in his writing.  I felt again as if I was once again on the climb up the Dover roads as he described the scenery, and he took me right back into the heart of London in my imagination.  He masterfully contrasts the French culture during the Revolution, and even gives a nod to the blossoming of America during our own Revolution.  I am fascinated by his ability to tell a timeless story about a horrific time (the French Revolution) while still keeping hope alive for the reader.  The books features classic English wit and dry humor.  While his characters are lovable or despicable (all in extremes), I find them less defined than in other books - possibly owning that plot seems to be more vital than characterization.  In other words, you get just enough characterization to gather the person's character and move along the plot. 

Favorite quote: "Miss Pross, with the vigorous tenacity of love, always so much stronger than hate, clasped her tight. . ."

Dickens' work is didactic, entertaining, and worth the read. 

Books 3-5: The Emily Series - "Emily of New Moon", "Emily Climbs, & "Emily's Quest" by L. M. Montgomery

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I cannot give this series 5 stars because, Emily, in spite of being a "Starr "will never quite live up to her name.  While lovable in her own way, she is not the heroine that Anne of Green Gables is. (How could L.M. Montgomery top herself in one of the most beloved heroines of all time?)  Written in similar style to the Anne series, L. M. Montgomery weaves a beautiful tale full of rich characterization and dialogue.  She uses a blend of narration, letters, and first-person journal entries to weave a story of love, misunderstanding, and youthful aspiration.  Emily, an orphan, is pursuing her dream of being a writer of both poetry and novels while growing into womanhood.  Montgomery speaks and follows her own opinion through the books - that stories, sometimes unlike real-life, should always have happy endings.  She keeps the reader wondering how she will resolve the character's inner and external conflicts, and leaves us thoroughly satisfied in the end. 

In the story, Emily has a long line of admirers as well as some dear friends; 

when you read these books, you are sure to become one as well.  

I've thoroughly enjoyed each of these books, and I hope you find yourself picking up a copy if you are looking for a good read or needing something new on your "to be read" list.  I still haven't decided my next book. . . So long friends - I'm off to hunt on the book shelves.