My Name Is Not Angelica by Scott O'Dell

I read this to the boys. It was decent. If you have particularly sensitive children, the depictions of slavery might be a bit much for them (I did a little bit of editing on the fly as I read.)

A Star for Mrs. Blake by April Smith

Great potential but merely average execution.

The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty

I really enjoyed this: a unique plot, clever writing, witty, some moments of depth.

The Last Aloha by Gaellen Quinn

Excellent historical fiction and a clever set-up where the protagonist doesn't realize the many ways that she is being used (but the reader does). But it did drag in some parts.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

I was completely charmed by the beginning of this book. Then it became somewhat predictable (but still a little charming.)

Promise Land by Jessica Lamb-Shapiro

I like the idea of light non-fiction, but this one went too far. And it went in too many directions, especially given the autobiographical aspects. This just didn't work.

Review copy provided by publisher.

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

I'm not a sophisticated reader of novels--I either enter into them and love them, or I don't. This one I loved. Recommended.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Perfect by Rachel Joyce

Unusual, engaging, not perfect, a really good read.

Review copy provided by publisher.

The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

I read this to the boys. It was decent.

The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

Decent.

Through the Evil Days by Julia Spencer-Fleming

This was somewhere between "meh" and "decent." My ardent enjoyment of this series has really wavered. The elements that made the first books so much fun are gone.

The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly

This was pretty good.

Plague by Lisa Hinsley

Compelling premise but a lame execution.

Review copy provided by publisher.

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book this much.

David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

I realize that Gladwell is shallow and easy to debate, but he's also a great story teller and I always like counterintuitive thinking. This is a quick, easy read that would lead to great discussion.

Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell

A little sloggy in the middle, but I enjoyed the rest.

Tolliver's Secret by Esther Brady

 I read this to the boys. It was decent.

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

OK, so the plot was byzantine beyond belief, but I still sort of liked this book.

The Explanation for Everything by Lauren Grodstein

Great premise, started strong, then kind of fell apart.

Stella Bain by Anita Shreve

Solid, decent, but didn't knock my socks off.

Review copy provided by publisher.