Having grown up just outside of Baltimore in the seventies and eighties, I LOVE that this geography and that era plays such a strong role in Ms. Lippman's novel. The muli-layered story unfolds, both in past and present time, while exploring the long term consequences of the secrets kept and the lies told during the friendships of our youth. The gripping plot will have your turning pages late in the evening.

Turning the last page of this book was bittersweet for me because I simply did not want to let go of the beautifully developed characters in this book. Delly is a firecracker whose earnest efforts to become good make you laugh out loud. Ferris Boyd is a poignant character who reminds us that we all have something special to give. The children in this book care about each other so deeply and so honestly that it takes your breath away. As she did in Ida B, Katherine Hannigan has deftly captured both the innocence and joy of youth, as well as the challenge and pain of growing up. (3rd grade up)

A rollicking, rhyming tale that follows the adventures of a young boy who can't leave the house without bringing some critter home from his adventures. This book will appeal to collector's of all ages, and will remind moms everywhere that bugs might make the best pets of all. The fun story coupled with vibrant illustrations would make a wonderful addition to any child's library.

Before you see the movie, check out out the original classic, and ask yourself, why does this story speak to us across the ages? Could it be that the themes of love and loss resonate strongly even in today's modern world; or, does the strength and character of the heroine still feel ground-breaking and inspiring; or is it something else all together? Immerse yourself in the world of Jane Eyre, and decide for yourself (but let me know too!)

Is she opinionated?  Yes.  Does she loudly toot her own horn?  Sure (she would be the first one to own up to that!)  But, like her or not, Elizabeth Gilbert has a keen eye, a sharp perspective, and a blazing wit.  In this memoir she goes on crusade to make peace with the institution of marriage - interviewing women from all corners of the world, combing through decades of data, and sharing insights from her own experiences (and mis-experiences) with love.  If you did not enjoy her first memoir, Eat, Pray, Love, then this might not be the book for you.  But if you did, go ahead and pick this one up.  She'll have you laughing, raging, and thinking about marriage in an entirely new way. This would be a great choice for a book club--as the book is full of thought-provoking topics that would make for spirited conversation!