Frankie Landau-Banks is one of the MOST awesome characters I've ever read. I'm not sure if I think she's crazy or a genius, maybe both - therein lies her greatness. A story of a feminist teen could come off as trite, but this story explodes with fun hijinks, wit, and real food for thought.

This story of a young boy looking to avenge his mother's attacker started with great promise as a suspenseful read. Erdrich's writing is peppered with an eye to detail and also comes across as mythical. Although, by inserting some compelling Native American myths into the narrative, the story meanders and I felt as if it lost focus/dragged on a bit too long.

A sweet debut novel told in an epistolary format, which I love. Apparently it's inspired by Daddy Long Legs, which I've never read and glad I had not, as the story was a good page turner - just who is Mr. Knightley? Although, I must admit that I'm not the biggest Austen fan (heresy, I know. I prefer watching the movies.) so some of the references went beyond me.

Enjoyed this YA story of a young girl from London who accompanies her father on a trip to find his missing friend in upstate New York. The writing is so subtle and nuanced; I felt like I went on this journey with Mila, given just the right amount of perfect detail. It was interesting to read a story about the complicated nature of adult relationships told from a rather innocent child's point of view. Definitely thought provoking material.

This Romeo and Juliet style love story between a Chinese boy and a Japanese girl during WWII was a quick read. I enjoy historical fiction and it was additionally engaging to me, as it takes place where I live (in Seattle). It was definitely bittersweet, but maybe overly sentimental and rather predictable.

Since I made it through 300 pages, I'm calling it 'read.' After reading Elizabeth's negative review (at Princess Nebraska.com) of the Goldfinch (utterly depressing, no thank you) and that she loved The Little Friend, I figured it was a no-brainer to read it instead. Although we have very similar Goodreads ratings, we don't agree on this one! I gave it my all, but I'm just not a fan of TOO MUCH DETAIL and entire chapters that don't have anything to do with the story, even if that are beautifully written. For sure, I felt like someone plopped me down smack in the middle of Virginia in the 70s; she really is masterful at setting a scene. But the story is too languid and I have too many books on hold that I want to read to put up with this one any longer. Darn.

This story of Piper Kerman's stint in a woman's prison was really fascinating material. It was a super quick and interesting read. Sometimes the story didn't flow/felt disjointed, and I think she introduced a few too many characters to follow. But overall, I'd recommend it.

Well, that was the opposite of cheery - reading historical fiction about the last days of a condemned woman. It was a beautiful, haunting, atmospheric novel and would be great fodder for book clubs - what makes a person guilty? Much thought is given to the idea that no one is entirely bad, or good. So, not a lot of suspense, since it's based on this woman's true story, but I feel as if there could have been. I've read plenty of page turning books on the subject of Anne Boleyn, and the unfolding of Agnes' story just felt meh, and overly depressing.

I'm not usually a fan of existential stuff - but, this novel had just enough plot to lure me in. I loved the voyeuristic aspect of reading this young girl's diary, which washes up on the shores of an island in British Columbia by way of Japan. It gets a little "woo woo" and almost Neverending Story-ish with the woman who discovers the diary (our other main character, Ruth) becoming part of the story. It's very sublime and infused with layer upon layer of very beautiful symmetry and symbolism.

This novel isn't on the same level as Me Before You - nevertheless, this was a fast and enjoyable read. Sort of a formulaic amnesia romance storyline, mashed up with a Titanic vibe. I kept waiting for the romantic male lead to yell: They've got you trapped Rose! Even though her name is Jennifer and the bulk of the story is set in the 1960s, rather than 1912. But hey, who doesn't love Titanic? Especially since this one has a happier ending.