Charming found family story, but dated, this is a novel version of the film Slumdog Millionaire. I thought I’d choose this one for my middle school book club, but ultimately decided against it for some of the tone deaf language.

3.5 stars.

Fun, immersive, but a little lacking with some plot details. 3.5 stars.

“It struck him that a book was effectively the equivalent of a human being.”

“The Book Censor’s Library”is effectively the equivalent of “1984” for books. It’s a translated work that reads smoothly and beautifully. I didn’t love the ending though. 3.5 stars.

Wonderful on audio. Connie Chung narrates her story with feeling, poise, and confidence. I was happy and proud to hear her name her successes, and I like that she doesn’t subject herself to the double standards women so often do. The tone did feel a bit braggadocios at times, because she defended herself often and did not own up to any mistakes. But I get that she wants to tell her own story in the way she wants to tell it.

3.75 stars.

A short story that expresses what some 500 page books struggle to do. Written in 1997, Blueback is a middle grade novel, less than 100 pages, but it’s poignant and resonant in its telling. The prose is both accessible, beautiful, and timeless - it’s really for anyone middle school and up. It’s another book recommended by fivebooks.com, and I’m rating this one a full 5 stars.

Read this for my middle grade book club, on the recommendation of an article from fivebooks.com. They said there was discussion of economics - not much though. It was more of a straightforward heist. Still, it’s a fun kids book. 3.5 stars.

3.5 stars. All the cozy mystery, small town romance vibes.