In some ways, I'm still processing this book, even though I finished it two days ago.
Take everything you think you know about Native Americans, and twist it, just a bit. Gwynne masterfully tells the story of the Commanches--why they were unlike any other tribe, how they achieved their power, why they raided, kidnapped, and tortured white settlers. And how the only thing that really conquered them was technology.
It's also the story of the Parker family--Cynthia Ann, who was kidnapped when she was just a girl, and her son, who led violent raiding parties, who chose to become a "token" Indian for the US Government. Well, sorta.
Even though I consider myself fairly knowledgable about 19th century history and Texas history, there were lots of "well, duh" moments--those moments in a book where the author makes a completely logical point that somehow every other historian has missed for the past 100 years. Like why the horse made all the difference. Why traditional battle tactics didn't work with Commanches (and why it took so long for anyone to realize this). And why women and young children were kidnapped, but men were killed during raids. And all sorts of other things.
It's a gruesome, powerful and remarkable book. Larry McMurty is supposedly working on a screenplay, and even with his skills, I can't imagine turning this into a movie with the nuance, grace and power of the book. Highly, highly recommended. Cannot wait for the book club discussion of this one.

Post-Book Club conversation addendum: Had to up it to 5 stars. Revisionist history in the best possible sense of the word. Will change the way you think about American history.

Not so much with this one. It's a sort of mix between Maisie Dobbs and No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. But it just doesn't quite work. Jade doesn't have the charm of Maisie. The mystery was weak. The explanation weaker. The shifts to the killer's perspective were jarring. And there was something not quite right about the depiction of post WWI Africa.

And seriously, how many times did we have to hear about Jade's aching knee?

Love, love, love--women's history in an accessible format. But that makes this book sound like a History Lesson or medicine or something else not entirely pleasant, but good for you. And that just doesn't do justice to this book.
I loved the women Atkins chose for this--on the surface, it makes no sense. But, all were born in the same year. And all had daughters that worked with them, so there's this interesting push/pull between mother and daughter. All the sections were beautifully written and there were times I wished it wasn't a library book, because I wanted to underline some things.
I first "met" Madam C. J. Walker over ten years ago, when I interned at the Women's Museum and have loved her and admired her ever since. She deserves to be better known, and I was thrilled to see her in a book like this--readers would be hooked by Laura, but maybe they'd be intrigued by Madam Walker.
And I confess that I don't know much about the Curies and now I _really_ must read more.
So this book worked on many levels for me:
It beautifully summed up a story I know well. It highlighted someone I feel needs more attention. And it intrigued me enough to do some more reading.
Which is exactly what a book like this should do. As an educator type, I would kill to use this book in a classroom. I think it could spark some great conversations. Love, love, love. But then, this is a book with my name written all over it. . .

Satisfying coming of age/ghost story. Set in Maine, it's the story of two unhappy families--one in the 19th century, and one in the 1930s. It's one of those books that sucks you in, and you just don't realize how long you've been reading.

Loved this sweet fairy tale with a twist. Perfect for a snow day!

About 90% sure I read this as a kid and loved it. Didn't hold up quite as well as an adult.

I've been a fan of Fannie Flagg for a very, very long time. And though none of her other books have quite matched Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man (you thought I was going to say Fried Green Tomatoes, didn't you?), they're still delights.
In this one, Elner Shimfissle dies. . . and then doesn't. Elner is one of those wonderful women who has lived in the same small town for her whole life and has touched just about everyone in that town. I really fell in love with Elner--from her goofy questions to the little ways she helped so many people.
There are other novels set in this small town, and I probably would have enjoyed this even more if I had read those more recently (or had a better memory). Regardless, I flew through this one and had a great time.

Picked up during a book exchange.
Published in 1957, and it shows. Great idea--two teachers decide to arrange an exchange trip for the seniors in their small Nebraska town. They'll head to Oregon for a week, and then those kids will come to Nebraska--a chance for the kids to see other parts of the country. The whole town pulls together to come up with the money for the trip, and the trip itself opens many eyes.
And yet. . .I had some serious issues with the characters themselves.
Steena, who's bitter that her father has found new love (even though she really likes her new step-mother).
Teri, who can't get over the fact that her mother doesn't do housework.
Sunny, who falls in love in one day and is engaged by the end of the weekend.
Oh wait--Steena does that too. And also manages to get a job so she can stay in Portland.
Many moments where I almost threw the book down, but enough enjoyable moments to make it worth finishing.
But definitely not a book to lament it being out of print. . .

Very different from Konigsburg's other books, and it really struck me as an adult novella, rather than a young adult novel. Though my memories of the tv movie are dim, it all seemed to match up quite nicely in my head. A fun read, but not anywhere near the level of Konigsburg's best work.