Best Book I Have Not Read

Writing, Reading, Teaching, Life, Attempting to Balance it All

Couldn’t Put it Down! January 6, 2012

It was unfortunate that both my children were sick today. It was not unfortunate for my reading life though. I finished Jefferson’s Sons, which despite my initial hesitation, completely grabbed me today. I’ve never been to Monticello and have added to the places I would love to go some time. The author did an amazing job with her research with this historical fiction. When part two (of three) of the book started and it became clear to me that each section was going to be narrated by a different character, I was a little annoyed. I can’t really put my finger on why, but I think it’s because the change from Beverly to Maddy was more abrupt than I would have cared for. The change from character two to three occurred without me hardly noticing.

I can see why it is on potential Newbery lists. A story about an American icon, slavery, family and a part of history not known to many all make a great story.

I then picked up The Apothecary, which I read in two long sittings today! LOVE THAT BOOK! The characters are so well developed and felt like real people you’d like to know. A great blend of historical fiction/adventure/fantasy that I can’t really compare to anything else. The preface had me wanting to know about Benjamin. The first chapter had me ready to read a whole book set during the 1950’s when Hollywood movie writers were suspect and often accused of Communism. I then could have read a whole book about an American girl transplanted to a British prep school. If this makes the book sound choppy, it is not at all! It moves seamlessly, weaving in murder, magic, mean girls, espionage, all in a way that I could not put down! I’m having to reevaluate my list after this one.

 

11 Responses to “Couldn’t Put it Down!”

  1. Holly Michael Says:

    Is this a YA book? What ages would you recommend it for?

  2. Apothecary especially sounds wonderful! Thanks for the reviews!

  3. Linda Baie Says:

    Thanks for talking about Jefferson’s sons; sounds good but maybe challenging for some readers. I have heard of The Apothecary and after hearing you, too, need to put it on the TBR list. What an interesting group of topics it includes!

  4. Abby Says:

    I loved Jefferson’s Sons! I wouldn’t be surprised to see a shiny award sticker on it in a couple of weeks.:) I haven’t read The Apothecary yet, but with such a glowing recommendation, I may have to pick it up! Thanks for your thoughts!

  5. I had the same reaction to “The Apothecary”. It was recommended to me when I was wandering my local Indie bookstore. I stuck to the couch and I don’t think I got anything else done until I finished it!

  6. Jefferson’s Sons is on my list of books to read – this makes me want to read it even more!!!

  7. Ali B. Says:

    Loved, loved, loved The Apothecary. What a great adventure! I loved how Maile Meloy wasted no time. She plunged us into the action in the first chapter. The characters were engaging and well written. I loved the sweet, young romance that blossomed between the two main characters. An all around charming read!

    Check out my blog (if you get the chance) to read more about The Apothecary and other great children’s books. http://literarylunchbox.blogspot.com/

    I will definitely be adding Jefferson’s Sons to my queue. Thank you for the recommendation.

    Ali B.

  8. Beth Says:

    I almost read Jefferson’s Sons — it was one of the audio books I got for our long car ride this Christmas, but unfortunately it didn’t get picked. Sometimes I hate sharing these decisions. I’ll keep it on my TBR list for my own reading.

  9. Sylvia Says:

    Thanks for these reviews. One of the great things about the Comment Challenge is that I’m coming across these great review sites with excellent suggestions for books, especially in the middle grade books which I’m not as familiar with (but which my older daughter is starting to explore).


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