~ Beauty: A Retelling of the story of Beauty and the Beast
by Robin McKinley
What caught my eye when I stumbled on this gem was that it was lauded to be a "squeaky clean" fairy tale retelling. Sign. me. up. It did not disappoint! The writing was exquisite and the descriptions were superb, painting Thomas Kinkade like pictures in my minds' eye. If you saw the Disney movie as a child, I'd put this on your list for sure. Blossom1 and Blossom2 read it multiple times too. You know it was clean if I let them read it.
~ The Cherokee Trail
by Louis L'amour
I've never read anything by this author, despite his fame and reputation for Western classics. As kids, we watched an old movie series called "Five Mile Creek." It was about a woman trying to make a go of a way station beside a stage coach line. That series was based on this book and once I knew that, I HAD to read it. It was a strong female character, working against the odds to provide for her daughter. I found it believable and humorous. I enjoyed the Western setting, the diverse set of characters and the entertaining situations she finds herself in. What an entertaining read!
~ Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Bronte
I'd never read this classic and decided to give it a go, despite negative preconceived ideas I had about it. It's a story of a girl who did not have a loving home or family her whole life. Her story is told in language and writing that was deserving of "classic status." She finds love, but chooses to make a hard decision, based on principle. Throughout the book, her steps seem directed by Providence. Her life looks a bit like a tapestry - knotty and tangled up close, but in hindsight, the beautiful weaving takes masterful shape. I feel like my 19 year old self would not have appreciated this classic, like my 38 year old self does. Jane inspired me. I'll definitely be flipping back through to reread my highlights for days to come. And I'll have to convince the girls to name a rabbit Mr. Rochester.
Dominique
