Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

5/20/11

What I am reading now...

As I've been working on my current novel, I've been seeking other novels written from 2 or more points of view. Two books, in particular, have stood out, and surprisingly they both deal with the World War II era.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, is brilliantly written in the form of letters, revealing vivid personalities and unfolding in a compelling plot. Now that I'm finished reading the book, I miss the characters and am left with a huge desire to visit the Island of Guernsey.



Sarah's Key, by Tatiana De Rosnay, is another captivating and heart-wrenching novel told from two very different perspectives.





On a different note is Passing The Music Down, a brand new picture book (Candlewick Press) by my friend, Sarah Sullivan, and beautifully illustrated by Barry Root. I had the pleasure of purchasing and reading it this past weekend when I was in West Virginia. This Appalachian story was inspired by the lives of two renowned fiddlers, and the lyrical words and vivid illustrations bring sweet mountain music to my ears.

6 comments:

David LaRochelle said...

Yes, the Guernsey Literary Society was wonderful, and I, too, was sad to leave those characters. I had a chance to hear Annie Barrow speak, and I found it fascinating how she picked up the ends of this story and finished it when her aunt, Mary Ann Shaffer, became too ill to complete the book.
I will keep an eye out for Passing the Music Down. It looks beautiful.

Christy said...

I also loved the Guernsey Literary Society. I'll check out those other books too. I admire Barry Root's illustration.

Lauren said...

I loved The GLAPPPS! I could read it again and again-- I loved the characters and was sad when it was over. I have also read some great reviews about Passing the Music Down and like Christy, I am a fan of Barry Root's illustrations. Sarah's Key sounds good-- I will look for it! Thanks Edie

Edie Hemingway said...

I think we all need to take a trip to Guernsey! Wouldn't that be a great place for a writing retreat.

Mark said...

I haven't heard of these before, so I will add them to my request list at the library. And the Guernsey Getaway sounds good to me!!

Stephanie said...

I adored GLAPPS too, and I have Sarah's Key on my bookshelf but haven't read it. Now I will.