A few good books to share:
The Silver Hills Boarding House by Linda Lael Miller (Adult Fiction)
I enjoyed Lizbet's character and the instant community that comes together for her just when she needs them the most. Though some characters were one-sided, I thought Lizbet's strengths and vulnerabilities were portrayed in such a way that the reader feels instantly protective of her. She handles the role of taking care of her much-younger siblings with aplomb and devotion. I also thought Gabe's strengths and vulnerabilities, which were sometimes the same thing, were also beautifully portrayed.
Though this is the eye-rolling "man rescues woman" trope, Lizbet had to rescue herself first! And she also rescued her brother and sister from God knows what.
I browsed other books by this author and was disappointed to discover that she mostly writes modern day cowboy romances (which is a little too far off the romance path for me). Thankfully there are a few historical romances she has written that I plan on checking out.
This is another win for those looking for a romance that's on the mild side of the spicy scale. It's a gentle read that will have you rooting for the main characters to open up, not just to each other but to themselves as well.
Need a House? Call Ms. Mouse by George Mendoza and illustrated by Doris Susan Smith (Picture Book)
I'm not sure who recommended this. I usually take notes of recommendations, but failed to do so this time. Thanks to whoever recommended it!
The illustrations are magical and absorbing and so incredibly detailed. Ms. Mouse is an architectural genius. I completely lost track of time poring over each animal house and all of their incredible details. I think I like this book almost as much as I like Richard Scarry books, and I think other Richard Scarry fans would love this.
If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall (Picture Book)
I think it's fair to say that most of us have experienced both sides of this story. I know it's easy for me to get carried away by my enthusiasm, both for something I'm excited about but also for another's excitement as well. It's a nice reminder to listen to ourselves and others, a tricky thing to do! Blackall's illustrations are once again, ridiculously perfect. The reader can easily relate to both characters thanks to their expressions. It's a great book to discuss how emotions affect our body language. I imagine how delightful it would be to mirror the emotions of the characters and talk about how each character's body language changes as the book progresses. Oh and the focus on empathy, advocating for oneself, and acceptance of differences! It is with much sadness I return this to the library! Thankfully I have a niece who is just about ready for this lovely book, so I will be revisiting it and buying her a copy soon.
Whether you read the book or not let me ask you all a question. Do you see yourself in one of these characters? Which one?
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