Inkspell, Cornelia Funke
I am only about five chapters into this, the sequel to Inkheart. I am enjoying it, and I am curious to learn more about these characters, and about the Inkworld. I bought a hardcover copy of Inkspell on Amazon — I buy very few books. But since I had Inkheart (purchased cheap at Costco), I decided I would buy this one too. And when I buy a book, it’s a hardcover. I’ll eventually pick up Inkdeath, too, I imagine.
The first time I read Inkheart, I remember thinking that it was awfully violent for a children’s novel (that’s where it is categorized in the library — well, okay, Young Adult.). Upon a re-read, I still think that, but I enjoyed it more the second time around. If my girls want to read these books, they are going to get through the Harry Potter books first. (I have hardcovers of all of those, too.)
The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards
I finished this novel this past weekend. What a beautifully lyrical novel about how one decision — the wrong decision? — can anchor and affect whole lives. The story of David and Norah, Caroline, Paul and Phoebe is told over 25 years. Even the characters in the books who aren’t aware that the decision was made, that a lie was told, are forever changed. It’s truly amazing. And half of it is set in Pittsburgh, which made it even better. Edwards’ treatment of the city through the character Caroline reaffirms the love that people have for this city and why.
I am still arguing with myself if this is a story of redemption or not. If you’ve read it, what do you think?
*****
WIA Bonus: rpm’s car song of the summer: MGMT, “Kids”. Watch. Listen. Be thoroughly hooked.
Red Pen Mama 
Dude, I am HOOKED!