Broken Angel by Francine Pascal, 181 pages

Sweet Valley High, senior year.

The One That Got Away by Francine Pascal, 181 pages

Sweet Valley High, senior year.

Maria Who? by Francine Pascal, 178 pages

Sweet Valley High, senior year.

The Provincial Lady in America by E.M. Delafield, 170 pages

The Provincial Lady goes on a book tour through America. One of the highlights for me was how she insisted on going to Alcott House while in Boston, and almost started crying while touring. That would so be me if I ever got to go and see the Alcott House. These books are really funny and a real testament to what makes the inter-library loan system amazing.

The Provincial Lady Goes Further by E. M. Delafield, 206 pages

I'd finished the first book "Diary of a Provincial Lady" and was a big fan, I was delighted to see that there were 3 more books in the series. It's 1930s England, as seen as a money-strapped English lady, as shown through her diary entries. It's hilarious and and can be considered a long-forgotten treat.

I Love Ranch Dressing (and Other Stuff White Midwesterners Like) by C. L. Freie, 177 pages

Lisa had reviewed this book just a few days ago and it sounded hilarious. She was nice enough to loan it to me so I could read it. It had me laughing out loud throughout it. It was filled with a ton of stuff that had me going, "Yes, I do love that!" and feeling a little ashamed about it. If you're from the Midwest, this is a definite must read. I might even buy a few copies to give as Christmas presents.

Too Good to Pass By by Ross Malone, 148 pages

This book looks at some Missouri little known treats, buildings and special spots that you may have driven by a 100 times without ever knowing it was there. I discovered some places I really want to see and learned a little bit of history about some places I've been to. I really like the shout out for Central Diary icecream which is probably some of the best icecream in Missouri. Ross Malone is coming to the library in December and I'm looking forward to his talk.

The Hero's Guide to Saving the Kingdom by Christopher Healy, 438 pages

Everyone has heard the story of Cinderella and Prince Charming, Snow White and Prince Charming, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming, Rapunzel and Prince Charming. But did you know that each Prince was a different person and wasn't named Prince Charming? No, you didn't. That's because the bards didn't name the princes. But when an evil witch threatens those bards, the princes see their chance to get their names known. But these princes may not be as heroic as the stories imply.

This book was funny and really enjoyable. I really enjoyed this children's book. If you like fairy tales with a twist, I recommend this book.

The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie, 334 pages

This was the very first Miss Marple book and I thought this would be a good starting point for our book club read, which was to be any Miss Marple book. I've heard how petty and gossipy Miss Marple was but I really didn't see it. I think it might be because of how much we're alike and I could totally see myself as her when I'm older. Except for the fact that I never guessed the murderer right.

Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch by Alice Hegan Rice, 160 pages

This old book (1901) had been mentioned in another book I'd read (Letters of Woman Homesteader) for book club. I'm one of those that becomes easily intrigued by just the mention of another book. Think Pollyanna or the Five Little Peppers but a lot more depressing, and the poor people a little more upbeat and naive. Not a great read but still interesting.

Enormously Foxtrot by Bill Amend, 256 pages

A comic collection that I really enjoyed.

Fox Trot en masse by Bill Amend, 256 pages

Another comic collection to help lull me off the sleep.

Bones are Forever by Kathy Reichs, 480 pages

Another Temperance Brennan mystery, this one featuring dead babies. As always, really depressing and a complete change up at the end.

Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie, 296 pages

This was the last Miss Marple mystery and I thought it would be good to compare Miss Marple from the first mystery to see how much she had changed. I really didn't notice much of a difference, which is because I think Agatha Christie had created such a wonderful character to begin with. If you've never read an Agatha Christie book, you're missing out.

Mama for President by Thelma Harper with Vicki Lawrence & Monty Aidem, 196 pages

I'd read this book during the last election and thought it was funny, and we need something funny during these elections. Mama's Family was always good for a laugh and the thought of Thelma Harper as President is just what this country needs to pull us together.

Miss Marple The Complete Short Stories by Agatha Christie, 243 pages

For our book club this month we read any Agatha Christie book featuring Miss Marple. I thought reading all the short stories would be a good way to get a picture of this sweater-clad, knitting detective. I've heard that Miss Marple is supposed to be a mean gossipy old woman but I didn't see her that way. She was funny, and always figured out the solution.

Boy Meets Girl by Francine Pascal, 179 pages

Another in the updated Sweet Valley High series.

My Favorite Fangs by Alan Goldsher, 294 pages

Reviewed for NightOwl, not my favorite re'vamped' classic.

Sherlock Holmes: The Army of Dr. Moreau, 284 pages

I was sent this to review for NightOwl. It was a pretty good read.

If You Only Knew by Francine Pascal, 164 pages

These are Sweet Valley High with an edge.

Your Basic Nightmare by Francine Pascal, 180 pages

Another Sweet Valley High book.

I've Got a Secret by Francine Pascal, 180 pages

Working my way through Sweet Valley High.

So Cool by Kate Williams, 179 pages

Another entry in the Sweet Valley High Senior Year books.

Hiss and Hers by M. C. Beaton, 294 pages

I'm a fan of pretty much everything M. C. Beaton writes, but I'm especially glad to see a new Agatha Raisin book. I have to say I'm really feeling for Agatha, and hope she gets to find a little bit of happiness soon. It would be nice to see her have someone who really cared for her.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling, 341 pages

I'm reading the first few Harry Potter books just to make sure they're appropriate for Samantha now that's she old enough to read them. I will probably let her read them up through the Goblet of Fire, but I just wanted to enjoy them again and make sure of the violence level.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling, 309 pages

Samantha got this book for her 11th birthday and I felt an urge to read it again. It's the 5th or 6th time I've read it, but it's still really good.

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer, 438 pages

I'd seen that Kurt from Glee had written a children's book and I was intrigued. I started it with low expectations, and I was shocked to discover just how good it was. Alex and Conner are twins who have had all the happy in their lives die when their father died. They have little hope of a happy birthday, but their grandmother gives them the book containing many of the stories their father told. Little did they expect to find that the storybook contained a magical land where the fairytales were true.

From almost page one, this book captivated me. I'm a fan of fairytale books, and I have to say that I believe this was better than the Sisters Grimm books and that is saying a lot. I would be interested in seeing if Colfer is going to write a sequel. I believe this book is so good I will most likely be buying a copy as a Christmas present for my daughter.

Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M. Delafield, 388 pages

This was reviewed on the Unshelved Friday strip, and I'm always a sucker for books about England, and English country life. This was hysterical, a look at the life of a country lady, with all her obligations but little money to go with it. The expectations, the social mores, and the changing viewpoints were all perfectly captured. It says there are one or two sequels and I think I'm going to try to track them down.

The Formula for Murder by Carol McCleary, 336 pages

I've been a fan of Nellie Bly for a long time. She wasn't afraid to try to make her own way as a reporter in a man's world, and had a lot of adventures, including traveling around the world to try to beat Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days challenge. So I was excited to see this murder mystery that featured not only Nellie Bly, but also Oscar Wilde (another literary favorite), Arthur Conan Doyle, and H.G. Wells. This was a enjoyable read, and I will be eagerly picking up the first two books that I managed to miss somehow.

Beauty and the Beast by Wendy Mass, 282 pages

I've really enjoyed these Twice Upon a Tale books that are retellings of some fairy tales. The only drawback is fighting off my kids so I get a chance to read them.

Fables 17: Inherit the Wind, 143 pages

I'm now at the sad point of being completely caught up on this graphic novel series until the next one comes out. It kind of makes me want to cry a little because I really like this series, it might be my favorite one out there.

The Dracula Dossier by James Reese, 350 pages

I'd read that this was one of Wil Thomas' favorite reads every Halloween season so I thought I would give it a try. I enjoy historical fiction filled with real historical characters, such as Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde's mother, and Dr. Tumblety, who some believe was Jack the Ripper. I had high hopes for this book but it was a little too freaky-deaky on the possession bit for me, and that's saying a lot. I can knock it off my list but I won't be reading it again.

Boneyard, Volume 5 by Richard Moore, 118 pages

Funny graphic novel series.

Boneyard, Volume 4 by Richard Moore, 108 pages

A great funny graphic novel series.

Boneyard, Volume 6 by Richard Moore, 88 pages

I've really enjoyed all of these books. It's really great when you discover a fun new series.

Boneyard Volume 7 by Richard Moore, 96 pages

I was very sad to discover this was the last one in the series. I would like to see more of Abby and Paris.

Boneyard Volume 3 by Richard Moore, 88 pages

A really fun comic book series.

Boneyard #2 by Richard Moore, 92 pages

I'm a big fan of this comic book series now. I may end up suggesting that we get more of them here at the library.

Why Does Batman Carry Shark Repellent by Brian Cronin, 262 pages

This is a fun look at comics and their history broke up into little segments. What is funny is that Batman actually used shark repellent twice between the comics and the television show. The drawback to this book is that it consists of way too many top 10 lists.

Hide & Snoop by Sue Ann Jaffarian, 273 pages

I really like the Odelia Grey books, and this one was sweet and sad, funny and full of intrigue. If you like mysteries with humor and not a lot of gore, these are a must read.

How to Tame a Willful Wife by Christy English, 320 pages

I've reviewed another book of Christy English and really enjoyed it, and became Facebook friends with the author. I jumped at the chance to review an ARC of her new historical romance. It was funny and sexy, and a great read.

The Casual Vacancy by J. K. Rowling, 503 pages

J.K. Rowling's new book is a far departure from her normal Harry Potter books but was very well-done. I totally enjoyed it, especially the English slang. This book was very dark at times, and not what you would call a happy ending, but the ending felt right and not contrived.

Say It To My Face by Francine Pascal, 180 pages

Sweet Valley High, senior year.

Can't Stay Away by Francine Pascal, 169 pages

These are Sweet Valley High books starting with the senior year. The layout is a little different and there's a lot more drama it seems like. I enjoy these as mind candy.