Here are some new books I’ve read and loved:

1. THE PENDERWICKS BY JEANNE BIRDSALL - Ah, summer vacation! Sitting here and looking out at all the snow in my front yard, this book was a reminder of the lazy days to come. And yet nothing in this delightful book is slow. The four sisters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane and Batty, who have gone with their father to the Berkshires for a family vacation, can render even the most placid countryside a veritable moveable feast. They run amuck. They write great books. They fight evil beings. They make great friends. And in the end, you hope they will return

2. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN BY SHERMAN ALEXIE - The sadness at the beginning of this book was overwhelming. The poor main character just couldn't get a break! But never underestimate the power of hope nor the determination of one boy wanting to make something of himself. With pearls of wisdom interspersed amid cartoon drawings, the story of Arnold Spirit will uplift you, while reminding you that nothing is impossible if you have courage and humor.

3. TWILIGHT BY STEPHANIE MEYERS - Yes, I've jumped on the vampire bandwagon! And what a ride it was! I couldn't imagine how Ms. Meyers was going to make me like a creature as dark as a vampire, let alone fall in love with one! And yet, I did. Edward is the boyfriend I wish I'd had in high school - caring and compassionate with just a bit of a bad boy in him! I can't wait to read the sequel!