✰✰✰✰ When author John Berendt discovered super saver flights in the early 1980s, it opened a whole new world for him. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, Berendt embarked on frequent journeys to the isolated town of Savannah, Georgia. He quickly observed that the two cities are nothing alike. As he adjusted to his new home away from home, Berendt met a wide array of characters ranging from society ladies to city leaders, from a voodoo priestess to a drag queen. The charming southern town certainly had more than its fair share of eccentric residents.
So when international antiques dealer, Jim Williams, was accused of murder, naturally the whole town was abuzz with gossip. Over the course of four trials, everyone had an opinion, but what really happened? Part travelogue and part true-crime story with a twist, this book definitely packs a punch.
The Bottom Line: With layers of intrigue, lots of eccentric characters, and a series of trials, the well-mannered southern city of Savannah becomes the focus of this fascinating read. Recommended for adventurous readers interested in true crime, travel, history, and social issues. This captivating story is one you won’t be able to put down. NOTE: This book has been on banned book lists in the past. Thus, due to the graphic scenes and the use of profanity, it may not be appropriate for students or sensitive readers.
Book Club Notes: This quarter we had a smaller group in attendance due to vacations, but our discussion was not diminished a bit. Some of us had taken the time to watch the movie as well as read the book. We noted how different the book was from the film. Sometimes that’s a good thing, but sometimes it’s not. One member informed us that The Lady Chablis had played herself in the film. I had not realized this little bit of trivia. Awesome!
On a rating scale from 1 – 5, ratings varied from 3 to 5, with an average of 4.25. General comments included that this was an entertaining, quick read. Members enjoyed the quirky characters. We also enjoyed listening to the travel stories of those who have visited Savannah. Those of us who have not yet been had the pleasure of visiting Savannah would definitely like to go there someday. Overall, this was a great pick for our group, and we highly recommend it for other book clubs.
There are several resources for discussion questions available on online including LitLovers and ReadingGroupGuides. However, there was so much to talk about; we really didn’t rely on the questions.
Details: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: A Savannah Story by John Berendt. Paperback published by Vintage Books in 1999. 400 p. ISBN: 978-0-679-75152-6
✰✰✰ Thomas Fallgrout is an ordinary kid, whose hobby just happens to be magic. So when he gets accepted to Pennybaker Academy for the Uniquely Gifted, everyone is surprised. It seems his knack for magic is an unique gift. Life at the new schools takes some getting used, of course, but Thomas manages to make a few new friends. Just when he starts to fit in, the statue of the school's most beloved math teacher disappears. Naturally everyone points their finger at Thomas and his ability to do magic. Thomas insists he is innocent, but not even his parents believe him. It's up to Thomas to clear his name by relying on his magic skills and believing in himself.
The Bottom Line: This quick read for the middle school set focuses on diversity and finding your own special gift. Along the journey of solving the mystery, the main character must learn self-reliance and forgiveness. Just an average weekend read.
Details: Pennybaker School is Headed for Disaster by Jennifer Brown. Advance Reading Copy published by Bloomsburg in 2017. 320 p. ISBN: 978-1-68119-174-4
✰✰✰✰✰ Tiny Mouse has never been to the wheat field before, but his sister, Katy Mouse, has. Together they scamper to the field. There are so many things Tiny has never seen before, but Katy knows what everything is. The two siblings are having a grand adventure, until Tiny gets lost amongst the stalks of wheat. What's this here? What's that over there? Suddenly everything seems scary. Luckily, it's Katy Mouse to the rescue.
The Bottom Line: This tiny tale of big adventure is a winner. Lawrence's detailed engravings are stunning and engaging. Little ones will have as much fun looking at the illustrations as they will listening to the story. The large print makes it easy to read for beginning readers. Highly recommended for children in grades Pre-K – 1 and for storytime.
Details: Tiny's Big Adventure written by Martin Waddell & illustrated by John Lawrence. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2004. 32 p. ISBN: 0-7636-2170-6
