The Little Known by Janice Daugharty

What would you do if you found a bag of money from a bank robbery? Knot, a young black boy growing up in the segregated South, decides to keep it. His ultimate goal is to reform Marge so they can go live with her sister. The only problem with stolen money is it's hard to spend. Knot begins sending hundred dollar bills anonymously to people in his community. He is upset when they don't spend the money as he thinks they should. This is a coming of age story. Through his use of the stolen money, Knot finds himself.

What I thought: This is not a book that I would normally read, but I found that I couldn't put it down once I started. I wanted to see what happened with Knot and his efforts with the money. The Little Known is a perfect title for the book. Knot is unknown. His own mother won't claim him. He never had a father. Daugharty used just enough dialect to make the book culturally appealing. There was a definite lack of male role models in the book. Interestingly, Knot chooses the only respectable male, Reverend Troutman, to emulate. This was a book of misconceptions. Knot is sure the people will spend the money as he thinks they should. He mistakenly assumes Marge's sister is rich. Other characters also misjudge and underestimate Knot throughout the book. I liked seeing Knot's evolution from "the little known" to David with a family and a future. Overall, I liked the book and recommend it.

ARC provided by Publisher
(Memphis, TN: Bell Bridge Books, Feb. 2010)

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Shaffer, Mary Ann and Annie Barrows. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Thorndike, Maine: Center Point, 2008.

In the aftermath of World War II, author Juliet Ashton receives an intriguing letter from Dawsey Adams who lives on the island of Guernsey off the British coast. They meet (on paper) by pure chance. Dawsey had in his possession a book that once belonged to Juliet.

They begin to exchange letters and Juliet learns about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. She thinks the society would make a good book. Her letters to Dawsey continue, and she begins to correspond with other members of the society. Juliet's interest in Guernsey and its inhabitants grows until she decides she has to visit the island. Juliet has found more than the idea for her next book. She has found friends, a home, and love.

What I thought: I've been meaning to read this book for quite some time. I wasn't disappointed. The book deals with a period (aftermath of WWII) about which I've read little. The characters are all unique with individual personalities. The intimacy achieved through this collection of letters is astounding. I never knew letters could be so revealing. I've been a fan of epistolary novels ever since I read Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster (8th grade) and Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith (college junior). This book is another gem in the category.

Austenland

Hale, Shannon. Austenland. New York: Bloomsbury, 2007.

Jane Hayes has a somewhat unhealthy obsession wit the film version of Austen's Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth. She's basically ruined herself for other, ordinary men. Her great aunt leaves her an all expenses paid Regency vacation in her will. Jane doesn't quite know what to do. But as the trip is nonrefundable, she goes. Will three weeks pretending she's an Austen heroine finally break her obsession or make it stronger?

What I thought: A great book--I had no idea that Hale had written an adult novel. The subject of this novel (Jane Austen) will be near and dear to the hearts of many readers. Jane's time in Austenland forces her to take stock of her life and ultimately discern reality from make-believe. This book reminded me greatly of the 2009 film Lost in Austen.

Sundays at Tiffany's

Patterson, James and Gabrielle Charbonnet. Sundays at Tiffany's. New York: Little, Brown, & Company, 2008.

Jane's life isn't perfect. At eight, she has an uninterested mother who is always trying to perfect her and an absent father who occasionally remembers her birthday and other major holidays.

But Jane has Michael. He is exactly what a friend, a mother, a father ought to be. He listens and understands. Michael is also imaginary. Only Jane can see him.

The time comes when Michael must leave Jane. She no longer needs him. Her never forgets her. She never forgets him. (Though by the dictates of imaginary friends, she should.) Years later, Jane and Michael find each other again. He's still perfect though growing more and more human as the days go by.

What I thought: What an engrossing book about the power of love! It's beautifully written and the concept is new ( at least I think it is). It reminded me of the old movie The Ghost and Mrs. Muir starring Rex Harrison and Gene Tierney which was based on the novel with the same title by R. A. Dick.