Many of us are finding ourselves with a little more time on our hands and a desire to pick up a book rather than look at a screen. This can be beneficial to our mental health as reading for pleasure has been a proven stress-reliever. Dr. Lewis, a neuroscientist with the University of Sussex encourages any kind of reading as, “It really doesn't matter what book you read. By losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world, and spend time exploring the domain of the author's imagination." If you need some suggestions about what to read, have a look at the two reviews below. If neither of these interest you or you want to peruse some other titles, contact me and we can find something that I hope you’ll love.
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Two mysteries rolled into one? I’m sold! This is the story of murder and mystery at Ellingham Academy that spans nearly a century. When Stevie lands a spot at the coveted and slightly unconventional Ellingham Academy it’s due to her passion for crime solving. While never actually having solved a crime, she wants to be the first one to crack the mystery of “Truly Devious” - the criminal namesake who was responsible for the murder of two people at the Academy in its inaugural year. While trying to make headway in this cold case, another death disrupts life on campus as Stevie knows it.
I really enjoyed this book. Stevie’s character was down to earth and the mystery was interesting. While somewhat slow in the beginning (as Stevie seemingly does no investigating), because this book is the first in a trilogy, the lead-in ultimately makes sense. There is a bit of back-and-forth in the timeline as the novel occasionally moves between 1936 and the present to develop the initial mystery, but the transitions are clear. Truly Devious ends on a cliffhanger, so if you’re ready for a murder mystery that spans three books, this is the one for you!
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
I’m a fan of Ann Patchett. Her novels are not action-packed thrill rides - quite the opposite - but her ability to craft a character-driven story is remarkable. The Dutch House is the story of a family told through the eyes of Danny, the youngest son. The story spans decades in a nonlinear fashion and the ups and downs of their lives, financially, interpersonally, and professionally are all in some way linked to an architectural marvel: the Dutch House. This was a beautifully crafted novel. The characters were complex and deftly developed so that there were elements about them that came as a surprise, but upon reflection, shouldn’t have. Such is the ability of Patchett as a writer.
Want more information on these or any other books? For Southridge students, check out Destiny Discover or Sora, both available through your Library Tools folder.
Happy reading everyone!
Submitted by Ms. Moser, Senior School Teacher-Librarian
cmoser@southridge.bc.ca