May Books
I didn't read as much in May as I did in April, but maybe that was because I tackled a classic novel. Reflections of One Army Nurse in World War II by Gladys Bonine - A short, easy to read memoir of an American Army nurse in England during World War II. The author writes in a way that is easy to connect with and often witty. She was very thorough in her descriptions of medical care and also of her travels and experiences, such as hospital life and contact with English culture. I love engaging memoirs and nursing history, and this one was very enjoyable to me. Crack the Stone by Emily Golus (part of the multi-author series A Classic Retold) - I loved it. It's an epic fantasy retelling of Les Miserables, with a goblin as the escaped convict main character who helps a human child. It's set in Emily Golus's lively portal fantasy world, Vindor. I loved exploring the vivid, unique world further, and the characters and themes were very compelling. I highly recommend this book and the other books in the A Classic Retold series, as well as Emily Golus's other books, beginning with Escape to Vindor. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell - Currently taking a break from this one, but I made it through one-third of the 600 pages without much trouble. I've dreamed of reading this book for years, since the film miniseries is my favorite and very special to me. My reading brain is finally working again, and reading Wives and Daughters has been a wonderful experience. I'm noticing all sorts of details about the main characters, characterization, witty commentary, themes, and what everyone is thinking and feeling. Magic or Not? by Edward Eager - Funnily enough, I'd never read an Edward Eager book until we did this one for book club in May. I enjoyed it. It definitely reminded me of some of the children's classics I grew up on, only with a brand of whimsical and lively that is unique to this book and author.
