"Persuasion" by Jane Austen

Jane Austen's last novel, though overshadowed by her other wonderful classics, is fully worthy of the highest praise. Anne Elliot is the unmarried heroine of the story, having been persuaded to deny her love her hand in marriage, due to class distinctions. Now a handsome naval officer, a resentful Captain Wentworth and Anne are brought back into the same social circle. Various love interests and crises spice the pages, which go by altogether too quickly.

Unique charaters make this novel the intriguing satire that it is. Proud Sir Walter Elliot, conniving Mrs. Clay and fickle Mary Musgrove are a few who make their appearances. Anne Elliot herself is described by her creater as "almost too good for me", according to every description of the book that I've read. The plot jaunts across England, from Lyme to Bath, and the latest news is never far behind. An intelligent commentary on England's gentry, it is moreover an artfully scripted lesson in love and true character.

Kerry gives it five out of five carrots!

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"A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess

I tried. I really tried. I just could not force myself to finish "A Clockwork Orange". I flinched my way though the opening chapters, squinting just long enough through the horrible scene in which the title is explained. At this point, I was thoroughly disgusted enough to promptly slam the book shut and push it away from me.

Granted, Burgess is portraying a dystopian world, in which droogs run amuk, drinking vellocet-laced milk and violating devotchas. It is supposed to be horrible. For my taste, it accomplishes this goal a little too intensely, but I'd imagine if you could stomach the violence easily enough it would be a good read. The book is quite creatively written in an inventive Russian-inspired slang, which at times is rather difficult to decipher but without which the emotive character of the book would be lost. For this sake of this interesting writing, I'll give the novel a second chance once the aftertaste has left me--though that might end up being quite some time.

However, don't let this scare you away from dystopia-inspired novels. "1984", by George Orwell, is one of my all-time favorites. Though for me personally, "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley doesn't hold a candle to "1984", I enjoyed reading it and know many friends have liked it just as much if not more than my beloved Orwell.

Kerry gives it 3 out of 5 carrots!

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"Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov

Maybe I'm just too head over heels for any and all Russian writers. However, it seems to me that even a Russian novel would have to be extremely captivating to keep me up, reading all 336 pages in the wee hours of the night. Nobody writes like this anymore. This quality cannot be found in any modern romance; it's almost a lost art. I suppose I'm being a bit melodramatic...but this unique story worth getting all worked up over.

The characters are more than well-rounded and complete; they are fascinating. Throughout the book, you're never quite sure of whose side you're supposed to be taking, or who exactly is "the good guy". Refreshing and frustrating, it keeps you from hating the narrator Humbert Humbert, though he would normally be representative of a clearly evil character, a pedophile, and kidnaps a young "nymphet", Lolita. Nabokov spins their story, however, so that everything is seen in shades of gray rather than a distinct good and bad. It is still a love story, albeit a strange situation--but above all else, Humbert does love Lolita. And since when is love ever black and white?

Philosophy notwithstanding, the book is a classic for a reason. The first page will capture you completely, just as Lolita did Humbert. "Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta."

Kerry gives "Lolita" five out of five carrots!

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"Press Here" by Herve Tullet

Tullet's whimsical, imaginative book is absolutely ADORABLE. Engaging and surprising, funny and clever, you automatically end up obeying and interacting this darling book without a second thought--from pressing the yellow dots, counting and clapping--and are quite pleased and/or dismayed by the results that occur from the actions with every page turn! It's cheerful encouragement is a delight, and it sneakily includes practicing colors, counting and more into its simple but effective sentences.

Just out this March, this is definitely a fantastic addition to any family's bookshelf. This little book has been raved over in every review I've read, from the basic praise "Simple in appearance, genius in execution" to being credited with proving that books need not lose out to "electronic wizardry", as they can be just as engaging. It WILL get you to smile while you're reading...and perhaps even squeak out a chuckle or too. Perfect for young children, this book is still entertaining for child-like adults (myself included!). You can't help but feel accomplished when you turn the last page; this is one to reread over and over again. To quote the book: "Bravo!"

Kerry gives "Press Here" 5 out of 5 carrots! (and it's also one of Clare's picks!)

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"Murder at the Vicarage" by Agatha Christie

Challenged by an article I read in the New Yorker Magazine, in which the author states that it is almost impossible to guess who the murderer is in Agatha Christie's famous mysteries, I decided to try out my detective skills and see if I could solve the mystery before the last page. My conclusion is...I'm not quite cut out to be a sleuth, but I'm more than happy to continue reading Christie's novels.

"Murder at the Vicarage" is the first of the Miss Marple mysteries. When Colonel Protheroe, a rather disliked man in the small town of St. Mary Mead, is murdered in the Vicar's study, gossip abounds. The book is narrated by the Vicar, who along with Miss Marple, the town's most accomplished amateur detective and snoop, attempts to uncover the truth. After many twists, Miss Marple finally cracks the case...but is the murderer who you thought it was going to be?

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Kerry gives it five out of five carrots!

"Girl in Translation" by Jean Kwok

"It's never easy being the new kid, and harder still when you are poor and you don't speak the language. From a comfortable life in Hong Kong to a gritty sweatshop in New York, we follow Kimberly Change in this smartly told story that illuminates the struggles of adolescence against a backdrop of poverty and cultural conflicts and reveals that, even in the land of opportunity, sometimes you have to fight for what you want and let go of what you love."
--Carol Mark, Books on the Common, Ridgefield, CT

I couldn't have put it any better myself. Told from an interesting and uncommon perspective, this story centers around strong, intelligent Kimberly, an inspiring and refreshing character to read about. She struggles to reach her dream of practicing medicine, facing down all obstacles, even love, and yet her priorities never waver. This book is perfect for any young woman, and though it is definitely more oriented towards females, it is certainly a great read for everyone else as well.

Kerry gives it four out of five carrots!

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"The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer

Though I first read this addicting, suspenseful sci-fi six years ago, it has withstood all other challengers to keep it's title as my all-time favorite. It is a great introduction into the fantasy/sci-fi genre and is a book that you will remember long after you've read it. Matt, the main character, is seen by most other characters in the novel as a beast, not the boy that he is. The book follows him through his childhood, as he begins to become aware of exactly how he came to exist and why.

As the book deals with cloning, drug lords and some very creepy people, it is more appropriate for teens and up. I was introduced to The House of the Scorpion as part of a book group, and it was definitely easy to discuss. With new technology constantly advancing, it's just realistic enough to freak you out (in a good way!).

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Kerry gives it five out of five carrots!

"Waiting for Normal" by Leslie Connor

Waiting for Normal is one of the most normally written books I've ever read. It seems strange to compliment a book for being average, but in reality it makes the book believable and ties everything together. For the book's main character, twelve-year-old Addison Schneeter, nothing that is preciously normal should be taken for granted. After years of living through "all-or-nothing", see-sawing between an empty pantry and Thanksgiving feasts (in July), normal is all Addie wants.

This book is a realistic, heartfelt tale of courage and character, uniquely shown through the day-to-day trials, however odd, of a troubled sixth grader. Addie’s journey from her family of “twists and turns” to the esteemed and long awaited “normal” is not one to be missed. Though written more towards an audience of middle grades, it is a book that any reader can appreciate and learn from.

I originally read this book when it was first published as an advanced copy. Now that I've picked it up again, two years later, I'm remembering why I recommended it so highly in the first place.

“Normal..is when you know what is gonna happen. Not exactly what, because probably nobody gets that. But normal is being able to count on things…just because they belong that way.”

Kerry gives it five out of five carrots!

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"Essential Neruda" by Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda is my favorite poet, along with being one of the more influential poets of the 20th century. He writes with great variety, ranging from lamenting stanzas to fast-moving free verses and covering topics from love to political unrest. But even in that variety, he keeps his same irrevocably passionate voice that makes it completely recognizable as his. This collection of his poems, a compilation of his many published books, mixes and matches his most well-known works.

This anthology is also wonderful because it keeps both the original Spanish verses and their translation into English side by side -- Spanish on the left page, English on the right. If you're keeping up with your Spanish like me, or you just want to try reading these poems in their original (and very romantic) language, this version is perfect, as well as beautifully translated.

I recommend this book wholeheartedly. It's perfect for a summer beach read but is also fully capable of much more depth, as each poem has a history and a story to it. You will find your new favorite poem within this book's 199 carefully scripted pages (Hint: mine is on page 8/9).

Kerry gives it five out of five carrots!

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"Mennonite in a Little Black Dress", by Rhoda Janzen

Not a regular memoir reader, I was apprehensive about picking this book up. But from the first paragraph, I was hooked. I absolutely adore this book. Rhoda Janzen masterfully combines a multitude of emotions into this perspective-packed window of her life -- a life she portrays with humor, intelligence and grace despite the misfortunes that lead her to return to and reflect on her Mennonite roots. It is remarkable how easy to be drawn into not only the book, but Janzen's likeable, laughable personality. A difficult book to put down and one you can refer back to again and again, you will most certainly find something you can relate to and take wisdom from. This book is perfect for individual reflection or reading group material!

“Poet Rhoda Janzen has an intriguingly honest and witty way with language, and a personality and unique story to match. This insightful memoir is simultaneously humorous and touching -- a rare combination you certainly don't want to miss.”—Kerry Hartwick, The Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop, Indie Bound Newsletter Nov. 2009

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Kerry gives it five out of five carrots!