Editor's Book Reviews
Editor-in-Chief Ella Byrne-Cabot recounts and recommends some of the books she read during the past year. All of these (at the time of publishing) are available at the Rueben Hoar Library in Littleton.
Gossip Girl (2002-2004) by Cecily von Ziegesar
This year, I read the first five books (the ones available at the Rueben Hoar Library) in the series Gossip Girl. I haven’t watched the original or reboot of the television series, but I would be lying if the press that the shows received recently didn’t influence me to give them a try. The terrible people and extremely dated language (these came out before I was born!) make reading them a sometimes uncomfortable experience, but it’s so ridiculously entertaining that you find yourself enjoying it anyways.
I highly recommend Gossip Girl if you are a Latin student, are brand literate, or if you dream of moving to New York City.
5 moss-green cashmere V-neck sweaters out of 5.
The Pearl Thief (2017) by Elizabeth Wein
Picked up randomly in the YA section, The Peal Thief caught my interest because of landscape on the cover, I would learn upon reading it that it is Scotland. The setting influences every aspect of the book, including the importance of “Tinker” characters, or nomads, a group of travellers that I was previously unfamiliar with. The mystery aspect of the novel was winding and satisfying, and is not overshadowed by the subplots and character-work.
If you like historical mysteries, the British Isles, or oysters, you will like this book.
3 freshwater pearls out of 5.
An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed (2021) by Helene Tursten
This dark comedy is the most unique fiction I’ve read this year. Translated into English from Swedish, the chapters follow an 88 year old woman’s misfortune throughout her life, and her taking fate into her own hands.
I recommend this little book if you like murder mysteries (where sometimes the killer is the narrator).
3 gingerbread cookies out of 5.
Emma (1815) by Jane Austen
Following a viewing of Emma (2020) starring Anya Taylor Joy, I felt a draw to the colorful world of matchmaker Emma. The plot is relatable to a modern teen if you replace marriage with going steady. The timeless act of getting involved in your friends’ business and getting very invested in the lives of others while forgetting your own is exhibited beautifully in this novel.
If you like classic literature, Clueless (1995), or gossip you’ll enjoy this book.
4 regretful picnics out of 5.
Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness by Suzanne O’Sullivan
Neurologist O'Sullivan travels around the world to talk to those affected by mysterious illnesses and recounts the experiences in this exciting piece of nonfiction. Even if it's "all in your head" there is an explanation that could be even more interesting than a bug.
You'll like this book if you like medical science, politics, or legends.
4 diagnoses out of 5.
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders
You take Professor Saunders's Syracuse University English and short stories class at home when you read this book. Leading you through the texts from Russian literature that he focuses on in his classes, you read classic short stories and learn about what makes them great and revered. This taught me so much about formatting a story and finding your voice as writer and as a reader.
If you like to hone your craft, old Russian guys, or cold climates you'll like this book.
5 noses out of 5.