The Orchardist

by Amanda Coplin

Honestly, the main reason I read this book was because it is set in North Central Washington, around Wenatchee, Cashmere and Methow Valley, an area I've come to love.

It takes place around the turn of the 20th century and revolves around a lone orchardist, Talmadge, who takes in two teenage girls fleeing a horrible situation.

Despite his desire to be left alone, the bachelor gets drawn into a complex situation involving the girls and the man who is after them.

I enjoyed the book, the plot was intriguing and the period and geographic details felt true. The characters were tough to get to know, however, a little too obtuse. I like complex characters but these just seemed...vague.  

The Lacuna

by Barbara Kingsolver

This book was such a surprise. A huge Kingsolver fan, this book in no way resembled anything she's done before.
Its hero is a man, it takes place in pre-WWII Mexico and post-war U.S., the prose is more sparse but still lyrical in an open, disarming way. The story is told through journals, letters and other documents.
In 'The Lacuna,' Harrison Shepherd (presidential name, isn't it?) is a boy a bit on the outside, with a vivacious Mexican mother, a remote American father and a very active imagination. Later still, he lives in the U.S., going to school and trying to be American. He's more comfortable in Mexico, where he meets up with artists, scholars, revolutionaries and cooks. But eventually he finds himself back in the U.S., where he becomes sucked into the anti-Communist fever that spreads through the populace like a virus, leaving no one immune.

I very much enjoyed the book but not as much as others by Kingsolver -- and I don't know why. I really enjoyed reading about a time and social upheaval I knew little about. I loved the character of Harrison. Why didn't I treasure it like I did others by her?

Crossing the Borders of Time

by Leslie Maitland

I love reading books by journalists, at least the well-done ones. The research and attention to detail can be breathtaking.
This book is an  account of Maitland's mother's life, from well-to-to childhood in Germany to terrifying pre-war years in France. It delves into amazing detail of Janenne's personality, her motivations and emotions, her memories and how reality conflicted with those.
The book tells you as much about Maitland as her mother, but in a side-glance way, as clues tune you into her motivations, her emotions as well.
The depth of characters and little plot side trips (just like real life!) in this book were endless.

Loved it.

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

I waited until all the hullabaloo about this book (and its sequels) died down, and did not see the film, before trying to give this teen book a try. I was intrigued by the premise: a futuristic totalitarian society where, for some twisted 'appeasing the masses', a survival game to the death is held every year. With children and teenagers.
It was quite an entertaining read, it reminded me of some fantasy books I'd read as a teen. Katniss was a well-defined character and the plot was not too predictable.

I like it well enough to try another, to be sure.