Author: Diana Gabaldon

This second book in the Outlander series is every bit as good as the first.

The story continues with Claire in 18th century Scotland and France, and the upcoming battle in 1745 to return Bonnie Prince Charlie to the throne. The book ends with Claire going back through the stones and returning to present-day Scotland.

Goodreads Rating: * * * * *

Author: Diana Gabaldon

I know I’ve read this book before – maybe even two or three times – but after watching the latest season of Outlander on Netflix I decided to re-read the books.

I was surprised that the library didn’t have a copy but I was able to get a free audible copy of the book. I listened to the first few chapters but decided I would much rather have a “real” book. But since I wanted to get started right away I ended up downloading a copy from one of our library services.

It took me no time at all to get through the 1000+ pages and I’ve already downloaded the second book in the series.

Goodreads Rating: * * * **

Author: Harper Lee

I’ve seen the movie based on this book several times but I’m not sure I ever read the book. But I must have because it was on Mum and Dad’s bookshelf from 1961.

From what I remember about the movie it focused on the trial of a black man who was accused of raping a young white woman. The trial is certainly a part of the book but what I found more interesting was the awareness of the children, Jem and Scout, of the differences between the lives of the black families, the “white trash”, and the more prosperous whites.

Goodreads Rating: * * * * *

Author: Amy Tan

This might be the best Amy Tan book yet. The story follows three generations of women, two of whom are courtesans in the most exclusive houses in Shanghai. The story spans more than forty years with the struggles of first the mother, Lulu, and then those of her daughter, Violet.

Each mother loses her child at some point but by the end of the book the three generations have been reconnected.

Goodreads Rating: * * * * *