A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck - 176 pages

It's 1958 and there is a new family living next door to Mrs. Dowdel . . . a family that desperately needs her help whether they know it or not.  There's 12 year old Bob who is shy and being picked on by bullies.  There's 14 year old Phyllis who is obsessed with Elvis Presley.  There's 6 year old Ruth Ann who is looking for a larger than life role model.  And there are their parents, a young minister and his wife, who are adjusting to small town life.  As they go through the fall season from the start of school to Christmas, they'll realize just how special Mrs. Dowdel is and all the gifts she's given them.

This is a companion novel to Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder.  I really enjoyed listening to these books on audio.  The narration is wonderful.  The stories are fun, lively, and interesting.  I would highly recommend these to anyone looking for a fun read or listen.

Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin

Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin
342 pages / 9 hrs, 15 mins

"They have one summer to find what was lost long ago.

"'Never settle for less than the truth,' she told him.

"But when you don't even know your real name, the truth gets a little complicated.  It can nestle so close to home it's hard to see.  It can even flourish inside a lie.  And as Chase Walker discovered, learning the truth about who you are can be as elusive--and as magical--as chasing fireflies on a summer night.

"A haunting story about fishing, baseball, home cooking, and other matters of life and death...from the author of The Dead Don't Dance and When Crickets Cry."  --from the publisher

Beautifully written with heart-warming characters, this is one of those books "everyone should read."  It's not too sweet and not too bitter.  The reader of the audio version was perfect--age and tone of voice with just the right amount of emotion.  Happy sigh.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton -- 192 pages

According to Ponyboy, there are two kinds of people: socs and greasers. Ponyboy is a greaser. He's proud to be one, although the socs sure don't make life easy.

Ponyboy lives with his two brothers, Sodapop and Darry, and when he runs away one night, everything turns very sour very quickly. 

I greatly enjoyed listening to this young adult classic. 

Witch Friend by Colin Thompson

Witch Friend by Colin Thompson - 234 pages
The Floods - book 3

Betty Flood has finally found a real friend.  The Floods have new neighbors and both family's lives are going to be better because of it.

This is the third book in the series.  I didn't think it was as good as the first two books -- mainly because it didn't have a cohesive story through the whole book.  It was more of vignettes.  Still I enjoyed the book and will probably continue reading the series.