On Saturday, I drove to Utah to see my son play football. I got into the car at 3:15, drove almost 8 hours, watched the game, chatted with my son and his coach for five minutes, then got back in the car at 3:45 and drove the eight hours back home. It would have been a long trip, except for the fact that I listened to two great books on tape.
On the way there, I listened to EDWARD'S EYES, by Patricia MacLachlan. The story is told by Jake, the third in a family of five (I think, but maybe six). Jake's mom and dad, Maeve and Jack, own a bookstore, and parent in ways that are a little unconventional. Each child is brought home from the hospital to be raised, essentially, by his/her older siblings. Jake parents Edward, who is three years younger than he is. He reads GOODNIGHT MOON aloud (in French), toilet trains him, and helps him learn to throw a knuckle ball. Jake adores his younger brother and is stunned when an unthinkable accident occurs…
On the way back, I listened to TRUE (SORT OF). Delaware (Delly) Pattison is a kid who seems to find trouble wherever she goes. The town police officer, the principal, her teacher, and even her parents, and even Delly herself, have pretty much given up on her. But then a new girl, Ferris Boyd, moves to town. Ferris is a little different than most kids- she doesn't talk at all. And she hates to be touched. Delly befriends Ferris, and soon discovers that she has a terrible secret…
I also read several great picture books this week. I will review these in more detail later this week.
This coming week, I'm looking forward to reading CAPTURE THE FLAG, which I was finally able to get at my local library.
I thought I knew all the MacLachlan's, but don't know this one. And True, sort of I've heard about. Sounds interesting Carol! What a trip & what a mom you are. I hope they won the game! And glad you made it back safely.
ReplyDeleteI really liked True (...Sort of). I thought Delly had a great voice. I listened to the audiobook too and thoroughly enjoyed it! I remember when my library got Edward's Eyes, but I still haven't gotten around to reading it.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome mom you are - travelling all that way for a game...bet it was appreciated more than you would ever guess! I loved True...that girl was so endearing!
ReplyDeleteBoth those audio books sound so powerful I WANT to read them, but at the same time I'm a little afraid to. Adding them to my TBR only because you said they were both good and hoping I don't end up sobbing into my pillow for hours ;)
ReplyDeleteSuch great discoveries through your blog this week - familiar authors but new titles for me. I've experienced long road trips while we were in the States, but we never tried audio books, we usually load up on music files (from Sting to James Ingram to U2 to husband's new wave songs). Your post is a reminder that I should really try audio books very very soon! :)
ReplyDelete