So much to read....so little time.

Three fabulous books to be read within a weeks' time: Frannie in Pieces and The Girl with The Mermaid Hair by Delia Ephron and Please Excuse Vera Dietz by A.S. King. Stupendous, delicious, captivating, thought provoking, and memorable. Frannie, upon the revelation of her father's death, ponder the following: "what does you in-brain or heart?" This question leads to Frannie's amusing but deeply sad self-exploration. There is an amazing levity and grace to this book considering the juvenile characters and at times, subject matter. The writing is beautiful and poignant and the ending leads to a smile and a big sigh. I adored The Girl... just as much, but in a different way. The main character Sukie was a less sympathetic character so far as I was concerned, but her insecurity and natural flair create a rather likeable aura. This book provides valuable insight into how we see our parents and how much we let, or do not let, them be human beings, above all else. Vera Dietz... what can I say? Pure brilliance. Witty, savvy, painful, dramatic and heart-breaking. Quick read. Well worth every second. Still getting through 'Cutting for Stone' and entertaining a brief segway into 'The Lake of Dreams'.