What I've been reading

"Atonement" by Ian McEwan. The events of this book all hinge on one day in 1935, when Briony, imaginative 13-year-old baby of the family, sees her sister flirting with the char-lady's son and interprets it as something sinister, leading to more misunderstandings later in the day that change everybody's life forever. That one pivotal day takes up about half the book, and the other half of the book shows how several people's lives unravel over the next decade, which includes the outbreak of World War II. I really loved this and will be seeking out more by the author.

and

"The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin. This classic YA mystery novel was published in 1978 and continues to be reprinted today, because it stands the test of time as entertainment. Sam Westing calls together 16 heirs and makes them solve the mystery of his murder in order to decide who will inherit his multi-million dollar fortune. The plot may sound somewhat familiar, but Raskin was one of the first to use the structure and others have copied her since. I really loved that the cast of characters was diverse and that one of the central characters is a 13-year-old girl who goes by the nickname "Turtle" who is obsessed with the stockmarket and kicks people in the shins when they cross her. It was a lot of kooky fun.

My full comments on both books here.