Books read in August 2020

 1. Diana: Princess of Amazons, by Shannon & Dean Hale, illustrated by Victoria Ying (2020)

 This was cute, but not particularly memorable or special to me. I know I'm not the target audience (but I do love the author and care about the isle of Themiscyra!)

2. Ultralight: The Zen Habits Guide to Traveling Light & Living Light, by Leo Babauta (2016)

This was just a reread because I've been in a particularly "light" (minimalist) mood. Living and working in a small shared space will do that.

3. A Town Like Alice, by Nevil Shute (1950)

First half (Englishwomen on a death march in World War II-era Indonesia) was far more interesting to me than the second, even though I have an interest in Australia. The casual racism of the times was pretty appalling where it was apparent.

4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, by Stieg Larsson (2007/2009)

Gosh, there was lots of bureaucratic digging that had to be done to unmask The Conspiracy (!) in this one, the final of the Millennium trilogy. I still don't quite understand the outcome of the trial. But it was all well filled in and enjoyable.

5. Up a Road Slowly, by Irene Hunt (1966)

Sweet old Newbery Medal winner. It reminded me of Anne of Green Gables except a little less perfect, a little bit darker, and set in more recent times - but similarly centered on a young girl moving to the country to live with an unfamiliar spinster figure, and on her rich inner life.

6. The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, by Lloyd Alexander (1973)

How likable! My first Lloyd Alexander. It really felt like reading folk tales, except with more humor, and more quirks to the characters. I found this at a Little Free Library and shall have to seek out another of his Prydain books.

7. New Moon, by Stephenie Meyer (2006)

 A reread. Edward is so loathsome and this book is so painful and empty for the majority of its pages.

8. Eclipse, by Stephenie Meyer (2007) 

Somewhat more plotty. Hurrah! Not a reread. The love triangle stuff continues to show Edward and Jacob at their fairly loathsome best, but Edward has improved a little by the end.

Read any of these? What have you been reading lately, and how's it been?