It's always exciting to find yourself finally at the top of the queue at the library for books you are anxious to get your hands on. I have been waiting for these three (I generally have my holds maxed out--we can get in line for 40 books and yes, I am in line for that many, though many are not yet published titles). Top to bottom:
Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan -- "When a 10-year-old child is suspected of a violent crime, her family must face the truth about their past in this haunting, propulsive, psychologically keen story about class, trauma, and family secrets."
The Road to Belhaven by Margot Livesey -- I have wanted to read her for ages and this is my first foray into her writing and I am already completely engrossed in this book. "Growing up in the care of her grandparents on Belhaven Farm, Lizzie Craig discovers as a small child that she can see into the future. But her gift is selective—she doesn’t, for instance, see that she has an older sister who will come to join the family. As her “pictures” foretell various incidents and accidents, she begins to realize a painful truth: she may glimpse the future, but she can seldom change it. Nor can Lizzie change the feelings that come when a young man named Louis, visiting Belhaven for the harvest, begins to court her. Why have the adults around her not revealed that the touch of a hand can change everything? After following Louis to Glasgow, though, she learns the limits of his devotion. Faced with a seemingly impossible choice, she makes a terrible mistake. But her second sight may allow her a second chance."
Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang, and Leuyen Pham -- I am a great fan of graphic novels. I am pretty picky about them, however (much like audio books). I am particular about the type of illustrations and storytelling, but this one looks quite promising. "She was destined for heartbreak. Then fate handed her love.Val is ready to give up on love. It's led to nothing but secrets and heartbreak, and she's pretty sure she's cursed--no one in her family, for generations, has ever had any luck with love.But then a chance encounter with a pair of cute lion dancers sparks something in Val. Is it real love? Could this be her chance to break the family curse? Or is she destined to live with a broken heart forever?" This sounds delightful.
The Livesey is underway and I will be dipping into the graphic novel as soon as tonight!