BOOK REPORT: OCTOBER

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows: I started reading this book on a Friday evening, and when I picked it up again on Saturday morning, I didn't put it down until I'd finished it. The story takes place in post-war England and is laid out in a series of letters between a London writer and the members of a literary society in Guernsey that formed when that island was occupied during WWII. The characters are hilarious and lovable, and the history is fascinating.

On the Map by Simon Garfield: I'm a bit of a map nerd, so I loved this book. It's all about the history of maps (and how we see the world), the people who made them, and the people who use them. The writing is entertaining and smart, and gave me an itch to go exploring.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: This is one of those books that I vaguely recall reading as a kid, but I didn't remember the story well enough to ruin the surprise ending. It was a quick, fun read, but not the highlight of my book list this month.

Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist: This book tugged on all my heart strings. It is a collection of incredibly honest essays about the author's life, focusing on life in community and especially life around the table. It made me homesick, and hungry, and now I want to try all of the delicious-sounding recipes which were thoughtfully included.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis: Such a classic. This book will forever have my heart.