Somehow, May get past me, but I found time to read some great books from different genres--mystery, autobiography, nature, children's fiction. Because all books are good! It was a very good month to read.
A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough I have had a huge crush on David Attenborough for decades, so I really wanted to read his autobiography. Then, when I saw it listed on my library's audiobook list, and it was read by the author---! Well, that settled it. I loved the way the chapters were set up--each begins with information on the date and therefore how many of his years had passed, and the amount of wild space left. How depressing to realize how quickly the amount of wild land has diminished, within just one person's lifespan. The changes that have happened to various locales that Mr. Attenborough has visited and documented in his amazing career had me nearly in tears for the whole first third of the book. While he is cautiously hopeful in the last chapters, when he reports on measures we must take right now to stop the trend to wholesale destruction of our lovely blue home, I am less so. Please read this book. PLEASE. We all should, and we all should immediately set to work to reverse some of the horrible damage we have done to our planet and the living creatures with whom we share it. Amazing read, highly recommended, one of the best books I've ever read.
Death of a Ghost by M. C. Beaton Hamish Macbeth is on the trail of a ghost in this 2017 entry in the popular series. Except that instead of a ghost, he finds a dead body--naturally--and has to solve it in his usual low key style while not attracting undue attention to himself. I wasn't disappointed in the mystery, but my heart was breaking over Sonsie, who needs to be reunited with Hamish. And while I was happy to see Elspeth back in the picture as Hamish's romantic liaison, I was not happy with the turn Inspector Blair's character has taken. Bumbling, jealous of and therefore harboring a slight hatred for Hamish is one thing; become a murderous villain is another. I didn't enjoy this trip to Scotland nearly as much as the other Hamish mysteries.
Greenglass House by Kate Milford The first in a YA series about remote hotel that caters to smuggler, Greenglass House is exactly the kind of book I loved as a tween (and as middle-aged person, too). The book is written from the perspective of Milo, who is just starting to experience a longing to find out who his biological parents were. I loved Milo's parents, and I loved how supportive and understanding of him they were. All kids feel like outsiders, like they are different, and Milo's emotions will be recognized by everyone. It's Christmas at the inn, normally a very slow time, and when several people show up, one right after the other, during a snowstorm, it becomes clear to Milo that they weren't just seeking shelter, but something else. Milo and his friend Meddy are determined to find whatever it is they all seek, first. I loved this book, and yes, the surprise ending took me by surprise, too. It's well written, with well developed characters, a great premise, and a superb atmosphere. I want to visit Greenglass House. Highly recommended for tweens and all lovers of good books, no matter their age
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