books that fall into the light and dark spectrums
Thus far this year, I have been vacillating between dark and
light themed books, a chiaroscuro of book reading. Between the dark and light,
I have found a few that I can recommend…
On the light side
Julie and Romeo by
Jeanne Ray
Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, this is a complex love story
wherein the main characters could be the Grandparents of the original
characters. This is a modern take with a new twist. The Cacciamani and Roseman families
have always hated each other, for as long as they have lived and yet no one
remembers why or how the infighting started. In their sixties, Romeo and Julie
meet up and discover that they want to pursue a relationship—in spite of their
children’s intense displeasure.
A Walk in the Park by
Jill Mansell
In true British chic lit style, the older more mature Laura
moves back to her hometown, eighteen years after she’s left. Laura has ensured
that her old high school flame, Flynn will be out of town so she has nothing to
worry about, there will be no chance run ins. Of course, plans change and their
surprise meeting rekindles something…
Village Books by Craig McLay
was surprised at how
much I enjoyed this book. Written from the perspective of a young male
bookstore worker this was a light fun surprise, very reminiscent of Nick
Hornby. The young man writes his
co-workers and accounts of their issues so well, truly a satire of life told
from a young man’s perspective.
Code Name Verity by
Elizabeth Wein
This is categorized in Young Adult, but I can highly
recommend this book for any adult book club. The story follows two young
English girls working for the British government in World War II, one of whom
has been captured by the enemy.
The Fate of Mercy
Alban by Wendy Webb
I really enjoyed this Gothic tale—it is a bit Rebecca and a
bit murder mystery. Returning back to the family mansion after her Mother’s
death, Grace realizes that there is someone or something in her mother’s house
and whatever it is, it is deadly. Grace not only has to worry about her life,
she must also worry over her daughter and the mansion staff. Soon she will
learn the Pandora’s box of secrets which her mother took to the grave with her.
The story is well written and smartly paced, as a mystery fan, I quite liked
it.
Shiver by Maggie
Stievater
This is also a Young Adult book, one that I have seen
featured prominently in many bookstores. The story follows Grace as a somewhat
neglected teenager. She gets herself to school and pretty
much runs her own life while her obtuse and uninvolved parents ignore her. Grace
is particularly fascinated by the wolves in the woods behind her house,
especially the one with the yellow eyes.Do you have a preference or will you also fall into chiaroscuro?
