Book review: The Silver Star

Title: The Silver Star
Author: Jeannette Walls
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Summary:  This book introduces us to two sisters--12-year-old Jean "Bean" and her fifteen-year-old sister Liz.  It's 1970 and Liz, Bean and their mom Charlotte are living in Southern California.  Charlotte is an aspiring actress and singer who occasionally leaves her girls to "find herself".  The girls are used to taking care of themselves, but Charlotte typically returns after a few days.  Now Charlotte has been gone for over two weeks and people are starting to ask questions.  Nervous about getting separated or their mom in trouble, they take off for Virginia, where Charlotte grew up and where Charlotte's brother still lives.  

When Bean and Liz get to Virginia, they move in with their Uncle Tinsley.  What starts out as temporary begins to feel more permanent.  Bean's dad died before she was born and she gets to know her dad's family.  To make some extra money, the girls begin working for Jerry Maddox, the foreman of the mill in town and eventually start the school year in Virginia.  Their job with Maddox doesn't end well but what transpires from this becomes a true David vs. Goliath story and how two young girls can stand up to a bully and win.

Review: Well, that was a longer than usual Summary.  I'm not sure why, but one reason could be because of how much I liked the book, it was hard to cull it down to my usual paragraph.

Books about flaky moms are always interesting, as are books about the daughters of flaky moms.  I liked the independence of the sisters and their connection.  I don't want to give away what happens, but I was so proud of Liz for standing up to Maddox, the town bully.  What transpired from her decision wasn't easy and she was certainly a reluctant heroine.  Without the support of Bean and the eventual support of her uncle, I don't think she would have had the strength to make it.  For awhile you're not sure she will, but justice is eventually served.  I don't think I've read other books by Jeanette Walls but I certainly will now.

Book review: The Interestings

Title: The Interestings
Author: Meg Wolitzer
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary:  This book follows the lives of five friends that meet at camp one summer during high school.  As their lives transition from high school to college to "adulthood", lives and relationships change. 

My review:  This book is right up my alley.  I think I was surprised that I didn't read it soon enough.  The book starts out with six friends but one disappears relatively early in the story and there are three in particular that dominate--Jules, Ethan, and Ash.  Ethan's been in love with Jules since that first summer but try as she might, Jules just doesn't feel the same about Ethan.  He eventually moves on, sort of.

I wasn't sure at first how interesting these people were.  I got more into the story once they were out of college.  That's really the only reason I didn't give it five stars--it just took a while for me to get into.  I don't want to give away too much, but I did enjoy the Goodman story arc and how that blew up.  I was saddened by Ethan but I also liked how his story resolved too.