Karrie's August Picks

Inkheart

Cornelia Funke

This is one of the most enchanting stories I have yet to be a part of. Funke transports us into the world of a young book-loving girl with a mysterious past and an even more mysterious gift. Taken care of by her single book-binder father, Meggie accompanies him on numerous trips to mysterious old book dealers while he tries in vain to find a copy of the book Inkheart. But when he finds it both he and Meggie are thrown into their own dangerous story and Meggie discovers her own extraordinary gift given to her by her father - and also the reason he will never read aloud to her. Thus begins their battle with evil and their search for Meggie's mom.

This story is full of both lovable and terrifying characters whom you will find yourself attracted to no matter their moral character. Funke introduces you to a whole new way of reading and becoming involved with a good book... you'll have to read to find out Meggie's marvelous secret!

Girls in Trucks

Katie Crouch

This is one of the best coming of age stories I've ever read. Sarah is a southern debutante itching to run. Her reluctance to become a prudent southern belle leads to her escape to the north as she attends college and then lives in New York. But as Sarah escapes she begins to realize that the lessons she was taught as a debutante in the south aren't any help when it comes to making decisions or managing her life. As she struggles to find herself through a number of mistakes, she is pulled home after the death of a family member and the announcement of her sister's wedding where she begins to learn that no matter how hard she tries to escape, she will always come from the south. And she will always carry with her the place she comes from.

****I recommend this book for anyone entering or graduating college. It should NOT be read by teenagers as there is some heavy stuff to the plot.****