Terry Pratchett, Equal Rites and Carpe Jugulum

Terry Pratchett, Equal Rites and Carpe Jugulum. Fighting gender stereotyping in the practice of magic and unconventional vampire battling. Granny Weatherwax reminds me of a few formidable women I know, though they don't have broomsticks (even ones that need jump starting). More school break fun. I haven't yet found a Discworld story that doesn't make me giggle at least once. So be careful if you read these in public or while drinking milk.

John Gardner, Grendel

John Gardner, Grendel. Grendel's story- angry and absurd, with perfect pitch and cadence. And liking and understanding the monster only makes him more terrifying: isn't a despairing and articulate devourer infinitely more horrifying than a mindless voracious beast?

Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, Three Cups of Tea

Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, Three Cups of Tea. A fascinating glimpse of people working together for community development and education despite incredible geographical and political barriers. Unlikely and beautiful - it's as much a love story of place and a lament about war as a story about building schools.

George Eliot, Silas Marner

George Eliot, Silas Marner. Exactly as I remembered the story nearly 20 years ago. But now I can't quite figure it out.