I saw The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill on a list of Books Within Books. Intrigued, I picked one on Libby, and this was available. It starts with four strangers at a table in the Boston Public Library scoping each other out. A woman's scream rings out, startling everyone. These strangers begin to talk, trying to unravel the mystery, and become friends. One of them is a murderer. This was a fun, twisty book. The protagonist is a mystery writer, Freddie — short for Frederica — who uses the unexplained scream as the impetus for her new mystery novel. The other three at her table, Freud Girl, Handsome Man, and Heroic Chin, become characters. There are several mysteries unfolding. An avid fan of Freddie's is allowed to read and comment on each chapter, but this fan seems too avid and decidedly odd. What's happening there? Where is the screaming woman? Is she tied to the three strangers around the table? I found this novel an intriguing peek at the writing process, while debating modern novel plots, and keeping things hopping. I think I will read more by Sulari Gentill.
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I don't know why Ferris by Kate DiCamillo isn't more well-known. It is a YA book, but it brought tears to my eyes. The main character, Ferris, has a notable family. Her little sister's goal in life is to be on a wanted poster. She works hard to make that happen. Her uncle lives in the basement, painting a history of the world, missing his hairstylist wife, who kicked him out. Her father is convinced that there are raccoons in the attic. Her grandmother, Cherise, and the dog are both seeing a ghost. Then things get weird. The book is entertainingly zany, yet it explores death, grief, and uniqueness in touching, sensitive ways. I found it magical.
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