Wilder Rose, by Susan Wittig Albert

Author's writing style is passive and too fast for the time period she's showing. The book is a work of fiction and includes a disclaimer stating the the author factionalized real people and true accounts. I had a hard time swallowing her disrespect for both Laura and Rose, though. While it is true that Rose edited and assisted Laure in writing the Little House books, Albert's depiction of Rose's resentment and loathing of the job is not fair. And Laura certainly had some talent of her own! I got mighty tired of reading how bitchy Laura was and how self-centered Rose was. Not likable at all, and no one for the reader to identify with! I would not recommend Wilder Rose, simply for the writing style and the depiction of characters.

Monster on the Hill, by Rob Harrell

Monster on the Hill, by Rob Harrell Charming story of a town in need of a monster to protect (and scare) them, of friendship and confidence, of not judging others and of synergy. The artwork is fresh, and the story is suitable for all ages. Very enjoyable, and highly recommended.

The Humans, by Matt Haig

The Humans, by Matt Haig Interplanetary Xenophobes, beware! "The Humans" is a must-read story about the condition of being human; our foibles and weaknesses, our strengths and character. As the reader followers the first-person narration, he is drawn into the descriptions of human emotions, interactions, and our own understanding of the human-ness of our world. Our protagonist has been sent to destroy the knowledge of certain information (though not the information itself), and in doing so discovers that our inferior predicament is, in many ways, more desirable than his own. Especially love. And sunsets. And friendship. And why these things mean so very much to us as humans. The story itself is fascinating, from a sociological point of view, examining our collective thoughts in fine detail, mixing them with a dash of Dickinson and a jar of peanut butter, and somehow returning them in such a way as to make the reader almost jealous of each new discovery. The writing is easy, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, always captivating. Highly recommended!