Another month down in my year of doing things slowly. I think I’m doing okay; I’m still reading a lot (and I still double- and triple-book sometimes), but I feel like I’m more comfortable with my reading pace. I still check out more books from the library than is good for me, especially considering the huge-for-me pile of books from publishers and authors I really should get through. Too many books, too little time!

On to my favorite jacket copy from this month:

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Harper Perennial Modern Classics): “The beloved American classic about a young girl’s coming-of-age at the turn of the century, Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a poignant and moving tale filled with compassion and cruelty, laughter and heartache, crowded with life and people and incident. The story of young, sensitive, and idealistic Francie Nolan and her bittersweet formative years in the slums of Williamsburg has enchanted and inspired millions of readers for more than sixty years. By turns overwhelming, sublime, heartbreaking, and uplifting, the daily experiences of the unforgettable Nolans are raw with honesty and tenderly threaded with family connectedness — in a work of literary art that brilliantly captures a unique time and place as well as incredibly rich moments of universal experience. “

Writing copy for classics is a tricky premise. But I think this one manages to capture both the essence of the book, as well as giving a nod to its timelessness.

How To Survive a Garden Gnome Attack (Ten Speed Press): “Move over zombies and adolescent vampires. There’s a new threat in town—and it’s only twelve inches tall. How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack is the only comprehensive survival guide that will help you prevent, prepare for, and ward off an imminent home invasion by the common garden gnome. Once thought of as harmless yard decorations, evidence is mounting that these smiling lawn statues are poised and ready to wreck havoc. The danger is real. And it’s here. Class 1 gnome-slayer and gnome defense expert Chuck Sambuchino has developed a proven system—Assess, Protect, Defend, Apply—for safeguarding property, possessions, and loved ones. Strategies include step-by-step instructions for gnome-proofing the average dwelling, recognizing and interpreting the signs of a gathering hoard, and—in the event that a secured perimeter is breached—confronting and combating the attackers at close range.”

This one had me at “adolescent vampires”. Seriously. I thought the book was funny, but the flap copy is hilarious.

Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword (Harry N. Abrams): “Spunky, strong-willed eleven-year-old Mirka Herschberg isn’t interested in knitting lessons from her stepmother, or how-to-find-a-husband advice from her sister, or you-better-not warnings from her brother. There’s only one thing she does want: to fight dragons! Granted, no dragons have been breathing fire around Hereville, the Orthodox Jewish community where Mirka lives, but that doesn’t stop the plucky girl from honing her skills. She fearlessly stands up to local bullies. She battles a very large, very menacing pig. And she boldly accepts a challenge from a mysterious witch, a challenge that could bring Mirka her heart’s desire: a dragon-slaying sword! All she has to do is find—and outwit—the giant troll who’s got it! A delightful mix of fantasy, adventure, cultural traditions, and preteen commotion, Hereville will captivate middle-school readers with its exciting visuals and entertaining new heroine.”

I’m not sure this was on my actual book (since I didn’t bother to write it down before returning it to the library). If it isn’t, it should be. Though I’m not quite sure about “exciting visuals.”

Other books read this month:
The House at Pooh Corner (audio)
Amulet: The Cloud Searchers
India Calling
Serenity: Those Left Behind; Better Days
Heat Wave
Hattie Big Sky (audio)
Naked Heat
The Scarlet Pimpernel
A Tale Dark and Grimm
Luv Ya Bunches
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (audio)