The Correspondent

The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans

27/60 | Started 05.16.26 • Finished 05.26.26 | 5 stars

A wonder. What can I say? This epistolary novel told from Sybil Van Antwerp's writing desk was just lovely. Through letters, emails, and notes to family, friends, and others, we see Sybil's progression from a burdened to softened, mourning to free. I especially loved her letters to the authors of books she'd read, and her correspondence with her best friend Rosalie was also touching. I have to say that I would recommend this one to any reader, and have already told several people to do so!

Watership Down

Watership Down, by Richard Adams

26/60 | Started 04.19.26 • Finished 05.16.26 | 5 stars

A book about rabbits? That can talk and think and plot? Yes. So much yes. I loved every bit of this book. It is an adventure full of courage and comraderie, with wonderful descriptions of nature to boot. A group of rabbits, led by one named Hazel, decide to leave their warren when little Fiver senses they are in grave danger. The story follows their journey to find and create a new warren for themselves, which includes, among other things, avoiding predators, befriending a bird, daring exploits, being captured, escaping, craftiness, fighting for their lives, and even some kind of magic. While it is on the longer side, I felt that all of it was needed - wouldn't have shaved a bit off. I've actually put the fairly recently released and beautifully illustrated graphic version on hold from my local library because I am sure that it will bring this one even more to life than it already is in my imagination.

The War That Saved My Life

The War That Saved My Life, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

25/60 | Started 05.03.26 • Finished 05.08.26 | 5 stars

Set in WWII, during the London's evacuation of its children to the countryside, this book follows nine-year-old Ada and her younger brother, Jamie. Born with a club foot, she is abused by her mother and longs to escape her circumstances. With courage and determination, when Jamie leaves one morning for the evacuation, she goes with him. When they are not chosen by anyone, Mrs. Thornton places them with a single woman named Susan Smith, who doesn't want them. Susan owns a horse named Butter, which provides Ada with more opportunities to exhibit her courage and resilience. The ensuing story is full of adventure, danger, and emotion. I simply loved it. My book club agreed, though we all thought that with its themes of abuse, war, and death, it might be a bit much for some young readers. Have recommended it to several people, one of whom has already picked it up and enjoyed it to the tune of five stars. I plan to move on to the follow-up book, The War I Finally Won, as soon as I'm done with the next book club read.