Quite an array of topics this month. And a guest blogger: Grandson Cam writes his thoughts about The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which he read aloud to me this summer, complete with an entertainingly dramatic voice for each character.

Book 1: The Fire of Liberty

This may well have been my favorite book this month. Esmond Wright compiled letters and other writings primarily from 1775 and 1776 to let the soldiers and townspersons tell the story of America’s Revolutionary War.

Did you know the Boston Massacre started as a snowball fight? Only in America …

Book 2: A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L’Engle

Another great read from Mom‘s collection of Madeleine L’Engle books.

Ms. L’Engle’s life was fascinating, as was her openness in writing about her struggles to understand her deity.

Book 3: How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast

When you’re the only child of famous parents, life will be interesting. This memoir shows Molly Jong-Fast is no exception.

I admit to growing tired of, “I love my mother, but … ” Maybe that was her whole point.

Book 4: The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Review by Grandson Cam: Over a hundred and twenty-five years ago, the popular Wizard of Oz book was released. I think it’s safe to say it became popular fast. How many movies you know are based off a book? The book’s writing and originality are really well written.

The characters

Dorothy
Nothing much to say about her; she just wants to get back to Kansas. I don’t know what else to put here.

Scarecrow
He believes he is an idiot, a dunce, a synonym for dumb. But inside that straw head of his, he has the brain of an intellectual, a genius, a smart.

Tin Woodman
He believes he doesn’t have a heart, for the Wicked Witch of the East took away his. (This is what I remember.) But he is nice to everyone who crosses his path, truly there is a heart in his chest

Cowardly Lion
The lion believes he isn’t a brave man. But his mighty roar and his powerful motive make him the King of Beasts.

The book takes place in a cabinet, by which I mean a far-away land, where Dorothy gets taken to after a cyclone. She must make her way to the wonderful Wizard of Oz. I hear he is a wiz of a wiz wherever a wiz there was. She meets her new friends there as they make their way to the Emerald City, where Oz resides, to get her back home, alongside a few other wishes from her friends.

So what do I rate this book? 9.7/10. Really good book, opinion-wise. Now, if you excuse me, I must away.

Cameron Werne (2012-not dead yet)

Book 5: The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick

This genre – alternative history – isn’t for me, I guess. Maybe if the world weren’t in such turmoil, I’d find a bit more enthusiasm for this otherwise well-written book.

Book 6: Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis

Here’s another one. (You’re going to think I was a total grump this month.) But about halfway through this book, I started thinking, “What if I died during the night – and this was the last book I read?” I didn’t like that idea at all, for multiple reasons.

Thing is – this book about a post-war college in England is really well written. But it’s satire, and every last character is obnoxious. Not a single person was likeable. Especially Lucky Jim, who is awful. Thankfully, I survived the book.

Book 7: Backstage with Julia by Nancy Verde Barr

This is a fun memoir. Julia Child was a culinary wizard who worked non-stop – and enthusiastically – into her 80s. The author worked for Ms. Child for the last few decades of her professional life. Lots of great stories and even a few recipes.

I admit to peeking ahead to see if there was any mention of my experience with Ms. Child. Alas, the only mention of the New Orleans event was in the list of stops in a whirlwind tour leading up to her 80th birthday.

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