A Book for Brenda

My Swordhand is Singing is the name of this book that I just finished, and what the heck kind of a title is that? was my initial reaction. To be honest, I'm still sort of thinking that, even now that I know what it means and loved the book.

But it's a great choice for Halloween season; I tried to start the book at bedtime the other night, and I realized within four pages that bedtime was not the right choice for this book. First off, it takes place in Russia, in winter, in the 17th century. Secondly (and I'm not giving anything away that isn't on the cover), it's about vampires. Not suave, aristocratic ones, but zombie-like, slathering ones. In Russia. In winter. Really, I don't need to add any flourish to this description--zombies in the long Russian winter tells the story.

It's by Marcus Sedgwick, and I think Brenda might want to read this book. Forgive the title; it's weird, but it does kind of make sense.

I also read The Thief, by Megan Whalen Turner, which I was going to write about, but didn't get around to. I finished it a few days ago now, and am no longer as full of words about it, but I have to give it a plug, because it was a good story--straightforward, well-written, with nice twists and clever problems.

Both of these are young adult books. I'm working on some other stuff now--Wally Lamb's I Know This Much Is True (he goes by Wally. I think that's interesting.). A book about Mary, Queen of Scots. The new Ursula LeGuin. I think I might be back at the point where I can get into things again, which is good, because the clock is ticking--I have a ton of reading to do in the next month or so!