1. Cold Days by Jim Butcher
Number 14 in the Dresden Files series. In which Harry becomes the Winter Knight and learns some big things and doesn’t get killed.
Finally some more Demonreach payoff. And more big answers about fairies. I really liked what went down in this book in terms of the world building and mythology.
2. Skin Game by Jim Butcher
The bank heist novel. I’ve written about it elsewhere, so let’s just say I liked where this was going and it was a fun ride and also made me think.
So far I’m still liking this series, eager to find out what happens next. It’s really rare for a series that is on its 15th book to still feel fresh and engaging.
3. The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Sequel to the Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. I really liked both of the Calpurnia Tate books. I’m definitely going to add this to the read aloud with the kids roster in the future. (I wrote more about this one here.)
4. Listen to the Nightingale by Rumer Godden
A young dancer is torn between going to the dance school of her dreams and the puppy she has come to love. The characters and location intersect with some of Godden’s other dance books. The characters were engaging and so was the premise of the story. And it’s Rumer Godden, so really I liked everything.
5. An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield
A friend recommended this memoir by Canadian astronaut, the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station. I first became aware of Chris Hadfield a few years ago when he was posting videos from the ISS which I watched with the kids. This memoir/self-help book is highly readable and entertaining and very thoughtful. Hadfield explains what he thinks the qualities of a good astronaut are, illustrating them with his own experiences as a pilot and astronaut. It’s all good advice, funny and very grounded. Hadfield comes across as very genuine and humble with a sort of folksy wisdom. I learned quite a bit about the space program and the inner workings of NASA and the ISS and had a lot to think about as I read.
