One of the best books I've read in a long time is The Art of Murder by José Carlos Somoza. The review here gives you a description of what the book is about. I would describe it as speculative fiction. It is not sci fi or magic realism, but simply pushes the boundaries of suspension of disbelief in provocative ways. What makes it a good read is the sensual writing, the interesting philosophical implications of the novel, and the well-crafted atmosphere of tension and suspense. As a performance artist, I was intrigued to see the questions Somoza raises about the use of the human body as a canvas for another artist. He satirizes the fetishization of the "genius artist" to the point of extreme pathology. I'm going to read it again this summer.
As for children's books, we have just re-read Half Magic by Edward Eager, which is one of our favorites. It was written in the fifties, but set in the twenties. Eager was inspired by E. Nesbitt and Frank L. Baum. The book is based on a simple premise that Eager fully explores in a satisfying series of adventures. I like the way he humanizes his young characters and gives them dignity.
At the cabin, the boys read the first three books of The Children of the Lamp series by P.B. Kerr. These are fun, sophisticated adventure stories perfect for summer reading.
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