Two of My Favorites

    
Like all librarians I can list many many favorite titles. The two I chose to review for the blog are stand outs. The one I re-read (and read variations of) is Pride and Prejudice. I am sure that choice needs no explanation. Teh other one represents one of the few series where I have read every installment ASAP. Recently I saw that Tony Hillerman's daughter will be picking up the series where he left off. I can't wait to see if she has the same touch.
Reviews:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

2013 is the 200 yr anniversary of this classic novel. The plot revolves around the social lives of the Bennett sisters.  Austen uses her trademark witty sharp insight to draw characters that have lasted literally for centuries. Like the timeless Romeo and Juliet this tale has been retold in countless settings and time periods. The imitations always strive to hit the same intelligence and spark as the original.

The plot follows Elizabeth as she grows into an emotionally mature young woman.   Through her crisp use of language Austen brings the characters to life with enough detail that the reader feels they have met these characters many times. From Mr. Bennett’s lament “I have the utmost respect for your nerves. They've been my constant companion these twenty years.”  to his final consent that Elizabeth may marry Darcy :”I cannot believe that anyone can deserve you... but it appears I am overruled. So, I heartily give my consent.” , it Austen’s insight and her wit that keeps the readers enthralled. 

Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman

This novel hooked me on the series. Tony Hillerman sets his Lt Leaphorn/Officer Chee mysteries in the Navajo nation. This novel features the character Lt. Leaphorn   an experienced officer who has a deep and educated understanding of his cultural heritage and the community in which he lives. As Leaphorn investigates the murder, the descriptions of the landscape and the harsh desert environment are very detailed.  Hillerman’s   passages describing the physical aspects of hiding in the desert for days are masterful. As the plot moves along, Leaphorn explores the concept of Navajo witches in addition to sifting through more concrete clues to solve the mystery.