As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust

"As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust (Flavia de Luce #7)" by Alan Bradley

I am always sad when a Flavia de Luce novel comes to an end, and "When Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust" was no different.    This series is so much fun and I'd like it if each book could go on forever.

Flavia is in a different environment this time around, and together with her author Mr. Bradley, she puts a charming spin on even a forbidding, cold Canadian girl's school. Of course there is a caper (read: murder) for Flavia to solve, and so she does.

Have I said that I am sad I've already finished it?

I will enjoy recommending the latest Alan Bradley to my bookstore's customers.  His books are always on my Go To List for those looking for an excellent tale.

"Here is Where" by Andrew Carroll

I love a good non-fiction book that teaches me something about culture, history or art.  This book will give you little tidbits of information that will be useful when traveling, at cocktail parties or just when you want to drop a little knowledge to impress.  Worth a read!

"It" by Alexa Chung

Meh.

There wasn't much substance or insight into what makes Ms. Chung an "It Girl."  And that's really all I can conjure up to say about this non-read.  Some of the images throughout are a little disturbing and have no explanation.  Meh.

"Summer House with Swimming Pool" by Herman Koch

The Second Time Was NOT a Charm.

I was happy to receive a Digital Review Copy (DRC) of this title to review for Blogging for Books!


Herman Koch's novel to prior to this one really wowed me.  The essence of "The Dinner" crept up on me as I read, and by the end I was appalled and mesmerized.  I looked forward to such a feeling when I began "Summer House with Swimming Pool," but I regret to say that feeling never arrived.

Summer House is about a physician, Dr. Schlosser, with a less-than-altruistic sense of his medical vows. While his actions are describable, it is his thoughts that are truly vile and I was never able to develop the connection or fascination I would've needed to enjoy any part of this story. I do admire Koch's ability to shock and turn the story into something darker than you suspected it was.