The Lifters, by Dave Eggers

This is one of the newer books in the library since the start of the new year, and one I didn't really pay much attention to until a student returned it and told my human that it was good. So, he brought it home and I gave it a try! It reminded me of a mix of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein, and something Neil Gaiman might write. In other words, it was quirky and odd, but it kept you reading...it isn't anything I can put my paw on as far as what I liked and what I found odd, it was simply a mixture of everything. But a good mixture! The story is a fantasy tale where this force called The Hollows blows tunnels underneath places where people are experiencing sadness or turmoil.  Gran, the main character, finds himself becoming one of the Lifters - someone who tries to keep the ground from collapsing- and thus houses, schools, churches, buildings, etc. I can't totally compare it to anything else I've read, which on its own is a good thing - so often books seem to follow the same script a lot, so something different is a welcome change! But it's almost too quirky...I don't know - YOU read it and let me know what you think! I give it 4 paws...how many would you give it?

What Elephants Know, by Eric Dinerstein

This is a wonderful book, and as difficult to explain as it is wonderful! It takes place in Nepal, and Dinerstein uses a lot of Nepalese language (which he defines at the back of the book). So it took a little while for me to get the rhythm of the writing...a slow start. But once I discovered the rhythm of the writing, the rhythm of the entire story opened up like a glorious surprise! This book is about nature, and elephants, and the bonds between people and nature, and about human greed and life in another place, far from here, but then not so different in many ways. If you like elephants, you must read this!  If you like nature, you must read this as well. If you like adventure but also beautifully written scenes and events, not in a traditional style but in a very descriptive style that will make you feel like you are in the jungle with Nandu and Dei Kali, his "mother", then give this a try. 

I always read with the people I would recommend a book to in mind, but this one is a challenge...it takes some time to get started, to fall into the language, but if you make it, the reward is awesome. This book probably won't please everyone, but those it does please will be very, very satisfied!           5 paws!