Book Recommendations, Laurel Snyder

Thought you might be interested in what we intrepid travelers were reading on our LONG LONG flight from Buffalo to San Diego.

Off topic for a sec, I think Southwest Airlines might want to consider investing in an up-to-date map of the United States. Even I, a woman who can barely make it to the end of her driveway without a Garmin, know that it makes ZERO sense to fly from Buffalo to BALTIMORE and then San Diego.

Southwest, please research the expression "as the crow flies." Yes, yes, I understand there are weirdo rules about hubs and flight patterns. BUT we live in an age of expensive gasoline and over-extended busy lives. Why don't you stand up, be a leader and fly DIRECT.

AND, if you're going to make huge geography faux pas resulting in HOURS of extra air time, please offer a hearty, substantial meal. Preferably something steak-ish. With a robust red wine. Toss out the cockpit window those mini packets of salty nuts and teeny tiny cans of coke. Luckily for you, Child #3 had the presence of mind and stomach to suggest we grab some Quizno subs on our dash through the Baltimore airport. Because a hungry child #3 and a hungry child #4, well, let's just say it's not a pretty sight.

Rant over, here are our respective books:

Words of wisdom from Child #3 (age 12 years) regarding The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan: It's a fantasy. It's a mystery. It's great.

(Mom interjection: The Lightning Thief is the first book in the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series. It's a modern-day, fast-paced adventure that's based on Greek myths. I've read enough of it with Child #3 to say I'll definitely go back and finish it on my own time. Terrific read!)



From Child #4 (age 8 years) about The Talented Clementine by Sara Pennypacker: Clementine has so many talents that she can't choose one.

(Mom interjection: Clementine is a feisty third grader. It's a humorous book about believing in yourself and all that you can accomplish. Another terrific read!)


Me: Over the Edge by Norah McClintock is a magnificent teen mystery. Chloe figures out why classmate Peter winds up dead at the bottom of a cliff. This is one of several "Chloe and Levesque" mysteries. I'll definitely order the rest of them. This book is appropriate for younger readers as well. Nothing untoward happens. (love that expression, but can never find a place to use it!) Thank you Niece K for the recommendation. And for the book which I, ahem, left on the plane. No worries, though, I'll order one from amazon and have it shipped to you.



From the Class of 2k8: Here's a link to a contest for a free signed middle-grade book: Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains by Laurel Snyder. Laurel is a classmate from the Class of 2k8. She's easily one of the most creative people I know. This is her launch week on the Class of 2k8's blog. I'm sure you'll get a kick out of her posts.