After Her by Joyce Maynard

I've never read anything by Joyce Maynard, yet I know I've read positive reviews on her books on several occasions.  So I grabbed this one from the library knowing very little about it.  It takes place in the 70's where two pre-teen sisters are spending the summer having adventures in the mountains near their home in California.  I love the relationship between the two girls - they are devoted to one another and are so creative in what they find to do.  The book is told from the point of view of the older girl, Rachel, who is just on the brink of discovering boys and all the teenage drama that goes with it.  Along with that part of the story, there have been young women murdered on the mountain trails, and Rachel's father is the police detective who is in charge of the case.  So I loved the story lines, the relationships, and the touches of mystery.  The only thing that kept me from really loving this book was the occasional writing snafu.  Much of the book is very well written, but for some reason I would read paragraphs that were almost identical to paragraphs earlier in the book.  Perhaps this is more of an editing issue but each time it happened, my thoughts would be more focused on the writing than on the story and it threw me off.  However, I'd still recommend it and I would try another one of her books. - June

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

After reading rave reviews about this book, I came across it in my local library and grabbed it.  I am so very glad I did.  This little book is a gem, and I've heard rumors that it will soon be a movie.  But read it first!!  The story is told in the first person by a character named Don who is a genetics professor.  I'm no expert and it never is completely spelled out, but it appears he has Asperger's.  He's brilliant, organized, handsome, and he's looking for a partner.  He decides to try to find a wife, and the way in which he goes about it..... well, it's sweet and funny and very scientific.  You will love Don and you will cheer for him to find what he's looking for.  BT, you will fly through this in a weekend.  Enjoy it!  -June