Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

I just can't seem to get the title of this book straight in my head. When someone asked me what I was reading recently, I told them "What I Don't Know" or The Stuff I Forgot to Tell You". So I guess I would say that while this is a forgettable title, it's not a forgettable book.

In the first sentence, you know that Lydia is dead. Lydia is a teenage girl who has an older brother, a younger sister, and two parents who love her. The book allows you to see through the eyes of each of these characters as they grapple with Lydia's death and try to figure out what happened to her. It is a sad book in many ways, but certainly well written and one that stays with you after you're done. Recommended. -June

Let Me Be Frank With You by Richard Ford

This is my first time reading anything by Richard Ford, but after recently hearing an interview with him on NPR, I wanted to give him a try. In the interview, he was funny and quick, and that is the way his character, Frank Bascombe, is too. Ford writes very well, and although there's really no plot in this book, it's a fun read.

The book is divided into 4 chapters, each one covering a different scene in Frank's life. He's retired and getting older with the normal aches and pains, and he reveals to the reader his thoughts on aging, marriage, friendship, and more. I like Frank. I like the way he thinks and his humor and even his politics. He's got opinions and is more than willing to share them. I recommend you spend some time with him. -June