Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney

• I picked up this book at my local library for my 4 year old who has struggled with tantrums in the last few weeks.
• As with all the Llama Llama books, this is a fun read that has a nice rhythm for the reader.
• The illustrations clearly communicate the emotions of Llama Llama as he goes shopping with his mother.
• This book spurred a good conversation about how to be nice, even when we are mad.

The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis

• The story is told from two eras: near the present day by a journalist and a young woman in the early 1950's.
• This story jumps into what independence means, and how that has changed especially for women.
• Overall, I enjoyed this novel.

The Clothing of Books by Jhumpa Lahiri

• This short work devotes its entirety to book covers.
• The narrow topic is surprisingly interesting, especially from an author's point of view.

The Shark Club by Ann Kidd Taylor

• This is a love story between a scientist and a chef.
• While this is a story about a woman being torn between her work and love, it is much more.
• Instead of simple and common theme, the main character is engaging.  It is about finding herself, not choosing either a career or the man in her life.

The Girl Before by Rena Olsen

• This is definitely a tough read.  It deals with dark subject matter and follows the main character through her journey in realizing she was a victim of human trafficking.
• This is a relatively quick read as the story is told through short bursts of current day narrative and flashbacks.
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The Vanishing American Adult by Ben Sasse

• Sasse does a great job narrating the audiobook.
• This is an extremely timely book as the nation questions our values and what entitlements the government should provide.
• This book explores a conundrum that I often find myself in as a parent: how can I best prepare my children for the world?  How can I give my children every advantage I can while instilling a strong work ethic and grit?

The Best of the Rejection Collection

• This collection of cartoons is a bit off... in a good way.  All of the cartoons were rejected from The New Yorker.  
• I enjoyed reading about the artists behind the cartoons, and what they find interesting.
• Warning: You will likely find yourself snickering and snorting as you read this book.