March 2018 – The Dusty Jacket

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

The Kitchen House

Kathleen Grissom (Adult Fiction)

The Kitchen House tells the story of seven-year old Lavinia, an Irish orphan with no memory, who is taken by the owner of a tobacco plantation to live on his estate. She is assigned to work in the kitchen house and placed in the care of Belle, the owner’s illegitimate daughter. The story takes several dramatic turns as tragedy befalls the household and Livinia’s race begins to interfere with her intended social status.

This is one of those books that opens with a heart-wrenching scene from the end of the book (current time) and then brings you back to the beginning of the story (the past). I love this writing technique as it immediately creates a sense of urgency and tension. Alternating narratives between Livinia and Belle, this book combines the best and worst of the human condition while masterfully pulling the reader along for an unforgettable journey from the big house to the kitchen house.

Rating: 5/5

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury (Adult Science Fiction/Fantasy)

Long ago, there was a time when firemen used to put out fires rather than start them. Now, they proudly display on their helmets and jackets the number “451”—the Fahrenheit temperature at which book paper ignites and burns.

Guy Montag has been a fireman for 10 years, which means his job is to burn books. In the future, both reading and owning books are illegal. One night, his life is irrevocably changed when his young neighbor asks him a seemingly simple question: “Are you happy?” This question sets Guy on a course that will attempt to restore a sense of individual freedom in a world dominated by collective control.

Bradbury describes a future where a “happy” and thriving society is one devoid of outside influences, which may disrupt the status quo by promoting independent thought and ideas. This book revisits the old question, “Would you rather be right or happy?” This is one of Bradbury’s best works and a reminder of the hope, power, and knowledge that lies within a dust jacket.

Rating: 5/5

The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (J)

The Egypt Game

Zilpha Keatley Snyder (Juvenile Fiction)

April Hall is anything but a typical sixth grader. Having a “movie star” mother, it is easy to understand why April prefers to be called April Dawn, wears false eyelashes, and sports a mile-high hairdo. What in the world could she possibly have in common with Melanie Ross, a girl that lives in her same apartment building? Why, ancient Egypt, of course! Thus begins an amazing friendship that involves secrets, codes, ancient ceremonies, and danger. This story not only provides readers with some history, but offers important lessons on inclusion, forgiveness, compassion, and courage. SPOILER: There is a part of the book that involves the murder of a child (no gory details), so parents should take this into account when dealing with sensitive readers.

Rating: 4/5

We are All Welcome Here by Elizabeth Berg

We are All Welcome Here

Elizabeth Berg (Adult Fiction)

I read Elizabeth Berg’s Open House as it was an “Oprah pick” and was left less than dazzled. Second time is clearly the charm! Set in 1964 Tupelo, Mississippi, the story of Diana Dunn and her paralyzed mother Paige is heartfelt and solid, yet at times painful and cruel. But the life they manage to forge together, along with Paige’s black caregiver Peacie, is unforgettable, therapeutic, and inspiring.

Rating: 5/5

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George (J)

My Side of the Mountain

Jean Craighead George (Juvenile Fiction)

When Sam Gribley decided to run away from his New York apartment and live in the Catskill Mountains, everyone laughed…even his own father. But that is exactly what he did, armed with only a penknife, ball of cord, ax, flint and steel, and $40 from selling magazine subscriptions. With grit, determination, skill, and courage, Sam not only survives on the mountain, but discovers things about himself that he never thought possible. Beautifully detailed and crafted, My Side of the Mountain is a story for all ages and for all time.

Rating: 5/5

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible

Barbara Kingsolver (Adult Fiction)

This is the story of a Baptist missionary family who travel to the Belgian Congo in 1959. Having the mother and four daughters each narrate this story gives the reader five thoughtful and unique viewpoints of the same events. At 543 pages, the novel spans three decades, but seems to go well beyond its natural endpoint and unnecessarily drags out to the point of reader fatigue. The author could have easily skimmed 150 pages and still had a poignant and interesting story. I gave it 4 stars rather than 3 because the writing is superb; however, the author does get very political and uncomfortably preachy at times.

Rating: 4/5

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznik (J)

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Brian Selznik (Juvenile Fiction)

An enchanting and mesmerizing book that is as much of a treat for the eyes as it is for the heart. Brian Selznik’s original drawings masterfully tell the story of 12-year old Hugo, an orphan who secretly repairs the clocks of a Paris train station after the disappearance of his uncle. Selznik provides readers with a mini-movie that can easily be forwarded or rewound with the simple flip of a page. I knew about Georges Méliès before reading this story and was delighted to be able to revisit him on a more personal level. Although you can read this book over a weekend, its beauty and compassion will stay with you far longer.

Rating: 5/5

Miracle on the 17th Green by James Patterson

Miracle on the 17^th Green

James Patterson (Adult Fiction)

I normally don’t gravitate toward James Patterson, but this little book drew me in and is a total departure from his normal thriller books. This quick read is a story of love, family, and chasing your dreams…no matter the cost. Some parts were a little technical for a non-golfer like me, but a story of redemption and forgiveness is written in a universal language that everyone can understand and enjoy.

Rating: 4/5

Gingersnap by Patricia Reilly Giff (J)

Gingersnap

Patricia Reilly Giff (Juvenile Historical Fiction)

After her brother Rob is reported missing in action during WWII, young Jayna, along with her turtle and a ghost, set out from upstate New York to Brooklyn in hopes of finding her grandmother. Gingersnap is a quick read, making it ideal for elementary-aged kids. Just shy of 150 pages, it doesn’t allow the reader much of an opportunity to get to know or become connected with the characters, but a happy ending during a wartime book is always a plus. With included soup recipes, this book is wonderful for the body and soul.

Rating: 4/5

Greetings and salutations!

Welcome to The Dusty Jacket! A site to reintroduce those long-forgotten books that have resided on library shelves or along thrift store aisles for far too long. Their jackets may be dusty, but the stories they tell are just as vibrant and alive as ever!

We don’t review the latest and greatest, but the “seasoned” stories who are awaiting to be revisited a second or third time or perhaps newly discovered. We review adult, teen, and tween books and hope that one of the books reviewed will strike your fancy, elicit a contradictory response, or rekindle an old sentiment. Whatever the emotion, we hope that we reignite your love for reading or begin a fire that has yet to be fanned.

Relax, enjoy, and read! Our hope is that no book will go unread and no jacket will ever become dusty.