Title: Whistling in the Dark
Author: Lesley Kagen
Publisher: NAL Trade

A debut novel on the loss of innocence, a coming-of-age tale about the O'Malley sisters set in the late 1959.

At times charming and delightful, this tale shows us how a child sees the world, the good, the bad and the ugly. The vulnerability of childhood's wisdom not quite yet corrupted by adults' views and opinions.

Kate Atkinson's Case Histories and One Good Turn

Title: Case Histories; One Good Turn
Author: Kate Atkinson

I have just discovered Kate Atkinson. So now I am on a mission to read ALL her books.

Yes, I know. It's obsessive and I am crazy.

The main protagonist may be Brodie Jackson. But its the thread linking all the other characters in each book that I enjoyed. And the lingering emotional sense of humor intermingling with sadness that I get to ponder over.