November 2015 Book Report

The Dandelion Caper (1986) by Gene DeWeese

Kid's sci-fi. Second book in a series. Calvin and Kathy are friends who have discovered that Earth is a tourist spot for aliens. In this book, they discover an alien cat named Dandelion who is trying to thwart the evil aliens who want to take over Earth for themselves. Calvin also discovers that a certain “special sense” runs in his family. Cute book.

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The Cup and the Sword (1942) by Alice Tisdale Hobart

Sprawling saga about the grape empire in the San Joaquin Valley in the years between WWI and WWII. Two main families merge through marriages to become the reigning wine growers. When the patriarch dies, the rest of the family tries to keep the industry going despite Prohibition.

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The Norby Chronicles (1983) by Janet and Isaac Asimov

The first two books in the Norby series by the great Asimov and his wife. Young Jeff wants to become a cadet in the Space Academy, but needs help with his Martian Colony Swahili to pass the courses. He only has enough money to purchases an old, “pre-owned” Teacher Robot (Norby) who seems to have secret powers.

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The Noblest Frailty (1983) by Patricia Veryan

Regency Romace that is part of the Sanguinet Saga. Yolande has been promised to her distant cousin Alain since childhood, but when the time comes close to announce their engagement, another cousin from Canada shows up to lay claim to his lost inheritance. Now she must chose between Alain and cousin Craig.

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Lavender-green Magic(1974) by Andre Norton

I'm a huge fan of Ms. Norton, and her YA books are particular favorites. Lots of historical research go into these books. And this is the first one I've come across where the main heroine is a black high school student. Holly and the twins move in with their grandparents when their dad goes missing in Vietnam and their mother must work elsewhere to make a living.

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Mother Was Always in Love (1959) by Philip Van Rensselaer

A book about the futile lives of the very rich in Europe between the wars. I can't imagine a life more useless and self-serving. Nothing but a never-ending round of parties, liaisons, etc. Young Peter grows up watching Mummy go from one man to another.