Books

Last Saturday I finished reading two books.  One was on my iPad so I read it mostly when at E's; the other was a hardback so I read it at home.  Wonder, by R. J. Palacio,  tells the story of a boy with a facial deformity who  starts fifth grade in a private school after being taught at home.  He deals with bullying, teasing and confusion as he spends time with lots of new children.  Point of view shifts from one character to another.  This recently was made into a movie, but I haven't seen it.  Great story, well-told.

The Devil in the White City is a fascinating look at the 1893 Columbian Exposition (or World's Fair) in Chicago.  The author weaves together the lives of the lead designer of the fair and a serial killer, revealing to us much about life in the 1890's.  Erik Larson has written several books like this.  The first one I read was Dead Wake, about the sinking of the great ship Lusitania in 1915 (I think, maybe 1914).  Since I grew up in Illinois and have been to Chicago I especially enjoyed learning more about the fair.

I recommend both of these books.