Time Cat

 

This was a pretty cute book from Lloyd Alexander about a boy and his cat time traveling. They see how cats were revered in Egypt and feared in Salem, Massachusetts. They even run into Leonardo da Vinci. This would be liked by history buffs or just parents who want wholesome fun entertainment. The Chronicles of Prydain would come later and then Lloyd Alexander would truly make his mark on children's literature.

Anna Christie

 I haven't read this play since I was eleven. I've seen the Greta Garbo movie a few times though. I was pretty impressed. It's about a prostitute whose father rarely saw her growing up just abandoning her to a farm. She comes to visit him as an adult with the intention of making a clean slate and lying about her past. She falls in love with a sailor. She enjoys the reputation of being a good girl, but guilt eventually creeps in. Anna doesn't feel worthy of the sailor. The truth comes out. While it does end on an upbeat note I think this is a pretty grim book about one's past. None of the characters are saints in this play. It's one of O'Neill's better plays. I need to revisit him. 

Poetry for Dummies

 

I know. It's not literature. I got this because I wanted an overview of the history of poetry and some vocabulary. I've been reading poetry for two years, but I needed the basics still. Most of this book is about writing poetry and going to poetry slams and such, things I would never do. I don't have the interest to pursue that, but I admire the art. This did give me a reading list of books to read though so it was worth the purchase.