Quicksand

I decided to read a book from the Harlem Renaissance. This novel is about a half white African American woman trying to find meaning in her existence. When she finds dissatisfication in teaching she eventually turns to religion and marries a preacher. Only the woman wakes up one day realizing she's been brainwashed and hating the man she's married. But she can't turn away from the obligation she has with the five kids she's raised. Indeed, she finds she's fallen in quicksand. I think this is more than a book from the 1920s it can apply towards today as finding the meaning of life is still a relevant subject. It's too bad that Larsen only wrote two books and a couple of short stories.

The Second Witch

I took a chance on this out of print 1960's children's book. I just didn't like the witch. A witch gets even with a mayor for not following through on his childhood promise of remembering her. Not only do her actions affect him but also the town he presides over. She meets a new boy though who does fulfill that promise. The New York Times review on it at the time said it had a random quality and was good on improvisation. l do agree with that. Only the witch was too mean spirited for me.

The Shades

This excellent book is out of print. I know Betty Brock's No Flying in the House is in print and for a good price so how this was neglected makes me wonder. It's a book about a fountain and every time a boy washes his eyes he is able to see another world of people who are shadows. There is also an evil world in the garden, a wicked statue. The boy sets out to save his friends. The only bad thing about this book was that it was short. I wanted more. Along with A Candle in her Room this is on my list of out of print children books that should definitely be given another try. You should interlibrary loan it like I did. It's expensive.