Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War

Candy's adventures in Abarat continue in this sequel. This book confirms how Candy isn't the average teenager. There's more of a story about her birth. We learn more about Christopher Carrion's backstory. We meet some more eccentrics along the way. I liked the first book more but this was a good follow up. I hope we find out more about Henry Murkitt in the final book. 3/5

The Pinballs

This was a pretty good children's book from the author of The Summer of the Swans. This is about three foster kids who become friends. Carlie is a sassy brat who comes from an abusive home. Harvey had their legs run over by his drunken dad. Thomas was raised by some elderly twins who neglected to adopt him. There's some heavy topics but they're handled well and the book doesn't become a drag despite it.

The Butterfly's Evil Spell

Federico Garcia Lorca's first play flopped after four performances. I can see why it's too experimental for its own good. I didn't hate it. I thought it was interesting at least. It's about a cockroach that has a thing for a butterfly that doesn't return its affections. Lorca was so embarrassed that he said that it wasn't his first play afterwards. At least it showed the promise of what was to be one of Spain's greatest playwrights. 2.5/5

Sugar Street

This was the worst of the trilogy. It was ok. I still recommend it but the first two books were just better. This book is basically just wrapping things up. Al-Sayid Ahmad is in poor health and dying and because of that he has stopped his adulterous ways. Kamal finds out what happened to his unrequited love of years earlier. A lot of the book was about Ahmad's grandchildren but they weren't as interesting as Kamal and Yasin. Yes, even Yasin is slowing down and even though he wanders he is tied down to his family now. The Cairo trilogy is an epic. If you're looking for literature to read beyond the typical American or British book I definitely recommend it. I don't know much about Muslim culture so this book gave me some insight. 3/5