You could say I have an affinity for books. Once I read a great title, I want to recommend it and find another Read A-Like for myself and others. What is a Read A-Like you ask? Librarians and book review sources alert you to books by saying “If you liked this book…you will love this one!”
The biggest question I have received from parents is “What do you recommend after Harry Potter: that series is the only ones my child will read!”
Fantasy readers of all ages will enjoy Diane Duane’s creative series So You Want to Be a Wizard? Similar to HP books are the main characters Nita Callahan and Christopher (Kit) Rodriquez who do not realize they are wizards until they find a book with that same title. Duane introduces many topics appealing to readers who love this genre including bullying, voracious readers, love of animals, annoying siblings, and she includes mystery and suspense with a dash of humor, as Nita and Kit learn how to deal with their “special” gift. There are nine books in the series with one more planned for release this year.
The latest young adult (YA) book I completed (No, I didn’t write one yet) reading this year is by prolific Spanish writer Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I was amazed that he wrote for young people after I remembered his imaginative adult fiction The Shadow of the Wind and its sequels. The Midnight Palace reminds me of The Thief Lord, another favorite by Cornelia Funke, because the main characters are orphans who band together in an orphanage in Calcutta to swear allegiance forever. They are challenged by a murderer who appears to them suddenly when they turn 16 and are ready to graduate from the orphanage. The suspense is phenomenal, and I mean that literally! Funke uses the setting of Venice, so you can compare these two novels with settings far apart. Ask yourself the question in each novel: Who is the antagonist or the bad guy?
In my next post, I will review some adult Read A-Likes for you.
Please send me ideas and comments about this and my other posts!
Happy Reading in 2015! Don’t forget the Goodreads reading challenge!
Best Books By Beth 
Hi Beth—Was at Bonefish recently and met a woman,Jennifer Taylor Wojcik. She has published 3 books, From Day One,Day After Day,The Final Day. They are a trilogy of crime novels. Have ordered the first one to see if I like it. Have you heard of her?? She is from this area. I thought maybe she could be a guest at the book group next year. Let me know if you read them and what you think about her writing. Have a good summer and will see you next year.
thanks for your comments on my blog. After reading so much this past winter in PAG, I am at an impasse trying to find just the right book. I will check out your suggestions about Wojcik. Currently, I am sampling short stories which I hope to write myself. Sorry I did not see you before I left.
Keep in touch, Beth