Fall with Me Madness!

Anyone else really excited to read Fall with Me by J. Lynn?  Other than me, I mean.  I can't wait!   Until then...

Playing with Matches by Suri Rosen

In this completely engaging tale, Rain is only trying to make things right with her family and accidently becomes a traditional Jewish matchmaker.  There are a lot of great elements to this story, the first of which is Rain herself.  She is a strong protagonist, a witty and observant narrator, and fumbling through her life, just like the rest of us. 

The rest of the cast is just as good.  Even though you're not sure what the reason is, you can feel Leah's distance and dislike of Rain.  You're absorbed in the humiliation of being singled out by the headmistress and forced into a friendship in order to revive her academic career.  You get lost in the nuances of befriending through age barriers, ranging from mid-twenties to sixties and beyond. 

There is also a lot of information to gather from the narration.  I had no idea that traditional Jewish communities relied on matchmakers in order to form lifelong bonds.  After traveling along Rain's path to happiness (hers and everyone around her), I can see why.  What I liked most of all, I think, is nuance of the title.  Playing with matches is something Rain fell into accidentally, but the sparks she creates could set her entire world on fire.  She just doesn't know if it will bring a new beginning or familial devastation.

Playing With Matches by Suri Rosen: 4 out of 5 stars.

Coin Heist by Elisa Ludwig

I really liked this book for several reasons.  I know there are arguments that the characters and plot aren't developed, lack resolution, and fall flat for many reasons.  If you're not looking for something amazingly deep, though, this is a fun read. 

Not many high school students would think to rob the Franklin Mint, but Alice, Jason, Dakota, and Benny do.  They're forced to think everything through to the last minute, drafting and redrafting their plans.  Things go horribly awry (as these things are wont to do), but they all band together to figure out the next steps. 

Things don't end perfectly.  There are issues that haven't even begun to be resolved.  But the narration and writing are strong, the characters are engaging, and the entire concept is fun.  Coin Heist by Elisa Ludwig is worth the read.

4 out of 5 stars.