THE UNSELECTED JOURNALS OF EMMA M. LION VOL. 1

THE UNSELECTED JOURNALS OF EMMA M. LION by Beth Brower

GREEN LIGHT

AGES;:11TH GRADE & UP

I have to admit, I was a little unsure of this book when I opened it to begin reading. It had come highly recommended by more than one trustworthy person, so I got a copy, but I was a little put-off by the idea of reading an entire story told through journal entries. While I do enjoy the occasional journal entry or letter interjected into a novel for a change of pace, I typically am not a fan of epistolary writing, but I decided to give it a chance. So, while this isn't my favorite writing style, I found as I read the book, it grew on me. Afterall, I'm a Jane Austen fan, and this story lends itself to an Austen-esque novel. (You know the kind I'm talking about-lovely, sweet woman who finds herself in a penniless situation at the mercy of an uncaring relative.)

Emma M. Lion is the rightful heir of Lapus Lazuli House. (Isn't that a perfectly marvelous name for a house?) Unfortunately, upon his passing, her father named crotchety Cousin Archibald as the caretaker until Emma turns 21. Less than a year away from her birthday that will set all things right, she returns to the house expecting to be welcomed, Instead, her cousin isn't home to greet her, and the instrustions left are that her rooms are in the mouse-occupied garret of the house. This simple statement sets the tone for the relationship that ensues; Emma is as far removed from anything going on in the house as Cousin Archibald can make happen, but that's not a place she'll be content to remain.

This is a squeaky clean read with zero HEADS UPs to report!