Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

 This was a tough book in some ways, because of the tough situation that Demon was born to... And yet it kept calling me back to see what would happen next. Demon's character is so endearing and you're pulling for him and sense his goodness despite his challenges and his reckless choices.

Just as interested as I was in the plot, I was also captivated and totally impressed with Kingsolver's amazing ability to weave the characters that mirrored Dickens' characters in David Copperfield. They were like shadows of each other...not totally alike or predictable, but you could sense the similarities, and the names and common characteristics were like, WOW. Knowing David Copperfield's world and just waiting for how Kingsolver might interpret it for her time and place, was a real kick. I loved that aspect of this entire read. Knowing that Copperfield ended up happy helped me hope that Copperhead would too, and then kept me going despite the depressing milieu of the story. 

I also learned a lot about drug addiction and about the values of the people of this Appalachian country folk. Their culture and people are maligned and they feel it keenly. What Demon doesn't know is amazing...and this is revealed throughout the book, but mainly when he first goes to a city and a zoo. It was heart-wrenching to understand the breadth of his ignorance. 

Kingsolver is brilliant. The characters and plot were beautifully and naturally crafted and completely believable. Heartbreakingly so. For example, Angus's father, the coach, and his drinking and inability to connect much with the world outside of football. I really admired Angus as a character too, and her independence of thought and action. She was like a lifeline for Demon. The entire Peggott family was so fascinating and such a model of love and acceptance for Demon and the other "misfits" in their family. It was amazing to read about a character like June Peggott and what a fabulous influence she was...It made me hope that I could be that person for someone in my world...

All in all, an inspiring and challenging read. Will I take it on again? I'm not sure... But it definitely is enhanced by knowing Dickens' story first. A great pair of readings. 

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman

 This is the second book by this author, and it is every bit as good as the first, which I enjoyed a couple of months ago. I am so delighted by this author's humor and his keen eye for characters and interesting details. This plot got a little twisty, but I was able to follow 95% of it.

One thing that particularly stood out to me is the way Elizabeth treats her husband Stephen. And how she thinks about him. His dementia is increasing, and she treats him wonderfully! I found it truly inspiring and instructive. She honors him, she dotes on him, she agrees with him! 

You could almost call this a "cozy mystery" although there is plenty of blood. What makes it cozy is the four friends who live in a senior community and love and support each other. Their capers are inventive and their conversations are hilarious. Their misunderstanding of modern culture often gets them into funny situations as well. Often criminals and others underestimate their abilities and that makes for good  humor as well. I just read there's a third one coming out and I will be ordering it post haste!!!