Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea

Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea (2008) by Chelsea Handler. A collection of personal, humorous essays from Handler, the latest thing on the comedy scene. Somewhat funny and entertaining, most of the time. She's pretty weird. Grade: B+

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher [A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective] (2008) by Kate Summerscale. In 1860 in England, a child goes missing. It's not long until he's found -- murdered. This book tells the story of his family -- and of the detective who tried to unravel the murder. Mr. Whicher is Jack Whicher, a truly talented detective. But detective work is in its infancy, and the people of society don't have a lot of faith in its methods. There are wheels within wheels in this case study of a murder investigation gone wrong. Grade: B+

The Girl With No Shadow

The Girl With No Shadow (2007) by Joanne Harris. The sequel to "Chocolat" tells the continuing story of Viane Rocher and her daughters Anouk and Rosette. Now living in Paris, Viane has changed her name and opened a new, low-profile chocolate shop. To avoid detection, she no longer uses magic. But into her life comes a stranger, a woman named Zozie, who at first seems nothing but a friend. Although I haven't read "Chocolat" -- I only saw the movie -- I feel confident that this book captures the tone and atmosphere of the original and will please fans of the earlier book. Grade: A-