Bonnie and Clyde by Paul Schneider

I first heard of Bonnie and Clyde back in the 1960's when I was too young to have any clue who they were and what they did. Their names really stuck with me.

Bonnie is of course the Scottish word for beautiful and the Clyde is the big river which flows out through the city of Glasgow which I grew up practically on the banks of. It took until a couple of weeks ago when I picked up Bonnie and Clyde - the lives behind the legend by Paul Schneider for me to really learn what they were all about.

If you're looking for a cheerful read, this book is not for you. However as an interesting journey into the human condition and America in the 1920's I'd recommend it. I really found myself absorbed by the downhill slippery slope these two people were on. Of course I already knew the ending, but the twists, turns and agonies which led them there were in a way compelling.

I think this book would make a good college-level, or upper high school read. There's plenty of blood, violence and law breaking of course, so bear that in mind. There is even one really bad photo. The author doesn't turn it into a circus act though - I found myself enlightened about their story without much emotional attachment, either good or bad.

It would also be great for a homeschooling parent who just wants a change of pace and to be reminded that life in the 2000's is overall pleasant and safe, at least for most of us in America.

You can see inside Bonnie and Clyde, the lives behind the legend at Amazon.com.

The Lobster Chronicles by Linda Greenlaw

If you've ever wondered what it's like to live on a small island, off the coast of America, I'd recommend you read The Lobster Chronicles. I picked this book up at my local library earlier this week and read it in about 4 days. Given the viewing figures for The Deadliest Catch, fishing is apparently fascinating to quite a few Americans these days.

Linda Greenlaw is a female lobster fisherman. She is 40 years old and lives on a small island off the coast of Maine, the same island which is home to Acadia National Park. Linda has already written one bestselling book, which I've not read, yet, The Hungry Ocean.

Personally I have a kind of fascination with the way other people live. What does a female lobster fisherman who lives at home with her mom and dad get up to all day? What are her thoughts, challenges and joys? And will she find a husband and get to raise the island family she longs for?

I liked this book because Linda writes well, shares an interesting story with sufficiently detailed and slightly weird characters, and communicates some of the rawness and challenge of life, without being either objectionable or depressing.

Check it out. Let me know what you think.

Read more about The Lobster Chronicles at Amazon.com.