“Goody Hall,” by Natalie Babbitt

“Goody Hall,” by Natalie Babbitt is mystery with a rather strange plot.

When Hercules Feltwright joins the Goody household in the position of tutor he doesn’t realize that he’s walking into a web of deception and mystery. The people of Goody Hall are strangely troubled, and no one knows why. Hercules takes it as his commission to restore peace of mind to the Goody household.

Soon he uncovers a fortune in jewels, a mysterious legend that seems to be coming true, a tomb with an empty coffin, and a statue of a three headed dog. All are clues that Hercules must use to solve this mystery.

I must say that “Goody Hall” has so far been the only Babbit book to disappoint me. The plot could be interesting if it was not developed in such a ridiculous fashion. The only thing that I liked about “Goody Hall” was the book’s characters.

In summary, “Goody Hall” is a book with great characters but a disappointing plot.

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September Recommended Reading List

For the month of September my reading theme revolves around the unusual and the sublime. I have selected three great reads that may shock you, may move you, or may expand your horizons just a little bit.

“Frozen Fire,” by Tim Bowler

This shocking thriller is about a powerful, supernatural creature that visits a remote town during the dead of winter. "Frozen Fire" is characterized by cold winter imagery, and a disquieting tone that percolates through the entire text. The book's surprise ending completely blew me away.

“Criss Cross” by Lynne Rae Perkins

Lynne Rae Perkins has created a sublime novel about the summertime experiences of a group of teens. This book starts with a wish and the journey that commences is flavored with the warm feeling of summer afternoons. This Newberry Award Winning book is about fireflies, love, and dreams.

“Whirligig,” by Paul Fleischman

When Brent Bishop, a young man desperate to fit in, is involved in a drunk driving accident that takes the life of fellow student Lea Zamora., his life changes forever. As restitution he must make a unusual journey to the four corners of the United States. Along the way he learns about what really matters in life.

“Living with the Truth,” by Jim Murdoch

“Living with the Truth,” by Jim Murdoch is a fascinating exploration on the nature of truth.

The main character is an old man named Jonathan. Throughout the book, readers are given an almost embarrassingly personal look at Jonathan's life and history. The rich details and subtle ingredients that make up Jonathan's thought patterns, personal habits, and desires are all laid bare for the reader to see.

In contrast Jonathan is a relatively isolated man, who feels that he can and should keep his personal life hidden from the outside world. That changes completely, though, when he is visited by Truth personified. At first Jonathan is incredulous, but before to long it becomes painfully obvious that his strange visitor, must really be who he says he is: the quality of truth in human form. To Jonathan this force that has invaded his life both intrigues and repels him to some extent.

As the story progresses Jonathan is motivated by his otherworldly visitor to take a deeper look into his own life and past. Along the way there is plenty of time for strange adventures and encounters, and discussion of such questions as “Is there a God?”

Jim Murdoch has created a fascinating novel that has deep meaning beyond its face value. ”Living with the Truth” is about the lies that are all around us, the hidden things that we can't see, and the way humans hide the truth from both themselves and others. This novel will make you consider the truth about yourself and your own life. I really enjoyed reading “Living with the Truth” and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a thought-provoking novel.

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