The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame

This was not a page turner for me. The leisurely (if sometimes dangerous) lives of these characters didn't draw me in and make me want to know more. Toad's personality is so exaggerated as to be gross. I did read the whole book and enjoyed most of the stories.

I truly appreciated the comments about friendship and proper form when around others - the comments about when to look away, when to disagree with the obvious, and when to do everything vs. force others to do their share were very interesting to me.

The battle to re-take Toad Hall from the weasels was wonderfully done.

Brooklyn Bridge, by Lynn Curlee

This is not a novel, it's a picture book, but it is incredible. The history of the bridge is fascinating, motivating, and moving. If you want a just a bit of history that will make you laugh and cry and hold your breath in awe, this is it.

Boy, by Roald Dahl

Dahl shares stories of his childhood in this book. I enjoyed the vignettes and wish he had had time to publish more of his personal history. He is entertaining and instructive.

Journey of a Thousand Miles, by Lang Lang with David Ritz

Lang Lang is egocentric despite his world experience, which I suppose is to be expected from a young celebrity who was sheltered (aka: forced to do nothing but practice piano) for most of his life. His story was beautiful and ugly, pleasurable and painful, short and yet oh so long. I feel for him and understand him better, and I definitely want to hear him play.