Tracey

If you loved A.S. Byatt’s Possession, Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles or the Twilight series, A Discovery of Witches, by Deborah Harkness, may be right up your (dark) alley. This new book, the first in a trilogy, follows the studies and romance of Dr. Diana Bishop, an American academic specializing in alchemy, and her connection to a magical bundle of parchment in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. Diana is a witch, which enables her to recognize the many otherworldly creatures populating the university—including a 1,500 year-old vampire named Matthew Clairmont. Matthew is a renowned scholar in his own right, and their mutual interest in research soon turns to passion. United, they attempt to figure out the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. The setting of the book is particularly authentic, informed by the author’s own studies at Oxford. From there the story moves to a chateau in France, then later to a farmhouse in upstate New York. In all locations a colorful cast of paranormal characters support the lovers and their quest.

A guide to Disney World is indispensable, helping one to navigate the immense grounds and maximize value and enjoyment. The beauty of the Birnbaum's Disney World for Kids guide is that it is written for children, not their parents. It clearly lays out the parks, highlighting maps, tips and descriptions. Perhaps most helpful are the young people’s perspectives on how “awesome” or “scary” the various rides and attractions are. There is even room at the back of the book for tickets, photos and other small mementos. My kids absolutely loved this book. A month before our departure, they read it cover-to-cover to plan and prioritize; while we were there they carried it with them to remind themselves of where to look for “hidden Mickeys,” and used the space in the back to get autographs of their favorite characters; upon returning home, they reviewed it fondly as a souvenir of a glorious vacation.