I’ve got a long list of chapter book recommendations to eventually share as read-alouds with Meg but there are several that she isn’t ready for which I want to read now. Most of these come from lists like the ones I shared here and most are older books I missed out on as a child but would have loved.
Right now, I’m reading Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright. I’ve also got her Melendy quartet which starts with The Saturdays on my TBR list as well. I’m about half -way done with Gone-Away Lake, and I love it. I’ve been unable to resist reading it in bed for the last two nights even though I was already getting in bed too late. The characters are fun and richly drawn, and I love the mysterious tone.
At the beginning of the story, Portia and her little brother Foster are traveling to visit their cousin Julian for the summer. Foster quickly finds a playmate who loves playing astronauts as much as he does, and Portia heads off for a day of exploring with Julian. The two of them discover an abandoned summer colony around the shore of what was once a lake and is now a swamp. When they hear a radio, they investigate more closely and end up meeting an elderly sister and brother pair who have taken up residence in two of the run-down houses. I love stories about finding hidden houses or settlements whether imaginary or real. Fog Magic was one of my favorites as a child. I’m excited about finishing Gone-Away Lake and it’s sequels.
Saw your link on Saturday Review of books and had to visit!
I loved this book and it’s sequel (Return to Gone-Away when I was a kid. I read them multiple times.
I had forgotten about the Melendys – wow another pleasant memory!
I’m reading this book right now and enjoying it too. It was my son’s favorite for years and years.
[…] In Need of Chocolate, Sarah writes about a book Jane keeps sticking in my to-be-read pile: Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright. I’m going to treat myself to it at last this […]
That sounds very sweet.
Oh, how I love the Gone Away Lake books. I actually like Return to Gone-Away a little bit better, but they’re both wonderful. And the Melendys, too, of course. I just bought the new paperback reissues of that entire series. Thanks for the reminder about Gone Away.
I’m glad so many of you have enjoyed this one too! I’m in the middle of Return to Gone-Away now and loving it.
Oh, those books are favorites of my children!
Elizabeth Enright was responsible for a large chunk of the better part of my childhood.