November Reading Recap: Pirates & Road Trips

   Confession time--I actually finished a few of these books (very) late in October. I have no idea why I didn't read more this November. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I've grown into my computer.

Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
“Here is the story of Peter Pan recast as a love triangle set in the endless summer of the modern-day California coast.” 
Lost boys run away to Neverland Kensington, an abandoned beach community,  to get hooked on fairy dust and surf. The love triangle resolves itself after a few chapters and the rest of the story oozes the same surreal, wonderfully sad vibe that I loved in Peter Pan.

The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
The Girl With All the Gifts is my second zombie book, and I enjoyed it much more than I did my first (The End Games). My opinion may or may not have anything to do with the fact that I pictured Ms. Justineau looking exactly like Martha Jones.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney
Hilarious, as usual.

Spook School by Sue Purkiss
I've had a thing for funny chapter books ever since I discovered the Time Warp Trio years and years and years ago. Spook School is right up my alley--despite the menacing In-Spectres and his horribly old-fashioned teacher, Sir Rupert, Spooker Batt must try his best to pass his Practical Haunting exam. I received this book in a giveaway hosted by Sue Purkiss at her fantastic blog, A fool on a hill....

Writing Magic by Gail Carson Levine
This is a book I always meant to read as a kid (10-11ish) but never did. If I had (and if I’d actually taken its advice, which, considering my 11-year-old self, I HIGHLY doubt) I’d have become a much better writer much faster. This book has some great exercises, plus fun extras like the original beginning of The Two Princesses of Bamarre. 

Jackaby by William Ritter

Fun, funny, and a little bit spooky. It does have a bit of a Sherlock/Doctor Who feel, but stands on its own just as well.
“ ‘Well, if we didn't sail together, how did you ever--ah, you must have snuck a peek at my luggage labels.’
‘I did nothing of the sort. That would be an impolite invasion of privacy,’ the man stated flatly as he picked a bit of lint from my sleeve, tasted it, and tucked it somewhere inside his baggy coat.” 

Silver: Return to Treasure Island by Andrew Motion
You could say Treasure Island and I have a rocky relationship. When my Mom tried to read it to out loud my sisters and I made her stop after the first few chapters. (Two words: Blind Pew) A few years later I read it for school and hated it. A few more years later I watched two very good and very faithful movie adaptations (Muppet Treasure Island and Treasure Planet) and decided to give it another try. I adored Treasure Island the third time around. Silver, aside from not having as much of the title character as I was expecting, is a much grimmer and more philosophical story. Honestly, I’m not sure what I think of it.

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
I checked this one out based on Cait’s recommendation over at The Book Chewers, and I adored it. Talking skeletons, secret names, dry humor, wax museums…it’s a glorious cocktail of weirdness that you need to try. Now.
 

  So, what did you read this November? And do you have any recommendations?