Chime by Franny BillingsleyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I'm never sure when I listen to a book read with a lovely English accent rather I am just enamored with the reader, or if the book is especially charming. In this case, I really think it was both. This story of 17-year old Briony Larkin, is bound to be a hit with readers. The story takes place at the turn of twentieth century England shortly after Briony's stepmother has died. Briony is convinced that she is a witch responsible for her stepmother's death, and that she is also responsible for the brain damage of her twin sister Rose. It is true she can see the "old ones" like the Boggy Mun who guards the swamp, and has vague memories of her misdeeds. She is full of self-loathing. Enter romance in the form of Eldric Clayborne, a self-proclaimed bad boy, who is absolutely charming, and genuinely kind. Briony is confused by her feelings for him, since she is supposed to be a witch without feelings. Their witty exchanges left me chuckling over and over again. I truly enjoyed this book, and I think older middle school students (and adults like me) will as well.
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