Solstice Wood by Patricia A. McKillip, Ace Books, 2006

Bookstore owner Sylvia Lynn is content with her current life and has cut the ties to her past. However, her grandfather's passing forces Sylvia to return to her childhood home, which lies on the border of a fantasy otherworld, and face head-on the forces she has been running from.

When this book was set in the "real" world I found it enjoyable but the fantasy aspects of changelings, fairies, witches and wood nymphs often confused and bored me. McKillip is a well respected writer and fantasy fans will likely receive this book in a better light.

Readers who enjoy this book may also like these fiction titles: Broken Sword by Paul Anderson, Ballantine Books, 1971 is a classic fantasy work that also features a changeling from a land of fairies. Children of Magic, DAW Books, 2006 is a collection of fantasy stories written by well-respected fantasy authors and regarding children with a variety of magical powers.

Readers who enjoy this book may also like these non-fiction titles: The Complete Guide to Faeries and Magical Beings: Explore the Mystical Realm of the Little People by Cassandra Eason, Red Wheel, 2002. This book includes testimonials from people who have claimed to see magical creatures and even includes tips on how to attract them. Spellbound: from Ancient Gods to Modern Merlins: a Time Tour of Myth and Magic by Alexander Dominic, Readers Digest, 2002 takes a historical look at the interweaved relationships of science, religion and magic.

Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman, Morrow, 2005

This tells the story of Fat Charlie (who isn't fat anymore) and how his life changes after his father dies-a father who long ago left him and always embarrased him. Fat Charlie learns that he has a "brother", who wreaks havoc on Charlie's dull life, and that his father was actually Anansi, the trickster spider god. This story alternates between London and Florida, proving that quirky, humorous, and well-written characters can be found on both sides of the pond.

I was pleasantly surprised at the contemporary setting and absence of too many fantastical creatures. This book was also funny, captured my attention, and even throws in a scene reminiscent of the serial killer from Silence of the Lambs. I would be open to reading more by Neil Gaiman.

Readers who enjoy this book may also enjoy these fiction titles: Divine by Blood by P.C. Cast, Luna, 2007 is the story of a girl who is raised "normally" in Oklahoma,only to discover that she is actually the daughter of a goddess from an otherworld. The Dark Half by Stephen King, Viking, 1989 leans a bit more toward horror, but King's writing generally contains fantastic elements. The parallels of "good twin not knowing bad twin exists" and WHY are eerily similar.

Readers who enjoy this book may also enjoy these non-fiction titles: Anansi, the Spider Man: Jamaican Folk Tales by Philip Manderson Sherlock, Crowell, 1954 should expand on the trickster tales touched on by Gaiman. Secret London: Exploring the Hidden City, with Original Walks and Unusual Places to Visit by Andrew Duncan, Interlink Books, 2006 is filled with tidbits about the London most people never see and the physical "secrets" that exist.