Ever heard of the SPEBSQSA* ? Do you like close harmony, a capella music? Want to learn more? Four Parts, No Waiting: a Social History of American Barbershop Harmony, by Gage Averill, is a detailed (and I do mean detailed) history of just that. From it's origins to composers who wrote for them (Stephen Foster, to name my favorite), to famous fans, or members (Roy Rogers, Bing Crosby, president Truman) to an explanation of the harmonies involved to create a 5th tone, this is a book that will require time to read, but it's worth it. Or at least, it has been so far. I am about half way through as we come upon an auspicious date. I'm just coming up on the chapter about the Dapper Dans in Disneyland and the Buffalo Bills in Meredith Willson's The Music Man. Norman Rockwell did at least two covers for the Saturday Evening Post featuring Barbershop Quartets. For a while 'Sweet Adeline' was barred from use by BQ's because it was so closely associated with inebriation. Good end notes, a great bibliography and index, a lot of work went into this book, and it shows. And that auspicious date? Today is Barbershop Quartet Day!

*Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America.

Now then, for some lighter, easier, totally fun reads:

I often wander through the tween and teen shelves at Village books and have made some wonderful discoveries! The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart, is the first in a series about smart kids. An unusual ad in the newspaper leads to a series of tests. Four children pass them all and go on to solve puzzles and eventually, a mystery. Once I started this book I could not put it down. Fortunately I had already walked by dog! Lunch and dinner were foods I could eat with one hand, I even read as I brushed my teeth. The rest of the series is good, too. Be sure to pause and see if you can solve the puzzles. There was a surprise at the end. (Well, I was surprised, but California Reader figured it out beforehand). :-)

When their summer plans are abruptly changed, the Penderwicks find themselves in a house at the edge of a large estate in the Berkshires. There's an imposing owner and a lonely boy. Wonderful, strong female characters here, and a great story. Personally I think the dog should have been mentioned in the title, too, but I just might be biased. The Penderwicks: a Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall, is the first in the series. I just finished the newest title, fittingly titled The Penderwicks in Spring. I am enjoying reading along as the family grows and changes.

Two children and a collection of unusual events make for a fun read in Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Baliett and illustrated by Brett Helquist. I learned a bit about art (mostly Vermeer, obviously), too. This quote, found on amazon.com, does not seem to give credit to the author, but it is perfect so I am adding it here: "This bewitching first novel is a puzzle, wrapped in a mystery, disguised as an adventure, and delivered as a work of art." :-) Again, this is the first in a series, all have been enjoyable.

Reading Hermit With Dog