A Spork in the Road

Last night I finished the delightful YA novel Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris (a birthday present — thank you, Bev!). This book got bonus points for A) presenting dogs as important characters, B) presenting willingness to work hard as a highly valued character trait, and C) finally cluing the world in to the proper use of discarded teeth.

My one major complaint about was that several characters behaved rather stupidly for no apparent reason other than to advance the plot at key points.

However, for the most part I had a splendid time reading the story, which clipped along at a brisk pace and offered an ending that was simultaneously satisfying and cliff-hanger-ish.

• Buy Once Upon a Marigold at Powell’s.