Readin' and Dreamin'

I'm so glad Sourcebooks decide to reissue Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson. Originally published in 1934, Miss Buncle's Book is such a delightful, funny and witty read.

Miss Buncle is going through some hard times financially, so she decides to raise some funds by writing a book. Unfortunately, Miss Buncle is not blessed with an imagination, so she writes about her town, and all the people in it, with names disguised, of course.

It's not long after the book is published that people in town begin recognizing themselves in the book. Some are amused, but some are outraged, and raise a huge stink about it. There are also some interesting things happening: some folks in town are starting to mirror the actions of their book counterparts.

Miss Buncle watches all in fascination, but also fear, because if they discover that she is the author, the jig is up, and she'll never live in peace again. However, this doesn't stop her writing another book.

The characters and their reactions to the book are absolutely hilarious, and unreal. Some say that the character in the book that is supposed to be them, is not really like them at all, but is somewhat like them. Hysterical. The lengths these people go through to find out the author is so ridiculous that it consumes their lives.

Miss Buncle's Book was a charming and funny book with a unique plot. Lot of shenanigans ensue that will crack you up.