It’s rare when a book is so good that you just want to contemplate it. Sometimes when I read a book, I want to rush online and e-mail all of my friends about it. Say, with lots of emphasis, “Hey! I just read this great book! I think that you’ll like it!” In a way, I’m doing the same thing right now, by blogging about it. But, really, my mind isn’t on what I’m typing. I’m sure I’m going to have to go back and edit later, so that I can actually get to the book I’m talking about without all of this pointless rambling.

The truth is, though, that this book, Set In Stone, by Linda Newbery, has made me think. I finished it a few minutes ago, but the spell that the words wove around me hasn’t really worn away yet. The story really begins with Samuel Godwin’s arrival at the house that will provide the stage for much of the tale. The words encircle you, drawing you in - and then never let you go. This is one of those stories that you could never set down on your nightstand, for continuation the next evening. I’m fortunate enough that I started it in the early afternoon, or else I would have been awake all night.

The most intriguing part of this story is the characters. Just when you’re sitting in smug satisfaction that you have finally gotten to know the characters, that you have uncovered all of their mysteries and secrets, you learn that you never really knew them after all. From the start, you are introduced to curious, gentle Samuel, wild, passionate Marianne, sweet, frightened Julienne, and loving, lonesome Charlotte Agnew. Slowly, through the alternating perspectives of Samuel and Charlotte, you get to know them all, as well as many others.

Never get too comfortable with your knowledge. This book loves to throw twists and turns at you, catching you off guard as soon as you feel secure that you know what will happen next. The house that the characters live in, Fourwinds, with its intricate mysteries and hidden depths, is rather a picture of life itself. At first glance the lives of its occupants are perfect: but, in this story, nothing is ever as it seems.

I suppose that I haven’t done a very good job of explaining this book’s plot. The truth is, that I can’t. The pages are too fresh in my mind; the concepts that I’m trying to write about so close to my grasp, and yet so far away. It’s too indescribable, and yet so wonderful that I encourage all of you to find Set In Stone, by Linda Newbery, at your local library. I highly doubt that you will regret your choice.