The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler [FIC TYL] – The incomparable Tyler does it again. Two opposite natures attract, but hastily try to turn this attraction into a sustainable marriage. They do manage to sustain it outwardly for most of their lives, expressing themselves only through sporadic, though bitter fights. Tyler explores the inner life of the middle class Everyman (and woman) with characteristic aplomb. (2)
Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit: A Son Remembers by Sean Hepburn Ferrer [B HEP] – Sean Hepburn Ferrer presents a lovely, personal, pictorial account of his mother and late actress, Audrey Hepburn. He completes the biography his mother never had time to write. Hepburn lovers will be rewarded with his loving memories of her famous life, the movies, and her work with UNICEF.
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson [B FRA] – An absorbing and interesting narrative of a larger-than-life character.
Blackbird: A Childhood Lost and Found by Jennifer Lauck [B LAU, Palliative Care B LAU] – This heart-wrenching memoir follows the author from the age of five, when she is a caretaker for her invalid mother, until she is twelve, many miles from her beloved house on Mary Street, neglected by her stepmother and shunned by her older brother. Not your typical beach reading, Lauck’s saga is a compelling page-turner. Bring your tissues and clear your calendar.
Broken Music: A Memoir by Sting [B STI] – Unique and intricate autobiography of people, events, and phases in Sting’s life from childhood through adulthood. This musical “storyteller” weaves his genius onto the written page.
The Cambridge Companion to the Guitar by Victor Coelho [787.87 CAM] – This history of the guitar includes such styles as classical, baroque, jazz, blues, rock, and international music. Well-written with resources for further reading. Learn about the most popular instrument of all time.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas [FIC DUM, Pbk C 1066] – Movie after movie and even a mini series can’t quite capture the scope of one man’s obsession with ultimate revenge. Check out the original.
The Country Life by Rachel Cusk [FIC CUS] – Stella Benson gives up London life to take up what she assumes will be a quiet existence in the country as a governess to a young boy. She couldn’t be more wrong. We learn Stella’s secrets and enjoy her attempts to live with the maddening Madden family. This funny, literary British satire is quirky and fun to read.
The Course of Honor by Lindsey Davis [CAS FIC DAV] – Takes place in Rome, 62 A.D. Antonia Caenis, a Roman slave girl, rises through the strata of society to become a respected figure. Excellent description of the life and times in ancient Rome.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon [FIC HAD, CAS] – Despite overwhelming fear of interacting with people, a mathematically-gifted, autistic 15-year-old boy decides to investigate the murder of a neighbor’s dog. It is a wonderfully humorous and creative novel of life seen from an unusual perspective. This unique book is part mystery and part fascinating study of human nature. (3)
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown [FIC BRO, CAS, LP] – This fun, fast-paced thriller is the buzz book of the year. It begins with a murder in the Louvre museum and covers all kinds of mysteries – from secret societies to the search for the Holy Grail. Don’t miss the page-turner that everyone is talking about. (2)
Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey [MYS TEY, CAS] – Stuck recuperating in a hospital bed Inspector Grant becomes fascinated by a portrait of Richard III, the famous British king accused of murdering his two nephews to attain the thrown. Grant utilizes the help of a young researcher to unravel the mystery of Richard III and prove history’s view of him to be a mistake. Fascinating and unique mystery. If you haven’t yet discovered Tey, it is worth the effort to find her books.
Dead Ringer by Lisa Scottoline [MYS SCO, CAS, LP] - Reader Barbara Rosenblat is the wise-cracking Philadelphia lawyer, Bennie Rosato, in another fast-paced legal thriller from the popular Scottoline. Rosenblat’s many voices and perfect characterizations make this another great “listen” for those long summer drives.
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger [FIC WEI, LP] – Wit and sarcasm! A great combination for laughs in this quick read.
Down a Sunny Dirt Road by Stan and Jan Berenstain [B BER, J B BER] – A great read. A collaborative autobiography that gives readers a sneak peek into the lives of the creators of the famous Berenstain Bears children’s book series.
The Dive from Clausen’s Pier by Ann Packer [FIC PAC, LP] - Thought-provoking yet surprisingly suspenseful, this first novel explores the repercussions of youthful tragedy and the age-old conflict between doing what is expected and being true to oneself. You’ll turn the pages, eager to find out what happens in this tale of love, loyalty, and personal responsibility, but hate to see the story end.
Drowning Anna by Sue Mayfield [Y MAY] – Sixteen-year-old Anna is beautiful, smart, and talented. Why then does she feel so alone? Why did she lock herself in the bathroom with a vial of anti-depressants and a bottle of vodka? Her mother and close friend must unravel the mystery while Anna lies fighting for her life. A harrowing look at bullying, this book is a must read for teenaged girls and the people who love them.
Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray [FIC RAY] – Eat Cake portrays a woman whose parents have moved into her home, and her husband has lost his job. To earn money she starts a business doing what she does best: baking cakes. How the new business incorporates the strengths of each family member and brings them together makes for a witty, enjoyable read.
Factory Made: Warhol and the Sixties by Steven Watson [700.92 WAT] – A fascinating look at Andy Warhol, based on interviews of the people who were with him in “The Factory” in New York City.
A Familiar Dragon by Daniel Hood [FAN HOO] – The wizard Tarquin is murdered and his soulmate dragon Fanuilh is near death when friend Liam finds and saves him. The two must then find the killer. The mix of fantasy and mystery was enjoyable as were the two main characters.
Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry [FIC MIS] – When family patriarch Nariman Vakeel, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, falls and breaks his ankle, his resentful stepchildren refuse to take further care of him and turn him over to their half-sister and her family. He moves into their already overcrowded apartment and everyone must deal with the many problems that this causes. Interspersed with this family’s story are Nariman’s memories of his past forbidden love and also a glimpse into present-day India.
Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris [FIC HAR] – A woman returns to the French village of her birth, where a tragedy involving her family had occurred during the German occupation. Moving between the present and past a masterful story evolves, which I guarantee will have you absorbed until the end.
Fresh Air by Charlotte Allen [FIC ALL] – This 2003 offering from a prolific author is just what the title promises: a breath of fresh air. When Fresh Air Fund child and Harlem native Katanya Taylor waves at reclusive web editor Lucinda Hunter from the garden of Lucinda’s Connecticut mansion, the girl sets off a series of events that will change the lives of six people forever.
Highland Fling by Katie Fforde [FIC FFO] – Highland Fling describes the tangled situation of a young lady sent to close a woolen mill factory by her boss. She immediately gets snared trying to save the factory and falls in love with the boss. A delightful book.
Kate Remembered by A. Scott Berg [B HEP] – Anyone who enjoyed the acting and style of Katharine Hepburn will appreciate this portrait of her private world written by personal friend and Pulitzer Prize winner Berg. True to her character, Kate reveals her thoughts and sometimes quirky ideas about life, love, and work. A pleasurable read!
Leap of Faith by Queen Noor [B NOO, LP] – This autobiography of a young American’s life as the wife of the King of Jordan presents us with their domestic and international troubles and triumphs. But Leap of Faith is doubly interesting in that it gives the Arab/Palestinian views of the Middle East today through the eyes of an American with love and pride in her adopted country.
Lessons for Dylan by Joel Siegel [B SIE] – Good Morning America film critic and lifestyle commentator Joel Siegel was diagnosed with colon cancer two weeks after learning that he and his wife, Ena, were pregnant with their first child. This book is his gift to his son, Dylan, now five – just in case they aren’t able to grow up together. Encompassing everything from the history of the Jewish people to the Beatles to the Civil Rights Movement, with a brisket and chicken soup thrown in for good measure, this touching memoir is both a snapshot of American life and a love letter to a son.
Magic Kingdom for Sale – Sold! by Terry Brooks [FAN BRO, Pbk FAN 306] – Ben Holiday, a modern-day lawyer, buys a magic kingdom full of fairy folk and wizardry. His escape from his depression becomes more than he bargained for. This is a fun and enjoyable fantasy book. A good, light read.
Martin Guitar Masterpieces: A Showcase of Artists’ Editions, Limited Editions and Custom Guitars by Dick Boak [OS 787.8719 BOA] – A beautiful book on custom guitars from the oldest American guitar company in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. This book is not only for guitarists, but for anyone interested in detailed craftsmanship.
Mrs. Malory and the Festival Murder by Hazel Holt [MYS HOL] – This wonderful series stands firmly in the tradition of the British cozy. Amateur sleuth Sheila Malory helps solve a murder mystery that occurs at a village festival. The entire series is delightful fun for cozy mystery fans.
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri [FIC LAH] – This amazing writer has done it again. In this follow-up novel to her Pulitzer Prize-winning book Interpreter of Maladies, Lahiri explores the difficulties in being a second-generation immigrant. Fitting in nowhere and saddled with the name Gogol, a young Indian man must try to find his place in the world. His quest is unique and yet is one we all go through. Pick this up!
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by R.A. McCall Smith [MYS MCC, CAS, LP] – The first book in the series featuring Precious Ramotswe, a comfortable size 22 African lady who decides to open her own detective agency to solve crimes and problems for the local people of Botswana. Mma. Ramostwe is the African version of Miss Marple. Through her investigations we are offered a slice of life in an African community as well as a touch of humor and common sense advice. Her investigative vignettes show us that people are the same the world over, whether they live in the U.S. or Africa. The audiotape version is narrated by Lisete Lecat, whose pronunciation seemed most appropriate for this story of Botswana. It is a charming story, written in gentle, musical prose. (2)
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich [MYS EVA, CAS, LP, Pbk M 1349] – An older book from this author, but new to me, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I intend to read every book in the series. I’d like to think that if I could be a book heroine, I’d be Stephanie Plum. What a character. Try these for a funny, suspenseful yet light read.
Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene [CAS FIC GRE] – Set in Havana during The Cold War, this is a satirical and extremely humorous spy story, narrated eloquently by Simon Pebble for Recorded Books. Anyone who enjoys Graham Greene’s story-telling will surely find this one worth listening to.
The Photograph by Penelope Lively [FIC LIV] – Who would have thought that a long-forgotten photograph, one that a dead woman probably meant to destroy, could stir up so much action and reaction among family members and friends? As always, Penelope Lively has produced a fascinating story.
Postcards from Berlin by Margaret Leroy [FIC LER] – Catriona Lydgate seems to have everything – two beautiful daughters, a house full of art and antiques, and a husband who loves her. When her youngest daughter becomes mysteriously ill and the medical professionals she turns to begin to suspect that Catriona herself is causing the illness, it seems she may lose everything. A page-turner and testament to a mother’s love.
The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Richard Warren [248.421 WAR] – Ever want to know the answer to the question, “What on earth am I here for?” Richard Warren details five purposes in this best-selling manual for Christian living. Biblically-based principles provoke thought and present a challenge for living a more effective and happy life.
The Pursuit of Alice Thrift by Elinor Lipman [FIC LIP, LP] – Witty and sharp as ever, Lipman’s latest focuses on surgical intern Alice, who is brainy but socially inept. She horrifies friends and family by hooking up with brash and slick salesman Ray Russo. Lipman’s perceptive social observations about separation of the classes in a supposedly classless society are accurate and very funny.
The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II by Iris Chang [951 CHA] – The subtitle deftly defines this incredibly shocking, forgotten and hidden atrocity of World War II.
A Royal Duty by Paul Burrell [941.08 BUR] – Paul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, gives us a loyal look into the Royals, Diana’s personal relationships, and her emotional highs and lows. Interesting account and tribute – he sets the record straight and defends the Princess that he loved and served.
Selected Papers of Bertrand Russell by Bertrand Russell [170 RUS] – This collection of short essays by one of the most profound writers of all time is a must read for all those with the need to “feed your head.”
Something Rising (Light and Swift) by Haven Kimmel [FIC KIM] – Cassie Claiborne bears the burden of a father who abandons her, a mother who withdraws, and a sister whose neuroses eventually leave her confined to the house. This is not your run-of-the-mill dysfunctional family story, however. You’ll grow to love the prickly, yet endearing Cassie and will root for her as she travels to her mother’s hometown in Louisiana to play the pool game of her life.
A Splendor of Letters: The Permanence of Books in an Impermanent World by Nicholas Basbanes [002.09 BAS] – The third of a trilogy on book collecting, book people, and places. This edition covers the emergence of the computer book, selling and destroying original manuscripts, and the future of books.
Teaching as a Subversive Activity by Neil Postman [370.973 POS] – We are all painfully aware of the crisis of our educational system. Postman argues that there is a solution. A must read.
Three Junes by Julia Glass [FIC GLA] – Follow the happenings of the McLeod family during three very important summers in their lives. This character-driven book includes settings in Scotland, Greece, and New York. As in life, it is the relationships that are most important and the most fragile and complex. Beautifully realized writing.
To America by Stephen Ambrose [973 AMB, CAS, CD, LP] - Historian Ambrose’s final work combines his own personal story with thoughtful observations on the many subjects he researched over his lifetime of study and writing. His style is easy and enjoyable, while his frankness about the evolution of his own beliefs adds a fascinating spin to the familiar stories of figures and events in American history.
Trowel & Error: Over 700 Shortcuts, Tips & Remedies for the Gardener by Sharon Lovejoy [635.21 LOV] – It may be just another gardening book, but it’s a lot cuter than most. Lovejoy reminds us that it’s fun to play in the dirt.
Walking into the Night by Olaf Olafsson [FIC OLA] – Iceland, New York, and William Randolph Hearst’s San Simeon retreat all feature in this tale of a poor man’s rise to relative prosperity, then his abandonment of all he has achieved, including family and responsibility. Much of the novel deals with years when the richer past intrudes on the narrower present. Although the main character is not Hearst, there are many parallels drawn between his life and that of Christian (formerly Kristjan) Benediktsson, his reclusive butler.
Watermelon by Marian Keyes [FIC KEY, CAS] – Loved it. This author’s cutting sense of humor is the best. A quick read for those fast-paced summer days.
The Wonder of Boys: What Parents, Mentors and Educators Can Do to Shape Boys into Exceptional Men by Michael Gurian [649.132 GUR] – Ever wonder why boys hang around together like they do? Find out what’s up with that. It takes a village to help a boy become a good man. Find out what they need from us all instead of glaring and grumbling at them.
May 2004
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