A Gift from Us to You ...
Compiled May, 2003
CAS=audio book CD=book on CD LP=large print book Pbk=paperback
Aging Well: Surprising Guideposts to a Happier Life from the Landmark Harvard Study of Adult Development by George E. Vaillant {305.26 VAI] – Despite its somewhat academic title, this is a fascinating and enlightening compilation of personal narrative and perspectives drawn from participants in three longevity studies that reveals some unexpected predictors of healthy, satisfying retirement years. Worth the read at any age.
Anything Considered: A Novel by Peter Mayle [FIC MAY, CAS, LP] – A light-hearted adventure with James Bond-like features. As usual, Mayle includes gastronomic delights in the telling of the tale.
Atonement by Ian McEwan [FIC MCE, LP] – Misinterpreting events she witnesses, a young imaginative girl gives testimony to a lie. As a result, the lives of family, friends, and her own life are tragically altered. The book spans from 1935 to 1999 and allows us to see how those lives and their stories are resolved in settings as diverse as an English country manor and a French battlefield. It will grab and astonish you.
Blessings by Anna Quindlen [FIC QUI, LP] – A baby mistakenly left on the doorstep of the hired handyman’s garage apartment instead of at the estate’s main house causes two lonely people to connect, not only with each other but with their pasts. A tender, well-written book with interesting characters.
Blindness by Jose Saramago [FIC SAR] – A fable or allegory of human nature under extreme pressure. A look at social disintegration and its causes and also the qualities in human beings that eventually overcome such horrors. Thought-provoking and memorable.
Burning Marguerite by Elizabeth Inness-Brown [FIC INN] – This complex family story begins unfolding after James Jack finds the body of the 94-year-old “aunt” who raised him. Her death begins a series of parallel flashbacks that explains this fascinating story of tragedy, murder, and love. The setting goes from a small New England island to the sultry South and spans several decades. The sense of place engages as much as the deftly-drawn characters.
Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros [FIC CIS, CAS] - Cisneros has written a far-reaching and exuberant novel blending Mexican history, the U.S.-Latino immigrant experience, and universal family loves and feuds including hilarious road trips each summer between Chicago and Mexico City with young children restless in the back seat and grandma sparring for command up front. Because so much of this narrative is dramatic, the most delicious way to experience it is the audiobook version read by the very talented author herself.
Charles Dickens by Jane Smiley [B DIC] - Dickensian in her own approach to the novel, Smiley brings great insight and sympathy to Dickens as creator and celebrity, including just how he came up with all of those fascinating names for his great cast of characters.
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns [FIC BUR, CAS, LP] – If you’re a fan of southern family sagas full of humor and drama, you’ll be delighted with this historical novel. Set in a small town in turn-of-the-century Georgia, the novel focuses on E. Rucker Blakeslee who, shortly after burying his wife of many years, shocks family and community alike by quickly remarrying a younger woman. The narrator, his grandson Will Tweedy, heads an unforgettable cast of characters. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be sorry when it’s finished.
The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride [974.7 MCB, LP] - Rachel Shilsky, daughter of a Polish Jew living in a small southern town in Virginia, leaves her abusive father and faith far behind when she runs off to New York City. Rachel (later called Ruth) marries a black man and converts to Christianity. Ruth’s indomitable faith carries her through the loss of her first husband, poverty, raising twelve children, and the racism she must face every day as a woman with biracial children. McBride offers a moving tribute to his mother.
Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi [Y AVI] – This year’s Newbery winner is a rousing piece of historical fiction. Avi, a prolific author for young people, has written a suspenseful bildungsroman set in England a few years after the plague. Asta’s son, as he has always been called, embarks on a journey to discover who he is and why the manor steward wants him dead.
Crooked Heart by Cristina Sumners [FIC SUM] – This unique murder mystery pairs local police chief Tom Holden with Episcopal priest Rev. Dr. Kathryn Koerney. They explore the differences in their backgrounds and social standing as they fight the growing romantic tension they both feel. Both receive help on the case from a Nancy Drew-enamored 10-year-old girl. This is a funny, suspenseful, intelligent mystery.
Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam by James M. McPherson [973.7 MCP] – This book is a consistent history of the battle of Antietam which brought forth the emancipation proclamation. It is full of interesting facts and pictures.
Crow Lake by Mary Lawson [FIC LAW] – Orphaned at the age of 7, Kate is now a distinguished zoologist, but returns to her childhood home in rural Ontario to come to terms with the brother she believes gave up his dreams so she could realize hers. Beautiful writing and engaging exploration of family relationships. This is an outstanding first novel.
Discover Your Genius: How to Think Like History’s Ten Most Revolutionary Minds by Michael Gelb [153.35 GEL, CAS, CD] – A unique and interesting insight into the greatness of many geniuses and how it could influence our thinking.
Duty: A Father, His Son, and the Man Who Won the War by Bob Greene [306.874 GRE] – A son’s quest to understand his reticent father unfolds in the exploration of another figure, Paul Tibbets, pilot of the Enola Gay. Highly readable and filled with touching moments of both personal history and universal insights into the lives of WWII veterans and the sense of duty that motivated them.
Empire Falls by Richard Russo [FIC RUS, LP] – Miles Roby runs the local Empire Grill after being called home from college to care for his ailing mother. As the colorful locals come in and out, Miles ponders what went wrong with his life and tries to make sense of it all. Russo is dead on in portraying this small Maine mill town that no longer has a mill. He captures the tragedy and comedy of the blue-collar lives he empathizes with. These characters come to life and stay with you long after the last chapter.
Firehouse by David Halberstam [363.349 HAL] - Halberstam tells the story of his neighborhood hook and ladder company in Manhattan, one that suffered great losses in the destruction of the Twin Towers. It is also an account of the culture and values of the uniformed services and a worthy tribute to these heroes of 9/11.
Fishbowl by Sarah Mlynowski [FIC MLY] – Funny, caring, irritating, self-absorbed. These are the adjectives that describe the three main characters in this book. But, despite their differences and quirks, they manage to become friends and find their way out of a tough jam. A fun piece of fluff.
Fortune’s Favorites by Colleen McCullough [FIC MCC] – The author of The Thornbirds brings Republican Rome to life in Fortune’s Favorites. It’s great historical fiction – maps and glossary included.
A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland, Indiana by Haven Kimmel [977.2 KIM] – Pick this up and laugh your head off! Kimmel offers scenes from her childhood in an extremely small Indiana town. Told in the voice of a precocious child, but distilled through the wisdom of an acute grown-up observer, these scenes will touch your own inner child.
Going with the Grain: A Wandering Bread Lover Takes a Bite Out of Life by Susan Seligson [641.815 SEL] – Bread is truly the universal food. From the communal ovens of Morocco to organic firebread priced at $18 a loaf to Wonder Bread, author Seligson lets you taste, smell, and touch a world of bread.
Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner [CAS FIC WEI, LP] – Despite the bold title, this book is about the transformation of the main character. She is boldly confronted with the realities of her life and must make choices to deal with them. Her struggle to survive is at times funny and sad and heartwarming. Thoroughly enjoyable!
The Healer by Dee Henderson [FIC HEN] – This is book 5 of the O’Malley Series. Intriguing family and lots of action. These characters became my friends. Based on Christian values.
Indigo Dying by Susan Wittig Albert [MYS ALB] – Read about herbal love and remedies, be transported to the Texas hill country, and read a good mystery. A triple pleasure!
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte [FIC BRO, CAS, LP, Y BRO, C8129] – Based partly on her life’s experiences, Charlotte Bronte has penned a fabulously thought-provoking novel of romance and morality. An immediate success when published in 1847, this beautifully written timeless classic will undoubtedly enthrall, excite, and inspire all readers.
Judging Lincoln by Frank Williams [973.7 WIL] – This book consists of various essays on Lincoln’s political thinking, his life as a statesman, and how he was remembered in art. Williams is a collector of Lincoln memorabilia.
A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux [FIC DEV, LP] – A great mix of time travel, descriptions of medieval daily life, and romance.
Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific by Raft by Thor Heyerdahl [919.6 HEY, J919.6 HEY] – This book follows a courageous group of men who, undaunted by the fact that they have no experience with boats, set off across the Pacific Ocean in a handmade raft of balsa logs in their attempts to prove the theory that Incas from Peru were among the first settlers of the Polynesian Islands. This is a story that is almost too incredible to be true. Brave violent storms, shark-crowded seas, and dangerous coral reefs along with Thor and his crew and their bilingual parrot.
Let’s Roll: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage by Lisa Beamer [B BEA] – As Lisa Beamer relates the story of what happened on United Flight 93 on 9/11, she provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who faced an extraordinary challenge. A book about love, faith, suffering, and hope, it is both compelling and inspiring.
The Lobster Chronicles: Life on a Very Small Island by Linda Greenlaw [639.54 GRE, LP] – I love this book! Greenlaw is able to paint an accurate picture of life as a lobster fisherman. Interspersed in the story is plenty of information about the cast of characters also living on the island. She’s witty and able to tell things like they are. This is one tough woman – a must read.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech [J CRE] - Love this book! And love this boy struggling with the idea and the writing of poetry. And love Newbery Medalist Creech for her creativity and her honoring of teachers and poets.
Milkrun by Sarah Mlynowski [FIC MLY] – Jackie Norris is 25 and working at a boring job when her boyfriend gives her the old “I need to find myself” line. She has to pick herself up and go one, but not without some bumps along the way. Through it all, she manages to maintain her optimism and humor. In the style of Bridget Jones’s Diary.
The Mitford Books (series) by Jan Karon [FIC KAR, CAS, LP] – Take a trip to Mitford, NC. Become a regular – have lunch at the Grill, get your groceries at the Local. These gentle books follow the laughs, loves, and sorrows of a mountain village through the eyes of an Episcopal priest. The perfect antidote to CNN, duct tape, and orange alerts. Come on home!
The Monk Downstairs by Tim Farrington [FIC FAR] – Bay Area single mother and graphic artist Rebecca Martin has given up on romance. Then she rents her downstairs apartment to Mike a former monk. What do you do when the man you love is on the rebound from God?
Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith [ MYS MCC] – This novel is the third in a series of mysteries set in Botswana, Africa. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, run by Mma Ramotswe and her assistant Mma Makutsi, takes on two assignments, a possible poisoning and a beauty contest scandal. While the story is really “mystery light,” the unfolding of African family and community life and the description of the African landscape and people are a joy to discover.
Olivia Counts by Ian Falconer [JP F] - Olivia is back to do the numbers in her inimitable way with flair and, of course, accessories. A board book for the delight of the very young and the lucky adults who join in.
Privilege and Other Stories by Frederick Forsyth [CAS FIC FOR] – If you have ever felt like a victim of unfair circumstances, you will appreciate the odd twists of fate and the way in which Frederick Forsyth’s characters (fortunately fictional) resolve their problems. Short stories to enjoy in the car.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd [FIC KID] – Fourteen-year-old Lily Owen lives in a 1960s South Carolina town with an abusive father and a beloved nanny. When her nanny gets into trouble with the law, Lily knows she must find escape for them both. They find a safe haven with three middle aged sisters who make honey for a living and help her face the memory of the mother she accidentally shot and killed when she was four. You will care about these characters, laugh with them, and delight in this beautifully told coming-of-age story. (2)
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park [J PAR] – This 2002 Newbery Medal winner is a wonderful, historically accurate story about an orphan boy in 13th Century Korea who wishes more than anything to become the apprentice to a Celadon pottery maker. During this time, you had to be the son of a tradesman to become an apprentice in your father’s business; it was an inherited position. Read this book to find out if Tree Ear learns how to throw the delicate Celadon pottery himself.
The Solace of Leaving Early by Haven Kimmel [FIC KIM] – Ph.D. dropout Langston is too book smart for her own good. Her mother, realizing Langston needs to come out of from behind the academic wall she’s built, forces Langston to take care of two young girls whose mother was recently shot by their father. She reluctantly takes them on with the help of the town minister, with whom she develops a romantically antagonistic relationship. These quirky characters and unusual story are like nothing you’ve ever read before.
The Soloist by Mark Salzman [FIC SAL] – Cello prodigy Reinhart Sundheimer’s musical talent disappears as mysteriously as it arrived. His years of diligent study and world-wide performance are over, and he is left a young man isolated and lonely. He reluctantly agrees to accept a young Korean boy as a student and, at the same time, is summoned for jury duty, forcing him to participate more fully in life. He must serve on the jury of a murder trial at which an insanity defense is being used. As he ponders questions of guilt and innocence, duty and responsibility, he also must navigate the tricky relationship of teacher to pupil. We come along with Sundheimer as he begins to find his place in the world he has long shunned.
The Soprano Sorceress by L.E. Modessitt [FAN MOD] – Along the same lines as A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, this adult fantasy novel is about a female professor and her adventure in a medieval time and place. The strength of the female character is unusually realistic for fantasy novels.
Stately Pursuits by Katie Fforde [FIC FFO] – Hetty Longden, jilted and heartbroken, but still feisty as ever, retreats to the country to care for an aging relative’s equally aging estate. Unexpected turns, along with a village full of quirky characters and the “real” heir to the estate, dubbed Conan the Barbarian, produce a charmingly British story with enough romance to wile away those summer afternoons.
Step-Ball-Change by Jeanne Ray [FIC RAY, LP] – Out-of-control wedding plans, a flighty, distraught houseguest, an irascible dog and a miracle-working, but omnipresent contractor combine for a delightfully entertaining, light summer read from the author from the author of Julie and Romeo.
Stones of Jerusalem by Bodie and Brock Thoene [FIC THO] – Great historical picture depicting the creation of the nation of Israel in the 1940s and jumping back to Jerusalem’s history in the early 1st Century. It is part of the “Zion Legacy” series. Interesting characters, plot, and Christian values.
The Street Lawyer by John Grisham [FIC GRI, CAS, LP] – Story about an up-and-coming lawyer who, when faced with a personal crisis, discovers that he would rather live helping others than being rich and famous. Made me think of the many needs of others and the ways in which they might be helped.
Virginia Woolf by Nigel Nicolson [B WOO] - Meet the woman and artist behind Mrs. Dalloway as she was known to her close family friends. This account by an insider is sometimes charming and always perceptive.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy [FIC TOL, C15113, C14882] – Generally regarded as one of the world’s greatest novels, this epic historical novel portrays life in the highest Russian society during the time of the great Napoleonic wars. Incredible – a masterpiece! Highly recommend the unabridged edition.
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks [FIC BRO, LP] - This book offers us insight into human nature when a small village in the English countryside in the 1600s faces quarantines as the bubonic plague sweeps through the village. Anna Frith, a widow with two young sons, cares for dying villagers and the vicar’s wife, whom she loves like a sister. A powerful account of a woman who grows in strength and character as she faces incredible hardship and adversity.
May 2003
