“No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.”
-- Mary Wortley Montagu
Compiled May, 2010
The staff at the Hershey Public Library would like to share with you some of the wonderful books we’ve been reading this past year.
Our picks are as diverse as we are, but we hope you will discover a treasure you might otherwise have missed.
Happy Reading!
Numbers indicate multiple votes.
84 Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff [B HAN] –84 Charing Cross Road is a sentimental and heartwarming story of a woman's love of literature and of the deep and lasting friendship she made with people across the Atlantic. It is a correspondence between the author, Helen Hanff, and her favorite bookstore, Marks and Company, located in London, England. Miss Hanff, who lived in New York, wrote letters to Marks and Company for a period of about twenty years, from 1949 to 1969. Helen always wanted to go to England to see the bookstore and meet the staff. You have to read the book to see whether or not she crossed the Atlantic. It was very refreshing to read a book about letters in an age of email and text messaging .
The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Scott Michael [Y SCO, CD] – This is the first of a series of books about the immortal Nicholas Flamel. This book is full of magic, intrigue and humor. It definitely keeps your attention. Read to see the many trials and tribulations that not only Nick and his wife Perry have to deal with, but two teenage twins, Sophie and Josh. I loved all three of these books and can’t wait to read the fourth.
American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot by Craig Ferguson [B FER, CD, LP] – I really enjoy Craig Ferguson’s late-night TV show, so I knew this book would be funny, but I was surprised by the fact that it was also thought-provoking and moving. Ferguson recounts his childhood and youth in Scotland, his lows of alcohol and drug addiction and failed marriages, his successes and failures in various careers, and finally his decision to become a U.S. citizen. An engrossing and worthwhile book, though I do wish Ferguson had written more about his time on the Drew Carey Show, which is one of my favorite TV shows and is where I first saw him.
Anticancer: A New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber, M.D. Ph.D. [616.99 SER] – The premise of this book suggests that instead of reacting to cancer only when it strikes, we should take a proactive role in prevention through lifestyle changes that enhance and strengthen our immune system. After suffering a relapse of brain cancer, the author began a serious investigation of alternative pproaches to healthcare, after he finished his conventional treatment of chemo. and radiation. He found reliable studies that confirm the idea that boosting our immune system can ward off and mitigate the prognosis of cancer. He provides guidelines to use – not only nutritional, but also mind-body approaches to wellness. In this period of soaring medical costs, here is a suggestion that costs nothing and may save millions – dollars as well as people.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein [FIC STE, CD, LP] – Don’t miss out on reading this book because you think it’s for dog lovers or race fans. It is a powerful, touching story of life, loss and perseverance.
The Beckham Experiment: How the World’s Most Famous Athlete Tried to Conquer America by Grant Wahl [796.334 WAH] - David Beckham refers to his life as “the circus.” When he moved from the huge Spanish club Real Madrid to little-known, little-respected MLS club LA Galaxy, the circus turned even more Hollywood. Wahl’s access to Galaxy players and management provides insight into how yet another attempt to ‘popularize’ soccer in the U.S. progressed from conception to … Success? Failure? Most interestingly, this book reveals the day to day life of a professional sports team and the interesting dynamic between players making just above minimum wage interacting with a multi-millionaire media prince.
The Book of Vice: Very Naughty Things (and How to Do Them) by Pete Sagal [179.8 SAG] - The host of NPR’s “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” attempts to figure out how ordinary people discover those elusive, sinful quarters of our society. You know, the ones you hear about, the ones you know exist … but where?
Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza by Gloria Anzaldua [811 ANZ]] - This book has been one of the most influential books for my personal development. Half prose and half poetry, this powerful analysis is filled with stunning imagery that shares the reflections of Gloria Anzaldua
as she develops her identity as a Chicana lesbian feminist activist and writer.
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithian [Y LEV] – Paul’s life takes an interesting turn when he meets Noah, alienating his drag queen football quarterback friend. This novel explores what it means to be young and in love.
The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom [MYS SAN] – A young man with library training takes a librarian job in Northern Ireland. He’s from North London – how difficult could it be? He discovers that the library is closed down, the books have disappeared, and he finds himself
living in a “converted” chicken coup. But he can’t leave – he’s under contract. Three more titles in the series – equally funny.
Cocktails for Three by Madeleine Wickham [FIC WIC] – Three best friends, Maggie, Roxanne and Candice, all working together in the editorial office of a popular magazine, make sure they meet at a Manhattan bar once a month to catch up on the goings on and gossip in each other’s lives. But there is more to the story than each is willing to divulge. As the secrets are revealed, their friendship takes a blow. Read this book full of wit and warmth to see if their friendship survives.
Cowlick by Christin Ditchfield [JP Ditchfield] – Can’t get the kids’ hair to stay down when they get up in the morning? Cowlick is a clever explanation of how those bad hair days get started. Full page, colorful illustrations enhance the silliness of the story.
Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells [FIC WEL, CD, LP] – Looking for a good beach read? Travel to Louisiana where you’ll meet Calla Lily Ponder, her family and friends. Experience her trials, her pain, her lost love, her joys, her triumphs, her growing up. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll long to dance with her.
Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour by David Bianculli [791.45 BIA] – I found this book very informative, especially since I hadn’t yet been born when The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was on the air. I have heard about how controversial the show was at the time, but I didn’t realize how groundbreaking and influential the Smothers brothers and the program really were. This book is full of details about the history of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and the many now-famous comedians, writers, and musicians that got their start, or were influenced by, the Smothers brothers.
The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted and Other Small Acts of Liberation by Elizabeth Berg [FIC BER, LP] - She’s done it again! Berg delivers the funny, the tragic, and the downright true in this collection of short stories. What if you abandoned Weight Watchers and ate whatever pleased you for 24 hours straight? The incredible friendship of Mrs. Ethel Menafee and Mrs. Birdie Stoltz will touch you deeply - we should all have such friends. My favorite, however, is the last story, “How to Make an Apple Pie,” a delightful epistolary recipe. If you’ve ever sat in a kitchen with a woman of a certain age, dressed in a dress and housecoat, talking about baking while you drank tea or strong coffee, this story will warm your heart. Doesn’t everyone need short stories to read during the hub-bub of summer?
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather [FIC CAT, Pbk C 1174] - When I read this book for a college literature class, it didn’t make much of an impression. But 28 years and a whole lot of life experience later – I loved this novel and Cather’s evocative descriptions of the Southwest. The church sends Bishop Latour and his best friend Father Valliant to the new U.S. Territory of New Mexico. The story of their faith, friendship and experiences in this challenging land is inspiring.
Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews [FIC AND] – This is a tale of two chefs – one man and one woman, both vying for the chance to have their own cooking show on the Cooking Channel. To get this coveted position they must compete in a reality show called Food Fight. The best chef is named by a panel of three judges, chefs from three top restaurants. What will Gina and Tate do to win the grand prize? Read this fun, southern tale to find out.
Dracula by Bram Stoker [HOR STO, LP. Pbk C 1216, J 823.8 STO, OS CAS FIC STO] - A classic that’s perfect to read late at night to give yourself some serious creeps. The imagery is still striking, even after all the horror films you may have seen. I kept looking out in the dark corners of my bedroom for Dracula's red eyes!
The Duke by Gaelen Foley [Pbk F 4419] - A light and entertaining read, combining romance and mystery. The Duke of Hawkscliffe and Belinda Hamilton work together in more ways than one to expose the murderer of the Duke's former lady love. As the first in an addictive series of seven books, this book starts you on a journey through the lives of the dashing but star-crossed Knight family. Both my grandmother and I love this series: that's 95 years of combined romance reading expertise!
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery [FIC BAR] - This is the story of the inhabitants of an expensive Paris apartment building, told from the perspective of two residents. The invisible concierge, Renee, who hides her interest in philosophy and art from virtually everyone. The intelligent girl, Paloma, who has made a sensible decision to commit suicide on her thirteenth birthday because what she has observed of the adults in her world gives her no desire to become one of them. An observant new tenant moves into the building and helps Renee and Paloma to
discover each other. They also learn much about themselves and come to look at the world in a very different way.
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton [FIC MOR, LP] – A real page turner about a cottage which is home to secrets that pull together three generations of women despite decades and oceans that separate them.
Freefall: America, Free Markets, and the Sinking of the World Economy by Joseph E. Stiglitz [330.973 STI, CD] – Nobel Laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz explains in this fascinating book about our global economic crisis: how we got here and how to resolve the problem.
The book traces the origin of the Great Depression through the “too big to fail” paradigm and describes what our world economy could be in the future.
Getting Unstuck: How Dead Ends Become New Paths by Timothy Butler [650.14 BUT] - This book helped me to get out of a rut in my thinking about potential jobs and career choices. Having left a job that I thought I would love, then found out I didn't, I needed this boost toward positive, productive thinking. The book includes advice, anecdotes, and exercises.
Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives edited by Kathryn Lynard Snoper and Martha Sears [306.874 SOP] – Gifts and its sequel, Gifts 2, are donations given by Jessica Capitani to our library. Jessica is a frequent patron to the library with her wonderful son, Caden. A glimpse into Jessica and Caden’s story is featured in chapter two of Gifts. Jessica was a managing editor of the essays for Gifts 2. Both of these books are collections of essays by family members of children with Down Syndrome. These essays will cause you to pause and appreciate all that these families have, and continue to, overcome.
The Great Transformation: The Beginning of Our Religious Traditions by Karen Armstrong [200.9 ARM, LP] - In a fascinating look at the origins of religion, Armstrong focuses on the “Axial Age” (900-200 BCE) in which various doctrines responded in remarkably similar ways to various cultural forces.
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls [FIC WAL, LP] - Jeannette Walls’ memoir The Glass Castle is one of my all time favorite books and I enjoyed this story tremendously, but in a very different way. This is a fictionalized account of her grandmother Lily’s difficult but very adventurous life. She was an incredible woman, who never gave up and worked hard to find that “open door,” no matter how many other doors were closed on her. Lily was an incredible woman, especially for her time.
Hart’s War by John Katzenbach [FIC KAT, CAS] - Do you like “law” books? You know, the ones which focus on some sort of court case? The ones which require an intelligent, honorable lawyer to get to the bottom of a convoluted case? Do you like “war” stories? You know, the ones which tell an intriguing human tale against the backdrop of military campaigns? If you’ve answered “yes” to either of these questions, then you’ll want to read Hart’s War. You’ll meet Tommy Hart, an idealistic law student at the time of his entry into the World War II, a young man who remains honorable, despite his imprisonment in a German POW Camp. He, in turn, will introduce you to Lincoln Scott, the only pilot of color in the entire Camp: the only suspect in the murder of Vincent Bedford. Hart will also, eventually, solve the mystery of why the ranking U.S. officers in the Camp want to see
Scott brought to trial and possibly executed by a German firing squad.
Have a Little Faith: A True Story by Mitch Albom [296.7 ALB, LP] – Ever since his bestseller, Tuesdays with Morrie, Albom has devoted his writing to insightful, meaningful prose that explores relationships that edify the soul. The two men who you will meet in this book, so different and so alike, who live their faith, lead and teach, while facing death, will inspire you, I hope, to have more than “a little faith” in man and God. Albom’s journey with them provokes the deepest questions about faith, purpose, and happiness in a
difficult world. (2)
The Help by Kathryn Stockett [FIC STO, LP] – After receiving her English degree at “Ole Miss,” Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan returns to her parents’ cotton farm located in Jackson, MS. The year is 1962, the cusp of the Civil Rights Movement. Skeeter returns home unmarried, jobless, and out of synch with her childhood friends who are married with children. As Skeeter tries to re-acclimate herself into privileged society, she begins to see the black women domestics, or “the help,” in a different light. When Hilly, head of the Junior League, heads a campaign to not allow “the help” to use the same toilets their employers use, Skeeter decides she’s had enough. Skeeter secretly begins chronicling the narratives of Minny, Miss Celia, Aibileen, and Yule May to publish a book, knowing full well that these women could lose their jobs, or possibly their lives, for talking about their employers. When the black community hears word of the lynching of Medgar Evers, more black women come forward to tell their stories for Skeeter’s book. How will it all turn out? Pick up The Help and you’ll have a hard time putting it down! Humor and poignancy go hand in hand to give the reader a glimpse into these Southern women’s lives, black and white. While it is a story of racial discrimination, it is also a story of hope and sisterhood.
Here’s the Deal: Don’t Touch Me by Howie Mandel [B MAN] – In my opinion this book reads like Howie Mandel is sitting across from you telling you about his life. You can hear the laughter in his voice where appropriate and the serious tone where it’s warranted. Read about his love of practical jokes, some of which are very funny. This book gives insight into the life of someone who deals with life while dealing with OCD and ADHD.
Hero by Perry Moore [Y MOO] – Thom Creed doesn’t want his dad to know he has superpowers. He just wants him to accept him. He already has a secret and now another. How can he tell his Dad all his worst fears are true? Soon to be a TV series produced by Stan Lee.
I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven [FIC CRA, Pbk C 1198] – It is a pleasure to read a book that gives a thoughtful perspective on another time and culture. This novel shares the values and stories of a struggling First Nations tribe in Canada through the eyes of a young, open-minded vicar.
It’s Not That I’m Bitter: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Invisible Panty Lines and Conquered the World by Regina Barecca [155.6 BAR] - This book’s laugh-out-loud wit and wisdom will ring true to many readers. My mom and I were in fits of laughter over Barecca's opening reflections on facial hair and bathing suits. I found the book repetitive toward the end, but it's worth checking out just to read the first few chapters and skip to those that grab your attention along the way.
Joker One: A Marine Platoon’s Story of Courage, Leadership, and Brotherhood by Donovan Campbell [956.7 CAM] - A well-written diary of a Marine squad’s year in Iraq. A great source for understanding the experience of the war in Iraq and what it means to be a soldier today.
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks [FIC SPA] – Teenagers, divorced parents, tough guys, and turtles? Yes, it is another love story with a twist, written to be a book and a film simultaneously. Taking a break from economic turmoil, senseless violence and murder plots, readers who want a vacation should read this latest Sparks novel. When Ronnie is sent to Eastern North Carolina to spend the summer getting reacquainted with her father, she finds new definitions for herself. The author paints everyday people who are lovable and quirky, tough and tragic, into a seaside community where nature and nurture have lessons to teach.
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson [B BRY, CD 920 BRY, LP] - This memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1950s had me laughing out loud. Even though he is a few years older than I, I could relate to many of his stories and experiences. It was nice to revisit childhood with someone who remembers it so vividly.
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters [FIC WAT] – This is a dense Victorian novel written by a contemporary author. This is not a faced-paced thriller (at least not at first), so be prepared to settle in and let the atmosphere overtake you. A country doctor who came from the lower classes returns to Hundreds Hall, a manor where his mother was once a servant. He becomes the family’s physician and gradually becomes a suitor to the family’s daughter, despite the difference in their class at a time when such things are still important. Strange things begin to happen to the family and Dr. Farraday is always there to help. We are told the story from his point of view, which is important to remember as the story progresses. Beautifully told.
Look at the Birdie: Unpublished Short Fiction by Kurt Vonnegut [FIC VON] – A collection of 14 previously unpublished short fiction gems of satire and irony from one of America’s most original writers. Very Vonnegut, very enjoyable!
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson [FIC SIM, CD] – Major Pettigrew, an old school British retired Major who lost his beloved wife several years ago, gets to know his neighbor, a Pakistani woman whose own husband recently died. This unusual pair become fast friends as the Major copes with his brother’s recent death and his son’s modern ways. The two find they have much in common despite their cultural differences. The pairing, however, is not pleasing to many in their small village. This is an insightful love story told without sentimentality. It is an old-fashioned read in the best sense, and you won’t want it to end.
Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa, M.D. [362.17 DOS] – Dr. Dosa has become a detective in the Steer House nursing home. While the ursing home has six cats, only one, Oscar, has an uncanny sense of when to be at someone’s bedside when they are dying. At first the good doctor doesn’t believe this happens intentionally, or every time. He comes up with “reasons” that the cat is there: coincidence, a chemical reaction smell, or just wanted to be “where the action is.” So he interviews a few of the families who have lost loved ones on the ward to find out what Oscar meant to them and their loved ones. Even in the midst of the interviews, the focus is Oscar. This is a well written story of comfort and sorrow, as well as humor, with little tidbits of wisdom included.
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home by Rhoda Janzen [811.6 JAN, LP] - You thought you knew from Mennonites? Meet Rhoda Janzen, a PhD and poet, living the worldly DINK (double-income, no kids) life with her social working husband, enjoying a new expensive lakeside house. Suddenly, the social working husband of 15 years leaves for a guy he met on Gay.com. What’s a smart, savvy, 40-something poet to do? Go home, of course. Even if home means potlucks, sweater vests, civil resistance, Borscht, no dancing, smoking, or drinking. You’ll laugh out loud at this funny, loving, poignant memoir.
Night Fall: A Novel by Nelson DeMille [MYS DEM, LP, OS CAS, Pbk F3712] – Do you remember the crash of Flight 800? July, 1996. Just departed from
New York City. 230 passengers, gone in an instant. Did you think it was an accident? Or was that streak of light really a rocket, aimed to down a plane? Ex-NYPD Detective John Corey and his FBI agent wife Kate Mayfield decide to reopen the investigation five years after the fact. But when they do, they find that they are being discouraged from doing so by the very agencies – FBI and CIA – that should be supporting their efforts. The closer they get to the government-incriminating truth, the stronger the discouragement. Do you have faith in the FBI? CIA? Or are John and Kate the only two who can be trusted to reveal the pre-September 11, 2001, truth about this incident – and its government cover-up?
NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman [305.231 BRO] - A highly readable explanation of some of the latest scientific research on child development, much of which flies in the face of conventional child-rearing wisdom. Ten essays discuss a variety of topics, from language acquisition, to aggressive behavior and lying in children and teens, to the effects of racial diversity in the classroom, all drawing information from an array of scientific studies. Fascinating reading, even if you aren’t in the midst of child-rearing.
The Outcast by Sadie Jones [FIC JON] - Set in straight-laced 1950s England, this stunning first novel weaves a compelling tale of a young man’s search for new beginnings. The death of his mother, his father’s emotional withdrawal and years of living with his own unresolved grief culminated in an act of rage that landed 17-year-old Lewis in jail. With high hopes and good intentions, the now released young man returns to an unforgiving town that seemingly holds no place for him. Sometimes dark and disturbing, this is nevertheless a story of the redemptive power of love in even the most shocking and seemingly hopeless of circumstances.
The Patron Saint of Butterflies by Cecilia Galante [Y GAL] – Agnes and Honey are best friends but their lives are nothing but normal. Growing up in a religious commune, their friendship begins to unravel as one questions everything she’s been taught.
The Peep Diaries: How We’re Learning to Love Watching Ourselves and Our Neighbors by Hal Niedzviecki [302.24] - How has new technology, especially “social networking,” empowered those who might exhibit exhibitionist tendencies? Do we reveal more about ourselves now that it’s easier? Do we watch more for the same reason? What do these technologies reveal about us?
Peter Pan in Scarlet by Geraldine McCaughrean [J MCC, J CD] – Continuing the saga of Peter Pan and the lost boys, and in the tradition of J.M. Barrie, McCaughrean brings Toodles, Jonathon, Wendy, and the rest back to Neverland. But the season has changed in this enchanted place, and so have the characters – or have they? And if you have time on your next long vacation drive, check out Tim Curry’s marvelous audiobook version.
The Phryne Fisher mystery series by Kerry Greenwood [MYS GRE, LP] - These light and fashionably slim volumes will give you something exciting to read on the train, or anywhere else your travels take you this summer. The Honorable Phryne Fisher returns to her hometown of Melbourne in the first book, Cocaine Blues, and quickly discovers her calling as an investigator. Phryne is a flapper to the core, partying all night long, enjoying a gasper or two and a cocktail now and then, ignoring social mores as necessary. From white slavers to anarchists to the circus, Phryne is up
for the challenge. Are you? Then grab your best Chanel suit, your gloves and cloche, and hop into her bright red Hispano-Suiza! Here we go!
The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee [FIC LEE, LP] – The novel focuses on the relationship of Will, an Englishman, and Trudy, a Eurasian socialite of Hong Kong in 1942. The reader enters the little known world of Hong Kong during the Japanese invasion and learns how the torture and deprivation of war affected the foreigners, existing relationships and class distinctions. Ten years later, Will meets Claire, an English piano teacher. Their relationship opens an interesting plot line, and we are able to learn about the lives of the many memorable characters in the book, and how they are all intertwined through time.
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard [500.9 DIL] - According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Annie Dillard writes “meditative essays on the natural world.” Some of her essays were so beautifully done that her book, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek , won a Pulitzer Prize. And rightly so. She invites her readers to join her as she looks at vastly diverse elements of nature. Together, you study the swimming patterns of muskrats, the dining habits of gall gnat larva, the artistic movement patterns of clouds above. How could she know so much? How could she engage herself so completely in nature without disturbing the subjects of her attentions? Henry David Thoreau, in Walden, has nothing on Dillard. Why not join her for a true immersion in nature?
The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work by Alain de Botton [306.36 DEB] - The master of empathy and compassion directs his energies at discovering how we find meaning in our work lives. From logistics operations to marketing schemes, de Botton provides us with a glimpse at how our jobs relate to our overall happiness. He attempts nothing less than to answer the question: should our jobs make us happy?
Push by Sapphire [FIC SAP] – While the issues of child abuse, incest, and poverty that this book explores are deeply emotional, Precious (the book’s narrator) is a strong, inspiring, and honest character who breaks the cycle of violence and ignorance that has afflicted her family for at least two generations. A quick read because you just can’t put it down!
A Really Nice Prom Mess by Brian Sloan [Y SLO] – Cameron isn’t excited about prom. When he picks up his date, who’s already drunk, his excitement diminishes even more. However, as the night goes on he gets involved with a Russian drug dealing waiter, a deaf stripper, and two police chases. In turn, it does turn out to be a Really Nice Prom Mess.
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick [FIC GOO, LP] - A wonderfully suspenseful debut novel, filled with unexpected and often strange turns, this is ultimately a tale of love and forgiveness. When Catherine answers the ad of a rural businessman for “a reliable wife” she is not what she claims to be—but then neither is he. Gothic and darkly psychological, the writing is beautiful and the tale riveting.
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas [JP Thomas] – Ed, Ned, Ted, and Bob take learning to read through rhyme to a new level. Bob may not quite get it at first, but he’s got an important message for the other dust bunnies.
A Romance on Three Legs by Katie Hafner [786.2 HAF] – A remarkable story about the eccentric and gifted pianist Glenn Gould and his search for the perfect piano. Extraordinary care was taken to weave together the lives of Gould, his obsession with Steinway CD 318; Verne Edquist, his nearly blind piano tuner; and the Steinway piano company. So put on your Glenn Gould recordings of Bach’s “Goldberg Variations” and enjoy this book.
Roses by Leila Meacham [FIC MEA, LP] – Spanning the 20th Century, this multi-generational family saga covers a hundred years, three generations of Texans and the combination of passion for work and longing for love. Compared by many to Gone with the Wind, it is told from the perspective of three major characters whose lives are inextricably woven together in a maze of secrets. Romantic and entertaining, filled with surprises and twists, Roses will keep you turning the pages while hating to see the story end. (3)
Rumi: Bridge to the Soul: Journeys into the Music and Silence of the Heart by Maulua Jalal al-Din Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks [891.55 JAL] - Every time I read Rumi’s poems, I laugh, I reflect, I am inspired and grounded. Barks is one of my favorite translators and does a fantastic job of capturing the original humor and wisdom of Rumi's poetry.
The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister [FIC BAU] – If you are hungry for a delicious read, this book will surely satisfy your appetite. It is a novel of life, love and the magic of food. The lives of eight diverse “students” at the weekly cooking school intermingle and are united by the genius of Lillian, chef and restauranteur.
The Schwa was Here by Neal Shusterman [Y SHU, Y CD] - Our whole family enjoyed listening to this book on a car trip. On the surface it tells a humorous story about an extremely inconspicuous kid with whom Antsy and his friends stumble into all sorts of misadventures. But on a deeper level it explores friendships and the desire we all have to be “visible” to those around us.
The Secret of Everything by Barbara O’Neal [FIC ONE, LP] - While it isn’t great literature, this book has a little bit of everything and is a fast, fun read. Mystery, romance, and recipes are all woven together with likable characters. Tessa finds her past and her future in the “Land of Enchantment,” New Mexico.
Shades of Grey: The Road to High Saffron by Jasper Fforde [FIC FFO] – This story occurs about 500 years since the cataclysmic “Something that Happened,” and society and class are ordered upon perception or color – most people can’t see any color at all, and others see varying amounts of one color or another. Eddie Russert (a “Red”) moves to a new town for a supposedly temporary assignment until he can marry into a stronger-seeing family. He stumbles upon a mystery that threatens both his plans for a complacent existence and his life. I really enjoyed this book and the way its rules and customs presented a skewed version of our current world.
The Shanghai Girls by Lisa See [FIC SEE, LP] – This is a story of two beautiful Chinese sisters, beginning in 1937 in China. They are best friends and face many acrifices. Through the bombing of their beloved country by the Japanese, the brutality of the soldiers, and their flight to safety, they remain close. Then on to America where they strive to embrace the American way, but keep the Chinese traditions. The book covers a period of 20 years. During ll this, the sisters keep a deep secret throughout the story.
The Southern Vampire Series by Charlaine Harris [Dead Until Dark – FAN HAR, Pbk M 1476; Living Dead in Dallas – Pbk M 1475; Club Dead – Pbk M 1474; Dead to the World – FAN HAR, Pbk M 2033; Dead as a Doornail – FAN HAR; Definitely Dead – FAN HAR, Pbk M 1473; All Together Dead – FAN HAR, CD; From Dead to Worse – FAN HAR, LP; Dead and Gone – FAN HAR, LP] - I wasn’t sure I would like these books because of the subject matter (vampires, were animals, etc.), but after reading the first one and getting a kick out of it, I continued. These are not for the faint of heart and are explicit in several ways. But Sookie (our heroine) definitely endeared herself to me as did some of the other characters. Fun, fast reads. Note to Twilight series lovers (of which I am one): these books are nothing like those. Do not expect the same kind of story.
The Survivor’s Club: The Secrets and Science That Could Save Your Life by Ben Sherwood [613.69, LP] - Sherwood attempts to answer an intriguing question: why do some people survive accidents or other horrific events while others perish? The answer is surprisingly consistent – and to some extent controllable. Citing studies of survivors from a range of frightful occurrences including plane crashes and random violent events, Sherwood develops a “survivor’s profile.” Take the quiz and see what your chances are and how to increase your chances if the worst should happen.
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by C. Alan Bradley [MYS BRA, LP] – Eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce, an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison, must exonerate her father of murder. Armed with more than enough knowledge to tie two distant deaths together and examine new suspects, she begins a search that will lead her all the way to the King of England himself. The same main characters appear in the next book: The Weed That Strings the Hangman’s Bag.
The Tea Companion by Jane Pettigrew [641.3 PET] - Do you find yourself needing a “cuppa” to start your morning? Me, too. That’s why I enjoyed reading this book, whose subtitle is “A Connoisseur’s Guide.” Connoisseur? Me? Indeed! Who knew there are so many varieties of tea? Who knew the great spectrum of nations where tea plants grow and contribute significantly to the economy? Who knew the history of tea infusers? (Who even knew what an infuser is?!) Who knew there was such an array of beautiful tea pots? (Who knew I’d be inspired enough to collect three cartons of them?) Well, now you know!
This is Where I Leave You by Jonathon Tropper [FIC TRO, LP] - The dysfunctional Foxman family comes together for their father’s dying wish – to sit shivah for seven days. Told from the perspective of Judd who has just lost his wife and his job after finding his wife in bed with his boss, the week spent with his eccentric mother, two polar opposite brothers, an unhappily married sister, in-laws, nephews, nieces and other equally entertaining characters was incredibly funny and also hopeful.
The Tricking of Freya by Christina Sunley [FIC SUN] - The perfect summer book. Told over a succession of summers, Freya details her family’s life at Gimli, a resort community near Winnipeg, for her as yet unknown cousin. Icelandic lore is woven throughout this family drama. Culminating in two parallel endless summers in Iceland 0 years apart, summer very much a character in this page turner.
Watchlist by Jeffery Deaver et. al. [FIC DEA] – Two novellas co-written by Deaver and twenty-two other authors, each writing a chapter, conceived, initiated and completed by Deaver. Contributing authors include: Linda Barnes, S.J. Rozan, Lisa Scottoline, and Lee Child. Innovative challenge for experienced writers who usually know where a storyline will take them as they start a book. (2)
What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures by Malcolm Gladwell [302 GLA, CD, LP] – Nineteen essays on a wide variety of subjects. They answer such questions as: What is the most important aspect of an interview? Should you be more worried about the large dog in the neighborhood or the dog’s owner? Superb writing.
The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig [WES DOI] – Don’t let the fact that this book is located in the westerns section fool you. It takes place in Montana, but has no other reason to be there. It is great fiction, plain and simple. It is the late 1950s and Paul Milliron is now the Superintendent of the Montana schools. He is sent to close the one-room school where he himself was educated. On the trip, he recalls the story of his childhood. Having lost his mother at an early age, his father and two brothers answer an advertisement for a housekeeper which says “Can’t cook, but doesn’t bite.” We find out what happens to the family once the housekeeper and her brother arrive. It is a wonderful tale, full of humor, adventure and a look at a now extinct way of life. The language is mesmerizing. This is a good old-fashioned gem of a story -not to be missed!
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory [FIC GRE, LP] – I love her books and I find it interesting reading about how the two princes came to be in the tower. This will be the first of another series for her.
Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog by Lisa Scottoline [817.54 SCO, LP] - From her Philadelphia Inquirer column, Chick Wit, come these vignettes of life with the irrepressible and always entertaining Lisa Scottoline. Two ex-husbands, a menagerie of pets, a quirky family and a bemused perspective on the happenings of everyday life result in a light, often funny and sometimes touching read. Fans of Scottoline’s novels will find the writing style familiar and her observations right on target as she talks fashion, guilt, men, aging, home improvements and more.
Zeitoun by Dave Eggers [976.3 EGG] – In the aftermath of Katrina, follow the story of a Syrian-born small businessman as he navigates the waters of the city and the legal aranoia that accompanies the tragedy. He sends his family to safety and remains behind to protect his home and business. As it happens, he does much more using his small boat to rescue and provide aid to victims left behind. But one misunderstanding between him and the authorities and he disappears from his family for months, living a nightmare. But Mr. Zeitoun is still here, a hardworking, productive citizen of New Orleans.
