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Jen's Read |
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MaddAddam
by Margaret Atwood
This is the third in Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy. I wondered whether I should go back and re-read, or at least skim, the first two books in the series. The first book, Oryx & Crake, was released 10 years ago. The second book, The Year of the Flood, was released 4 years ago. I chose not to, but given a second chance, I would at least read a synopsis of each of the first two.
MaddAddam delves into the history of characters we met in Year of the Flood. For those unfamiliar with this series, it's science fiction, dystopian, and believe it or not, humorous in a dry, understated way. Atwood continues to do great character development in her writing and even though the characters are living in a world that seems completely unlike our own, there are universal human elements that transcend time (for the traditional humans anyway). I don't usually read science fiction, but Atwood is a special author to me and so I've read this series as she's released each book.
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Sally's Reads |
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Stitches: A Handbook of Meaning, Hope and Repair
by Anne Lamott
This book is the companion to Lamott’s recent Help, Thanks, Wow, and she says she began it the day after the shootings in New Town. In it, she discusses how we start again after personal and public devastation; how we recapture wholeness after loss; and how we locate our true identities in the midst of it all. We begin, Lamott says, by collecting the ripped shreds of our emotional and spiritual fabric and sewing them back together, one stitch at a time. It's in these stitches that the quilt of life begins, and embedded in them are strength, warmth, humor, and humanity. Once again, Lamott offers profound truths in a practical, plain speaking way, accessible to all. |
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This is the Story of a Happy Marriage
by Ann Patchett
A while back, Jen and I heard Ann Patchett speak at a Pen Pals event sponsored by the Hennepin County Library System. Afterward, we were the last people in the line to speak with her, and we were fortunate to have a long conversation with her on a variety of topics. We felt as though she was a personal friend—and I experienced that feeling again as I read this book. It’s a collection of previously published personal essays on a variety of topics. On a personal level, I particularly connected with what she wrote about her relationship with her grandmother. On a professional level, I’m glad that Patchett, the owner of an independent bookstore, is one of us! Note: This book will be released in paperback on Nov. 5.
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ann's Read |
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People of the Book
by Geraldine Brooks
As a fan of historical fiction, I was fascinated by People of the Book. The book in the story is the Sarajevo Haggadah. Hannah Heath, an Australian rare book expert, has been charged with analyzing and conserving the Haggadah. Both the history surrounding the book and the descriptions of Hannah's work as a rare book conservator make for a fascinating read. As Hannah studies the book, she also makes some unexpected discoveries about her own life and history. I am looking forward to reading more of Geraldine Brooks' books.
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Gail's Reads |
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Tell the Wolves I'm Home
by Carol Rifka Brunt
14 year old June Elbus can only be herself in the company of her godfather, confidant, and best friend, Finn Weiss, so it’s no surprise that her world is turned upside down when Finn dies. Finn's friend comes into June's life and they become the most unlikely friends. This is a very special book and I loved it. It’s a book I wished did not have to end. |
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Messenger of Truth
by Jacqueline Winspear
Step into 1930's England and meet Maisie Dobbs, a private investigator. This is the fourth in the series, and an unusual setting for a mystery It's not only a good mystery (from a non-mystery reader) but I enjoyed the setting and the time described.
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Hannah's Reads |
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A Million Heavens
by John Brandon
Not a typical novel: in a small New Mexico town, a little boy plays a beautiful song the first time he touches a piano, then falls into a coma. Every Wednesday a vigil is held in the clinic’s parking lot. A passing wolf pauses, intrigued. The girlfriend of a recently killed musician joins the vigil. More people become aware that something is wrong. Could there be a ghost?
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Tell the Wolves I’m Home
by Carol Rifka Brunt
A young girl loses her beloved uncle to AIDS. It sounds dreary, but it’s not. It’s a page-turner, full of family secrets, gradual insights, provocative images, and fresh language. |
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Eaters of the Dead
by Michael Crichton
Vikings as described by an early Arab caught up in a terrifying adventure. Crichton was trying to make Beowulf fun to read, but got stuck. Then he discovered the manuscript of Ibn Fadlan, who traveled to Scandinavia in the year 921. The book weaves actual translations of Fadlan and other historic documents with Crichton’s own invention, based on Beowulf. The result is fascinating.
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Iain's Reads |
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Bird by Bird
by Anne Lamott
This is a book about writing, with lessons about life thrown in along the way. It is written by a woman whose life has changed and evolved around writing. The book is humorous at times, even though the narrator is a little crabby and sour-mouthed.
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Ender's Game
by Orson Scott Card
This is a great sci-fi read! In the future (the next 100 or so years) Earth has been invaded twice by a strange alien race. These aliens have no individual thoughts; they move as commanded by their queen. In preparation for a third invasion, Earth's militaries have jointly combined forces to train the next generation of starship commanders. One of these trainees is Ender, a six year old boy with extraordinary talents. The story follows Ender's training in the Battle School, a giant structure built in space. You’ll want to read the book before seeing the movie.
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Jan's Reads |
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The Girl who Sang to the Buffalo
by Kent Nerburn
This book is a very engaging story which revolves around the dreams of the author and a Native American girl with connections to an old forgotten asylum in Canton, South Dakota. Kent Nerburn provides wonderful insights into the beliefs, lifestyles, and culture of the Lakota and Ojibwe. I particularly found the glimpse into past history of governmental social control of Native American populations insightful and awakening. This was one of those books I couldn’t put down!
Note: Kent Nerburn will be at Beagle on November 21 to sign copies of the book.
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Killing Jesus A History
by Bill O’Reilly & Martin Dugard
Killing Jesus is an interesting recounting of the execution of Jesus and takes readers inside his life. It’s a captivating unfolding of the political and historical events that made his death inevitable. The history and research is done well, although the book sometimes provides controversial opinions and twists of historical facts by the authors. It describes interesting details on fascinating characters such as Julius Caesar and Cleopatra as well as somewhat uncomfortable details of other characters. It’s definitely for the open minded reader and Bill O’Reilly fans. |
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