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Jen's Pick |
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A Rule Against Murder
by Louise Penny
I'm reading the fourth book in the Three Pines/Inspector Gamache series. Once again, I'm in love with Gamache et al! Penny's mysteries, known as "cozies" because they take place in an intimate community, are much more character driven than grisly, but there's always an interesting murder! In this one, the newly erected statue of a dead family member falls over and crushes someone. Unlike the first three books in the series, this one is not set in the village called Three Pines, but we still get some interaction with the village—I won't reveal how/why!
Note: The latest book in this series (number 10) will release on August 26. The title is The Long Way Home, and it may be pre-ordered at either store.
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Sally's Picks |
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The Interestings
by Meg Wolitzer
I fell in love with these characters! Six teen-agers become inseparable at a summer camp for the arts in the ‘70s, and the book follows them through middle age. Over the years, the bond between the friends remains powerful, even as their lives go in different directions. Women’s roles, envy between friends, the influence of talent on where one’s life goes, individual responsibility, secret keeping, marriage—all these themes and more are explored within a great story.
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Christianity after Religion
by
Diana Butler
The fastest growing religious group in recent years has been what’s called “the nones”—those people who respond to surveys of religious preference by checking the box which says “none.” Concurrently, people are increasingly apt to describe themselves as spiritual but not religious. In Christianity after Religion, Diana Butler Bass offers a fresh interpretation of these trends and shares a hope-filled vision for renewed faith.
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A Tale for the Time Being
Ruth Ozeki
Ruth Ozeki is one of those authors I’ve never read, even though I think I should have. That’s finally been corrected by listening to the excellent audio book of A Tale for the Time Being. There are two story lines: one told in a Japanese girl’s diary and the other the life of a writer in Canada who discovers the diary when it washes up on shore. The novel goes beyond these two stories to reflect on the meaning of time, the meaning of life itself, and how one copes in times of great difficulty. I’m ready for more Ozeki!
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Alli's Pick |
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Landline
an adult book by Rainbow Rowell, the author of young adult favorite Eleanor & Park
Ultimately a love story, Landline mixes a fantasy element with a look at relationships in the cold light of day in a way that most love stories don't manage. I enjoyed the characters and the style of the book a great deal. In most aspects it is an entertaining summer read...fast and funny. The twist is that this one really made me think! The central story is about taking for granted the person who is the most important in our lives, in order to concentrate on the things that feel like priorities in the moment, and what can happen when that person refuses to accept it any longer. It made me reexamine my own priorities in a way that I didn't expect from an "entertaining summer read" or from a love story. It’s definitely worth reading!
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Ann's Pick |
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The Cooked Seed
by Anchee Min
In China, "cooked seed" refers to a person who has no future. Anchee Min’s memoir tells about her coming to America in her late twenties. Min deals with many obstacles including poverty, the language barrier, and cultural differences. It is a fascinating and sometimes heart wrenching story. Through her tenacity and determination, Anchee Min ultimately does blossom as she holds on to her connection with China and makes a place for herself in America. The Cooked Seed is a follow up to Min’s first memoir, The Red Azalea, which tells about growing up during the Cultural Revolution in Communist China.
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Beth's Pick |
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Benediction
by Kent Haruf
Holt is the fictional small town which is the setting for the novel. Dad Lewis has just received a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Haruf relates the phases of adjustment and acceptance that Dad Lewis goes through as he comes to terms with this diagnosis. We meet other small town residents in addition to his family. Each has a role in offering support or distance to the Lewis’ family. My enjoyment of the book came from the acceptance shown by characters of the personalities within the town, and the way that his wife Mary stood with him to the end. This is an author I hope to read again for his rich and real portrayal of characters.
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Emily's Picks |
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Shotgun Lovesongs
by Nikolas Butler
From casseroles to cribbage to the Green Bay Packers; anyone from the Midwest will find themselves connecting to the small town charm, drama, families and friendships that only small town folks can understand. Follow the stories of four grown men who started a friendship long ago in Little Wing, Wisconsin. They share stories of their past and where one leaves off with their memories, the next one picks up with their own version of the story. This is a quick read that will keep you nodding and smiling in agreement if you’ve ever felt that small town charm.
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Beautiful Ruins
by Jess Walters
The title speaks for itself. On an Italian coastline full of rocks and stories, a handsome young inn-keeper has a guest arrive that will change his heart and life forever. When an American actress arrives on his dock, he first thinks she’s at the wrong location. As their relationship begins to unfold, we jump back to contemporary Hollywood in the film industry and find hidden stories the American actress carries with her. The book is filled with many characters, storylines and backdrops that will keep you entertained till the very last page.
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Gail's Picks |
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Rocket Girl
by George D. Morgan
This is the story of Mary Sherman Morgan, America's first female rocket scientist.
The author, Mary's son, says: "How does one write a book about a person who should have been famous, but wasn't, a person for whom there was no historical record to sift through, a person who did everything to bury her accomplishments?" He decided the only way was to write the story of his mother was to record his own journey in search of her story. As a counterpoint, author Morgan also gives us the story of the scientists in Russia in the same era and why they beat us in the space race when they sent up Sputnik. |
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Paris Wife
by Paula McClain
The Paris wife is the story of Ernest Hemingway's first wife, Hadley Richardson, told in her own voice. This is historical fiction at its best. Though deeply in love the couple are ill-prepared for the hard drinking, fast living and free loving life of Jazz Age Paris. The author puts the reader right there with them as they face the ultimate crisis of their life together. |
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The Best of Itasca
by Deane Johnson
What a wonderful book! We can certainly be proud of our own local author. Not only does Dr. Johnson do a superb job of telling about what to do and see in Itasca State Park, he also gives you the early history as well. His own photographs are the icing on the cake.
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Hannah's Picks |
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Wolf Hall
by Hilary Mantel
Wolf Hall is a fascinating look at Henry VIII from the point of view of Thomas Cromwell. The book is so detailed and convincing that I had the sensation that now, finally, I was getting the real story. I had to remind myself that even though the history was clearly well researched, most of the details were made up. It begins just before Thomas Wolsey’s downfall. At the end Ann Boleyn still has her throne… and her head.
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Bring Up the Bodies
by Hilary Mantel
This book picks up where Wolf Hall ends, and continues until Jane Seymour is Henry’s new bride. A third book is promised: I can’t wait!
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The Other Boleyn Girl
by Philippa Gregory
It doesn't feel as convincingly authentic as Wolf Hall: it reads more like a modern novel. But it’s also impressively well researched, and it’s very fun imagining this alternative reality for Mary Boleyn and her family.
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The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
I hadn’t planned to read this until I read an article about John Green and his brother Hank in The New Yorker. I went to the film, then checked out the Greens’ YouTube extravaganza (two evenings lost). I just wish I’d read the book before I saw the movie. I’m going to keep my copy so that if someone in my life gets cancer I can reread it and take heart.
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Iain's Pick |
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The Ranger's Apprentice
by John Flanagan
The Ranger's Apprentice books are a great young adult fantasy series set in medieval times. The series follows young Will, an orphan boy who is taken on as an apprentice to Halt, a member of the Rangers. Skilled in archery and stealth, the Rangers act as the eyes and ears of the Kingdom. Along the way, Will meets a colorful cast of characters through great tales of adventure and peril. A great read!
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Mariah's Pick |
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Hallucinations
by Dr. Oliver Sacks
This is an interesting read compiled of patient stories, discussions, and explanations regarding the phenomenon of hallucinations and the brain's function. If you are interested in psychology and the brain, I would highly recommend this book! |
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The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
It's a beautiful, touching story of young love despite the hardships of cancer. This novel really makes you think about the value of life and the people in your life. A must read—and make sure you read it before you see the movie!
Note: Author John Green was recently on the Colbert Show. Here’s their conversation. |
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