January 2019
- Barb:
“Extraordinary Jane” by Hannah Harrison. When just being you is enough. Enjoy fun and sweet illustrations of circus animals too. “Small as an Elephant” by Jennifer Jacobson. A boy left alone at a Bar Harbor campground tries to make his way to York Wild Kingdom. Written by NH author! “Moxie” by Jennifer Matthieu. I would like to be back in high school to experience this go-getter teen in her fight against football players who think they rule the school.
- Bridget
“The Clockmaker’s Daughter” by Kate Morton (audiobook). Time traveling in England during several periods makes Kate Morton a favorite among fellow historical fiction enthusiasts.
- Jeanine
“The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman
It began for our narrator forty years ago when the family lodger committed suicide thereby stirring up ancient powers best left undisturbed. As a seven-year-old his only defense was three women, on a farm at the end of the lane. The youngest of them claims that her duckpond is the ocean. The oldest can remember the Big Bang.
- Kathleen
“Wobble to Death” by Peter Lovesey Many of Lovesey’s fans know his Peter Diamond mystery series set in modern Bath, but Lovesey also wrote a series of Victorian era mysteries featuring Inspector Cribb. This novel is set in the world of competitive walking races but all the Cribb mysteries are clever, funny and show Lovesey’s deep knowledge of the Victorian world.
- Katie
“Women in science : 50 fearless pioneers who changed the world” by Rachel Ignotofsky. If you enjoyed “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls” by Elena Favilli, you’ll appreciate this collection of stories about incredible female scientists.
- Kim
“An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones. This book appears on many of the Best Fiction of 2018 lists and with good reason. A contemporary story with compelling characters – a good read!
- Michele
“Ghosted” by Rosie Walsh
- Michelle
“Ike and Kay” by James MacManus
- Sophie
“Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson: A fascinating and heartbreaking look at the inequalities in the criminal justice system and the hard work to keep people off death row. “The Proposal” by Jasmine Guillory: Starting with a unwanted public proposal at a packed baseball game to an unexpected rebound relationship, this is feminist romance at its best.
- Sudie
“Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: the story of Little Women and why it still matters” by Anne Boyd Rioux.
I still remember sitting with Maman, my grandmother, back in the 1950s, hearing the story of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy for the first time. Later, I read Little Women for myself and loved it. In those days, I felt like Beth, but wanted to be more of a rebel, like Jo. Now, having read Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, I want to reread Little Women one more time.In this short book, the author gives us valuable information about Louisa May Alcott, her most famous book, all the editions and adaptations of Little Women for stage and screen, as well as the views of the book’s fans and foes and the book’s influence on the lives of girls and the women they became. So why does this classic, first published in 1868, still matter in 2018? Read the book and find out. Now, I’m off to borrow a copy of Little Women!
December 2018
- Barb:
“The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown – a hit with 3rd and 4th graders and a youth librarian!
“Cinder” by Marissa Meyer – a personal favorite fantasy tween/young adult series
- Bridget:
“Renoir’s Dancer” by Catherine Hewitt
This Biography chronicles the life of Suzanne Valadon, model to many artists of the late 19th century but more importantly an accomplished artist herself!
- Jeanine
“The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman
It began for our narrator forty years ago when the family lodger committed suicide thereby stirring up ancient powers best left undisturbed. As a seven-year-old his only defense was three women, on a farm at the end of the lane. The youngest of them claims that her duckpond is the ocean. The oldest can remember the Big Bang.
- Kathleen
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
The holidays are perfect for re-reading a favorite book. After all, as Charles Dickens noted, “remembrance like a candle shines brightest at Christmastime.” A story I read (and listen to on an audio book) each December is Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. It’s such a good antidote to all the selfish materialism that fuels Black Friday.
- Katie
“Got to Get to Bear’s” by Brian Lies
“CDB” by William Steig
- Kim
“The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell” by Robert Dugoni
- Michele
“Ghosted” by Rosie Walsh
- Michelle
Committed: A skeptic makes peace with marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert
I *love* Elizabeth Gilbert; EAT, PRAY, LOVE is one of my favorite books of all time. As I count down to my own upcoming wedding day, I stumbled upon this title of hers – one with which I was unfamiliar – and I wasn’t disappointed. Two thumbs up!
- Sophie
“An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” by Hank Green
- Sudie
“Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: the story of Little Women and why it still matters” by Anne Boyd Rioux.
I still remember sitting with Maman, my grandmother, back in the 1950s, hearing the story of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy for the first time. Later, I read Little Women for myself and loved it. In those days, I felt like Beth, but wanted to be more of a rebel, like Jo. Now, having read Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, I want to reread Little Women one more time.In this short book, the author gives us valuable information about Louisa May Alcott, her most famous book, all the editions and adaptations of Little Women for stage and screen, as well as the views of the book’s fans and foes and the book’s influence on the lives of girls and the women they became. So why does this classic, first published in 1868, still matter in 2018? Read the book and find out. Now, I’m off to borrow a copy of Little Women!
November 2018
- Barb:
“Extraordinary Jane” by Hannah Harrison
“Rump” by Liesl Shurtliff
“Love & Gelato” by Jenna Evans Welch
- Bridget:
“Bellewether” by Susanna Kearsley fluctuating between modern day and the American Revolution era Kearsley does her research, revealing how facts become misconstrued over time so there is a mystery as well!
- Jeanine
“Sapiens: A brief history of humankind by : A brief history of humankind” by Yuval Hariri A narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution taking into account both biology and philosophy and the effect our species’ advancement has had on every other aspect of life on earth.
- Kathleen
“Wild Fire” by Ann Cleeves
The last novel in the series featuring detective Jimmy Perez offers fans of the series (and its television series “Shetland”) a satisfying conclusion. Perez struggles to untangle truths and lies in a mystery and in his personal life. If you haven’t read her novels with Jimmy Perez or Vera Stanhope, and you like atmospheric character-driven novels, you should add them to your stack of “must reads.” Read the Perez series in order, beginning with “Raven Black.”
- Katie
“Got to Get to Bear’s” by Brian Lies
- Kim
“Dear Mrs. Bird” by A.J. Pearce.
This novel is set in London during 1940 and follows Emmy Lake who volunteers as a telephone operator for the fire squad during nighttime bombing raids. She has always wanted to be a journalist, but through a series of misunderstandings ends up as an assistant to Mrs. Henrietta Bird, advice columnist. Disaster, both personal and professional ensues.
- Michele
“Ghosted” by Rosie Walsh
- Michelle
Committed: A skeptic makes peace with marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert
I *love* Elizabeth Gilbert; EAT, PRAY, LOVE is one of my favorite books of all time. As I count down to my own upcoming wedding day, I stumbled upon this title of hers – one with which I was unfamiliar – and I wasn’t disappointed. Two thumbs up!
- Sophie
“Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan
- Sudie
“Dear Mrs. Bird” by A.J. Pearce.
This book has been described as “irresistible,” ”a marvelous treat”,”joyfully uplifting and optimistic.” I would agree. Set in wartime London during the blitz, when nighttime visits from the Luftwaffe were common and devastating, we find young Emmeline and her friend Bunty doing their part for the war effort. Hoping to find work as a war correspondent, Emmeline doesn’t ask the right questions in an interview and finds herself instead typing letters for Henrietta Bird, the formidable advice columnist at Women’s Friend magazine, who will not publish letters dealing with any “Unpleasantness” (i.e. sex, marital troubles, infidelity, etc.). Emmeline begins to correspond secretly with those whose letters Mrs. Bird has tossed in the bin. And then disaster strikes. You won’t want to miss Dear Mrs. Bird—it’s ultimately a testament to the enduring power of friendship, the kindness of strangers and the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
October 2018
- Barb:
“After the Fall” by Dan Santat
“I Love You, Michael Collins” by Baratz
- Bridget:
“The Lost Vintage” by Ann Mah – A time travel adventure back to WWII. If you like fiction based on facts and wine tidbits, this is for you!
- Jeanine
“Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams” by Matthew Walker – A very accessible science book about the explosion of scientific discoveries in the last twenty years which have shed new light on the vast importance of this fundamental aspect of our lives.
- Kathleen
“The Big Over Easy” by Jasper Fforde (great audio too)
Jack Spratt, detective in the Nursery Crimes Division, investigates the mysteries death of Humpty Dumpty.
“The Chronicles of Narnia” by CS Lewis
It’s been at least 40 years since I last read Lewis’ fantasy of good and evil. We have an amazing set of audio books, each book in the series read by a wonderful British actor (the likes of Michael York, Lynn Redgrave and Derek Jacobi). They’re a treat to listen- there’s nothing quite like a masterful performance of any text!
- Katie
“I’m Sad” by Michael Ian Black and Debbie Ridpath Ohi – A young girl, flamingo and grumpy potato encourage children (and adults) to express their emotions in this sweet and relatable picture book. It’s okay to be sad sometimes. Tomorrow is another day.
“Stumpkin” by Lucy Ruth Cummins – a new pumpkin story for the season!
- Kim
“Fear: Trump in the White House” by Bob Woodward
This is an eye-opening account of Trump’s first 15 months in the White House by respected journalist, Bob Woodward.
- Michele
“A Place for Us” by Fatima Farheen Mirza
- Michelle
Committed: A skeptic makes peace with marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert
I *love* Elizabeth Gilbert; EAT, PRAY, LOVE is one of my favorite books of all time. As I count down to my own upcoming wedding day, I stumbled upon this title of hers – one with which I was unfamiliar – and I wasn’t disappointed. Two thumbs up!
- Sophie
“An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones.
- Sudie
“Dear Mrs. Bird” by A.J. Pearce.
This book has been described as “irresistible,” ”a marvelous treat”,”joyfully uplifting and optimistic.” I would agree. Set in wartime London during the blitz, when nighttime visits from the Luftwaffe were common and devastating, we find young Emmeline and her friend Bunty doing their part for the war effort. Hoping to find work as a war correspondent, Emmeline doesn’t ask the right questions in an interview and finds herself instead typing letters for Henrietta Bird, the formidable advice columnist at Women’s Friend magazine, who will not publish letters dealing with any “Unpleasantness” (i.e. sex, marital troubles, infidelity, etc.). Emmeline begins to correspond secretly with those whose letters Mrs. Bird has tossed in the bin. And then disaster strikes. You won’t want to miss Dear Mrs. Bird—it’s ultimately a testament to the enduring power of friendship, the kindness of strangers and the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
September 2018
- Bridget:
“Love and Ruin” by Paula McClain, Hemingway and Gellhorn brought to real life in historical detail that has become Ms. McLain’s hallmark. Gellhorn is given her literary due and Hemingway is viewed through the lens of time as more human, less icon.
- Jeanine
“A Place for Us” by Fatima Farheen Mirza
- Kathleen
“Sense & Sensibility” by Jane Austen
I like to re-read an old favorite as summer ends. It’s so good to spend time with old friends- and one of my oldest and dearest friends people Jane Austen novels. And my favorite Austen novel is (drum roll)- Sense and Sensibility—Marianne’s intense youth and Eleanor’s cool reason delight me every reading. The movie with Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Hugh Laurie and Alan Rickman is terrific too.
- Katie
“Posted by John David Anderson
- Kim
“Fascism: A Warning” by Madeleine Albright with Bill Woodward.
This is an important and timely book.
- Michele
“A Place for Us” by Fatima Farheen Mirza
- Michelle
Committed: A skeptic makes peace with marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert
I *love* Elizabeth Gilbert; EAT, PRAY, LOVE is one of my favorite books of all time. As I count down to my own upcoming wedding day, I stumbled upon this title of hers – one with which I was unfamiliar – and I wasn’t disappointed. Two thumbs up!
- Sophie
Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson
- Sudie
“Dear Mrs. Bird” by A.J. Pearce.
This book has been described as “irresistible,” ”a marvelous treat”,”joyfully uplifting and optimistic.” I would agree. Set in wartime London during the blitz, when nighttime visits from the Luftwaffe were common and devastating, we find young Emmeline and her friend Bunty doing their part for the war effort. Hoping to find work as a war correspondent, Emmeline doesn’t ask the right questions in an interview and finds herself instead typing letters for Henrietta Bird, the formidable advice columnist at Women’s Friend magazine, who will not publish letters dealing with any “Unpleasantness” (i.e. sex, marital troubles, infidelity, etc.). Emmeline begins to correspond secretly with those whose letters Mrs. Bird has tossed in the bin. And then disaster strikes. You won’t want to miss Dear Mrs. Bird—it’s ultimately a testament to the enduring power of friendship, the kindness of strangers and the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
August 2018
- Jeanine
“Ghosted” by Rosie Walsh
Sarah thinks she has met the love of her life when she meets Eddie – – until he disappears after leaving for a long-booked vacation. What happened? Will they ever reconnect? A summer read just for fun.
- Kathleen
“Gaudy Night” by Dorothy L. Sayers (book or audio version)
Harriet Vane returns to her alma mater, Shrewbury College in Oxford, for a reunion and finds herself in the midst of a nasty series of crimes. Sayers not only offers the reader a satisfying conclusion to the Harriet Vane-Lord Peter Wimsey relationship but also a series of thoughtful meditations on the roles of women in the world. The book is historical, the issues for women are not. Savor the book for its celebration of rational civility.
- Katie
“Out of My Mind” by Sharon Draper
“Rules” by Cynthia Lord
- Kim
“A Place for Us” by Fatima Farheen Mirza
Michele
“A Place for Us” by Fatima Farheen Mirza
- Michelle
“Left” by Mary Hogan.
When I began reading Hogan’s slim volume, I wasn’t so sure I liked it as the author seemed to be trying too hard with her exuberant use of adjectives, but soon that all fell away as I was sucked into the story. Think hints of “Mrs. Dalloway” crossed with “Still Alice” and peppered (spotted?) with a canine character more fleshed out than some human characters I’ve encountered. The main character, Fay, married an older man, Paul, a sitting judge in NYC. They’re on a dream vacation in Spain when something goes terribly wrong. This event sparks a series of incidents in their lives and Fay knows her life will never be the same again. To cope, she begins building another (imaginary) life. It’s a heart-breaking story at its core, but one I loved none the less.
- Sudie
“Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine” by Alan Lightman. It was the title that first caught my attention. I love the coast of Maine and have spent some time on its islands, large and small—Monhegan, Harbor, Marsh, Louds…and more. And the stars. Oh, the stars. The author is a scientist, intent on understanding in concrete terms the details of our physical universe, but one night in Maine, those bright stars drew him deeper, to a place that shimmered with hints of something far greater than mere scientific understanding. This remarkable book explores the dance between science and spiritual things in almost poetic terms. This non-scientist couldn’t put it down!
- Bridget:
“Love and Ruin” by Paula McClain, Hemingway and Gellhorn brought to real life in historical detail that has become Ms. McLain’s hallmark. Gellhorn is given her literary due and Hemingway is viewed through the lens of time as more human, less icon.
July 2018
- Frank
“Swampwalker’s Journal: A Wetlands Year” by David Carroll
- Jeanine
“We took To The Woods” by Louise Dickinson Rich A quaint, true account of the life of a Maine Guide and his family in rural Maine back in the 1930s as told from his wife’s point of view. First published in 1942, it reads like letters from an old friend. I would have loved to have known Louise personally!
“Vinegar Girl” by Anne Tyler A fun, modern-day retelling of William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”
- Kathleen
“The Word is Murder” by Anthony Horowitz.
When disgraced police detective Hawthorne needs someone to record his brilliance in solving a tricky murder, he turns to a ghost writer named Anthony Horowitz. Hawthore and Horowitz, a Sherlock and Watson for modern readers!
- Katie
“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi
This debut novel is a West-African inspired fantasy for the older YA crowd that is action-packed, heart-wrenching, and raw. The book is not for the faint of heart, but it is a positively captivating story of magic, brutal injustice, faith and survival. I’m counting the days until book 2 is released in 2019!
- Kim
“Educated: A Memoir” by Tara Westover
“There There” by Tommy Orange.
- Michele
“Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
- Michelle
“Left” by Mary Hogan.
When I began reading Hogan’s slim volume, I wasn’t so sure I liked it as the author seemed to be trying too hard with her exuberant use of adjectives, but soon that all fell away as I was sucked into the story. Think hints of “Mrs. Dalloway” crossed with “Still Alice” and peppered (spotted?) with a canine character more fleshed out than some human characters I’ve encountered. The main character, Fay, married an older man, Paul, a sitting judge in NYC. They’re on a dream vacation in Spain when something goes terribly wrong. This event sparks a series of incidents in their lives and Fay knows her life will never be the same again. To cope, she begins building another (imaginary) life. It’s a heart-breaking story at its core, but one I loved none the less.
- Sudie
“Every Note Played” by Lisa Genova.
Lisa Genova, author of Still Alice, has given us another novel that is important, but not an easy read. She tells the story of Richard, a gifted concert pianist who, at the peak of his career, is stricken with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Richard’s embittered ex-wife Karen also plays an important role in the story when she reluctantly agrees to be his caregiver when no one else can. As Richard loses more and more functions, the day to day realities of his disease and her caregiving force Richard and Karen to face their demons and resolve their differences before ALS runs its course. The author does not shield the reader from the hard physical and emotional realities of the disease—her purpose is to raise awareness and rally support. She is successful.
- Bridget
“Tangerine” by Christine Mangan.
A first novel that deserves high praise, also Ms. Mangan has connections in Maine. Movie said to be slated, I did not relish this novel, but not based on the writing more the characters.
June 2018
- Frank
“Swampwalker’s Journal: A Wetlands Year” by David Carroll
- Jeanine
“Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit” by Chris Matthews
A revealing new portrait of Robert F. Kennedy that gets closer to the man than any book before as it explores the New York senator’s journey from his formative years to his tragic run for President.
“Disappeared” by C.J. Box
Game warden, Joe Pickett is asked by Wyoming’s new governor to investigate the disappearance of a prominent female British executive. She was visiting a high-end guest ranch but never made it home, and the British embassy is pressing hard.
- Kathleen
“Noir” by Christopher Moore.
Sammy knew the dame was trouble the minute she walked into his bar. A new book by Christopher Moore is always a cause for celebration, especially when he’s playing variations on my favorite genre, detective fiction
- Katie
“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi
This debut novel is a West-African inspired fantasy for the older YA crowd that is action-packed, heart-wrenching, and raw. The book is not for the faint of heart, but it is a positively captivating story of magic, brutal injustice, faith and survival. I’m counting the days until book 2 is released in 2019!
- Kim
“The Girl who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After” by Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil
“The Music Shop” by Rachel Joyce
- Michele
“Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly
- Michelle
“Left” by Mary Hogan. This book isn’t due to be published until June, but I received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher.
When I began reading Hogan’s slim volume, I wasn’t so sure I liked it as the author seemed to be trying too hard with her exuberant use of adjectives, but soon that all fell away as I was sucked into the story. Think hints of “Mrs. Dalloway” crossed with “Still Alice” and peppered (spotted?) with a canine character more fleshed out than some human characters I’ve encountered. The main character, Fay, married an older man, Paul, a sitting judge in NYC. They’re on a dream vacation in Spain when something goes terribly wrong. This event sparks a series of incidents in their lives and Fay knows her life will never be the same again. To cope, she begins building another (imaginary) life. It’s a heart-breaking story at its core, but one I loved none the less.
- Sudie
“The Opposite of Hate: A Field Guide to Repairing our Humanity” by Sally Kohn. Former Fox News commentator Sally Kohn has written a book that left me feeling hopeful. Using her own experience, with a sprinkling of research, she spends a good part of the book outlining the ways that hate manifests itself in human society—the obvious trolls and terrorists, bigots and bullies, but also the more subtle and often unconscious forms of hate that exist at the institutional level—all those “–isms” that isolate and demean others. The book ends on a hopeful note as Sally talks about ways we can transform hate into its opposite—caring connections with others.
- Bridget
“Tangerine” by Christine Mangan.
A first novel that deserves high praise, also Ms. Mangan has connections in Maine. Movie said to be slated, I did not relish this novel, but not based on the writing more the characters.
May 2018
- Frank
“Swampwalker’s Journal: A Wetlands Year” by David Carroll
- Jeanine
“Educated” by Tara Westover.
An unforgettable memoir about a young girl who grew up in Idaho, the youngest of seven children. Despite her radical upbringing of extreme religious ideas, total distrust of all things mainstream (schools, doctors, government, most people), and dangerous family dysfunction, she manages to leave her survivalist family and go on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.
- Kathleen
“The Music Shop” by Rachel Joyce
Frank’s shop is a haven for lovers of music and lost souls. Frank himself sees no reason to emotionally go beyond the walls of his store and his memories until a beautiful woman in a green coat faints in front of the store. It’s wonderful on audio too.
- Katie
“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi
This debut novel is a West-African inspired fantasy for the older YA crowd that is action-packed, heart-wrenching, and raw. The book is not for the faint of heart, but it is a positively captivating story of magic, brutal injustice, faith and survival. I’m counting the days until book 2 is released in 2019!
- Kim
“The Punishment She Deserves” by Elizabeth George “The Punishment She Deserves” by Elizabeth George. Detective Inspector Lynley and Detective Sargent Havers investigate the death of an accused pedophile in a holding cell after the local police claim the death to be a suicide. I found the 700 page book to be worth every moment I spent with it, but don’t know if that is because I have followed the series to this the 20th book or possibly because the characters are all so beautifully drawn by George. (probably both!)
- Michele
“Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly
- Michelle
“Left” by Mary Hogan. This book isn’t due to be published until June, but I received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher.
When I began reading Hogan’s slim volume, I wasn’t so sure I liked it as the author seemed to be trying too hard with her exuberant use of adjectives, but soon that all fell away as I was sucked into the story. Think hints of “Mrs. Dalloway” crossed with “Still Alice” and peppered (spotted?) with a canine character more fleshed out than some human characters I’ve encountered. The main character, Fay, married an older man, Paul, a sitting judge in NYC. They’re on a dream vacation in Spain when something goes terribly wrong. This event sparks a series of incidents in their lives and Fay knows her life will never be the same again. To cope, she begins building another (imaginary) life. It’s a heart-breaking story at its core, but one I loved none the less.
- Sudie
“Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine” by Alan Lightman. It was the title that first caught my attention. I love the coast of Maine and have spent some time on its islands, large and small—Monhegan, Harbor, Marsh, Louds…and more. And the stars. Oh, the stars. The author is a scientist, intent on understanding in concrete terms the details of our physical universe, but one night in Maine, those bright stars drew him deeper, to a place that shimmered with hints of something far greater than mere scientific understanding. This remarkable book explores the dance between science and spiritual things in almost poetic terms. This non-scientist couldn’t put it down!
- Bridget
“The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman. This is a fun mind break with a heart warming message
April 2018
- Frank
“Swampwalker’s Journal: A Wetlands Year” by David Carroll
- Jeanine
“Sandcastle Girls” by Chris Bojalian. [Historical fiction.] “Parallel stories of a woman who falls in love with an Armenian soldier during the Armenian Genocide in Turkey and a modern-day New Yorker prompted to rediscover her Armenian past.”
- Kathleen
“The Crow Trap” by Ann Cleeves. Fans of mysteries that are character-driven need to meet Ann Cleeve’s novels featuring Vera Stanholpe. The Crow Trap is the first novel featuring the blunt inspector. A national park is a proposed site for a quarry and 3 women are contradicting the feasibility study. Northern England can be bleak, a perfect site for betrayal, suicide, and murder. The novel is also an excellent audio book and also as an episode in “Vera”,the BBC series based on the novels .
- Katie
“Snow & Rose” by Emily Winfield Martin. Enchanting illustrations pepper the pages of this reimagined fairy tale.
- Kim
“The Temptation of Forgiveness” by Donna Leon. The latest in Leon’s Inspector Brunetti series. If you haven’t tried this series, I highly recommend it!
- Michele
“Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly
- Michelle
“Left” by Mary Hogan. This book isn’t due to be published until June, but I received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher.
When I began reading Hogan’s slim volume, I wasn’t so sure I liked it as the author seemed to be trying too hard with her exuberant use of adjectives, but soon that all fell away as I was sucked into the story. Think hints of “Mrs. Dalloway” crossed with “Still Alice” and peppered (spotted?) with a canine character more fleshed out than some human characters I’ve encountered. The main character, Fay, married an older man, Paul, a sitting judge in NYC. They’re on a dream vacation in Spain when something goes terribly wrong. This event sparks a series of incidents in their lives and Fay knows her life will never be the same again. To cope, she begins building another (imaginary) life. It’s a heart-breaking story at its core, but one I loved none the less.
- Sudie
“Summer Hours at the Robbers Library” by Sue Halpern. Libraries—I love them! People love them for all kinds of reasons. Many come to borrow books, but some come for companionship. Reference librarian Kit works at the Robbers Library in the formerly prosperous town of Riverton, NH. Over the years, the name has morphed into the “Robbers” Library because it’s named for a Mr. Robbers, a long-dead and not well-liked local tycoon. Kit works at the library because she finds peace and escape in books—and no one questions her about her past as she sits at the quiet reference desk. All that changes when fifteen-year-old, home-schooled Sunny gets arrested for shoplifting a dictionary. The judge quite literally “throws the book” at the bright, curious teenager, assigning her to do community service at the library for the summer. Add Rusty, a Wall Street high-flyer who has lost everything, into the mix and you have the potential for a really good story.At the Robbers Library, these three oddball characters–Kit, Sunny, and Rusty—find themselves drawn to each other. As they come to terms with how each of their lives has unraveled, they also discover how they might knit them together again and finally reclaim their stories.
- Bridget
“It’s All Good” by Gwyneth Paltrow. I like this cookbook because it is so uncomplicated. Gwyneth and Julia Turshen have served up some basics like chicken stew as well as my favorite turkey meatballs putting emphasis on healthy options. They also have offered how to make sauces such as Sriracha and Hoisin so you know what is in there is good for you and preservative free. Give it a try!
March 2018
- Frank
“The Alps: A Human History from Hannibal to Heidi and Beyond” by Stephen O’Shea. Anyone who has enjoyed traveling, hiking, or gourmandizing in this land of breathtaking vistas and culinary delights will enjoy this engaging travelogue, packed with historical curiosities.
- Jeanine
“The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah. Ernt Allbright, a former POW, came home from the Vietnam War in 1974 a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: He will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.
- Kathleen
“What Unites Us” by Dan Rather (book and audio) Veteran reporter Dan Rather offers a series of reflections on the changes he’s seen from his boyhood during the depression until now. Thoughtful and wide-ranging, the book is a good read and an even better listen.
- Katie
“Somewhere Else” by Gus Gordon – A charming story about working through fear/anxiety, trying new things & friendship.
- Kim
“Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng. Primarily the story of 2 families and while the narrative follows the teens, it is ultimately about mothers and the choices they made that drives this novel to its conclusion.
- Michele
“Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly
- Michelle
“Hunger: A Memoir of (my) Body” by Roxane Gay. This should be required reading for every adult!
- Sudie
“The Essex Serpent” by Sarah Perry. You won’t want to miss this novel and its spirited protagonist, the young widow Cora Seaborne. After the death of her cruel husband, she is tasting freedom for the first time and escapes the confines of both her corset and Victorian society in London and travels with her young son to the Essex countryside. That’s where the story unfolds—in the briny Blackwater marshes and the quiet town of Colchester, as she encounters the rich cast of characters in the novel–everyone from the crusty Cracknell to her verbal sparring partner, the Reverend William Ransome. Will they find the dreaded Essex Serpent? Read this New York Times Notable Book and find out!
- Bridget
“Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods & Remedies that Heal” by Rosalee De La Foret . This reservoir of herbs and their applications for better health, translates into easy recipes with ingredients you already own. I am planning on using rose hips in a tea for my arthritis.
February 2018
- Frank
“The Alps: A Human History from Hannibal to Heidi and Beyond” by Stephen O’Shea. Anyone who has enjoyed traveling, hiking, or gourmandizing in this land of breathtaking vistas and culinary delights will enjoy this engaging travelogue, packed with historical curiosities.
- Jeanine
“Inferior: How Science got Women Wrong – and the New Research that’s Rewriting the Story” by Angela Saini. From intelligence to emotion, cognition to behavior, science has continued to tell us that men and women are fundamentally different and women are inferior. Now new scientific data has revealed that women are as strong, powerful, strategic, and smart as anyone else. Very interesting learning how and why science got it so wrong.
“On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century” by Timothy Snyder. Acclaimed Yale historian Timothy Snyder says “We are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism in the last century. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience…” The book is a very concise account of parallels between the politics and mindsets of today and the politics of the WWII era. While it might be a bit heavy-handed and possibly even melodramatic, the author brings up some very good and thought provoking points.
- Kathleen
“The Seagull” by Ann Cleeves. If you’re looking for a new mystery series to love (it being Feb. and all), check out Cleeves’ remarkable Vera Stanhope series. The books are far more nuanced than the television series and well-worth discovering. This is the latest title. Vera must face her own messy family past to solve a potential double murder. Trivia fact- not surprisingly Ann Cleeves and Louise Penny are friends.
- Katie
“Somewhere Else” by Gus Gordon – A charming story about working through fear/anxiety, trying new things & friendship.
- Kim
“Manhattan Beach” by Jennifer Egan Historical fiction takes place during WWII and examines the roles women played at the Brooklyn Naval Yard.
“This is How it Always is” by Laurie Frankel A family with 5 boys tries to cope with the secret of their transgender youngest sibling in this novel by Laurie Frankel who happens to have a transgender child herself.
- Michele
“Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly
- Michelle
“Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee.
Epic in scope, Lee’s novel tells the story of four generations of a Korean family spanning the early 1900s through the late 1980s. “Pachinko” is a game of chance and so, too, are the lives of the characters represented within the pages of this book. Betrayal, redemption, prejudice, identity…all are themes or questions woven through the narrative. Beautifully written and if you happen to listen to the audio – wonderfully narrated by Alison Hiroto.
- Sudie
“The Music Shop” by Rachel Joyce
- Bridget
“The Orphan of Florence” by Jeanne Kalogridis. Come visit Florence through the eyes of a street urchin, or is she a Medici? Many secrets are revealed in this fun historical read.
JANUARY 2018
- Frank
“City of Thieves” by David Benioff. Set during the Siege of Leningrad in WWII, it’s the tale of a Russian deserter and looter given the seemingly impossible task of finding a dozen eggs for a wedding cake in order to save themselves from execution.
- Jeanine
“The Life She Was Given” by Ellen Marie Wiseman
In 1931, Lilly Blackwood was sold to the circus. More than two decades later, nineteen-year-old Julia Blackwood inherits her parents’ estate and returns home hoping to erase painful memories of strict rules and forbidden rooms. Instead, she becomes immersed in a mystery involving a hidden attic room and circus photos featuring a striking young girl.
- Kathleen
“Beau Death” by Peter Lovesey.
Lovesey is one of my “must read” mystery writers. His Peter Diamond mysteries set in modern Bath offer readers both good puzzles and lessons on Bath’s history. A corpse is revealed during a demolition and the question is in what century the crime was committed. One suspects that the manners of the bon ton were never as polished as Miss Austen would have us believe.
- Katie
“William’s Winter Nap” by Linda Ashman – a cozy story for cold winter nights.
- Kim
“Leonardo da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson
Biographer Isaacson relies heavily on Leonardo’s notebooks (over 7 thousand pages) to create this fascinating biography of Leonardo da Vinci, delving into the connections his creative and curious mind made between art and science and observation and technology.
“Arthur Truluv” by Elizabeth Berg Heart-warming, feel good story about a widower and an unlikely friendship.
- Michele
“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
“Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories” by R. J. Palacio
- Michelle
“Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee.
Epic in scope, Lee’s novel tells the story of four generations of a Korean family spanning the early 1900s through the late 1980s. “Pachinko” is a game of chance and so, too, are the lives of the characters represented within the pages of this book. Betrayal, redemption, prejudice, identity…all are themes or questions woven through the narrative. Beautifully written and if you happen to listen to the audio – wonderfully narrated by Alison Hiroto.
- Sudie
“Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks: A Librarian’s Love Letters and Breakup Notes to the Books in her Life” by Annie Spence.What a delightful book! This librarian (me) thinks any avid reader will enjoy both the humor and heartbreak found between the covers of this book. You can read it straight through or use the table of contents to find some books you yourself have loved or loathed. Author Annie Spence is both a clever writer and an authentic guide to some great (and not-so-great) literature. Be sure to check out her list of excuses to give when you just need to stay home and READ!
- Bridget
Do you believe in miracles? Well Mary C. Neal, M.D. Does and in her second book “7 Lessons from Heaven: How Dying Taught me to Live a Joy-filled Life” she tells us how miracles and more are a part of everyone’s life and how beauty can be found even in despair.
DECEMBER 2017
- Frank
“Truth : a Guide” by Simon Blackburn
- Jeanine
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas – A powerful and timely story of race told from the perspective of a black teenager whose personal circumstances have her straddling two very different economic and racial worlds.
“Alla Prima: Everything I know About Painting” by Richard Schmid Oil painting techniques presented by one of today’s most accomplished painters.
- Kathleen
If there were ever a season for what you find comforting and de-stressing, this is it!
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens I re-read this every December, happy to learn once more that greed does not always triumph.
“The House of Unexpected Sisters” by Alexander McCall Smith
I find Precious Ramotswe’s Botswana to be one of my happy places. Whenever the world seems too harsh and crazy, I revisit the setting of McCall Smith’s No. 1 Detective Agency novels and celebrate the beauty of the land and the kindness of the people.
- Katie
“Wishtree” by Katherine Applegate
- Kim
“The Dying Detective” by Leif G.W. Persson
After suffering a stroke, Swedish homicide detective Lars Martin Johansson launches an investigation into a cold case murder from his hospital bed. Persson is not only an author, but one of Sweden’s most renowned psychological profilers and expert on crime.
- Michele
“Promise Me Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship and Purpose” by Joe Biden
- Michelle
“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” by Sherman Alexie. This author is brilliant. Having written his first memoir, he’s now what you call a Quintuple Threat in the Genre Games: under his belt are novels for adults and teens; screenplays; poetry; short stories; and now memoir. He nails them all. The New York Times Book Review calls him “one of the major lyric voices of our time” and you know what? They’re right. I can be laughing one minute at the sheer inanity of a situation he’s described…and a few pages later be near tears having read something he’s revealed so eloquently. His writing is nothing short of pure, sparkling brilliance.
- Sudie
“Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone” by Brené Brown.
I generally borrow books from the library. I only purchase them if they are ones that I want to reread again and again. This is one of those books. The author offers a prescription for being a citizen, a human being, a kind and caring and loving person—right now, in our deeply divided world. It is about how to be brave, kind, and good–no matter what your faith–or lack thereof. Read this. You won’t be sorry.
- Bridget
“The Girl Before” by JP Delaney. A psychological time-travel that takes minimalism to extreme possibilities.
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