Staff Picks
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When you try to write song that appeals to everyone, it often ends up appealing to no one. Great songs as described in this book usually come by accident as a combination of inspiration and luck. Self-described music geek and journalist Steve Baltin has put together a book that examines 29 iconic songs he considers "Anthems" These songs are timeless and cover all genres of music and are instantly recognized by music fans. Using inteviews of the artists and those involved in their creation, he is able to shed fresh new light on many of them and add to their appreciation. (Bob)
The 30th anniversary of the siege by federal authorities on the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas is recounted by Guinn using first hand accounts of the people who were present during the 51 days of the siege. It makes for an intense experience as the author takes you through the early planning of the raid, the mistakes that may have been made & the response by David Koresh & his followers. He also reports on the lasting impact the raid and resulting siege has had on American Culture. (Kim)
An incredible historical fiction tale weaving together 2 stories set 100 years apart following Audrey Collins as she tries to unravel her grandmother’s and great-grandmother’s past going back to WWI. Audrey’s grandmother has died and left her a cottage in Yorkshire, England where her gran lived as a young girl before fleeing to the US. When Audrey gets there , she finds it perfectly preserved from the time her gran left in 1941. It holds many clues to the past, but it is not an easy puzzle to solve. Audrey had planned on selling the cottage, but she ends up falling in love with it , with Yorkshire, and with the people of the village. (Sue)
Hannah Martel narrowly escapes Nazi Germany after her fiance is killed during an uprising. She boards a ship bound for Cuba but it is turned back and she must seek shelter in German occupied Belgium with her estranged cousin Lily. Based on an actual resistance organization, I was fascinated by the multiple ways they used to transport downed airmen back to safety so that they may fight another day. Under extreme pressure and attention from the Nazis these amazing people put their lives on the line every day to defy the enemy. After finishing the book, I'm still thinking what I would have done if I was in Hannah or Lily's shoes. I recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction and book clubs! (Lisa)
I can't help but love a story that's based on the experiences of three strong women, especially one set on the New England coast that I love so much. The historical Nantucket setting was described so vividly, and the book transported me to that time and place. The womens' stories unfolded and intertwined in a way that revealed so much about both the day-to-day life and the societal challenges of this unique island community. I loved that the ending provided some resolution, but left a little ambiguity, too. An entertaining and enthralling story. (Michelle)
Weaving together history and science, Stone finds new ways to tell the tale of the famous Ship of Dreams. By looking at the Titanic, not as a ship, but as the shipwreck it became, we are able to learn about the tragedy in a whole new way. Using the wreck of the Titanic as a focal point, Stone takes us through the history of shipwrecks, treasure hunters, and salvage operations. A well-written must read for anyone who enjoys nautical and maritime adventures. (Carrie)
Even tight-knit families can be torn apart by secrets and there are plenty of those in the Brennan clan. Sunday, her three brothers, their father, and her ex-boyfriend who is part of the family are trying to keep the family's pub open while also opening a second pub in a new location. When a threat from their past returns and tries to bring them all down, they become a united front, but still each with their own agendas, things to hide, and past mistakes to to correct. The different personalities of the characters add a great dimension to the story and I enjoyed this read very much. (Sue)
A fast-paced who-done-it about a very wealthy and extremely dysfunctional family that keeps you guessing to the end. The Merton family from Brecken Hill, NY had plenty of money, but no happiness or love amongst themselves and when the parents are found brutally murdered there are plenty of suspects, including their 3 adult children, that have been trampled on over the years and all have a motive. Great characters and deception that leave you cringing throughout. (Sue)
The story of the Demarest family told through 3 different time periods in their lives and set mainly in Haven Point, Maine, a small coastal community similar to the one I spent my summers at on the Jersey shore. If you weren't born there or spent the entirety of every summer there, you were an outcast and treated as such. While Oliver Demarest was secure in the folds of Haven Point, his wife and children were not, which causes great stress and major problems for the family as the years go by. A quirky cast of characters, a beautiful setting, and a very relatable family make this a terrific read. (Sue)
Federal Investigator Aaron Falk is on his way to a small town deep in Southern Australian wine country for the christening of an old friend's baby. But mystery follows him, even on vacation. A young woman went missing, leaving behind her baby girl and the only thing they found was her shoe floating in the nearby reservoir. In this novel we travel to the lush vineyards of Southern Australia with it's small towns and tight-knit communities for a intricate, character driven mystery with secrets and a slow burn towards the revealing ending. Although this book was not a gripping as her previous novels, I did enjoy another trip down under. (Lisa)
Between the World Wars, the six Mitford sisters—each more beautiful, brilliant, and eccentric than the next—dominate the English political, literary, and social scenes. Their family bonds are severely strained when Diana, divorces her husband to begin an affair with a married up and coming Fascist leader and Unity, follows her sister to Munich to indulge her consuming obsession with the Nazi's charismatic leader. Her sisters' extreme actions force Nancy Mitford to make an agonizing decision which may destroy their family forever. Marie Benedict weaves a fascinating tale of Britain in the years between wars from the glittering social events to the growing Fascist movement among the British people. Looking at Hitler portrayed in a positive light through the eyes of Diana and Unity Mitford was difficult and challenging. Marie Benedict's masterful storytelling shines the light on the growing darkness that invaded Britain and other countries in the lead up to World War II. I highly recommend this book! (Lisa)
At the close of "Bloodless", Constance has found a way back to the place of her origins, New York City in the late 1800s, leaping at the chance, although it means leaving the present forever. Seeking to prevent the deaths of her sister and brother, Constance must engage in a battle with Manhattan’s most infamous serial killer, Dr. Enoch Leng. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child have delivered another ingenious, gripping, nail-biting race to the cliffhanging ending that will keep fans turning pages until early morning hours. I tried to take my time with this book, forcing myself to stop for essential daily activities but couldn't stop thinking about it. A very compelling tale full of surprises and thrills, this novel stands among the best of the series so far! (Lisa)
Jodi Picoult never disappoints, and this collaboration with Jennifer Finney Boylan exceeded my expectations. A rich family drama with elements of suspense and a profound commentary on love, secrets, and relationships. The two authors’ voices blend seamlessly into those of Olivia, Asher, and Lily, all of whom have moved to a small town in New Hampshire searching for a fresh start. Their overlapping stories unfold with the pace of a thriller, but also with emotion and insight into the characters’ feelings about the dynamics of their complex relationships, and their place in the world. I was hooked from the first page, and couldn’t put this one down. (Michelle)
This story about a married couple who find themselves so at odds that they decide to take a yearlong break, with virtually no contact, is one that will tug at your heartstrings and make you think a lot about family, love, and commitment. It’s very character-driven, and I loved the characters, even when I questioned their decisions and actions. Although the topic is not lighthearted, it’s an easy read and a great escape from the world, as you’ll find yourself completely wrapped up in the ever-changing relationship dynamics. This was my first foray in Taylor Jenkins Reid novels, and it definitely won’t be my last! (Michelle)
This book captures the feel of a coastal Maine summer, while telling a captivating story about family. Louisa and her three kids are spending the summer with her parents at her family home in midcoast Maine, awaiting the arrival of her husband, whose work with his startup business has held him back at their NY apartment. Shortly after their arrival, they cross paths with newcomer to the town Kristie. As the story unfolds and the summer weeks fly by, secrets and past relationships come to light that threaten to unravel everything that Louisa has built and the future she has planned. A classic summer beach read, and will especially capture the heart of anyone who has spent time in the beautiful state of Maine. (Michelle)
With a new take on a fairly traditional fantasy romance trope, this book tells the story of Velasin and Caethari, pushed into a political marriage neither of them were expecting. This story is, all at once, an exploration of Byzantine politics, gender, identity, and self-worth. It caught me off guard in the best way possible. This is the first in a series to be called The Tithenai Chronicles, and I cannot wait to see where the story takes these dynamic and intriguing characters.(Carrie)
This young adult novel took me by surprise. The Centennial is here once more, and Isla, the ruler of the Wildling realm, must compete to break the curse put on all the realms and the island of Lightlark. After being kept hidden for most of her life because of a secret she must never reveal, Isla is more than excited to be on her own during the competition. Things go well until she finds out about the deadly secrets the other rulers have been keeping and is told by an oracle that she is surrounded by liars. A unique book with mildly mature content and a twist at the end that will have you wanting for the next book in the series. (Carrie)
I was instantly invested in this young adult novel by Sci-Fi author T.J. Klune. Nick and his group of friends are in high school when Before becomes After and everything changes. Suddenly there are superheroes in Nova City, and Nick finds himself infatuated with one of them. But what happens when he finds out who is behind the mask? Part of what has endeared me to this author is how he keeps his style of writing the same for both adults and young adults, he simply writes about different topics. His ability to create wonderfully flawed and realistic characters who identify as queer and neurodivergent will resonate with readers of all ages. (Carrie)
A fascinating look at the critical first year of a puppy's life and how it forms the dog they are to become. Anyone who has a dog can't imagine the family without them but we forget that they start their lives without us, in a family of their own. Slowly they begin to see, smell, and make sense of this world. It's this first year of experiences and interactions that make them who they are. The author follows the development of several pups including her own named "Quid". She takes the time to point out the physical, mental and emotional milestones in their journey to adulthood, and her writing easily transitions from the silly to the science. I give it two paws up!. (Bob)
Set in the late 1970’s in an affluent neighborhood, a well off wife & mother of two children seemingly has everything she could wish for. Then a mysterious man enters her life during a chilling string of serial child murders & Hannah’s life gradually becomes unmoored. I found this novel to be dark & engrossing; and it is very dark. Oates is great at building suspense & creating very human, unpredictable characters that sometimes make you want to wave them away from impending catastrophe or simply shake your head at their blithe ignorance. (Kim)