Staff Picks
Cantu, after studying international relations in college became a border guard near where he grew up on the Mexican American border. His memoir tells the diverse stories of those trying to cross the border, sometimes desparate people in search of a better life other times ruthless drug smugglers or gang enforcers.His narrative is thoughtful and full of clarity. The stories are always changing much like large portions of the border which is based on the ever changing flows of the rivers. It's a timely memoir that goes far beyond the rhetoric from our politicians on both sides of the aisle. -Bob
Set in NYC during the investment banking crisis of the Bernie Madoff years, the novel follows the lives of the wealthy & investigates how the unfolding crisis affects them. The story centers around one character, mysterious, glamorous Philippa Lye, wife of a scion of the banking community. This novel is full of acid humor as the author exposes the naked ambition & the ruthless pressure to conform to the elite's self imposed (somewhat arbitrarily) code of conduct, all of which Philippa Lye aloofly discards as the fallout from the banking scandal catches up with this insular community. Although some of the characters are despicable, I found I loved this story, as it is both darkly humorous & touchingly poignant. (Kim)
This is a powerful and moving story revolving around the Kurc family as the horrors of WWII take over their lives in Poland and change them all forever. It is a story of survival and belief in family during incredible hardships and the despair of not knowing where their family members are or even if they are still alive, but also of the strong spirits and bravery of the characters and in this way I found it uplifting. I didn't find out until the end of the book that it is actually based on the true story of her grandfather. I wish she had said that in the beginning because it gave the book more meaning. There are a lot of characters, but totally worth the read. (Sue)
This exhaustively researched book, written by NY Times reporter Dave Itzkoff, delves into every aspect of Williams's life, from his lonely but privileged childhood, to his early successes and his later uneven career in films, to his demons, philandering and substance abuse and finally his gut-wrenching suicide after developing Lewy body dementia. As a lifelong fan of Robin's work, I found this biography to be a bittersweet read knowing how his life came to a tragic end but reliving all the joy he brought to the world with his performances. I found that upon finishing the book, instead of the crazy, fast talking genius comic I saw the lonely, little boy playing with his beloved toy soldiers in a third floor attic. I recommend this no holds barred, warts and all biography to all Robin's fans. (Lisa)
An interesting take on an ex-wife and new wife to-be. Their perspective on their relationships with the man in their lives leads you to assume they are filled with jealousy and obsession...but assume nothing. Great twists and mind bending assumptions on marriage and betrayal. (Ann)
Elisa Esposito is a mute orphan working the grave shift at ocean Aerospace Research Center as a janitor. She struggles with her identity and life until she sees the center's most precious asset. An amphibious man who makes her feel things he never thought she could feel. How much will she risk to free him from the doom that's destined to overtake him? (Bonnie)
Mamet, who's won the Pulitzer Prize for his screenplay writing, doesn't write a lot of novels, so this was one I was looking forward to and it didn't disappoint. The book is set in prohibition era Chicago and it's the gritty story of a reporter who is faced with a murder mystery that means more to him than just a story for the paper. What makes a great novel for me is dialogue and Mamet is a virtuoso. Don't expect a lot of narration as the story is told through the characters' words and actions, but I enjoyed it as a great gangster novel filled with underworld characters and a plot that moves along swiftly. (Bob)
This book stays with you long after you've finished it. I loved the writing style & found both Niru's & Meredith's voices to be genuine. I must say, though, that the lack of punctuation may bother some readers, but I quickly accepted it. This story deals with many issues: sexuality, race, gender, religion & the ramifications of racial profiling. Once begun, this story propels you forward unrelentingly. (Kim)
A story of tangled relationships, family secrets becoming un-buried, and embracing life's journey when it takes completely unexpected twists and turns. Set in Provincetown, I really enjoyed the characters and the easy-going story. (Sue)
FBI agent Mercedes Ramirez finds an abused, blood-covered little boy on her front porch clutching a teddy bear. He tells her an angel killed his parents and made him watch. The angel also told him he would be safe with Mercedes. Soon more children show up on her front porch and Mercedes and her fellow agents must race to find out who the killer is and why they picked her. I was very excited to read the final book in the Collector series and it definitely did not disappoint! My emotions ran the gauntlet between horror at what abuses were inflicted on the children, anger at the failure of the overburdened system to keep these children safe after being removed from an abusive environment and happiness for the progress and healing of the victims from the first two books in the series achieved. I became quite attached to several of the characters over the series and will miss them, which proves how incredible Dot Hutchison's writing is. Although I enjoyed this book, I must advise readers that this book contains very vivid scenes of child abuse that will be disturbing to read. (Lisa)
A very strange and intoxicating story about an 8 year old boy named Edgar and his interactions with his mother, grandmother, and a man who has his own tragic story. A compelling novel that draws you in and one that you don't want to end anytime soon. (Ann)
Empress of Austria, also known as Sisi was known worldwide for her beauty. But she was also known as the Empress to flee whenever anything terrible happened. Sisi's life while tragic, is also fascinating in the way she led it! Fascinating read by Pataki! (Bonnie)
Anyone that has read his previous novels like "Fatherland" or "Enigma" knows Harris can write a page turner, and "Conclave" is another riveting and ambitious novel from him. The pope has died and now the cardinals from all over the world are meeting in the Vatican to determine who among them will be the next Pope.It's a glimpse inside the world's most secret election. The power plays and the rivalries keep the novel moving up to its twist of an ending. (Bob)
I loved this book from the start. I was drawn to its long dreamy passages chronicling the life of the modern-day rough country of rural Yorkshire and the people that inhabit it. The characterizations of the countryside, of nature, reminded me of Thomas Hardy's work, especially "The Return of the Native", the landscape seems like a main character in the story. The story has a fairy tale like quality, and I mean like the Grimm's fairy tales. Great debut. I look forward to her next novel. (Kim)
A real psychological, hold-your-breath, what's going to happen next thriller about a couple who appear to have the perfect marriage and life, but do they really? A true case of things are not always as they seem to be. I can't say too much because I don't want to give anything away, but definitely worth the read. (Sue)
While broken down on a rural country road, Ellis Reed, a reporter for a Philadelphia newspaper, takes a photo of two children with a sign in front of them reading "For Sale". Lillian Palmer, a secretary at the same paper, sees more in the photo than just a story and submits it to their boss. So begins a tale of secrets and lies against the backdrop of the desperate times of 1931 America. Kristina McMorris once again creates a spellbinding tale that drew me in from the very beginning. The perilous environment of the Great Depression where your livelihood balances on a fine edge between survival and the breadlines, the sacrifices made in the name of family are vividly brought to life in this heartbreaking novel. Inspired by an actual photo, this book sheds the light on a desolate period in our country's history. I highly recommend this book! (Lisa)
Stephanie Plum and her group of friends once again leave you laughing at the situations they seem to get themselves into. In addition, Stephanie and Ranger, a seductive security specialist find themselves spending more time together. A very funny and easy read. (Ann)
Aza and Daisy are the best of friends. When the town's billionaire Russell Pickett disappears and there is a $100,000 reward, the girls decide to do some investigating of their own. As Aza tries to be a good friend to Daisy she's also dealing with the downward spiral of her mental health. Will she do what needs to do to be normal? (Bonnie)
With the school year starting up it puts me in the mind to recommend a book I've always admired, and reread every so often. "On Writing" by Stephen King which is both practical and inspiring at the same time. Part memoir and part writing class, King walks us through the nuts and bolts of his writing process in a relaxed and friendly way, it's like your getting advice from a close friend, in this case a friend who's sold over 350 million copies of his books. (Bob)
What can a Roman emperor who lived 2000 years ago tell us about life in the 21st century? A great deal, it turns out. The Meditations are a series of philosophical exercises, written perhaps as a form of self help, to enable Marcus to remind himself of the things which are of utmost importance in life: looking after your own virtue, doing what is good & right for not only yourself but for everyone else, how to not let distractions, both small & major derail you from your purpose. Written during the later years of his life, Marcus found time from a long, brutal war campaign to sit down & write about how to not let the people around you annoy you with their pettiness, to tell himself to get out of bed each day & do what needs to be done, to remark that nothing in nature is evil & so one cannot be harmed by it, not even by death or the loss of loved ones. A wonderful guide for anyone seeking to find calm within during turbulent times. (Kim)
A gripping and powerful historical novel set in Italy during WWII. The story centers around Eva Rosselli and her family, who are Jewish, a Catholic boy from America destined to become a priest, who comes to live with them before the war starts. This is their love story which takes many twists and turns, but also a tale of survival, resistance and heroism during one of the darkest times of our history. I could not put this one down. (Sue)
A diamond merchant is tortured and murdered. The young couple in his shop to pick up an engagement ring are also brutally murdered on what should have been a happy occasion. Lincoln Rhyme, his new bride Amelia Sachs and their team are called upon to work the case. All is not as it seems in the latest Lincoln Rhyme novel, as the case twists and turns quicker than a rattlesnake. When the action pauses, prepare to learn about diamonds from mining to finished products, geothermal energy and the ins and out of Brooklyn where most of the action takes place. I enjoyed this book very much and found the case to be quite complex and not easily solved. (Lisa)
Once again John Connolly takes you to an isolated and strange community in Maine called the CUT that is ruled by terror, intimidation, and murder. Charlie Parker, a private detective, is out to protect his client Jerome Burnel, once a hero but now a hunted man. A thriller that will keep you turning the pages! (Ann)
Reading from the perspective of Anne was fascinating for me. This book has made me see her as less of a villain and more of a poor girl who got caught up in the trappings of King Henry VIII and all he had to offer. Another great read from Weir!
(Bonnie)
Years after first reading this book, it stays with me. The story is rich with humanity and compassion. Drawn in by the generational friendship, the impossible, forbidden love, the heartbreak and the warmth, I couldn't put this book down. Beautiful characters, flawlessly written, with a story that will compel you until the very last page. (Leah)
Parents. Usually they're the ones who take care of you as a child. They feed you, teach you, and provide a home for you. Unless, of course, they are the ones out to kill you.
Five teenagers, a meeting, and one old building is all it takes to start a ferocious chase. Antoine, Saralinda, Evangeline, Caleb and Kenyon don't know each other all that well. But they get increasingly close when the building they meet in collapses. Even though they all survive, they wonder why the roof would suddenly just fall through. They stop wondering, though, when one of them is killed in a car crash. The four left find out through investigation that their parents are planning to kill them. Over a series of weeks they endeavor to expose their parents' plan to the world. More importantly, they run from them and try their best not to get murdered. Join these four determined souls as they go through a startlingly real journey that will surprise you with new plot twists until the last sentence. (Caroline M.-Guest Reviewer)
