September 8, 2010
Forget Sorrow
Reviewed by NancyThe author's difficult extended adolescence and relationship with her father are healed in this graphic (adult comic book) memoir about her extended family's roots and difficulties in 20th century China. Family conflicts, Communist oppression and Buddhist philosophy all emerge as Xuan listens to her father's tales.
September 1, 2010
Free Food for Millionaires
Reviewed by BethIt's a sprawling soap opera of a book about a family of Korean immigrants in the New York City of the 1990s. Tension, humor, pathos. Did I mention it's a soap opera? Totally addicting!
August 25, 2010
My Name is Mary Sutter
Reviewed by JanetThis evocative, fascinating historical novel draws us into the life of Mary Sutter, a talented midwife who dreams of becoming a surgeon. The realistic Civil War setting and well drawn characters help this novel resonate with each reader.
August 18, 2010
Sixteen Pleasures
Reviewed by BethCan't go to Italy this year? Read this book instead - it'll transport you to Florence, 1966. Travel along with a young book conservator, sent to help rescue valuable books and manuscripts from the flood. Sensual, involved, bellissimo!
August 11, 2010
Midwives
Reviewed by NancyA riveting narration of a home birth gone wrong. A tense courtroom drama. This hard to put down book with no easy answers is also a coming of age story told by a man who seems to have an idea about how girls and women think and act.
August 4, 2010
Fifth Business
Reviewed by BethThe first in a trilogy by this beloved Canadian author - sure, it's about Canadians. But it also has substantial themes, amazing characters, theatricality, myth and magic. This book is hard to put down and a perfect book for long train rides to unusual destinations. Good hammock reading too!
July 28, 2010
Baking Cakes in Kigali
Reviewed by JanetA heartwarming story with a wonderful main character. Angel Tungaraza bakes cakes for special occasions. She has a gift, not only for baking, but of bringing people together and bringing hope into their lives. The setting in modern-day Rwanda adds color and richness to the story.
July 21, 2010
Fieldwork
Reviewed by LynneAn anthropologist studying a remote hill tribe in Thailand ends up "going native." Years later, an American expat visits her in a Thai jail, and becomes obsessed with the mystery of how and why she would have murdered a young charismatic missionary who happened to cross her path.
July 14, 2010
Seabiscuit: an American Legend
Reviewed by BethEverything nonfiction should be! It's wonderful social history, the best type of American story, heart-wrenching, heart-pounding. Racing, rich people, poor jockeys, serious emotional connection between all comers (horses, owners and trainers). You might have seen the movie, but you'll love this book either way.
July 7, 2010
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
Reviewed by JanetSo what happens when a retired English army major gets involved with a Pakistani widow? Sit back and enjoy these likeable characters as they come up against public opinion and traditions in a rural English village setting.
June 30, 2010
The Maytrees
Reviewed by BethUnusual, lyrical and completely compelling. This involved story of Provincetown artists, fishermen, wanderers and poets draws readers in and keeps them with beautiful prose about the beaches, water, dunes and sunrises.
June 23, 2010
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress
Reviewed by RosemaryThe author returns home to get support from family and friends as she recovers from a recent divorce and a terrible car accident. The resulting memoir is touching, honest, and funny. I'm not the only one on staff that really enjoyed this book.
June 16, 2010
Matterhorn
Reviewed by JanetI can't believe I liked this book! Set in Vietnam, this powerful novel tells the story of a young officer new to the front lines, and how he and his company face the challenges set by the jungle, the enemy, and their commanding officers. Believable characters, good pacing, and exciting setting kept me spellbound.
June 9, 2010
Eternal on the Water
Reviewed by BethGorgeous, descriptive and hard to put down. It's got it all - wonderful New England setting, fabulous witty dialog, love and hope. It'll break your heart but in the best possible way.