Staff Picks
A strange and wonderful little book. On the whole it is a simple story of transcendentalism and abduction but Clarke wraps it so completely in this fantastical world it becomes quite magical. I was immediately swept up in Piranesi’s sense of place, wandering with him through the labyrinth of halls, gazing at statues, and listening to the tides.
Recommended by Kristine
I loved this book by Sue Miller. It captures life in Cambridge, MA, in the seventies, and I felt like I was an intimate of all the characters. The bookstore setting and author events were so vivid. The evolution of the emotions within the marriages create an atmosphere of love and understanding. Recommended by Sarah
The subtitle should be "Gamache in Paris." Our hero has moved onto the international stage as he deals with corrupt corporations and impending disasters. The scenes in Paris are breathtaking, and the supporting cast is the extended Gamache family. I loved every second of this combination thriller and mystery. Louise Penny and Chief Inspector Gamache grow in depth and wisdom in this latest work.
Recommended by Sarah
Christina Baker Kline is an absolute master at exploring fascinating periods of history through engaging fiction. Her newest, Exiles, continues in that tradition. Sure to be a hit with lovers of historical fiction, Exiles is a beautifully written tale of several women displaced by the 19th century British practice of transporting prisoners to penal colonies in Australia. The female convicts, and an aboriginal girl "adopted" by the British colonial governor and his wife, endure unimaginable hardship with strength, resilience and hope. Meticulously researched and full of rich and intimate detail, Exiles will be a favorite for book clubs..
Recommended by Leslie
The “Boy in the Field” opens with three members of the same family waiting for their father to gather them from school. A normal scenario replicated across the world. Except, for the Lang family, the plan is disrupted. That one change becomes a catalyst for a series of actions that become life changing for all involved. Thoughtful, careful, seamless, gentle, unforeseen surprises, beautifully written. ... a complete package. Livesey has written a unique story that continues to live in my head. Highly Recommended.
Totsie
Every now and then a book comes out that everyone on staff raves about. This is that book.
Stephen Kiernan does not disappoint with his new book. He takes a little known bit of history and spins a romantic novel that entertains and educates. It covers the Manhattan Project and organ construction, an unusual intersection of interests. It is a good read.
Recommended by Sarah
Dark, funny, and unflinchingly honest... - Recommended by Jill
..crude, unique, and holds a brutal yet refreshing mirror up to every reader... - Recommended by Abby
..full of complicated layers of identity, race, sex, art, and self discovery... - Recommended by Kathy