Our Staff's Favorite Books for 2011: Adult Books

Recommended by Alison.

In the late 1880s, murders were not solved through fingerprints on the murder weapon or blood spatter patterns. People in those times claimed that criminality was genetic. Thus, certain facial characteristics or physical conditions constituted proof of a person’s guilt. What changed all that was the arrest of a “vagabond” named Joseph Vacher, who had been moving from village to village across the French countryside in a spree of horrendous murders. Two men—magistrate Emile Forquet and Dr. Alexandre Lacassagne, head of the Department of Legal Medicine at the University of Lyon—began to incorporate what would become modern forensics to prove Sacher’s guilt and convict him. Starr traces the development of forensics in measured and fascinating detail, and this book reads like the most modern of crime novels. ~ Ann

Recommened by Andrew.

The Village on Horseback is a collection of poetry, prose, snippets of fiction and two novellas by Jesse Ball. Perfect for travelers or handy to have on a nightstand, it is equally charming and thought-provoking. ~ Andrew

A rollicking modern-day version of the classic tragedy Oedipus Rex, this wickedly funny story will leave you in stitches. It has the cynicism of Tom Wolfe mixed with the absurdity of Carl Hiassen. The novel begins with a slow and dangerous seduction, then picks up speed as each new character is introduced, fearlessly taking on contemporary societal themes as it builds to a thrill-ride climax. The story features a cadre of rather despicable but entertaining characters who are caricatures of the 1980s “Me Generation.” The writing is superb and the story is fantastic. I recommend it to everyone! ~ Jane

Bed: where 40-50% of our lives unfold… unless you are 25-year-old Mal Ede, disenchanted with life and how it locks individuals into predictable tracks. Then the bed becomes 100%. Mal is part philosopher, part hot-blooded teen, part railing son and brother. But he is full-on confident in his decision to drop out of typical life. He takes to his bed on his 25th birthday, never again to rise. Mal’s body grows to garish proportions, perhaps in line with the atrocities apparent in his personal relationships, primarily with his parents. Bed scores on many levels: kudos to Whitehouse for compassion, good storytelling, character development, and magnification of society and humanity. I anxiously await a second work from this author. ~ Janis

Torres is, in a word, mind-blowing. His innate literary talent is humbling. This novel, written in an entirely unique prose, can make you cringe while admiring it, can make you cheer and weep. Three brothers, born of a biracial couple, grow up in an environment with little restriction and few borders. This exposure and the resulting experiences contribute to the grown men they become, the men that Torres lays before us. ~ Janis

In this masterful, engaging and thoroughly researched account, Horwitz pulls away the cloak of myth surrounding John Brown and his 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry, bringing forward the human aspects of Brown’s many roles including those of husband, father, charismatic abolitionist leader, patriot of his cause, and martyr. While detailing the background of the raid as well as its far-reaching consequences, Horwitz highlights Brown’s impact on historical figures including Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Robert E. Lee, Emerson, Thoreau and Lincoln. The raid and Brown’s vision are thus placed fully in the context of the Civil War and, more importantly, of a legacy that endures to this day. I found this to be an enlightening, inspiring and highly enjoyable read. ~ John

(Norton)Taking as his premise the little-known history of Royalist black settlers to whom the British granted freedom in Nova Scotia after the American Revolution, Hill has crafted a compelling novel around an extraordinary heroine whose life odyssey speaks for the experiences of many. Through vivid, fascinating detail that reflects devoted research in addition to a great gift for writing, we follow Aminata Diallo from her African village to capture, enslavement and the Middle Passage; her work on a South Carolina indigo plantation and as a servant in Charleston; her service for the British Army in Manhattan; her hardships in Canada; a return to Africa and an experimental settlement in Sierra Leone; and finally her life as a darling of London abolitionists. In addition to being a great read, Aminata’s engaging story of survival and triumph, steeped in history as well as abiding patterns of human existence, throws a unique and necessary light on the enduring global issue of race. ~ John

I was always curious about the letters from citizens that President Obama reads every day, so when Washington Post writer Saslow's book came out, I was eager to read it. This book explores the lives behind the letters, and shows how Americans are dealing with hard economic times. It turned out to be a very inspiring read. I can't imagine a president not being profoundly affected by the letters. ~ Kathie

This novel is a radically original work of art that tells the story of Jack, a five-year-old boy born into captivity whose only world is an 11’x11’ room that has imprisoned his “Ma” for seven years. Ma’s overwhelming love for Jack gives her the strength to create a loving, nurturing environment in a dark and dire situation. Jack’s narration is believable, endearing and haunting, and Donoghue’s depiction of a mother’s courage, resilience, and undying hope for survival is staggeringly beautiful. Both suspenseful and emotionally riveting, this book is a page-turner. This story will linger long after you have closed the book. ~ Kristy

Colorado rancher Atticus Cody’s wife was killed in an accident for which both Atticus and his younger son, Scott, hold Scott responsible. In spite of their best efforts at forgiveness and healing, their relationship is strained. After he is told Scott has committed suicide, Atticus travels to Mexico to retrieve the body, but soon begins to suspect murder. Atticus is not only a page-turning mystery, but also a satisfying redemption tale in which Hansen’s efficient and powerful descriptive prose is comparable to that of John Steinbeck—seemingly effortless, yet immensely effective. A must read! ~ Ranae

Not only did I read this book when it came out in February, but I picked it up again this summer. It is that much fun! ~ Sarah

Although Iain Banks is best known for his Culture series, this stand-alone is almost more engrossing. Banks’ trademark style is here in full force, dropping you into an unfamiliar world where finding your bearings is half the fun. A (mostly) hard sci-fi space opera of the highest caliber. ~ Tim

Astronomy has always been a passion of mine, but I don’t think I’ve come across a book that does a better job of conveying the wonder it inspires. The subject may seem almost mundane to some, but Berman deftly demonstrates the sun’s (literal and figurative) centrality to our existence and the mystery and awe that often surround it. A fascinating, accessible book. ~ Tim

This is a a beautiful, magical story that had me from the first crook of its finger. All the secrets and sadness spilled off the page, and left me breathless, but happy at a tale well-told. ~ Victoria