Andrew

Pamphleteer and Municipal Inspector Selah Morse witnesses a young woman get hit by a taxi cab in New York City. He takes her to the hospital and after claiming to be her boyfriend learns that the accident has rendered her amnesiac. He is tasked with reconstructing her memory, which he attempts to do through a series of interconnected stories, folktales and fables. What follows is a one of a kind novel about love and identity that reads like a bed-time story for grown ups wrapped in a poetic and lyrical package that is worth opening and closing again and again.

This is by far one of the finest novels I have read in a long time. Set in war-torn Russia, it is a darkly humorous and touching coming of age tale and a gritty account of the siege of Leningrad and its effect on the people who lived and died there.

Seldom does one find a book as enjoyable and captivating as this. Drawing extensively from experiences the author actually had, his tale follows Lindsay, an escapee from the Australian prison system, as he seeks freedom, fortune and a new life in India. Lyrically descriptive writing propels the protagonist and the many other vivid characters through their stories of life, love and loss in the center of Bombay. The city itself comes alive, embarking the reader on a real-world tour through the slums, prostitution dens, nightclubs and opium houses in rich detail, leaving no stone unturned, no alley unexplored. A deep understanding of the cultures and traditions of India and its people further enhances the realism and the depth of the story. Shantaram is an amazing novel of incredible scope, with an authentic voice throughout, a wonderful story of the human spirit and how far it will go, not only for love and money, but for freedom and redemption as well. ~Andrew

Beautiful illustrations paired with simple yet elegant stories invite you to get lost in the amazing world of Shaun Tan.

Jack Reacher-a former military policeman turned drifter who has a knack for thwarting trouble with his unique and militant sense of justice-returns in Childs' latest thriller, which stays true to its title. Someone is killing off former members of Reacher's Army Investigation Unit. He is forced to reunite with the remaining members to show those responsible why "You do not mess with the special investigators." Though Reacher is not the most sentimental guy, as he reminisces, comparing himself to his compatriots and their various successes and failures, we get unique insights into his life. The action builds in classic Reacher style to a fantastic, edge-of-your-seat helicopter finale. We like Reacher, and think you will too. ~ Andrew & Alison