A bookseller for many years and now co-owner of the bookstore. Her previous gigs included serving as the Events Manager, management committee member, and becoming a journeyman book buyer. At least, almost one. She’s been involved in hosting events, and becoming pals with all of the weird and wonderful people who make this community great. She loves nothing more than to be astonished by the latest brilliant novel. But buyer beware, stop her from telling you a book’s ending that you’re thinking about buying since she has somewhat of a problem controlling her blood/sugar balance when she gets excited about the book in question. That said, it’s nothing compared to her passion for all things relating to baseball.
Picks:
Set in New England in the late 18th century, a period when options and opportunities for women were extremely limited, a capable perceptive midwife rises above her constricted milieu, and demonstrates how a strong woman can lead her town through a time of crisis. The story begins as the Kennebec River freezes over and a hard winter sets in. Beneath the ice the beaten body of an accused rapist is found, setting off rumors, speculation, accusations and legal tensions. With keen depictions of the lifestyles in early America, family drama, romance, and increasing suspense, this work of historical fiction delivers on many levels. A perfect novel. ~Jane
A delightful Rom-Com holiday novel, featuring a heroine who is recovering from numerous Christmas heartbreaks, and intent on rebuilding her life. When Brenda is thrust into a road trip to deliver twelve lovable rescue dogs from a shelter in Texas to new owners in Vermont, all her previous negative impressions of the holiday season begin to soften. Add in loads of small-town charm, a lot of snow, a Christmas pageant, and (of course!) a hunky fireman, and you have the perfect sparkling snow-globe of a story. Bring on the holidays!
Hannah, an award-winning Danish writer of highly-acclaimed literary novels, has a deep disdain for genre formulaic fiction, a sharp tongue, and a drinking problem. This gets her into trouble after she insults Europe's most successful thriller-writer at a book conference, and accepts his dare to write a crime novel in a month. She is sent to a tiny fishing village in remote Iceland where her agent believes she can avoid distraction and complete this challenge. Of course, after a shaky start with the locals, a body appears on the scene (shocker!), and she embarks on an insatiable quest to solve the crime – despite lacking any skills to do so. With exquisite descriptions of the bleak setting, the curious villagers, and sprinkled with Hannah's verve and her sardonic wit, this is a fine start to a new series. ~ Jane
When the beloved father of an interracial Korean family goes missing, the only witness is his nonverbal, severely-disabled teenage son, Eugene – who also quickly becomes the prime suspect. Mia and her brother John are home from college during the pandemic and join forces to find their father, while protecting Eugene at all costs. As clues bubble to the surface, they challenge everything Mia thought she knew about her parents and siblings. Perhaps Eugene is much more aware of his situation than his condition suggests. With deep philosophical insights, a tense plot, and superb storytelling, this is truly a brilliant novel. With much to discuss, Happiness Falls is a perfect choice for book groups. ~Jane
Putting it mildly, there is a lot of stress in Nora’s life. Her husband is away at war and she is raising teens on her own. The family is living on rations, her home is being vandalized for her perceived sympathy with interned Japanese families, her son is sneaking about and keeping secrets, she has started a new job as a riveter to help the war effort, only to have her new boss treat her with misogynistic contempt, oh – and there’s a serial killer on the loose killing working women, leaving clues that seem to point to Nora herself. Set in Seattle at the height of WWII this is a “riveting” and taut historical thriller. You will want to read it straight through.
It's the season for spooky reads, and this is a good one. Layla, a young woman grieving the recent loss of her mother, learned that she had inherited a mysterious island in South Carolina that was once home to her enslaved ancestors. Her mother’s two estranged sisters arrived with the news, and to help explain to her another sinister legacy that she had inherited - one that she had always believed to be a curse. From a young age, Layla had the power to enter other’s dreams, always believing these to be her own terrible nightmares. The inheritance of the island was disputed by a sinister cousin, Charlotte, who had powers of her own. Would these Dreamwalkers co-exist on the island, or would Layla succumb to the island’s long-time evils? This is a taut tale of suspense and intrigue, and just a touch of creepy horror. ~ Jane
An homage to his mother who served in the Red Cross in WWII, Urrea has created another stunning masterpiece of historical fiction. This is the adventure of two heroic and formidable women and their solid friendship forged under the severe conditions of war. Tasked with providing donuts, coffee, and good cheer to weary and often broken soldiers, Irene and Dorothy find themselves in frontline situations, encountering much more than they expected in their military “clubmobile.” The novel is infused with profound joy, incredible insights, and at times, deep horror. From the epic characters, beautiful writing, and building suspense, this novel will stay with you long after turning the last page. ~ Jane
Richly evocative, this novel fully immerses the reader into an imaginative world of music. An international solo piano competition, taking place over 3 weeks in Japan, brings together top rising talent in the classical world. Through the lens of four young competitors, each with different playing styles, aspirations, and approaches to their practice, a remarkable story emerges of passion, dedication, anticipation, profound respect, and finally, deep friendships. Within each brilliant performance vibrant stories come to life through the music. Whether you are familiar with the pieces or not, you will feel each piece as if you were there. No need to be a fan of classical music – this exquisite novel is for everyone.
A rich, generous family saga, spanning numerous generations, continents, and a century of drama for one South Asian family. Following the characters from India, to Uganda, England, and finally Canada, themes of displacement, colonialism, and political upheavals impact this family in unexpected ways. Despite their troubles, there is much love to be found here. This is a brilliant story, told with exquisite grace – historical fiction at its finest. ~Jane
Valerie Perrin, author of Fresh Water for Flowers, has created another masterpiece! A stunning novel of the powerful and unlikely friendship between three young schoolmates, set in a small village in France. Tragedy, an unsolved missing person, and deep secrets divide them as young adults, until much later they find themselves together again, this time to unearth truths that haunted them for years. A gorgeous novel. ~Jane
Two women from different generations and cultures bond over a shared restaurant space. One side is a trendy new barbeque spot and the other an iconic neighborhood bakery. Each has a hidden secret from her past that required her to recreate herself. When love appears in their carefully-controlled lives, can they open to romance again? A trigger warning – at the heart of the book is a chilling sexual assault for one of the women, with additional trauma and devastating repercussions from the fall-out. Written before the recent post-Roe decision of the Supreme Court, these incidents were based on true cases of women who experienced what is described in this novel. Wiggs is a master at creating strong, relatable characters and unexpected plot twists. This is a powerful story of romance gone astray, bravery, endurance, and ultimately, kindness and second chances. A unimaginable and unforgettable novel.
On the surface, Laurel Braitman had an idyllic childhood on an avocado farm in California, surrounded by peacocks and natural beauty, with caring parents who adored her and provided values and skills for happiness and success. But from a young age, there was also the deep sense of dread for the impending death of her beloved, and very ill father. What follows is a remarkable story, beautifully written, of over-achievement, unexpected new directions, hard choices, deep friendships, regret, and misadventures. It is through her work helping children with their own grief that we get the sense of her utter bravery in navigating the perilous journey of grief. Although secular in nature, there is a soft spiritual quality to this book. Expect to be all-consumed and even gob-smacked by this spectacular memoir. ~Jane
An achingly gorgeous novel set in the Gunnison River Valley beginning in the late 40’s. The beautifully descriptive writing, rich natural settings, unforgettable characters, forbidden young love, deep loss, and redemption all combine to form this perfect novel. This may or may not be my favorite novel (on a very long list of favorites), but for now I cannot think of one I’ve loved more. Young Victoria Nash’s story of learning to “go as a river” will stay with you long after you close the book. ~Jane
Despite the pressing challenges we face, Twist, a global changemaker and author of the bestseller The Soul of Money, remains a passionate optimist, believing in our capacity to shape a better future together. She acknowledges the urgency of the work that needs to be done, but also emphasizes that there is still time and hope. With her contagious enthusiasm, Twist not only guides us on a path of discovering meaning and purpose for ourselves, but also assures us that we can indeed leave the world a better place. Her pstories will inspire many to create a better future for us all. ~Jane
Dark academia, ancient tarot cards, an historic monastery filled with medieval art, and devious characters all contribute to an atmospheric novel with definite Gothic undertones. Ann Stillwell from rural Walla Walla, WA receives a coveted art historian internship in NYC, and finds herself assigned to the famous Cloisters monastery. She is woefully unprepared for all that she encounters, including distinguished players in the insular art world and an obsessive relationship with her ultra-wealthy co-worker, Rachel. Tension mounts as she discovers seemingly sinister research being conducted, midnight seances, and deadly plants being cultivated in the exquisite gardens of The Cloisters. A suspenseful read with a surprisingly twisted ending! ~Jane
As a bookseller I couldn’t help but love this novel, set in a haunted bookstore owned by the author (who plays a minor role in this story)! Tookie rebuilt her life after serving a prison sentence for an absurd crime. After years of stability, she must survive the pandemic, the George Floyd riots, an unloving stepdaughter, and finally a very scary ghost. Filled with humor and indigenous wisdom, this is a perfect book. ~Jane
The historic facts of the tragic young life of Lucrezia de Medici are well known, but the story behind it is not. That’s where the brilliant storytelling of Maggie O’Farrell takes over. A beautiful young girl from an important family is taken in an arranged marriage to the powerful Alfonso II d’Este Duke of Ferrara, only to die suspiciously soon afterwards. This book will transport you to the glorious opulent days of the courtesan life in the Italian Renaissance, and introduce you to fascinating and richly imagined characters. From the opening pages, through the mounting tension, and finally to the shocking ending, this is historical fiction at its best. ~Jane
Doerr has created another masterpiece, weaving four separate narratives told from different voices throughout history – from the days of Constantinople, to modern times, and into the future. Each of the characters in their own time shares a fascination with an ancient mythological text, and each is living out their lives believing that the end of the world is near. There is much tension and suspense, and as the novel progresses the threads of the stories come together into an epic for the ages. A perfect twist towards the end will cause you to gasp out loud. This amazing novel is an homage to the natural world and to librarians, the keepers of all the best stories. It is beautiful and brilliant. ~ Jane
Backordered
What begins as a compelling family drama featuring an only daughter leaving for college and the void she leaves behind, morphs into something altogether different. So, fasten your seatbelts! Set in the grandeur of the California wine country amid a fierce fire season and unexplained and disturbing reports of missing persons, this is a taut story with intriguing characters. But nothing will prepare you for the surreal and unexpected turn the novel takes towards the end. It leaves you with the feeling of having entered a delicious Twilight Zone episode. Cai Emmons, who demonstrates sheer brilliance in her newest novel, gives book groups much to discuss. Magical realism at its finest. ~Jane
It’s time to slow down, take a breath, and dream about “tree time.” In this exquisite collection of essays, Sumana Roy introduces this notion of "...a life without worries for the future or regret for the past.” She explains: “I liked … how trees thrived on things that were still freely available — water, air and sunlight; and no mortgage in spite of their lifelong occupation of land.” Roy's lyrical prose engages us to consider nature, music, literature, botany, and philosophy. It is seductive in enchanting ways, inviting us to reconsider our pace, our needs, and our perspective. Her insights may appear fanciful, but this is a book for and looking deeper. ~Jane
Like her mother many years before her, Ingrid suffered a serious head injury that left her with a temporary amnesia. The result for both women was to gain powers that had been within their lineage for generations – clairvoyancy, healing and the ability to communicate with spirits. At the center of the story is Ingrid’s deceased grandfather Nono, the former curandera – a shaman who was revered as a powerful sooth-sayer and local healer in the village of Ocaña. When he appeared in their dreams, Ingrid and her mother interpreted it as an instruction to head back home to disinter his body and move it to another auspicious location. What follows is an extraordinary travel memoir like none other – Ingrid explores the colorful history of both her family and colonial Columbia, Nono’s amazing legacy, and the true stories of spiritualism in our midst. Oh, and they dig up Grandad! ~Jane
In a departure from his brilliant but dark Patrick Melrose novels, St. Aubyn has created a lighter mini-masterpiece with this satirical and delightful romp of a novel. Through the eyes of two young and engaging couples, he explores the weighty topics of, well… just about everything – biodiversity, rewilding the land, brain science, venture capitalism, schizophrenia, billionaires, medical ethics, consciousness, hedonism, drug addiction, new life and the end of life, and even corruption of the Vatican – all while keeping a light and almost breezy tone. Philosophical, charming, witty, and action-packed, it is a hopeful story with a decide-for-yourself ending that will either delight or confound you. This imminently discussable novel (perfect for book groups!) is not one you will soon forget. ~Jane
This is a fierce feminist thriller of a revenge novel that will stay with you long after reading the last page. It is the story of three courageous and fed-up women who discover that as they’ve matured, they’ve acquired extraordinary new powers. As they begin to sense a serial killer in the midst in their affluent oceanfront community, they find themselves on a collision course with systemic misogyny and dangerously powerful people. This fabulous novel presents a fresh take on feminism with women who support and empower one another in their quest to give voice to victims and bring down the status quo. It is easy to escape into this tale, with an undercurrent of suspense, a twisty plot, wonderful characters, and a good dose of wry humor, not to mention a blazing fury of an ending. It is an anthem for our times – an ode to sisterhood which is needed now more than ever before. Read this book! ~Jane
Journalist Jon Mooallem’s essays and observations are routinely featured in major magazines, and his earlier books were award winners. This collection of astounding essays features a famously unbecoming matador (and his resemblance to Jon!), a remarkable hospice, an against- all-odds outdoor rescue, Neanderthals, California forest fires, Charlie Kaufman, and much more. In each case the writing is so compelling that you will be left with a strong sense of wonder about the people around us and their unusual situations. Jon finds what’s interesting in people and brings that to us in these uniquely inviting pieces. We all have stories, and Jon is clearly a master storyteller. ~ Jane
A delightful expose' of the famous Barbizon Hotel for Women in NY City, the place where ambitious young women could live safely and in style while beginning their careers. Famous residents included the Unsinkable Molly Brown, Grace Kelly, Joan Didion, Sylvia Plath, Barbara Chase-Riboud, and many others. The women arrived with high hopes and great excitement. Some succeeded wildly, others not, but they all left changed by their time at the Barbizon. The 20th century history of NY is told through the tales of these women, and the hotel itself feels like one of the characters. It is all a perfect package; a distinctly enjoyable read. ~ Jane
Dave was raised to believe that if he shows up and works hard rewards will come. What happens when a man with talent and ambition, has it stripped away, time after time, until he has all but given up on society? After three tours in Iraq and a tragedy at home, Dave finds he no longer fits in his small town. The only solace is the grandeur and grace of the nearby Cascade Mountains. Living off the land with his young daughter provides the joy and beauty he craved, but also the harsh realities of nature. This is a powerful and well-told story of survival and determination, with a hint of mysticism, in a setting of absolute glory.
Does the world exist as we perceive it? Or is it something else entirely? Characters in this novel are not related in any way, except for the plane ride they all took together, with a short bit of very frightening turbulence. Some weeks later each of their lives change dramatically, and we as readers are called to consider whether we really know what this world is about, and who we really are. A brilliant, mind-bending novel.
A taut legal thriller, this debut novel truly has it all – a devious plot, slick characters, and a riveting pace. Ellice, a corporate attorney, is finally given the upper echelon job she has worked hard to achieve, but only after the sudden death of her boss. Her rise to the top is not without complications that quickly turn into terror. Everyone has secrets, and her carefully crafted life unravels in the conspiracies that abound. Truly a novel for our times, it explores themes of racism, sexism and feminism in the workplace, alongside other troublesome problems in our complex society. Best of all, it is highly entertaining!
Have you ever envied the fame and fortune of the Hollywood elite? Be careful what you wish for! In this highly engaging novel Dinah Manoff, a true Hollywood Star, has given us all a taste of fame. Subtly navigating complex cultural issues with deeply nuanced characters and a strong storyline, this novel delivers on all fronts. From the explosive opening scene to the final page, you will not be able to put it down. Book groups will have a lot to discuss with this one.
bestseller in Europe, this elegant, thoughtful novel will restore your faith in humanity. In her small French village, Violette is the cemetery keeper who soothes the mourners and keeps their secrets. Abandoned by her husband, she builds a loyal surrogate family from others who work in the cemetery. When a stranger disturbs her carefully crafted lifestyle, Violette recollects on her own tragedies that led her there. Be prepared for some tears but also some gorgeous writing. I adored this novel.
An astonishing novel in which a tangled web of secrets is slowly unraveled. ~Jane
Antonia, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, is grieving the sudden loss of her beloved American husband, who died on the very day that she retired as a Professor of English. She is bereft and wants only to retreat into her grief, however, she is pulled further and further into the lives and crises of others around her. Characters include her cherished but complicated sisters and a couple of young and desperate undocumented laborers from the neighboring dairy farm. Grieving, loneliness, obligation, belonging, and promise are themes explored in this small gem of a novel. Throughout it all the message is “let’s see what love can do.” ~ Jane
With a full scholarship to a prestigious art college in NY, Rosie escapes a bleak childhood for bright future. Filled with insecurities, but brimming with talent she is poised to succeed. What happens when a vulnerable young woman meets a dashing older con man who offers her the world? What will it take to finally break free? Can you ever really escape your past? This is a fully absorbing and taut novel that you will not soon forget. The writing is exquisite and the characters are fascinating. Book groups, there is much to discuss here. ~ Jane
This book is a balm for the weary soul, and I can’t think of a better gift.. Smaller in format and a companion to the previous Lost Words, it opens the imagination into the natural world as few other books can. Filled with magical poems written as spells, and gorgeous watercolor illustrations, you will come back to it again and again. Enjoy reading it aloud, to yourself or with your favorite children. ~ Jane
Using beautiful prose, historical references, and magical realism Alice Hoffman has created a masterful folktale. In desperation to send her daughter Lea to safety from Germany during WWII, a Jewish mother convinces a Rabbi’s brilliant daughter Ettie to create a Golem to protect Lea on her journey. Both girls make it to war torn France with the Golem Ava, where their paths diverge. It is a story of hope, survival, revenge, and deep love. Finally, it is a meditation on what it is to be human.
After dazzling the world with The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern is finally back with another glorious contemporary fairy tale, filled with magical sparkling imagery. The story begins with graduate student Zachary Ezra Rawlings' discovery of a mysterious book in the college library. The book leads to sinister intrigue and a journey through painted doorways into an underground universe filled with rich symbolism, elaborate scenery, and fascinating characters. It is a hero's tale involving a quest journey in a world where stories are layered and connected, and never quite what they seem. You will want some quiet time to absorb this magical tale.
Pulitzer Prize winning historian Timothy Egan puts himself into the story in this remarkable memoir. Raised in a devout Irish Catholic family, Egan has wrestled with his faith as the clerical abuse scandal and the Church's position on women have impacted his family. He also notes the increasing popularity of secularism throughout the world. To work out his feelings about religion, whether or not it has been good for the world, and whether or not his faith can be restored, Egan makes a Pilgrimage along the Via Francigena. You will learn much about European history, and you will want to visit every town along the way. This is a remarkable story!
Caroline left her family, friends, and a broken heart in rural Southwest Washington to pursue a career in high fashion. Ten years later she returns home with her career in tatters, destroyed by a powerful fashion icon, and her best friend's two traumatized children to raise on her own. With huge challenges and few resources, she is nearly overcome with doubts and anxiety. Armed with a strong purpose for helping women and incredible design skills, she moves into a life even bigger than she could have imagined. Can she also repair her broken heart? This rich story takes on the #MeToo challenges most women have faced, and shows that together, supporting each other, we can get through just about anything.
Perhaps because of a distorted palate that effected his breathing, journalist James Nestor’s curiosity about breathing and its impact on general health led him to investigate this most primal and natural act. What he found is astounding. Could it be that we’ve been breathing wrong all along? Is it possible to transform our lives by changing our breathing patterns? Mixing memoir, history, and science, Nestor makes an entertaining and compelling case for learning to breath differently. The writing style is light, the information accessible, and breathing exercises are provided with each chapter to get you started on the path to better health. This is a fascinating book. ~ Jane
From dinner parties, to community meetings, to gala events, we islanders know about gathering! The Art of Gathering, by Priya Parker is a wonderful and insightful resource for creating profoundly enjoyable gatherings. Parker reminds us that meeting with people is an important part of being human. She also makes it clear that doing it with intention benefits all in profound ways. From changing the focus away from logistics and onto the actual purpose of the gathering, and how you want your guests to feel, these interactions are revolutionized. I look forward to applying these new tools to all the ways in which we gather with you here in your bookshop. Because in this community, gathering is what we do best!
In turns, this book is sassy, fun, heartbreaking, deeply moving, and finally absolutely and utterly satisfying. It is set in the glamorous world of pre-WWII New York City and the exciting showgirl theater culture, with all of the wild and fast drama of that age. Essentially, it is a book that examines women's relationships, to each other and to the men in their lives, and to themselves. It encourages women to be unapologetically authentic, because that's when life is lived at its best. Read it! It's grand.
This is an astpnishing memoir, written with brave prose in short, themed chapters. You will want to savor each one. Doyle takes us on her journey of a painful divorce and finding unexpected new love, while fiercely protecting her family. She is known for leaning into difficulties to find the beauty in all situations. In this book, however, she gives herself and us permission to lean into joy. And the results are amazing.
I approached this book with considerable trepidation, but by the 2nd page, I was hooked and had to know more. Michael Pollan (Omnivore's Dilemma, Botany of Desire, Cooked) explores the fascinating history of psychedelic agents in our culture, along with the colorful cast of characters who have worked with them. There are many surprises, including the clear evidence that not only do these agents allow profound mystical experiences, but modern studies show that they are also highly effective at treating addiction, depression, anxiety, and many other health issues, with long lasting mind-altering effects. Pollan samples the psychedelics himself throughout the book, and his trips are described in detail. This is the most amazing book I have read in a very long time.
If you've ever wondered how to commit the perfect murder, this book will give you some clues. Much delightful mayhem occurs in these five short chapters, where we come to know the seemingly mild-mannered Maud, an elderly retiree in Göteborg, Sweden. Maud leads a rather comfortable but pedestrian life of solitude, which she will protect at all costs. Helene Tursten, the author of many popular Scandinavian crime thrillers, has shifted gears to offer up this lively and darkly funny tale. It is a pint-sized book that makes a perfect gift. You will never take seniors for granted again!
Backordered
Some of us may relate directly to the events of this memoir, others may not, but all of us can relate to the urgent need, first expressed by Plato, to live an “examined life.” No one does this better than Claire Dederer. In a unique essay format, loaded with both sensitivity and humor, Claire reflects on her sexually promiscuous youth and the profound, sudden and shocking sexual urges that have returned to her that confuse and threaten her carefully crafted role as a modern devoted mother and wife. Read it for the brilliant writing, or for the storytelling. This is a brave undertaking in every respect, and so well done.
This book is brilliant! It is delightfully illustrated and filled with fun facts about bees and why they are important, as well as lots of amazing and easy experiments for young minds to try. As if that wasn't enough, the entire book becomes a beehive for mason bees - so your child can be crafty while participating in saving the planet! And if you build it, the bees will come! What's not to love?
Backordered
Marianne, in her 60th year - and her 40th year in a dark and unhappy marriage - is considering suicide. But what happens to her after she literally walks away from her situation is magical. This novel is loaded with charm, quirky characters, art, food, dance, and romance. It is about recognizing and loving the characters around us, the ones who become our surrogate family, the ones who define community. If your heart needs some patching, or if the outside world seems bleak, Marianne's tale will lift your spirits. It's a sweet escape on a cold rainy day.
This intriguing mystery introduces us to the delightful character, Celine, a missing-persons private eye with secrets of her own. Her blue-blood New England background gives her access to unusual resources, and her fearless attitude creates rich drama. Heller is a master storyteller.
This is Rachel Carson at her best, and most personal. This is less a book about nature and its glories, but more of an exploration of Carson’s deep personal relationship with the natural world. It’s also a fine training manual on how to find and nurture that same devotion, not only for yourself, but more importantly, for the youngsters in your life. It turns out that it is easier than you might think. This lovely classic, with gorgeous photography, is good for the soul. It will be a cherished baby gift for new parents.
In this steamy, dreamy, and mysterious novel, a woman and her mother travel to the Spanish coast, to an enigmatic but secretive doctor, in hopes of finally finding a cure to the mother’s long-term illness. A haunting and sensuous read.
In her role as an NPR host, Tippett has forged an enviable career of interviewing thinkers and visionaries of our time, all in the pursuit of wisdom. Through insightful discussions with philosophers, poets, scientists, theologians, activists, and many others, she teases out unique and profound perspectives on life’s most perplexing issues. In this time of intense societal change, Krista gently and gracefully explores how to recognize the basic philosophical tenets of love and understanding that make us uniquely human. Beautifully written, this book is a must-read.
This is a romp of a good novel. Stewart, (The Drunken Botanist, Wicked Plants), came across the idea in newspaper stories while researching another book. Set in New Jersey during Prohibition times, it has gangsters, a tried and true sheriff, and, of course, damsels in distress—but what powerful and entertaining damsels! You will love it.
Can an octopus have conscious thoughts? Can it play, make friends, show emotions? It turns out that these odd, slimy creatures are extraordinarily intelligent animals with personalities, and, in captivity, develop personal relationships with people. Montgomery captures the spirits of the octopi she befriends at the New England Aquarium. Whether an octopus has a soul is up for debate, but what it can teach us about ourselves and our relationship to others is profound. Put down your skepticism and pick up this book—you’ll be amazed. It has changed my attitude toward animals in general, but especially the comely octopus!
Spiritual philosopher Mark Nepo has given us another gem for the nourishment of the heart and soul. By explaining that life’s glories, complexities, and difficulties are meant to be experienced and especially to be examined, we learn that everything has meaning, and everything contributes to the making of soul. Through Nepo’s clarity and prose, we are encouraged and guided to develop practices that will help address the universal longing for wisdom, truth, and love. ~ Jane
As this brilliant, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel opens, young Theo survives a New York City terrorist attack that kills his mother and leaves him tormented. In the next few years he journeys from the upper echelons of New York society to the suburbs of Las Vegas, and finally to Amsterdam. As he tries to adapt to each new situation, all the while shielding a secret from the day of the attack, the plot centers on his trauma, longing and regret. A frantic and tense climax creates a path of redemption for Theo. Unforgettable characters, great attention to detail, exquisite writing, and a grand scope combine to make this a rare literary treat. ~ Jane
Set in early 20th century New York City, this dazzling novel involves a charlatan who collects human deformities and animal wonders for his Coney Island museum. His daughter, born with webbed hands and incredible swimming skills, is used to attract museum-goers. Far from being a monster, she has a kind, compassionate nature. Fearful of her father and self-conscious of her deformity, she longs for a normal life, especially after falling in love. Between the suspenseful storyline, colorful characters, a magical backdrop, and rich history of New York, this novel ponders what it is that makes us human. It is a gem.
Plunging into this ambitious, amazingly researched novel, I was not of this century but part of the great age of discovery and debate. In 1800s America, plain Alma Whittaker becomes a scientist by absorbing vast quantities of knowledge through her father's gardens, greenhouses, and collections of botanical art and scientific journals. She creates a fulfilling career for herself while studying the wonders of life, and her character grows in depth with her profound knowledge. Gilbert touches on the themes of a deeper spirituality and psycho-sexuality, creationism versus evolution, and the revelations of Darwin's Origin of the Species. This is a grand read, an adventure into a more innocent era and a thought-provoking experience that I enjoyed immensely.
Ifemelu is a young woman from Nigeria, living in New Jersey. Her blog for non-American blacks, with its poignant observations on racism in America, has brought her fame. In a series of flash-backs, we learn of Ifemelu’s first love and their life in Nigeria as students with promising futures. Much of the novel takes place in a hair braiding salon, and these fascinating passages also function symbolically in bridging the racial gap. This is an enduring love story and a brilliant look at the parallels between race in America and class structure in Nigeria—a satisfying, honest novel to be enjoyed by people from all backgrounds.
You need not be a baseball fan to appreciate this remarkable story of the longest professional baseball game ever played. In 1981, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a Triple A minor league game began on the Saturday afternoon of a frigid Easter weekend, and the players played on with a 2-2 tie well into the night and the early hours of Easter morning. The game was finally halted on a technicality, to be completed later in the season, but not before we learn about the eventual careers (or not) of every player, the batboy, the coaches, the stadium, and the town of Pawtucket itself. There is much baseball lore and glory, and all the sports insanity you would expect from such an absurd set of circumstances. ~ Jane
Ricard is both a cellular geneticist from the Pasteur Institute and a Buddhist monk, living and working with the most enlightened spiritual masters of our times. He combines twenty-first century science with the thousands of years of spirituality to develop and encourage a compelling plan for realizing happiness. ~Jane