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:
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
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
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
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.
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!
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Hang on tight. This book is a powerful manifesto for women to finally become the heroines of their own story, literally. Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin, or ECM to her many fans, has taken on the patriarchy and other forms of systemic oppression in this extraordinary book and gives women (and those who identify as women) a how-to manual to do the same. Using great storytelling, including mythology, memoir, and personal narratives from clients, ECM has written a classic that will keep you riveted. Identifying the themes of recognition, reconciliation, revolution and rebirth, she provides a pathway for living your fullest life. I devoured this book.
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.
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Paula received a double blow when the love of her life, Mauro let her know that he was leaving her for another woman, and then he died suddenly just hours later. The grief, despair, and confusion was palpable in Orriols's lyrical prose. Paula’s career as an accomplished pediatrician with neonatal patients becomes all-consuming, while her friends and family try to help her navigate the dark days without knowing the whole story of Mauro’s deceit. The deft writing and empathetic characters elevated this novel from becoming morose. Indeed, this beautiful meditation on grief, betrayal, and starting over was hard to put down. ~ Jane
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.
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This book is personal for me. For several years I assisted with various projects at the National Memory and Peace Documentation Center in Kitgum, Uganda. This facility was created to document the events and personal stories of the Lord's Resistance Army and Joseph Kony's war of terror on the citizens of Northern Uganda. I was fortunate to be the first copy editor of Norman Okello's incredible story as told to his biographer, Theo Hollander, Director of the NMPDC. Norman's journey as an abducted boy soldier is a brutal and unflinching tale. His ability to overcome incredible adversity and stigmatism will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I urge you to read this riveting memoir.
Our American mythology is that this is a land of unlimited opportunity, and that hard work and resourcefulness, and perhaps a bit of luck, will bring unlimited rewards. And then we meet Elsa, the indomitable heroine of this truly American story and we are completely disavowed of this quaint notion. As if the Great Depression were not enough, this extraordinary novel also depicts the Dust Bowl of the great plains, and then the migration to California that brought unrelenting hardship to those who dared the trip. Elsa, a pitiable figure at the opening of this novel, goes through many transformations, and against all odds creates a loving family. What we come away with is that through strong perseverance it is hope and love that endure. This is another brilliant historical fiction from Hannah, and I devoured every word. One warning – have a hanky at hand.
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
Do witches exist? And if so, do their spells really work? After reading this delightfully magical memoir, I certainly hope so. Known for his wicked humor in the face of real challenges, Burroughs does not disappoint in this latest tale, in which he comes out as a witch, descended from a centuries-long lineage of powerful witches. It really doesn't matter whether Burroughs is putting us on - as some have suggested - this story is a hoot, filled with colorful characters, taut situations, fabulous dogs, and lots of love. Suspend your disbelief, or embrace your magical desires, and climb aboard for the ride.
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.
Better than any other author, George moves her brilliant characters from the depths of darkness and despair, back into the light, always along the path of love. The novel begins with Henri, a former war correspondent. On the day he is to meet his only son, Sam, for the first time, he is involved in an accident that puts him into a severe coma. A former lover, Eddie, who has been out of his life for years, is surprised to be listed as his medical guardian. The story unfolds from there. Through amazing imagery and deft storytelling, we are moved to explore whether there are do-overs. Could there be parallel stories with unending possibilities? Can healing occur on other planes of consciousness? At its core, this novel is an examination of the transcendent power of love.
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!
For curious children, here is a book that will broaden their view of the world. With full color spreads of fascinating cultural, geographical, and man-made wonders on every continent, this book is sure to amaze and enchant. It is fun for kids to explore on their own, and for you to read and discuss together with the youngsters in your life. Get ready to experience the world in a new way!
After the mysterious loss of her mother, Turtle is raised by a powerful unpredictable father. He claims to love and adore her while treating her to horrendous physical and psychological abuse. She excels at survivalist tactics and wilderness skills, but is failing academically and socially. Despite such a desperate situation, and her course begins to change when she develops a friendship with two charismatic older boys. Turtle’s father will not give away his control easily, however. This is a tense tale, well told. You will be cheering for Turtle long after you turn the last page.
~ Jane
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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?
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.
The next time you're ready to make a meal, consider this: to bring 1 lb of beef to your table, 1851 gallons of water are used, whereas 0 gallons of water are used to bring you wild caught fresh fish. A tomato has a fresh water footprint of 13 gallons, a cup of coffee, 34 gallons: mere trifles to king chocolate bar at 449! Despair not, for Ramirez explains how to make better choices as you enjoy all three, and countless other foods. There are low water solutions for all of it, and the author, a water conservation activist, traveled the country to find out who is leading the way. From food and drink providers of all stripes, she presents their stories with immense charm and humor. Highly readable and complete with recipes from each contributor, this is a book not just for conscious eaters, but for foodies everywhere.
An archivist specializing in ancient texts is asked to appraise a tarot deck, perhaps the earliest deck known, dating back thousands of years. In a parallel tale, the mysterious history of the deck is revealed as the modern-day drama of the appraiser and her mysterious wealthy client unfolds. A suspenseful tale, steeped in mysticism.
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.
With brilliant writing and astonishing storytelling, this debut novel is not to be missed. An unflinching, intimate tale of women both free and enslaved during the years surrounding the Civil War, it is narrated by the ghost of an escaped slave who hovers near her daughter throughout the story. Their parallel stories intertwine to capture the terrors, frustrations, injustices, and enduring hopes of the women in that era. Book groups will find much to discuss with this great novel for our times.
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.
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Young John Lewis lived on a small family farm in the rural South, where he took care of the chickens. John has a vision of becoming a preacher who would inspire people and change lives. He began to practice giving sermons to his captive audience, the chickens. The chickens seemed to like it, and so his career began. Today, he is known as the towering civil rights leaderJohn Lewis, Congressman from Georgia. This captivating story is illuminated with glorious watercolors from award-winning illustrator E.B. Lewis. Aimed for kids, but lots for adults to ponder and enjoy, this book is beautiful, compelling and quite special. Ages 5-8.
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!
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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.
Indie spiritualists experience what has been called a deep longing for a direct connection with spirit. It often involves finding meaning in the details of everyday life, from the most mundane to the blindsiding and sublime. A rock musician covered with tattoos and piercings, Grosso has delivered a stunning account of his own tough journey from self-destruction to wholeness, in a way that honors diversity and individuality. In these pages you will find profound truths, insights, and wisdom for your own spiritual explorations. The message is empowering and hopeful.
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.
This novel is wild! In order to escape from a 100-year birthday party planned for him, protagonist Allan climbs out the window of his old folks home, and thereafter has adventures, misadventures, and narrow escapes. In his earlier years, he has brushes with fame, lunching with Truman, annoying Mao, and being sent to Siberia by Stalin. Somehow, he always seems to come out on top. This book has drawn comparisons to Forrest Gump, but I think it is much, much better! ~ Ann, Jane
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A rollicking modern-day interpretation of the classic Greek tragedy, Oedipus Rex, this 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 dangerous seduction then picks up speed as each new character and plot twist is introduced. This story is wickedly funny, fearlessly taking on many contemporary societal themes as it builds to a thrill-ride climax of an ending. Featured in the story is a cadre of rather despicable but entertaining characters who are caricatures of the 1980’s “Me Generation.” The writing is superb and the story is fantastic. I recommend it to everyone!
There is much to discuss in this rich story that is beautifully told, as only Adichie can do. It is a family drama set in contemporary Nigeria with universal themes - indigenous culture vs. modernity, youth and elders living in harmony, oppression in its many forms - government, church, and patriarchy - and the deep shame and fear involved with hiding family secrets. In the end it is about enduring love, as everything seems to be. Of her many books, this first of her novels has become my strong favorite.
This is a historical novel based on the ancient battle of the Masada. In Herod's palace high on a clifftop, a community of Jews gathered for protection against the Roman army. They lived for years in security until the Romans devised a plan of attack. This is the story of four Jewish women who arrive at the palace from different directions and different backgrounds, who become as close as sisters. Together they serve as caretakers of the doves of the palace, which holds a place of importance in this fragile community. The story is filled with mysticism, magic, and beauty, alongside the horrors of battle and persecution. ~ Jane
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This haunting and beautifully written story is set in Ceylon in the mid-1800's during a time of civil unrest between peasants and colonialists. The land and people are vividly depicted; the lushness of the lifestyles, even the smells of the place come through the writing. A complex and powerful relationship develops between a colonial governor's wife and her Tamil servant, as together they work to capture images on glass in the earliest days of photography. A mounting civil war adds suspense and drama to this incredible story. ~ Jane
What could be called a memoir is more like a wild adventure, so fasten your seat belts! A spiritual journey of nearly 20 years takes Jessica Maxwell from a dubious skeptic, to a believer, to a healing holy woman. Along the way she attracts many spiritual characters including an enlightened pig farmer and a golf-loving Indian mystic. She connects a past life with her present situation, experiences energy bodies of several ascended masters, and has visitations from departed friends. Maxwell tells her story with great humor, joy, and compassion—and without proselytizing. We learn from this rollicking ride is that there is an amazing and powerful spiritual aspect to life if you are willing to show up, and are paying attention. ~ 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