Novel Destinations: The Road to Oxiana by Robert Byron

 By Sebastian W.. Light Street Branch -- Posted on July 26, 2011

Wonderful tale of a tramp through Persia in the 1930s. Look out for the reference to the Shah!

Novel Destinations: Reader Reviews from Canton Branch

Posted on July 26, 2011

 

As Husbands Go by Susan Isaacs

This is chick-lit.  I listened to the audio-book and loved it - not because of the skill of the author - but because of the narrator Hillary Huber.  What a wonderful voice and expression she brings to each character.  She plays up the funniness of the story and its people, a trait that most murder mysteries don't emphasize.  The story is okay, the main character's motivation is questionable, but I plan to listen to more books narrated by Hillary Huber.  To my ear, she's up there with Barbara Rosemblatt and George Guidall.

--Cathy T.

Night Road by Kristin Hannah

What a great read!  I couldn't put it down.  I cried and cried, but boy, was it good!

--Alyssa M.

Italian Shoes by Henning Mankell

Mankell is best known for his Kurt Wallander mystery series.  This novel has all the mood and atmosphere of his mystery stories, but it is a tale of loss and redemption.  It is set on a tiny island surrounded by ice.  At the center is Fredrick Welin who, like his island, has cut himself off from human connections, until an unexpected visitor from his past changes the direction of his life.

--Elizabeth C.

Novel Destinations: The Radleys by Matt Haig

By Jennifer E., Light Street Branch -- Posted on July 25, 2011

The Radleys is a bit like True Blood and Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels, but it's set in the U.K. and, in Haig's world, not many people are in the know of vampirism. It also touches on the human existence and the strength of families.

Novel Destinations: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

By Catherine K., Light Street Branch -- Posted July 25, 2011

I knew it would be a hard book to put down once I started it, and it certainly was. It took me over a week to finish but worth every hour.

Novel Destinations: Islands by Anne Rivers Siddons

By Catherine K., Light Street Branch -- Posted on July 25, 2011

A great read! Full of interesting characters throughout with some unexpected turns. After reading it, I sure want to head to South Carolina again, especially Charleston and the many islands nearby.

Novel Destinations: The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

By Catherine K., Light Street Branch -- Posted on July 25, 2011

An easy-to-read book about two 30 year old women who form a friendship years after their school days in North Carolina. A little mystery unfolds involving two families. Not a spellbinding story, but I did keep reading 'til the end.

Novel Destinations:  Double Cross by James Patterson

By Jobi Z., Southeast Anchor Library -- Posted on July 23, 2011

I have a love/hate relationship with the "Alex Cross" books by James Patterson.  I like the mystery parts (started reading him years ago when I lived in DC because I like to know exactly where the murders are taking place), but I'm tired of the predictability that a) Alex will have a new girlfriend, b) the killer will threaten Alex and/or his family, and c) the convenient death of the killer.  Good enough for a summer read or an audio book, but wouldn't call it a must read.

Novel Destinations: More Suggestions from the Southeast Anchor Library

Posted July 23, 2011

   

Just Kids by Patti Smith
Excellent biography of Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, which covers their years as struggling artists in New York.  I loved it!!
--Tracey R.

Death Tidies Up by Barbara Colley
A Charlotte LaRue mystery that takes place in New Orleans.  She's a 60 year old woman who has a maid service and discovers a body.  I found it an easy read and was able to finish it quickly.  I enjoyed it and look forward to reading another of her books with Charlotte.  It gives a new meaning to cleaning up houses and taking care of a family.
--Susan T.

The Strawberry Letter by Shirley Strawberry
This is a good read for women to see that they aren't the only sistah who has a relationship problem.  The stories felt real, and the advice to become more self-aware was and is rewarding.
--Tia M.

Novel Destinations:  Suggestions from the Light Street Branch

Posted on July 23, 2011

   

The Cheapskate Next Door by Jeff Yeager

From the useful to simply wacky, this book is chock full of tips to unleash your inner miser.
--Owen J.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

A young child’s heavenly experience during surgery as told by his dad. A simplistic “real” story. I hope it is true!
--Nancy P.

The Hard Way by Lee Child

Another terrific novel featuring retired MP, Major Jack Reacher, this time in Hope and Despair, Colorado. For fans of violence and retribution.
--Steve P.

A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton

Meredith Gentry is not your average Faerie Princess. In this touching story, Meredith has spent the last three years hiding from family who wishes to kill her because she is not pure blood. However, fate takes a twist that not even Meredith sees coming, and she is forced to return home.
--Lavonia R.

Bel-Air Dead by Stuart Woods

It's Stuart Woods. What else do I have to say?
--Chris L.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson

A delightful adventure of a sheltered and naive woman in the life of society and glamour. It is a little bit humorous and a little bit naughty.
--Nancy P.

Enjoy!

Novel Destinations:  Apologize, Apologize; A Reliable Wife; and A Week in Winter

By Catherine K., Light Street Branch -- Posted on July 23, 2011

   

Apologize, Apologize by Elizabeth Kelly

Though not Irish, I've always enjoyed novels about them. This one is great! Not taking place in Ireland but in New England, it tells the story of a Celtic family, quite dysfunctional, with lots of laughs and many surprises throughout.

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

I found the novel disappointing in the nature of the three major characters. All were people I wouldn’t care to know), yet I continued to read it to the end. Just wanted to see how each fared at its conclusion.

A Week in Winter by Marcia Willett

A great story by an author new to me. First novel of hers to be published in the United States. Certainly hope many more will follow.

Novel Destinations: In Plain Sight and Tattoos & Tequila

By Jack S., Light Street Branch -- Posted on July 23, 2011

 

In Plain Sight by C.J. Box

Very good story! Fast moving, lots of things to keep your interest. It's about a game warden trying to keep his family safe from a man who blames him for his brother’s death – and two brothers fighting for their presumed dead mother’s range! Two stories in one!

Tattoos & Tequila by Vince Neil

Vince Neil......Motley Crue.....Nothing else needs to be said!

 

Novel Destinations: The Saffron Kitchen & Willem's Field

By Anja C., Light Street Branch -- Posted on July 23, 2011

 

The Saffron Kitchen by Yasmin Crowther

This novel is colorful and exciting, while never light or easy. The story reflects deep and complex emotions of a woman whose parents are from different cultures and whose mother leaves in order to be closer to her and herself.  Beautifully written against the background of Iranian landscapes and kitchens.

Willem's Field by Melinda Haynes

Melinda Haynes has written 3 books so far, and I thought it couldn’t get better than Mother of Pearl, her first novel. Willem’s Field is her best. If you like a really good, really honest, really hysterical story from the South, read this one. You’ll fall in love with Mississippi, its people and Melinda Haynes’ painfully beautiful portrait of life.

Novel Destinations: The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

For those of you not familiar with Mr. Riordan's work, he is one of the great teen fantasy writers, next to J.K. Rowling, selling out books everywhere. This is the sequel to the truly delightful Red Pyramid. The stars are Sadie and Carter Kane, two teens with the blood of Egyptian pharaohs and wielders of Egyptian magic. After the events in the latter book, our heroes find themselves in trouble. They'll have to out magic evil Egyptian gods, sorcerers, and deadly traps to save the world from a rising evil. A great book for those curious about Egyptian mythology and for fantasy lovers as well.

Novel Destinations: More Suggestions from Walbrook

Babylon Sisters by Pearl Cleage
It has many twists and turns. The ending will blow you away!!!

-Abigail C

More Church Folk by Michelle Andrea Brown

If you read Church Folk and Second Sunday you must read this book! Catch up with your favorite characters and see how God works it out. If you haven't read those - catch up with us!

-Joyce B

Brothers & Wives by Cydney Rax

Cydney is a terrific writer that holds your attention throughout her books. Brothers & Wives is one of the most dysfunctional family and relationshps I have ever read. A must read. This book has pointed out some realities personally. Can't wait for her next book.

-Karleen B

Bad Blood by John Sandford

Good read, indeed. This is the 3rd novel I read by this author and they keep getting better & better. I really do think when this author becomes better known, he will dethrone James Patterson as the new master of suspense.

-Patrice B

Novel Destinations: Still More Selections from Central

Edward Kennedy: An Intimate Biography by Burton Hersh
Very thorough and well written presentation in graphic detail of the life of a most impressive Senator and his Congressional activity among other events, who had to compete with two older prominent brothers and hold the family together and the legacy after their death....an enjoyable and informative read.
--Rosemary

Mr. Paradise by Elmore Leonard
Always a pleasure to read Elmore Leonard. The dialogue is very realistic and applies to any area of the states. He isn't overly descriptive of surroundings or people. Not flowery. Characterization is the best!
--JCM

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline
Great book! Slow start but full of suspense. Happy ending.
--Joi

Love, Honor, and Betray by Kimberla Lawson Roby
The infamous Reverend Curtis Black is back along with tales and twists of his "dysfunctional" family. Although his wife tries her best to deal with his illegitimate child her spiteful and resentfulness shows through very clearly. This in turn leads Mrs. Black to result in some unscrupulous behavior (mirroring of her husband's past). Great read!! Enjoy!

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Sometimes hard to put down! Although the plot seemed contrived, the story had a strong pull. It was interesting, too, to see glimpses of everyday life in the early to mid-19th century, such as he need to hold candles for others as they walked up and down stairs. It was interesting, too, to think about the way this book was originally published (serially), and how Dickens' writing might have been perceived by a reader of that time based on the popular reading of the day. Basically, it was fun to read.
--Kim

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James (audiobook)
Stina Nielsen (narrator) captures the nuances of the time period. She creates a voice for each character; the pace is appropriate. If you enjoy reading Austen novels, this is one not to miss.
--Michele

Snow Angels by James Thompson
An excellent addition to the Scandinavian noir genre, the main character is a likeable small-town cop working 100 miles inside the Arctic Circle. This time, instead of dealing with the usual cops and drunks, Inspector Vaara has to handle a messy hate crime. Writing is fast paced, very reminiscent to Steve Hamilton.
--Joyce W.

Novel Destinations: Suggestions from the Southeast Anchor Library

Posted on July 20, 2011



There's a whole lotta reading going on this summer, and here are some of the books our customers are reading and recommending:

The amazing adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
OMG, I need a dictionary to get through every chapter! Totally worth it, though.  (Except that one chapter, Radio Man. Could've been fine without that part.)  I had no idea how much I really enjoyed comic books (even fictional ones) until I was an adult.
--Jobi Z.

A decadent way to die by G.A. McKevett
So far, the best in the series.  Even though they are all very good.
--Marian E.

Lost and fondue by Avery Aames
Second in the Cheese Shop series, this is an engaging read.  The characters are interesting, and you learn a lot about cheese.  Highly recommended!
--Linda K.

The runner's field manual: a tactical (and practical) survival guide by Mark Remy
This book is absolutely hilarious for anybody who wants to run or already is a runner.  Remy brings humor and knowledge to the sport of running like no other!
--Bronwyn B.

Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer
A good edgy mystery which, at times, is too hard to put down.  It had my heart racing and intrigued at the same time, especially having the name Susan. It gives good insight on how to investigate a serial killer and what motivates the killer.  This book is not good for the weak heart patients but definitely a good thriller.
--Susan T.

Novel Destinations: The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

By Owen J., Light Street Branch -- Posted on July 20, 2011



The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Awesome book, full of adventure.  Leaves you wanting more!

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
An amazing sequel to The Hunger Games.  I can't wait to read the conclusion of this trilogy.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
A satisfying ending to a great trilogy.

Novel Destinations: More Reading Suggestions from Roland Park

Posted July 20, 2011

Join your friends, family and neighbors as they read, submit reviews and improve their odds at winning the raffle.  Below are some more books and reviews we have received.  Enjoy!

   

A Prairie Home Companion pretty good joke book by Jeff Alexander

It's always smart to have some stupid jokes up your sleeve.
--Vanessa G.

The thousand autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell

Jacob de Zoet is a young Dutch clerk seeking his fortune by working five years for the Dutch East Indies company--his post is Nagasaki harob.  He falls in love with a culture totally alien from his own.
--Helen M.

A woman in Jerusalem by Abraham B. Yehoshua

While I have somewhat mixed feelings about this book, I still think it was a worthwhile read.  Yehoshua draws us in to the life of a sad and lost soul--a man who has forgotten what life is for-- and shows how his encounter with a dead woman revives him.  The story is moving, even if certain passages misfire.
--Christopher R.

The pilot's wife by Anita Shreve
Very, very good read.  Reminds me of novels from years gone by.  Great story.  Great character study.
--Shae L.W.

The unlikely spy by Daniel Silva

Excellent reading.  Fast paced and intriguing.
--Sandra A.

The squire's tale by Margaret Frazer
The author's style is interesting.  Lots of "Olde English" in the dialog to match the medieval setting.  Murders, mayhem, and unrequited love make for an intriguing tale.  I'm going to look for others of Ms. Frazer's Dame Frevisse novels.
--Whitney J.

Novel Destinations:  Recommendations from Walbrook Branch

Posted July 14, 2011

Midnight and the Meaning of Love by Sister Souljah
Excellent! Don't let the thick volume scare you away - every page is well worth the read. Sister Souljah is definitely an awesome writer. This is the second book. Do yourself a favor - Read both, for an unforgettable story.

-Patrice B

Abundant Rain by Vanessa Miller

The book was about friends trying to help other friends get saved. A must read! It was about healing and finding inner peace.

-Angelita W

Daddy by Default by Pat Tucker

Different kind of book but I loved it because it tells the story of men who would take care of their kids if they knew and how some women can keep the myth of men not taking care of their kids real. It's real, relevant and insightful.

-Joyce B

Tough Customer by Sandra Brown

It is good reading. It has every element I look for in a book: murder, mystery, and romance.

- Abigail C

Novel Destinations: Reading Suggestions from Roland Park

Posted on July 13, 2011

Readers from Roland Park are pleased to share some of their summer reading recommendations.  We hope everyone enjoys them as much as we did!

Rita B.  recommends Rawhide Down:  The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan by Del Quentin Wilbur.  She says, "Excellent!  A thrilling read even though I knew how it would end."  

Martha E. recommends To Ruin a Queen:  An Ursula Blanchard Mystery at Queen Elizabeth's Court by Fiona Buckley.  She says, "Ursula Blanchard, former courtier and new wife of Matthew de la Roche, leaves her French home to search for her missing daughter, Meg, in England and becomes ensnared by Queen Elizabeth I to uncover a plot threatening Elizabeth's reign as queen.  Fiona Buckley writes with clarity and suspense, explaining the Elizabethan era."

 Jackie R. enjoyed State of Wonder by Ann Patchett.  She writes, "Patchett returns to the jungles of South America but this is a very different book from her popular Bel Canto.  Full of miracles and danger, we follow a team of scientists and their compelling and determined leader who is protectging what she believes to be a panacea for all the world's ills.  The book is fascinating, though I found the ending a bit abrupt."

Novel Destinations:  Chelsea, Chelsea, Bang, Bang by Chelsea Handler

Reviewed by Ginnice Williams, Waverly Branch -- Posted on July 13, 2011

If you need a good laugh, this is the book for that.  I couldn't put it down, every chapter was hilarious.  Great book.

Novel Destinations:  More Selections from Central

Posted on July 13, 2011

The Art of a Beautiful Game by Chris Ballard
An informative must read for any NBA fan. Ballard goes in depth to provide insight on several different aspects of the NBA, including off-season training, rebounding and free throw shooting. 
--Joshua

Finding Alice by Melody Carlson
Interesting book that would be a good read for anyone that lives in a city that has a large homeless population. A reminder that not everyone on the streets is an addict or criminal but may in fact be suffering from a mental illness.
--Keely

The Dive From Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer
I'd give this book 3 out of 5 stars. Similar to a Jodi Piccoult novel in that it questions your ideologies and ethics, it never pushes the boundaries or makes you fiercely side with a character. Definitely worth a read but forgettable within a month.
--Keely

No One In The World by E Lynn Harris and RM Johnson
This book was released after Harris' death and it's truly a page turner! I read and finished this book in two days. I was engrossed in all of the characters and was commenting to myself as I read, "oh no," "no," and "what!" I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what happened to everyone. The basis of the book centers on twin brothers who have found each other, stipulations of an inheritence and other twists and turns. This would be a great sequel and I hope based on the acknowledgments at the end of the book, there is more to come.
--Lori

Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain
This was a unique insider's look at the daily happenings in the restaurant world. Before he was a celebrity chef, Bourdain discusses his misfit journey through countless restaurants, anecdotes from inside the kitchen and tips to make your experience at a restaurant better.
--Joshua

The One Kingdom by Sean Russell
This is a magical book, a few levels above Harry Potter in both reading level and material. Join Tam and his friends Fynnol and Baore as they travel on an innocent adventure that soon becomes more of a war that will go down into the stories of history. If you're looking for a new fantasy story after finishing Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, the Swan War Trilogy is something you should look into.
--Casey

Cruel Stars of the Night by Kjell Eriksson
A sequel to The Princess of Burundi, this book is a classic Scandinavian noir murder mystery. While it was pretty easy to figure out who the killer was, it was fun trying to figure out why the murders were happening.
--Joyce W.

Novel Destinations:  Bloody Crimes by James Swanson

Reviewed by Brian DeLuca, Waverly Staff -- Posted on July 11, 2011

Swanson, the author of Manhunt: the 12 day chase for Lincoln Killer, looks at the end of the Civil War, the hunt for Jefferson Davis, and Lincoln's funeral pageant.  The book starts out strong with the fall of Richmond, and President Lincoln travels with the Army to tour the fallen enemy capital.  There he travels the city alone and is celebrated and revered by the freed slaves he encounters.  Meanwhile, Davis, the Confederate government and treasury begin a long, slow journey by train, fleeing south.  Swanson does an incredible job of capturing the confused and tumultuous weeks following the fall of Richmond and Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.  Usually any narrative of the Civil War ends with Lee's surrender, but in reality, the war entered an odd quasi-finale with the Confederate government on the run and armies still in the field.  Swanson then follows the assassination of Lincoln and the massive preparations for the death pageant that followed.  The sheer logistics of the undertaking, completed in record time, are staggering.  The last part of the book is the weakest, seemingly more sympathetic to Davis and the Confederate cause than is warranted.

Novel Destinations:  When We Were Grown Ups by Anne Tyler

By Kat Freeman, Waverly Branch -- Posted on July 11, 2011

A beautiful story about the lives people regret they didn't live and the joy that catches you, no matter which fork in the road you take.  Family picnics, grandchildren, nicknames, love, and relationships tie Rebecca's story together and make the reader identify with her emotionally tumultuous life.

Novel Destinations: Frost on My Mustache

by Brian Deluca, Waverly staff -- Posted on July 9, 2011

Vomit- Verb, to disgorge see also: Spew, Ruminate, sick, chunder, hurl, throw up.

There's a lot of ways to say the same thing , and if you are constantly seasick, travel author Tim Moore has even more ways to experience it! In keeping with the travel theme of the summer reading program, I decided to reach deep into the catalog for a title by one of my favorite -- albeit, not well known in the states -- writers. What do you get if you mix Bill Bryson with the cast of Monty Python and left the resulting issue to be raised by Terry Pratchett? You would probably get a Tim Moore. Moore is the slacker voice of my generation. Just as in his books French Revolutions and Travels with my Donkey, Moore's travels and travails are loosely based around a theme. In this case, it's a Victorian travelogue written by one time Viceroy of Canada and India, Lord Duffferin. Dufferin's travels to Iceland and parts of Norway produced a minor literary sensation in their day. Taking his cue from Dufferin, Moore atempts to follow the same trail, but runs afoul of over the counter medication, Viking re-enactors, his own putzy-ness, and a Scandinavian sense of humor that finds the punchline to the one joke Moore knows, confusing. Moore might not be for everyone, but if you want a good entertaining read, have a deliciously juvenile sense of humor, and enjoy reading about locales that are unique if not exotic, then give all of Moore's books at try.

Novel Destinations:  Let's Roll by Lisa Beamer

This book is written by the wife of a man who was injured in the 9/11 attacks. This is a very strong and courageous story of recovery and honor. It is emotional as the author lets you into her and her husband's lives. This will be a book that you will not be able to put down until the last page is read.

 Novel Destinations: Unfamiliar Fishes

by Brian Deluca (Waverly Staff) on June 29, 2011

I really like Sarah Vowell, at least I always had in the past. As another Gen-Xer, her dry sarcastic wit and constant pop culture references appeal to me, as does her encylopedic knowledge of American culture and history. I've seen her in person and found her to be entertaining and self-effacing. I loved "Assasination Vacation." None of this explains what exactly happened with her latest work. Dull and uninspired, forced humor, and lacking in her characteristic in-sight, this book was not what I expected. Imagine a favorite friend inviting you over for dinner and a night of fun, only to find out that the fun is a two-hour slide show of their trip to Hawaii that includes only slides they purchased and is complete with narration provided by every free brochure they could grab. This book lacks the personal Sarah Vowell touch, and is pretty much a straight-forward chronological narative of the arrival of the first missionaries to the Islands, whereupon the Hawaiian royal family rolled over to have it's tummy rubbed and forgot to ever roll back over. It is a tale of politcal and cultural imperialism, but frankly, a very dull tale of imperialism. Skip this one.

 Novel Destinations: Mountains Beyond Mountains

by Amanda Ellison on June 25, 2011

Awesome book for those interested in healthcare and helping those in situations less fortunate than one's own. Makes you want to jump up and get your hands dirty. And not to be one of them, Comma! (you'll get it when you read it)

 Novel Destinations: Citizens of London

by Brian Deluca (Waverly Staff) on June 23, 2011

This book looks at the Americans who were in London, especially during the Blitz, long before the US joined the war against the Axis. The three main foci of this work are Edward R. Murrow, legendary newsman, John Winant, progressive New Dealer and the man who replaced Joseph Kennedy at the Court of St. James. Lastly, Averell Harriman, Lend-Lease Coordinator and bon vivant. All three of these men, for very different reasons, stood by Britain in it's darkest hour and did their best to get FDR to enter the war and save the UK and the world before it was too late. They became heroes and friends to the British people and government. The narrative reaches it's high point with the US entry into the war and the beginnings of the American build-up in Britain. Olson evens covers some oft ignored subjects by tackling the reaction of the British to the backwardly segregated US military and maltreatment of black US servicemen. Just as Britain loses it's position in the Grand Alliance as America's strength grows, so too does the story peter out until the immediate end of the war and the beginnings of the Cold War. An epilogue provides insight into what becomes of the major figures, with Winant's ending being the saddest.

 Novel Destinations: City of Glass

by William Robinson  (Staff) on June 6, 2011

First I will have to admit I listened to this book on audio and with that said this book is very thrilling. The audio really brings the author's words to life. This is the first in a teen series called Mortal Instruments. Fans of the popular Twilight series will feel at home with the whole teen vampire, werewolf, and demon elements in this fantasy. But for newcomers to the teen dark fantasy genre, this book is almost movie-like. The action never ceases and the characters are very likeable. Especially main characters Clary and Jace. This an excellent book for the young and old. This is a must read for fans of Twilight, The Hunger Games, and Maximum Ride.

Novel Destinations: Selections from the Central Library

Prada Plan 2 by Ashley Antoinette
Gritty, grimy tale of hatred, revenge and jealousy, sins and mental delusion of the mother, perpetuated on the twisted, obsessed, rejected, abused, sinister daughter. Adrenalin-filled, fabulously written--couldn't put it down! Superb example of contemporary urban literature! Anxiously anticipating more.
--Joyce

       
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Book I could not put down, because of its sadness, yet motivating. It made me realize how powerful knowledge is. One woman's cells were used without her or her family's permission, which is happening today in the name of research and they have that right. We must communicate with our physicians, etc., and I would love to meet the author.
--Carolyn
 

A Singular Woman by Janny Scott
Fabulous! This portrait exposes Obama's mother and the environment in which she lived and worked. A wonderful story about the context in which she lived as a single woman abroad and where men dominated. Unfortunately she cared more for others than her own health care and no one was the wiser. A genealogy chart would have been helpful.
--Rosemary
 

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
A tragic story, but the most beautiful prose I've read in a long time.
--Anne
 

In the Drift by Michael Swanwick
Be warned--it's a bit graphic & depressing but a very interesting story of post-Three Mile Island meltdown--who knew radiation could give one psychic powers.
--Jane

The Small Bachelor by P. G. Wodehouse
A fun romp through a whirlwind romance and the ensuing "Wodehousian" hijinks. Always a pleasure!
--Jennie

The Practical Nomad by Edward Hasbrouck
The book confirmed a lot of my long held notions about travel; it's better to go uninformed, it's good to have items to sell, i.e., jeans. Disney watches, CDs, and that a little culture shock is a good thing. Also you need shots coming back into the U.S. as well as going.
--Sherillynn