Her Fearful Symmetry Audrey Niffenegger  12.14.2009

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger tells of indentical 'mirrored' twins Julia and Valentina Poole who, after receiving news that their aunt has died and left everything to them, move to an amazing flat and a new life in London. Laurie thought it was a bewitching modern-Gothic tale.

The Spare Room Helen Garner  12.07.2009

Spare prose in The Spare Room by Helen Garner is spot on with the difficult subject of caring for a friend in the late stages of illness. Far from being depressing, Marina found the book filled with humour and insight.

Half Broke Horses Jeannette Walls  11.30.2009

Half Broke Horses, a biography in novel form, tells the amazing story of Jeannette Walls' strong willed and fearless grandmother and her adventure-filled life. Faye enjoyed this book as much as Walls' autobiography, The Glass Castle.

The Bog Child Siobhan Dowd  11.23.2009

Rachel thought The Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd, the story of a young man's coming of age in Northern Ireland during 'The Troubles' in the 1980s, to be very bittersweet.The book made the American Library Association's 2009 Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults.

Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obsure  11.16.2009

Jill says: Got an hour? Read this book.

The Children's Book A.S. Byatt  11.09.2009

Centering around fairytale writer Olive Wellwood and her circle of artists, craftsmen and politicians, The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt brings to life the "Edwardian summer" before the destruction of World War I. Rae Ann found this novel to be a richly imagined, literary and satisfying read.

The Elephant Keeper Christopher Nicholson  10.26.2009

Set in 1776, The Elephant Keeper by Christopher Nicholson tells the tale of an imported Asian elephant and her loyal keeper. Marina found it touching, with the description of the bond between animal and human lasting long after the final page.

Grayson Lynne Cox  10.19.2009

Grayson by Lynne Cox recounts the true story of an unlikely meeting between the author and a baby whale. Penelope found Cox's descriptions of the ocean, its inhabitants, and her efforts to reunite the lost whale with its mother, beautiful. The book renewed Penelope's faith in the human condition.

Woman with Birthmark Hakan Nesser  10.05.2009

Woman with Birthmark by Hakan Nesser is an award-winning Swedish police procedural with what Faye thinks is excellent character and plot development. As a nameless young woman sets out on a course of vengeance, Chief Inspector Van Veeteren works to discover the link between the murder victims. The book was filmed as a mini-series for Swedish TV.

The Glass Castle Jeannette Walls  09.28.2009

In The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls recalls a childhood reduced to poverty and neglect by a father who's a chronically unemployed alcoholic and a mother who's a self-described "excitement addict." Jill found it a disturbing yet fascinating read. How Walls became the responsible adult she is today is nothing short of amazing.

In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez  09.21.2009

Julia Alvarez's book In the Time of Butterflies retells the murder of the Maribal sisters in the Dominican Republic during the Trujillo dictatorship. The sisters whose code name was las Mariposas (or butterflies) founded the Dominican underground and inspired resistance cells throughout the country. Laurie thought the book was terrific.

Hold Love Strong by Matthew Aaron Goodman  09.14.2009

Heidi found Matthew Aaron Goodman's novel Hold Love Strong, haunting and poetic. Told by Abraham Singleton who was born on a bathroom floor to a 13-year-old mother, this coming-of-age tale confronts contemporary issues and is definitely worth reading.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett  09.07.2009

Susan S. listened to the audiobook The Help, Kathryn Stockett's story of maids in the Deep South during the Civil Rights Era. Susan found it captivating and felt as though she were living it herself.

Therapy by Sebastian Fitzek  08.31.2009

Faye warns: Don't pick up Therapy by Sebastian Fitzek unless you have some time on your hands because you won't be able to stop reading. This German psychological thriller was a bestseller in Europe and tells of an eminent psychiatrist who has a mental breakdown after his daughter disappears. The question is: What precipitated this emotional collapse?

Alexandra  08.24.2009

Penelope says: Alexandra is one of the most powerful movies I have ever seen. While the action is restrained, the images of Russian soldiers in Chechnya speak volumes and reminded me of a long-ago tale. I found it profoundly moving. Available on DVD.

The Woman Who Walked Into Doors by Roddy Doyle  08.17.2009

Jill recommends The Woman Who Walked Into Doors by Irish writer Roddy Doyle. It's the story of Paula Spencer's struggle with alcohol and domestic violence told in her own voice--a voice that is both real and unforgettable. Not an easy read but easily one of Doyle's best.

Testimony by Anita Shreve  08.10.2009

Susan M. thinks Anita Shreve writes eloquently of contemporary situations. In Testimony the subject is teenage drinking and the life-shattering consequences of one night of drunken debauchery. The resulting scandal and tragedy involving the students, their families and their school is well worth reading.

In the Kitchen by Monica Ali  08.03.2009

Rae Ann found a lot to like about In the Kitchen by Monica Ali. It tells the story of English executive chef Gabriel Lightfoot who finds his integrity and his sanity under constant challenge from the demands of his multinational staff, hotel management, new business partners and family as his life slowly spirals out of control. Rae Ann thought it a compelling read.

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout  07.27.2009

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout is a series of thirteen stories all set in a small town in Maine and all featuring the same character: Olive Kitteridge. Faye says that Strout, like Alice Munro and Carol Shields, has the ability to make ordinary people and events seem extraordinary. She highly recommends this book.

The Last Dickens by Matthew Pearl  07.20.2009

Marina just listened to the audiobook The Last Dickens by Matthew Pearl where the race is on to find clues to the ending of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the novel Charles Dickens was writing when he died. Marina liked the mix of history, intrigue and fictional speculation. The book is also available in print format.

Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear  07.13.2009

Penelope has just read Among the Mad, the sixth novel in the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. The horrors inflicted on British servicemen during World War I, the politics of the decision makers and the treatment of depression are all woven together seamlessly. Penelope thought it was the best of the best.

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale  07.06.2009

Jill says: The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale is a real Victorian whodunit. Based on the actual murder of 3-year-old Saville Kent in 1860, Summerscale recreates an excellent and, at times disturbing, historical account of the attitudes and life in a Somerset wool town and the downfall of an otherwise brilliant English detective Jack Whicher.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Neffenegger  06.29.2009

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Neffenegger captured Susan M.'s imagination from the first page. The characters are irresistible, the dialogue witty and the storyline highly original. Clare is married to Henry, an unwilling time traveler who never knows where he might end up or for how long. Their attempts at living a normal life are tender and romantic but doomed.

The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman  06.22.2009

Rae Ann liked The Story Sisters because of its blend of magic/fantasy and everyday life. Author Alice Hoffman explores the effects of death, illness and unexpected new love in this story of three sisters who struggle to grow and thrive in the real world.

A Lucky Child: A Memoir of Surviving Auschwitz by Thomas Buergenthal  06.15.2009

Faye recommends A Lucky Child: a memoir of surviving Auschwitz as a young boy by Thomas Buergenthal. One of a handful of children who came out of Auschwitz alive, Buergenthal (now a judge with the International Court of Justice) writes a simple, moving memoir of his wartime experiences and his lifelong commitment to human rights. A remarkable story!

Dog On It by Spencer Quinn  06.08.2009

Marina says: For a fun mystery, read Dog On It by Spencer Quinn and ride shotgun with Chet the dog and Bernie the hapless PI in an old convertible. Chet, the narrator, is a wise loveable canine, occasionally prone to mischief. Marina hopes there's more to come.

A Carrion Death by Michael Stanley  06.01.2009

Penelope thoroughly enjoyed A Carrion Death by Michael Stanley. This Botswana murder mystery features Detective 'Kubu' Bengu, an articulate, well-liked inspector who is very much a family man and lover of fine food. The clever plot has forensics, local colour and superstitions. A great debut.

Lucky by Alice Sebold  05.25.2009

Jill just finished reading Lucky by Alice Sebold, author of The Lovely Bones. Sebold writes her memoir of being raped as an 18-year-old university student with amazing factual clarity and emotional bravery.

Apologize, Apologize by Elizabeth Kelly  05.11.2009

Susan M. read Apologize, Apologize, the debut novel of Merrickville author Elizabeth Kelly. It's the story of Collie Flanagan, a young man whose crazy family is at once delightful and frustrating, and whose life is altered by a tragic afternoon outing. Susan found it extremely well written and is looking forward to more work by this author.

The Tricking of Freya by Christina Sunley  05.04.2009

Rae Ann just read The Tricking of Freya by Christina Sunley. Filled with snippets of Icelandic history, she found this story of Freya's quest to unravel her own and her mother's tangled past and her realization of her charming Aunt Birdie's true nature to be a nicely written and intriguing read.

Origin by Diana Abu-Jaber  04.27.2009

Laurie just read Origin by Diana Abu-Jaber about Lena Dawson, a fingerprint examiner, whose own bizarre childhood now has an impact on a series of crib deaths taking place in the small city of Syracuse. Laurie felt it was a good example of how intuition still has its place in the precise world of forensics.

Immoveable Feast: A Paris Christmas by John Baxter  04.20.2009

For those of you who love to cook and the rest of us who love to eat, Faye recommends Immoveable Feast: A Paris Christmas by John Baxter. This charming memoir tells the unlikely story of a man who moves to France (unable to speak a word of French) and ends up preparing Christmas dinner for 18 of his new in-laws. Somewhat out of season, but still...

The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill  04.14.2009

Marina just read The Book of Negroes by Canadian author Lawrence Hill. This award-winning book recalls the dark history of slaves through the voice of Aminata, a fiercely strong and intelligent woman. History, fiction and Aminata's personal journey are melded into one great read.

Ms. Hempel Chronicles by Sarah Shun-lien Bynum  04.06.2009

Heidi enjoyed Ms. Hempel Chronicles by Sarah Shun-lien Bynum, a collection of eight interconnected stories about Beatrice Hempel, a Grade 7 English teacher, and her students. Heidi thought it was a delightful romp.

Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker  03.30.2009

Penelope recommends Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker. The French countryside, colourful characters and comfortable feel make this well-crafted mystery, a good read. Penelope's looking forward to the next adventure from this gastronomic gendarme.

Hands of My Father by Myron Uhlberg  03.23.2009

Jill found Myron Uhlberg's memoir Hands of My Father, very touching. The book details Uhlberg's life as the hearing child of deaf parents. It is written with brutal honesty and profound love.

The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indridason  03.16.2009

Faye has discovered a new crime series by award-winning Nordic author Arnaldur Indridason. The Draining Lake is a historical thriller/mystery set in Iceland, featuring Inspector Erlendur Sveinsson. Faye says, "The setting is fascinating, the story well told, and the translation beautifully done."

The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper  03.09.2009

Susan S. has read The Golden Rule, a children's book by Ilene Cooper. It tells the story of a boy and his grandfather who discuss the meaning of treating others as you want to be treated. Less a story and more a discussion starter, Susan thinks teachers, parents and religious leaders will welcome The Golden Rule as a clear introduction to an important subject.

Hannah's Dream by Diane Hammond  03.02.2009

Susan M. says: Diane Hammond has written an incredibly tender novel about Hannah, the only elephant at a second rate zoo, and Sam, her loving and devoted caretaker who dreams of giving her a better life. Based on a true story, Hannah's Dream is sometimes humourous, ofttimes poignant, and grabbed Susan M.'s heart and left her wanting more.

The Runner by Thomas Perry  02.23.2009

What are staff members reading? Rae Ann found Thomas Perry's new book an exciting and enjoyable read. The Runner tells the story of Jane Whitefield, a resourceful Native American guide who leads fugitives out of danger by helping them assume new identities. Rae Ann liked the book's combination of fast action, mysticism and well-realized characters.

Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad by Harurudo Sakuishi  02.16.2009

Sara says: Beck by Harurudo Sakuishi is about a boy named Koyuki who one day meets Ryusuke, a musician with a shady reputation. Together the two start a rock band and name it after Ryusuke's weird-looking dog, Beck. Sara liked this manga's interesting and unusual look at life.

The Likeness by Tana French  02.02.2009

What are staff members reading? By creating a fine balance between the good guys and the bad, the real and the superficial, Tana French has ended up with a nail-biting Irish police procedural novel, The Likeness. Penelope is looking forward to the next installment by this author.

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett  01.26.2009

What are staff members reading? Delightful, as well as delightfully short, The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett follows the Queen on her journey into books and reading--a passion that threatens the execution of her royal duties. Recommended by a patron, Marina says this argument for reading disguised as fiction is one she'd read again.

The Journal of Helene Berr by Helene Berr and David Bellos  01.19.2009

Jill says: The Journal of Helene Berr is to France what The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank was to Holland: a real life story of the Nazi occupation and its tragic results. Only Berr's journal describes her life in and around the streets of Paris, rather than from inside an attic in Amsterdam. An excellent, yet disturbing, history of the time.

The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb  01.12.2009

Rae Ann says: The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb is a thought-provoking, philosophical exploration of what happens to ordinary people when disaster strikes. Caelum Quirk, a teacher and his wife Maureen, a school nurse, have "survived" the shootings at Columbine High School but when Caelum returns to his family farm, he and Maureen uncover more than his past and long buried secrets.

The Pyramid by Kurt Wallander  01.05.2009

Faye says: Although she doesn't read a lot of mysteries, she is a big fan of the Kurt Wallander series by Henning Mankell. The Pyramid and four other Kurt Wallander mysteries serves as a prequel to later novels, tracing Wallander's career from rookie policeman to veteran detective inspector. A great introduction to some internationally acclaimed police procedurals.