FICTION
About the Author by John Colapinto
This brilliant thriller starts out with a simple case of plagiarism, but quickly twists and turns into a spellbinding story of deceit, lust, blackmail and murder. It’s rare to find a new angle in this genre, and I for one am most appreciative.
The Cheese Monkeys: A Novel in Two Semesters by Chip Kidd
A more accurate subtitle might have been “A Novel of Graphic Design”. Chip Kidd designs book covers for a living; this is his first novel. Our protagonist is a newly enrolled freshman at a state university, majoring in art because he hates art and figures that “…if any school would treat the subject with the proper disdain, it would be one that was run by the government.” Besides having a charming, quirky way with words, the author has outdone himself: the book itself is a masterpiece of design.
Columbus Slaughters Braves by Mark Friedman
Very satisfying novel about two brothers, one of whom is a superstar athlete, and the other, the narrator, just a regular guy. Their relationship, their lives, are described in almost embarrassingly, painfully honest, beautifully written prose. This one is staying with me.
Empire Falls by Richard Russo
I loved this book about a small town in Maine and it’s oh-so-interesting inhabitants. Russo brings his characters to life as the book meanders along as it should, taking the reader on a touching and humorous journey to it’s very dramatic finish.
La Cucina: A Novel of Rapture by Lily Prior
I absolutely loved this book! Set in Sicily, it encompasses food, love, the Mafia, sex, romance, and fun, all rolled up into one tantalizing read. Warning: guaranteed to cause severe afterglow in all who read it!
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
Phenomenal book about three men who were childhood friends. One day they were playing in the street when a car stops. They think it is the cops, and when the “cops” take one of the boys it changes their lives forever. He escapes but twenty-five years later they are all wearing the scars of that day. This book reminded me a bit of the way Stephen King tells stories, minus the supernatural stuff. There is enough horror and twists and turns to qualify it as a thriller, but it is the relationships of the characters that is so riveting and memorable. Another Lehane not to be missed: Gone Baby Gone.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
This is a book people feel passionately about; they either love it or hate it, and it seems to fall along lines of gender; women love it, men not so much. I had a lot of baggage along with this book. It has been a huge seller in my store; the author, an intelligent and gracious woman, did a signing last year to the biggest crowd we’ve ever had (over 250 people!) and you could not, for the past two years, work a day in my store without having to straighten a stack of it, refill a display of it, or walk through the store without tripping over this book. It was, for a bookseller, a book to be avoided on principle! But I also had a lot of respect for it.
It grew, not from the publisher spending megabucks or winning the Oprah lottery, but strictly from word of mouth. Originally published in 1997, it finally hit the NY Times bestseller list in December, 2000 where it still lingers six months later. Once read, it is easy to see why. The story is based on Genesis, primarily verse 34, the story of Dinah’s rape. Short story indeed, until Diamant gets a hold of it. Some call it midrash, she calls it a novel, I call it a great read!
Tell No One by Harlan Coben
The definitive page turner; this book had me wired until I finished it. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! A great story that just keeps building and building along with believable, sympathetic characters makes this a winner. Don’t miss it.
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Magnificent book about the King Arthur legends, told from the female point of view. Don’t judge a book by its movie (or mini-series!)
Protect and Defend by Richard North Patterson
Impeccable research and excellent writing make this novel about the political hot potato of late term abortion a riveting read. The only negative is the physical problem with this hardcover book; the spine breaks, causing the book to literally fall apart with more than one reading. I love cloth books (hardcovers) but if you want to keep this one, you’re better off with the paperback.
SERIES
The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
I loved this historical romance/fantasy series that starts out in England in the 1940’s then transports us back a couple of hundred years and miles. The chief complaint I read in the reviews of this long awaited fifth installment was that there was no time travel involved. It didn’t bother me a bit. There were amusing references enough to be in keeping with the basic storyline. FIERY CROSS reminded me most of OUTLANDER, the first book in the series, mostly due to the amount of violence and war involved. It is a fascinating look at what life was like in America’s infancy. Each book in this series is excellent! Read them in order: Outlander; Dragonfly in Amber; Voyager; Drums of Autumn; The Fiery Cross.
Incriminating Evidence by Sheldon Siegel
Special Circumstances (his first novel) was the best new legal thriller to come out in a long time. It was with much anticipation (couldn’t wait for another Mike Daley story!) tempered by slight trepidation (could he do it again?) that I started reading Incriminating Evidence. I am happy to report that my fears were completely unfounded. Sheldon Siegel is a master of his craft. I ripped through this book in a few hours, oblivious to all around me. Murder, betrayal, and kinky sex combined with intelligent humor kept the pages turning. Great characters and believable dialogue take the reader deeper and deeper into ex-priest-turned-lawyer Mike Daley’s world, twisting and turning along the way. There is enough intrigue and courtroom drama to please any fan of the genre. Siegel creates a story that is totally engrossing and enthralling every step of the way! It will hold you spellbound.
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
Fabulous continuation of the wild, comic adventures of bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. My only complaint was that it wasn’t long enough. I want more! This is my favorite series by far. If you haven’t read them, do yourself a favor and start now. One For the Money; Two For the Dough; Three to Get Deadly; Four to Score; High Five; Hot Six
NONFICTION
Fifty Acres and a Poodle: A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself on a Farm by Joanne Marie Laskas
A writer and a Jewish shrink from Pittsburgh decide to take the step of moving in together when they buy a farm. But this book is about much more than just their adjustment to country living and to each other (start humming theme to Green Acres here). I loved the way this book was written, it was like having a conversation with a good friend. I laughed until I cried, and cried until I laughed throughout this very special, very wonderful book.
Postville : A Clash of Culture in Heartland America by Stephen G. Bloom
The small farming community of Postville, Iowa may as well have been invaded by Martians, such was their reaction to a group of Hasidic Jews that moved in. They came to start up an old abandoned slaughterhouse, converting it into the most successful glatt kosher slaughterhouse in the United States. A truly amazing story that raises as many questions as it answers, at least for someone like me who has never ventured much beyond the Northeast, despite living in the pseudo-South. And a great cover, too.
A Trial by Jury by D. Graham Burnett
Robert Frost once said, “A jury consists of twelve people who determine which client has the better lawyer.” This is a fascinating look at our jury system from a brilliant, articulate man who served as Foreman of the jury on a “regular”, non-sensational murder trial. I read a lot of the legal thriller type fiction, so this was an interesting perspective for me. I’ve always wanted to serve on a jury, but after reading this, I have reconsidered, not that it’s my choice! Read this book to see the real jury process and our system of justice in action.
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