Upon reading The Beauty of Dusk, some might say that Frank Bruni is a “glass half full” kind of guy. I’d say that Frank’s glass is overflowing. After reading about the past four year’s of Frank’s life, I am convinced that we can get better (evolve) with age (i.e. RBG, Joe Biden, Marge Feder) and that our limitations can present new opportunities. The Beauty of Dusk - personal, compassionate and full of empathy - is a must read for anyone dealing with life’s limitations. . . and aren’t we all.
-Bill
Just when you thought there was nothing more to learn about the Kennedys Neal Thompson gives JFK's great-grandmother, Bridget, her due. In The First Kennedys, Thompson paints a vivid portrait of Bridget and life as an Irish Catholic immigrant in mid-1800's Boston. In addition to exploring the roots of the Kennedy family, we are also witness to the broader immigrant struggle of this period - a struggle we are reminded of as we "welcome" new immigrants today. For Kennedy fans of course ... but also perfect for the armchair genealogist in all of us.
-Bill
We love our children but for Devon, it goes beyond love. We love our books but for Cai, it goes beyond books. How far will a mother go to protect a son that is hungering for more than books. Sunyi Dean’s work of fantasy is frighteningly real. Think Hannibal Lecter, grab “a nice dry Chianti,” sit back, and get ready to devour this debut masterpiece.
-Bill
I first discovered and fell in love with Susan Orlean's writing when I read The Orchid Thief and most recently The Library Book. With On Animals, her collection of essays on everything from chickens to tigers, she has written a "love story" embracing nature and the animals with whom we share the planet . Her personal observations reveal just how integral they are to our daily lives ... everything from mealtime to companionship. On Animals is Susan's perfect gift to animal lovers everywhere!
-Bill
This debut English-language novel is beautifully unsettling. I loved being immediately transported to Japan and immersed in a culture that is worlds apart from my own. The story takes place in a remote private garden where we are introduced to three survivors: Yui, a 30 year old radio talk show host who has lost her mother and daughter; Takeshi, a physician who has lost his wife: and his daughter Hanna who hasn't spoken since. For me "the phone booth ..." is a zen-like meditation on how one deals with loss and grief.
Can visiting a garden and speaking to the dead on a disconnected phone in an old time phone booth be the way forward? You won't know unless you try it! The perfect book for our imperfect time.- BILL
I love this medieval tale that is populated with goblins, giants, sea monsters, a princess/queen and a blind cat named Bully-Boy. The Blacktongue Thief is a bawdy, rollicking, hilarious, irreverent road trip. Against a backdrop of war and plagues, Chris Buehlman has created a magic-filled adventure that is the perfect antidote for our times.
- BILL
Damnation Spring is quite simply the story of life in all of its maddening complexities ... seen through the eyes of Colleen and Rich Gundersen and their son Chub. In this beautifully crafted story, Davidson addresses the timely question of how we balance the health of our planet with the daily struggles of the working man and woman. I can't wait to share the Gundersens and their "timber country" community with all of our customers. Damnation Spring is sure to be at the top of every book club's list!
- BILL
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It can be hard to speak up when you are in the minority. It can be hard to take a stand when you stand alone. In The Assignment by Liza Wiemer we follow two high school seniors, Logan and Cade, as they speak up and stand up for their beliefs. Based on an actual event that took place in Oswego, NY. I was cheering for Logan and Cade until the very last page. You will too!
- BILL
If you loved A Good American then The Paris Hours by Alex George is a must read. So grab a bottle of your best French red (An inexpensive bottle usually works for me!) sit back and chart the intersection of the lives of these painters, writers, musicians, art dealers and immigrants as they lived life in early 1900’s Paris. Appearances by Marcel Proust, Josephine Baker, Gertrude Stein and others add to this unforgettable story of love and loss.
- Bill
Before reading this gem of a book by Jessica Anthony, I doubt I had ever even considered the aardvark. Today it stands proudly alongside the dog and the pig in contemporary literary prominence. And this aardvark has many more lives than any cat I’ve ever known. From Victorian England to present-day Washington, DC, you are going to be on the edge of your seat with every twist and turn of this totally original tale. AA rated!
- Bill
American Dirt is an important book! It is impossible to not feel empathy for Lydia and Luca ... all migrants and refugees. American Dirt does for U.S. immigration what The Kite Runner did for the atrocities in Afghanistan. I have been telling everyone about it. Thank you Jeanine Cummins!
- Bill
Sarah Blake has delivered a seriously big novel! The Guest Book is this year’s “must read” for everyone. I was reminded of Jeffrey Eugenides’ Middlesex. Buy it! Read it! You’ll love it! But whatever you do .... do not sign the guest book!
- Bill
