Book Bash Choices: April '08
Fiction
BIRDS IN FALL by Brad Kessler, pb $14
Within 10 pages you know that a plane crash off the coast of Nova Scotia left only grieving relatives who gather at a B&B there to wait and mourn. What you don't realize is that they will form a unique community of loss, love, and even gradual recovery, all graced by lyrical writing using metaphors of migrating birds. Uplifting, in the best sense!—Bonnie
THE DOUBLE BIND by Chris Bohjalian, pb $15
Here's an extraordinary novel that travels between the Roaring Twenties and Jay Gatsby and the 21st century and homeless shelters of Vermont. You’ll be mesmerized by this tale.—Sandra
LOVING FRANK by Nancy Horan, pb $14
The stories found in current tabloids have nothing on this fictional story of the true facts of the clandestine affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and his one-time client, Mamah Cheney. This is a love story, but a love story that broke rules that would create a stir today.—Sandra
QUEEN OF THE TAMBOURINE by Jane Gardam, pb $14.95
Middle aged Eliza Peabody, married and living in a posh area in London, has no children but plenty of imagination. She becomes obsessed with her next door neighbor and slowly loses her grip on reality, as revealed in hilarious letters written to the neighbor. Whitbread Prize winner.—Nancy
OLD FILTH by Jane Gardam, pb $14.95
You can tell I like Jane Gardam. This mordantly funny novel examines the life of Sir Edward Feathers, an 80-year-old barrister known to colleagues and friends as Old Filth (the nickname stands for "Failed in London Try Hong Kong"). Contrary to appearances, Sir Edward's life is seething with incident, and the beautiful telling of his life chronicles 20th century British history. Orange Prize finalist.—Nancy
THE QUIET AMERICAN by Graham Greene, pb $14
A cynical ex-pat British journalist finds himself drawn into the blundering machinations of an idealistic young American in this brilliant novel set in 1950’s Vietnam. An ageless novel with prophetic insight into the future Vietnamese conflict and today’s Middle East.—Sarah
OUT STEALING HORSES by Per Petterson, pb $14
A quiet but compelling story of a widower who lives in remote eastern Norway, seeking the life of contemplation that he has always longed for. A chance encounter with a neighbor causes him to ruminate on the summer of 1948, the last he spent with his adored father. Petterson’s spare and deliberate prose has astonishing force The New Yorker. IMPAC Dublin Prize.—Nancy
SONG YET SUNG by James McBride, pb $15
The author of THE COLOR OF WATER successfully turns to fiction in this heart-wrenching and compelling story of slaves seeking freedom on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1850. McBride recounts the horrors of slavery in this page-turner, but includes the power of hope and redemption.—Nancy
THE STOLEN CHILD by Keith Donohue, pb $13.95
This is an unusual, unexpected and continually surprising story based on the Irish legend of fairy-like beings who change places with children. Full of ideas for thought-provoking discussion on childhood, fears and the nature of loss.—Sarah
WHEN MADELINE WAS YOUNG by Jane Hamilton, pb $13.95
This is a story of family, love and loyalty, told through the words of Mac, a boy/man who grew up with Madeline. The characters are complex and compelling and will lead you to question what true happiness is.—Sandra
Non-Fiction
DEEP ECONOMY by Bill McKibben, pb $14
If economies for centuries have worked on the principle that "more is better", what do you do when that isn't true anymore? Bill McKibben explores what "better" truly means today (does "better" equal "happier"), and if economies can make the needed changes. DEEP ECONOMY will move, enlighten, frighten, and inspire you.—Rosemary
UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN by Jon Krakauer, pb $14.95
This history will help you understand today’s headlines by exploring how two Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints leaders could not only practice polygamy but also order the execution of a woman and child. Thoroughly documented and indexed, this non-fiction title offers a chilling insight into a zealot-driven religion.—Bonnie
THE WILD BRAID by Stanley Kunitz, pb $17.95
This National Poetry Award winner died at 101, but not before he collaborated on this enchanting and profound gift of words, a perfect spring selection for book club discussion. Whether in a poem about entwined snakes or in simple reflections on trees and their connections in his memory, Kunitz will delight. Give yourself and others this splendid gift!—Bonnie
Young Adult
THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE by Karen Cushman, pb $5.99
The pioneer life of Gold Rush days California is NOT for Lucy, who ever strives to return to her civilized Massachusetts. But what might happen as she lets down her guard, and unexpected friends, adventures, and sorrows come her way? Wonderful, realistic historical fiction for ages 10 and up.—Rosemary
NOTES FROM THE MIDNIGHT DRIVER by Jordan Sonnenblick, pb $6.99
An unwise driving incident hands sophomore Alex a stint of community service at a senior center. With humor and pathos, Alex finds himself maturing and finding his musical self. For ages 13 and up.—Rosemary
SLEEPING FRESHMEN NEVER LIE by David Lubar, pb $7.99
The ultimate embarrassment for freshman Scott is to have his parents expecting a baby! He chronicles his frantic year of classes, love, and student government for his unborn sibling, his 'gift' of a guide to surviving high school. For ages 13 and up.—Rosemary
