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Fiction A to Z December 2018
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| A Ladder to the Sky by John BoyneStarring: ruthless, manipulative Maurice Swift, who furthers his own literary career at the considerable expense of others.
Read it for: a fast-paced story, an insider's dark view of the publishing world, completely unsavory characters, and layers upon layers of plotting.
For fans of: the classic film All About Eve or Patricia Highsmith's popular novel The Talented Mr. Ripley. |
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The travelling cat chronicles
by Hiro Arikawa
What it's about: An internationally best-selling ode to kindness, sacrifice and the power of small things traces the experiences of adventurous Nana the cat and his owner, Satoru, as they embark on a road trip across Japan to visit three old friends.
What reviewers say: "This touching novel of a brave cat and his gentle, wise human will resonate with lovers of animal tales, quiet stories of friendship, and travelogues alike." (Publishers Weekly)
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| My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan BraithwaiteStarring: hardworking, practical Korede, and her beautiful sister Ayoola, who seems to have made a habit of killing her boyfriends.
What it's about: Korede is the one who ends up having to dispose of the bodies and keep her sister out of jail. But when the handsome doctor who Korede has fallen in love with notices Ayoola and asks for her number, Korede faces a dilemma.
Why you might like it: This darkly funny debut captures complex family relationships and the crowded streets of Lagos, Nigeria, with equal skill. |
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| One Day in December by Josie SilverWhat it's about: A fleeting encounter at a London bus stop has Laurie pining for a stranger -- who, a year later, shows up on the arm of her best friend.
What happens next: It's a case of terrible timing, and for ten years, Laurie and Jack repress their feelings for each other. While there's eventually a happy ending, the journey there is far from smooth.
For fans of: Love Actually, When Harry Met Sally, and other charming romantic comedies. |
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Hark! the herald angels scream
by Christopher Golden
What it is: Featuring contributions from such acclaimed horror authors as Scott Smith, Seanan McGuire, Sarah Pinborough and Michael Koryta, this collection of all-new short fiction explores the dark and terrifying side of the Yuletide season.
What reviewers say: "...this lineup proves that the Christmas season can have plenty of thrills and chills." (Publishers Weekly)
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Elevation
by Stephen King
What it's about: A timely tale about the power of finding common ground traces the story of Scott Carey, whose mysterious affliction unites the small community of Castle Rock, Maine.
What reviewers say: "Divisive times call for unifying tales. Written in masterly King’s signature translucent style and set in one of his trademark locales, this uncharacteristically glimmering fairy tale calls unabashedly for us to rise above our differences." (Booklist)
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| Family Trust by Kathy WangFeaturing: terminally ill patriarch Stanley Huang, and his prospective heirs, who wonder how much he's really worth while considering their own failures and successes as second-generation Taiwanese Americans.
What it's about: While debut author Kathy Wang pokes fun at Silicon Valley culture, this is a novel about family relationships, aging, and class privilege.
Is it for you? Fans of Cynthia D'aprix Sweeney's The Nest will find much to appreciate. |
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Focus on: Unreliable Narrators
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| Three Things About Elsie by Joanna CannonStarring: 84-year-old Florence Claybourne, who, after a fall, awaits rescue at the Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly.
What happens: While she waits, Florence reflects on the passage of time, on her longtime friend Elsie and the secret they share, and on a man Florence thought was dead -- the murderer of Elsie's sister -- who seems to have joined Cherry Tree. But how is that possible?
Read it for: stubborn Florence, a fair bit of suspense, and the friendships that develop between residents at the home. |
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| The Headmaster's Wife by Thomas Christopher GreeneHow it begins: After respected headmaster Arthur Winthrop is found wandering Manhattan's Central Park -- naked -- he explains how he got there...and then confesses that he's murdered one of his students.
What happens: Well, that's complicated, and we can't say much without giving it all away. Just know that what starts out as seemingly the story of a mid-life crisis soon turns much, much more complicated.
Reviewers say: "one of the most convincingly drawn unreliable narrators that readers may ever meet" (Library Journal). |
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| Nutshell by Ian McEwanIn a nutshell (sorry, couldn't resist!): Imagine a crime of passion based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, narrated by a fetus. Yup, you read that right -- Whitbread Award-winning Ian McEwan has written an interpretation of the classic tragedy with a wholly unique narrator.
Disaster looms: How can an unborn baby prevent the murder of his father at the hands of his mother and uncle?
Read it for: the moments of wit (our narrator has paid attention as his mother listens to her educational podcasts). |
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| The Reason You're Alive by Matthew QuickStarring: Vietnam veteran David Granger, who believes his brain tumor was caused by Agent Orange, no matter what the doctors say.
What happens: A widower with an estranged son, cranky and suspicious David relates the story of his life, and attempts to right a long-ago wrong.
Is it for you? David's indelicate opinions and strong language won't be for everyone, but this cantankerous old man's honesty and introspection is unforgettable. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Winfield, IL 60190
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