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Check out our reviews and recommendations:
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What is it? The notable allure of Barbara’s latest book is her ability to transport the reader to a place, time, and a set of circumstances that the reader is compelled to stay with until the very end. The plot’s surprises and developments create tension and emotional concern for the characters. Key insight: The diversity in how people grieve adds depth and understanding that stays with the reader for a very long time.
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Laura recommends: The Driver: A Novel by Hart Hanson Read it for: The intensely sympathetic portrait of a band of wounded Afghanistan veterans struggling to readjust to civilian life while recovering from harrowing war experiences, as well as for the rapid pace storytelling, which is suspenseful, blunt, and funny. What it’s about: In this debut thriller, former Special Forces sergeant and current limo driver Michael Skellig foils an assassination attempt on his client, Bismark Avila, but in the process a bodyguard is killed and Skellig is suspected in the death. Avila blackmails Skellig into becoming his permanent driver by helping to exonerate him. While working for Avila, Skellig and his “team”—his former Afghan interpreter and two other wounded vets—become embroiled in a violent race to locate some mysterious barrels. Reviewers say: “Readers of Scott Turow and Harlan Coben will appreciate the intricate plot and rich character development. Although there is a fair amount of violence, loyalty and "doing the right thing" are the main themes of this novel” (Library Journal).
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Stacey recommends: Unsheltered: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver What it’s about: This absorbing, character-focused story features two families—one in the 1870s and one today—inhabiting houses (and lives) that are slowly crumbling around them. The two storylines connect when a current-day unemployed journalist begins researching the groundbreaking female scientist who lived on her block over 100 years earlier. Why you might like it: If you enjoy books with creatively interwoven dual timelines, stories that celebrate nature, or historical fiction about the lives of scientists, this book may be for you.
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Roseanne recommends: Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh About the authors: Clare Mackintosh is an award-winning New York Times and international bestselling author. She spent twelve years on the police force in England and has written for the Guardian, Good Housekeeping, and other publications. Reviewers say: “[A] deliciously creepy tale of urban paranoia.”—Ruth Ware, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in Cabin 10.
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Meagan recommends: Dumplin' by Julie Murphy What’s it about: Willowdean Dickson isn’t ashamed of who she is or what she looks like. As a proud, fat, Dolly Parton lovin’ Texas teen, she’s got it all figured out. That is, until she meets Bo, the fry-cook at her after school job. This cute, all-American private school boy is a teenage dream boat, and--guess what!--he’s totally into her, too! With her first boyfriend ever, doubt digs into her self-confidence and her best response is to show her hesitant mother she can do anything a skinny girl can, even compete in the Miss Blue Bonnet beauty pageant. My favorite part about Willowdean is her authenticity. Julie Murphy didn’t write this under-represented character type as a perfect angel; Willowdean can be mean, she can screw up, she can apologize. Dumplin’ is a sweet novel with a lot of character, both with and without sequins. Book Buzz: Recently adapted into the Netflix feature: Dumplin’, featuring Jennifer Aniston and some amazing Dolly Parton drag queens! Series Alert: Puddin’ is the next book in this duology.
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Astrid recommends: An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten Featuring: Maud, a Swedish lady in her upper 80’s, who never married, lives alone, and prefers to keep it that way. What it’s about: Maud lives in a nice, big apartment in a building that used to belong to her family. She pretends to be a sweet, confused, and rather frail old lady when it suits her, but woe to those who invoke her wrath. She’s actually in great physical shape for someone her age, sharp as a tack, and ruthless beyond measure when it comes to - permanently - getting rid of nuisances that interfere with her enjoyment of life …A small book, but, like Maud, it packs a punch. Author note: Helene Tursten also writes the Irene Huss crime series and Irene makes a brief appearance in this book.
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Lee recommends: The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London by Christopher Skaife What it’s about: Ravens have made the Tower of London their home for centuries. According to legend, the Tower, and England itself, will fall if they ever leave. To discourage that possibility, one of the Yeoman Warders is assigned to watch over their welfare and happiness. Christopher Skaife, along with his staff, is the officer who currently feeds and doctors them, climbs after them if they get into trouble, retrieves them if they go wandering, and frequently finds himself the target of raven humor. What the reviewers say: “In this lively and often cheeky narrative, first-time author Skaife puts a human face on the Beefeaters (aka Yeoman Warders) - the ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London - and the distinctive ravens under their care. (Publishers Weekly). Life lesson: Never ever underestimate the ravens.
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Christine recommends Rick Steves' Travel as a Political Act by Rick StevesWhat it’s about: Travel guru Rick Steves encourages travelers to go outside their comfort zone and engage with the places they travel in a more meaningful way – talking with local people, discussing local news and historical events, and becoming aware of other points of view and other ways of living. Why you should read it: As he’s done with Mona Winks, his guide to European art museums, Steves gives world history lessons in small and enjoyable doses. He makes the case for travel as a way to better engage with the world, rather than just sightsee, and draws upon his own experiences to show how travel has changed his ways of thinking.
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Rachel recommends: Stag's Leap: Poems by Sharon Olds What it’s about: This poetry collection chronicles, with heartbreaking honesty, Olds’ experience of her husband leaving her for another woman after 30 years of marriage. Olds takes the reader through what feels very much like the stages of grief as she initially struggles to negotiate her joyful memories of her marriage with the now known reality that was lying beneath. From the initial stages of separation, to the dividing of household objects, to years later when there is peace but still awkwardness and sadness, these poems give voice to the aspects of divorce that are usually avoided. Why you might like it: Readers who loved the raw emotion of Rupi Kaur’s Milk & Honey but are looking for a more mature voice and perspective will appreciate this collection. The poems are personal and emotion-driven, with accessible language.
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