Top 10
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“Lillian Leyb arrives in New York's Lower East Side in 1924. What she finds is not for her. Her tenacity and insatiable thirst for life and answers lead her to the Alaskan frontier. Lillian's strength and passion are an inspiration and an invitation to ask yourself, 'What would I have done?'”
— Andrea Avantaggio, Maria's Bookshop, Durango, CO
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“A cold-case murder of two children and a new murder of a young girl are intertwined in this debut mystery by Irish author French. The tension and suspense created by tangled cases, friendships, and work relationships will generate lively discussion for book clubs, especially ones that enjoy reading mysteries.”
— Karen Ore, Llama Llama Books, Bozeman, MT
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“Mudbound is not just any Southern race novel; with six first person narratives, its strength and truth is unparalleled. Jordan's expert writing is unheard of for a first novelist and you will find yourself quickly swept up by her Mississippi Delta characters. Read this brilliant novel that has everyone buzzing about Hillary Jordan as a great new literary force.”
— Suzanna Hermans, Oblong Books & Music, Rhinebeck, NY
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“This tender, piercingly beautiful story of motherless children weaves together big themes such as the notion of what constitutes family, race, politics, and the responsibility to self vs. community. Patchett is wonderful at sketching perfect vignettes of quiet humanity and grace in the simple act of connection. Book groups will find much to discuss here; this is a completely satisfying read.”
— Michele Lonergan, Tree House Books, Holland, MI
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“Literary deejay Diaz spins magical realism, anime, Tolkien, and minority-literature-as-ethnography into a remix of the immigrant's tale from the hands of a master. This is the smartest, funniest, and sharpest novel of the year and confirms his virtuosic ability to communicate Dominican-American experience with vibrancy and honesty.”
— LaTissia Mitchell, Shaman Drum Bookshop, Ann Arbor, MI
By Lucette Lagnado
Harper Perennial
“A beautifully written memoir of immigration and loss told from the perspective of an admiring daughter. There are so many themes that a book group could chew on -- including sacrifices parents make for their offspring, the treatment of women in traditional societies. I especially recommend this title for co-ed book groups, because both men and women respond strongly to this title.”
— Ellen Bob, Bob And Bob, Fine Jewish, Palo Alto, CA
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“O'Flynn's compelling debut novel begins with the disappearance of 10-year-old Kate Meaney -- a precocious wannabe-sleuth who is never without her 'detective' notebook and her sidekick, Mickey the Monkey -- and then flashes forward 20 years. This novel is strong on plot, characterization, and pacing, and it's a great choice for book groups or anyone looking for a captivating read about loss and missed opportunities.”
— Dana Schulz, Snowbound Books, Marquette, MI
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“Combine 1946 Jamaica, the notorious Errol Flynn, and a beautiful local girl, and the stage is set. Now add politics, culture struggles, dreams realized and dreams shattered and you have a thoroughly engrossing novel drenched with the rich scent of the tropics.”
— Gee Gee Rosell, Buxton Village Books, Buxton, NC
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“A hardboiled mythical/comic/religious/political page-turner of a novel. We're talking serious fun here. This book is playful, outlandish, and inventive -- and it's all pulled together with great panache into a wonderful reading experience.”
— Tom Campbell, The Regulator Bookshop, Durham, NC
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“Yang's memoir is the touching account of her family's experiences following the war the United States secretly waged in Laos. When she was six years old, the family immigrated to the U.S., and she writes of the challenges of adapting to a new place and a new language. Yang's book eloquently expresses our shared experience as a nation of many immigrants, in the context of a culture with which few of us are familiar.”
— Sally Wizik Wills, Sister Wolf Books, Dorset, MN
Outstanding Debuts
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“This debut novel taps into some of the oldest veins of story, the primal ones of night journeys, of being stuck in place yet adrift and confused about life's purpose. It is full of people who have lived, even as the fullness of that is revealed only in the protagonist's drawing out of their stories. I'm not sure how much this book might teach us how to live, but it has reminded me of what it is to really read.”
— Rick Simonson, The Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA
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“Groff's engrossing first novel is wonderfully difficult to classify. Willie Upton returns to her ancestral home in Templeton (actually Cooperstown, NY) to recover from a personal crisis. She then decides to seek the identity of her father. This mystery unfolds through the tales of long-dead relatives and others from Willie's past, which is also Cooperstown's past. And then there's that dead sea-monster that's brought out of the lake....”
— Carol Dunn, Northwind Book & Fiber, Spooner, WI
Visiting Other Worlds
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“It is a feat to bring off a serious, historical novel in which the history doesn't overwhelm the human story and the human tale simply uses the history as furniture. In this most impressive, captivating debut, Amirrezvani's novel of a young woman finding her way into life in 17th-century Iran does justice to both story and history.”
— Rick Simonson, The Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA
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“Exploring a largely unknown part of the world (the silk route between China and Turkey) with Thubron is quite an adventure. You will come away from this book with a better understanding of the people, religions, and cultures that are of great importance in our world today. To be able to discuss the complexities with others only enhances the trip. I had a great time!”
— Mary McHale, Fox Tale Books, New Durham, NH
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“Despite her magical powers, Yelena is practical and down-to-earth -- traits necessary for survival as the Commander's food-taster. As she copes with the political struggles of the present, Yelena learns how to overcome the horrors of her past. This is a book you'll stay up late to finish.”
— Beth Hull, The Avid Reader, Davis, CA
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“This powerful and dramatic story is set in Nigeria in the 1960s, against the hopes and disappointment of the struggle for a Biafran republic. Adichie balances the political turmoil with three compelling point-of-view characters. Lushly written and emotionally haunting, this book contributes new faces to our understanding of the human costs of race, class, and ethnic struggles in our world.”
— Elli Meeropol, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA
American Tales
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“In this award-winning novel, Alexie resurrects the legend of Robert Johnson, the guitar player who sold his soul to the devil, and brings him and his infamous instrument to a Spokane reservation, where they set off a series of tragicomic events. With its magical realism and remarkable characters, this novel offers a lot of material for discussion, both on style and subject.”
— Dana Schulz, Snowbound Books, Marquette, MI
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“Bageant moves back to his hometown of Winchester, Virginia, and gives us a scathing (and funny!) indictment of America's blindness to the working class -- presented with personal insight, history, anecdotes, and hard facts.”
— Stacie Williams, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Milwaukee, WI
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“As the narrative in this tale of betrayal and redemption swings from past to present, from the actions of young men to those of the elders they become, McNamer brings the Montana winter landscape to life through brutal images. Brilliantly written, this novel and the memorable characters who inhabit it will stick in your memory long after you read the last page.”
— Betsy Burton, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT
By Mildred Armstrong Kalish
Bantam
“All generations would benefit from this delightful recollection of a time when hard times were met with cheerful self-sufficiency, and everyone from young to old was valued for their contributions to family and community. Book groups will find it interesting to compare how families and communities worked then and now.”
— Rose Rhoades, University Book Store, Seattle, WA
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“Set in 1870s Minnesota, this haunting, sometimes magical, story tells of life on the Great Plains and the relations with the Dakota Indians. Settlers and Indians are sympathetically portrayed, allowing the reader into the gray areas between right and wrong. I will recommend this to book clubs.”
— Lisa Sharp, Nightbird Books, Fayetteville, AR
The Impact of War
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“Set in violent 1980s Beirut, this brilliant debut novel combines hypnotic, descriptive prose with sharp, tense dialogues between best friends on different life paths in a city that threatens to engulf them in its frightening civil war. A stunning book.”
— Seth Marko, Warwick's, La Jolla, CA
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“The late Halberstam's last work examines the causes, course, and lasting effects of the Korean War. While focusing on the bravery of the fighting men on both sides of the conflict, he shows the effect of poor strategic thinking by military and civilian leaders and provides vivid accounts of daily battles on the field and in the world capitals where the fighting is directed. A dense historical context offers a better understanding of the forces and events that shaped the war and its aftermath.”
— John Pollock, Hickory Stick Bookshop, Washington Depot, CT
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“Elias Abrams is a New Orleans Jew who enlists in the Confederate army to escape a criminal rap, whose hesitant correspondence with a young woman leads him to a violent confrontation with his past. How do we atone for those occasions when we willfully fall short of our aspirations? How are we shaped by others' expectations of us? These large questions are masterfully addressed in this rare combination of gritty, realistic historical novel and appealing love story.”
— Russ Lawrence, Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, MT
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“With its focus on choice and consequence, Coal Black Horse carries the reader across a battlefield that stretches from the Civil War to today. A young man wears a reversible coat of gray and blue -- a talisman from his mother to shield him from 'enemy' fire -- as he journeys to bring his father home, aided by the strength of the coal black horse. Olmstead's novel is both epic and personal, filled with beautiful writing about war's ugliness.”
— Charles Asher, Western AS Bookstore, Bellingham, WA
Memorable Women
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“A heartwarming book about the special bond between women and their aging mothers. These stories of treasuring small moments and facing hard times with humor and grace will resonate with any book group -- and spark some honest discussions.”
— Jenny Stroyeck, The Homer Bookstore, Homer, AK
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“Filled with aching, lyrical passages that reveal the frailty of family, Moriarty's finely balanced writing illuminates the strained relationship of mother and daughter in the wake of tragedy. I will be gently pressing this book into hands of women and whispering, 'Read this.'”
— Danielle Marshall, Powell's City of Books, Portland, OR
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“A wonderful tale of three women whose lives and love stories come to light among the artifacts of an antique store in smalltown Indiana. Readers will be entranced by this generational story of family, spirit, and women caring for women -- a great book-club choice!”
— Marilyn Sieb, Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI
Contemporary Masters
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“This spellbinding new novel revolves around three adopted siblings whose lives break apart and eventually reconnect years later. Their story parallels another unusual family unit, a reclusive writer and his gypsy neighbors searching for a peaceful life in post-war France. As usual, Ondaatje's storytelling is highly individual and utterly hypnotizing, as story leads into story, and the reader arrives at the end with a longing to turn to page one and begin again.”
— Rich Rennicks, Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe, Asheville, NC
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“Like some of the best, most compelling works of fiction, sense of place is a character in Russo's Bridge of Sighs. Bridges in upstate New York and, more famously, in Venice set the stage for this rich, fascinating story of families, friends, coming of age, and late-in-life hardships. Book groups will eagerly digest the ordinary details, plus discuss the extraordinary circumstances of real life -- wonderful!”
— Kathleen Dixon, Islandtime Books & More, Washington Island, WI
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“At long last, Dillard is at it again. Known for her gift of braiding ribbons of darkness to frame great light, and tragedy and death to reveal the marvel of life, now she's turned her scope on love, marriage, betrayal, and forgiveness. Slow down your life. Savor every word.”
— Pepper Parker, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA
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“This novel from Booker Prize-winner Lively begins in 1930s London and follows three generations of women: Lorna; her daughter, Molly, who defies social conventions; and Ruth, Molly's daughter, whose search for her family's history ultimately will help her break free from her conventional path. A good book-club choice.”
— Linda Walonen, Bay Books, San Ramon, CA
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“It's such a delight that Mosher returns once again to Kingdom Mountain, home to strange characters, beautiful landscape, and a strong sense of community. The setting (Depression-era Vermont) and the issues (saving a mountain from greedy developers) are relevant today, as we search for a way out of the economic recession and attempt to save our planet from destruction.”
— Gayle Shanks, Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe, AZ
Great Graphic Novels
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“Persepolis is a graphic novel that is narrated by a young girl but crafted with the eloquence of a woman's perspective. Satrapi reflects on her childhood in Iran and her struggles to negotiate her own identity in the midst of violence, fear, and fundamentalism. A heartfelt and hilarious coming-of-age story for both adult and teenage readers!”
— Izzy Cohen, DIESEL, A Bookstore, Oakland, CA
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“A stunning graphic memoir that weaves together the author's childhood and coming out and her father's secretive life and sudden death. Rife with literary allusions, this book is a boundary-smashing gem that redefined what a graphic novel could be. Hilarious, touching, and brilliant.”
— Sweet Pea Falherty, King's Books, Inc., Tacoma, WA
Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes
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“With the help of engineers, art conservators, zoologists, religious leaders, and paleontologists, Weisman looks at what would happen if humans disappeared. Let's face it, things fall apart -- but how? This thought-provoking book looks to the past and the future, and offers much to discuss and debate.”
— Barbara Theroux, Fact & Fiction, Missoula, MT
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“A Whole New Mind is an amazing scientific and self-help book that argues that, in order to succeed in modern life, one must become more creative -- or, use not only the logical left brain but also the right brain, a center for emotional thinking and synthesis. Pink very convincingly argues this point and gives many suggestions for ways to increase creativity.”
— Eric Berg, Book Ends, Winchester, MA
By Eric Weiner
Twelve
“In this marvelous book, curmudgeonly NPR correspondent Weiner takes the reader on a fascinating and informative journey around the world in search of happiness. Weiner treats the reader to his sardonically humorous analysis of both the happiest and, possibly, least happy places on earth. Entertaining and illuminating, this captivating book is sure to provide loads of material for discussions.”
— Tova Beiser, Brown University Bookstore, Providence, RI
Intriguing Tales
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“Written with poignant humor, this story about growing up and self-discovery gives us a cast of crazy and endearing characters. This book is not to be missed!”
— Jan Healy, Eagle Harbor Book Company, Bainbridge Island, WA
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“Origin is a page-turner that women fiction-lovers will certainly enjoy. Lena, a fingerprint analyst, is searching for her own beginnings while investigating a number of SIDS cases. This is a novel that will keep you guessing until the end.”
— Sarah Galvin, The Bookstore Plus, Lake Placid, NY
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“When Fiona Sweeney, a librarian from New York City, goes to Kenya to help start a traveling library that brings books to nomadic tribes, she finds that her good deed is complicated by the conflict between those who favor opening the community to the outside world and those who fear the loss of their traditional way of life. Hamilton's novel raises important questions about the role of education and cultural differences, and how one person really can make a difference.”
— Erica Caldwell, Present Tense, Batavia, NY
A Life in Fiction
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“Nahai's writing is so lyrical and flowing that you almost forget how hard life can be for someone doomed to forever be an outsider. Set in pre-revolution Iran in a time when Jews lived under a measure of protection provided by the Shah, this is the story of Bahar, who marries above her station and becomes isolated from the family and society she marries into, and the family and friends she left behind. Caspian Rain illuminates a complex society and tells a moving story.”
— Laura Hansen, Bookin' It, Little Falls, MN
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“This charming, touching, and funny novel about a very special lottery winner is a glorious book about what 'smart' really means. Read it with a highlighter and give it to your best friend! I loved every chapter!”
— Pattie Cox, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Mequon, WI
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“Living alone on an island in Maine, Hannah is comfortable with her solitary life, convinced she doesn't need anyone or anything but her art. One day a dog washes up on Hannah's island and makes himself at home. When people start following, her isolation begins to crumble, and all her assumptions about life, art, and the need for connection are challenged. Coomer perfectly captures the spirit of an independent woman.”
— Deon Stonehouse, Sunriver Books, Sunriver, OR
Mystery Marvels
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“This deeply enjoyable historical crime novel traipses through the brothels, slums, and pawnbrokers of 1860s St. Petersburg with splendidly jovial Russian moroseness. Its hero is the shrewd and quirky police magistrate Porfiry Petrovich, who meets with constant resistance from his less-clever colleagues. A must-read for enthusiasts of literary mysteries and armchair time-travel.”
— Mark David Bradshaw, Watermark Books, Wichita, KS
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“Do you love Henning Mankell's Kurt Wallander Swedish mystery series or Ian Rankin's dark tales set in Edinburgh? Then it's time for you to meet Icelandic author Indridason and his sharp, enigmatic, and melancholy Detective Erlendur. Jar City gets my highest recommendation.”
— Laura Hansen, Bookin' It, Little Falls, MN
Memorable Memoirs
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“Ishmael Beah is 12 years old when all hell breaks loose in Sierra Leone in the 1990s. Families are separated, most are brutally killed, and the boys are recruited as soldiers, including, ultimately, Ishmael. Readers will come to understand how truly damaged these children are, but Beah's ability to write so eloquently is a testament to his humanity and resilience.”
— Dianne Patrick, Snowbound Books, Marquette, MI
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“Daughter of Destiny is at once tragic and inspiring. Bhutto, who was assassinated on December 27, 2007, was the first woman elected to lead a Muslim country. Her unwavering passion for Pakistan is a testament to her strength and belief in her country. This is a woman whose words need to continue on after her death, and whose courageous actions need to be remembered.”
— Clara Sayre, Sacred Path Books & Art, Cleveland, OH
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“This beautifully written memoir tells the story of the author's relationship with a sick horse she adopts, and how, through the horse's gentle, forgiving nature, she begins recovery from her own childhood and marital abuse. Extraordinarily moving.”
— Nancy Olson, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC
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“The author spent the first 20 years of her life being a dutiful daughter and devout, if questioning, Muslim. When she is forced into an arranged marriage, she finally rebels and seeks refugee status in Holland. Her story is fascinating, and articulates Ali's strong belief that Islam should reform its practice of subjugating and abusing women. This memoir could potentially add a great deal to our understanding of a complex religious culture.”
— Alice Meloy, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
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“This memoir from novelist Rachlin -- set in Iran during a time of turmoil -- is a story of both her childhood in Iran and a new life in America. This extraordinary book is much more than a memoir or a family story: It will encourage readers to rethink their own lives, and those of their sisters and mothers.”
— Karen Maeda Allman, The Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA
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