 |
 All of us here at Northshire Bookstore wish you the best for the holidays. We have a new offering this year. We are partnering with Kobo to bring you e-readers and e-books. Kobo is well known in Europe and Asia and making a strong foray into North America. If you are interested in buying an e-reader, please stop in and try one. If you own an iPad or other tablet, you can download the Kobo application and buy your e-books through us at competitive prices. But don't forget that we have a big building full of wonderful paper books, gifts and sundries for you to discover when you come to the store. We look forward to helping you find great presents for your loved ones this holiday season. Happy Holidays,Chris Morrow, Co-owner cmorrow@northshire.com |
|
 |
Fall/Winter 2012/13 Northshire Bookstore 4869 Main St. P.O. Box 2200 Manchester Ctr., VT 05255 802-362-2200 or 800-437-3700 Fax 802-362-1233 books@northshire.com www.northshire.com Printed on 100% Recycled Paper The Independent is produced by the Northshire Bookstore Press Corps. All prices are based on current publishers' information and are subject to change. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause. |
 The Shires Presson Espresso Book Machine Whether your book is ready to go or needs help for completion, whether you want a few for family or hundreds for the wider market, we are here to provide a superlative author experience. The Shires Press publishing program at the Northshire Bookstore offers a variety of packages depending on your goals. Visit our website for more information www. northshire.com/pod-print-demand or call our EBM coordinator, Debbi Wraga at 802.362.3565 x117. Co-Owners: Chris, Barbara & Ed Morrow Co-Editors: Louise Jones, Kim Potter, Heather Bellanca Children's Book Editor: Jessica Wood Design: Heather Bellanca Photos: Heather Bellanca Contributors: Erik Barnum, Charles Bottomley, Alison Clark, |
 |
||
 The Town Mouse And The Country
Mouse by Helen Ward (ages 5
& up). The lovely illustration gracing
our cover is taken from a newly
realized version of this magical tale
set in glamorous 1930s New York at
Christmas time. The book is a sumptuous retelling in the
hands of award-winning artist Ward. ~ Jessica Wood |
 Charley's First Night by Amy Hest, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (ages 3-6). Meet Henry and his new puppy! Sweet and light-hearted, this story follows Henry as he introduces Charley to his new home. A must for families considering the adoption of a new pet! ~ Aubrey Restifo |
 Bear Has A Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead (ages 2-6). This gently told tale of Bear trying to tell his story before he slumbers for the winter is a wonderful picture of patience and compassion. None of the forest creatures have time to hear him but benefit from his helpfulness as they prepare for winter. ~ Jessica Wood |
 Little Children's Music Book by Fiona Watt & Elisa Squillace (ages 3-6). Press the buttons on this book and listen to five distinct tunes played by the different animals (and their instruments). When they're played together at the end, hear each one. This is a fun, interactive book to introduce and develop an appreciation for musical instruments, reading and working together. ~ Alice Fiske |
 Clifford Collection: The Original 6 Stories by Norman Bridwell (ages 2-4). Upon first glance of this keepsake 50th anniversary edition I was catapulted back to childhood and recalled these original stories and illustrations with great fondness. With revelations about Clifford and Emily Elizabeth's origins, this is a wonderful introduction to the "Big Red Dog." ~ Jessica Wood |
 Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney (ages 3-5). A fun read-aloud for any child who needs a little encouragement in sharing. Llama Llama is only willing to share SOME of his toys with his new neighbor, Nelly Gnu. When a fight breaks out, Llama Llama's Fuzzy Llama is ripped in two. Mama fixes Fuzzy but warns: "I'll put Fuzzy on the stairs, until you're sure that you can share." ~ Alice Fiske |
 Fluff and Billy by Nicola Killen (ages 3-6). Fluff and Billy are best friends - everything Fluff does, Billy does, too! Yet even these happy penguins disagree sometimes. An adorable, simple story of friendship and forgiveness. ~ Aubrey Restifo |
 |
|
 |
||
 This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen (ages 5 & up). Jon Klassen
returns with another humorous book about animals wearing hats - but this time it takes place
Pict ure
Books
under the sea! What happens when a small fish appears wearing a blue bowler hat? It's all in the
eyes in this hilarious follow up to I Want My Hat Back. ~ Whitney Kaaz |
 Linnea in Monet's Garden by Christina BjÖrk, illustrated by Lena Anderson (ages 4-8).
Back in print to celebrate its 25th anniversary! Discover the world of Monet and his beloved
garden through the eyes of a curious child. Linnea travels to France to see the beautiful garden
that inspired Monet's most famous paintings. A wonderful tribute to an amazing Impressionist
- sure to delight art fans of all ages. ~ Whitney Kaaz |
 Black Dog by Levi Pinfold (ages 4-7). Amazing illustrations are the driving force behind
this story of a family who is visited by a dog. As each family member sees the dog, the
descriptions of him keep getting bigger and bigger. Ironically, it is the smallest family member
who sees the dog for what it really is - a friendly black dog! Gorgeous! ~ Whitney Kaaz |
 This Moose Belongs To Me by Oliver Jeffers (ages 5-8). With signature charm and wit
Jeffers has forged a wholly original partnership between young Wilfred and a moose. Lovely
illustrations adorn this volume and add to understanding the frustrations that come with
having a moose as a pet. ~ Jessica Wood |
 Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson (ages 5-7). A clever sequel to the
traditional Goldilocks story.
Little Bear is all grown up and Goldilocks is a distant memory. One day, Little Bear wanders
out of the woods and finds himself lost in the Big City. What are the chances he will bump into
someone who remembers exactly how he likes his porridge? ~ Alice Fiske |
 Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee (ages 5 & up). The brilliance of this lovely picture book lies
in its simplicity. Frazee expertly culls a wide array of emotions and fluidity from two sibling
canines as they go about their day and the business of being friends and comrades against a
pesky squirrel. Comic timing and wonderfully subtle artwork make this volume quite a gem.
~ Jessica Wood |
 One Frozen Lake by Deborah Jo Larson, illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher (ages 5 & up). A beautiful family story about a grandfather and grandchild who spend the winter
going ice fishing. Captivating illustrations of the world below the frozen surface complement
the quiet stories from the ice towns that form above. ~ Aubrey Restifo |
 The White-Footed Mouse by Willem Lange, illustrated by Bert
Dodson (ages 4-8). "Kill only what you intend to eat" is the
advice a father offers about hunting to his son, but when the father
sets a trap to catch a white-footed mouse in the cabin, the boy
quickly reminds him of his own advice. A beautiful story of shared
love of the outdoors. ~ Whitney Kaaz |
 |
 |
||
 |
Unbored: The Essential Guide to Serious Fun by Elizabeth Larsen & Joshua Glenn (computer-savvy & not so savvy kids). This is a vibrantly designed, lavishly illustrated activity book that every modern kid needs. It's at once cool and constructive, filled with activities that are fun, doable and designed to get kids engaged in the world at large. Highly recommended! ~ Jessica Wood | Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Matt Tavares (ages 6-8). This brilliant portrait of Helen Keller, laced with stirring quotes and magnificent illustrations, shows that the desire to learn knows no boundaries. An inspiring story about taking full advantage of every opportunity one has and showing the vastness of knowledge that is available if one has the desire. ~ Fran Tobia |
| Birds of a Feather by Bernadette Gervais & Francesco Pittau (ages 5-8). The creators of Out of Sight have done it again with this amazingly beautiful, interesting, interactive, factfilled, oversized book about birds! Lift the flaps and popups and tons of interesting facts will keep bird lovers of all ages entertained for hours. This book will make the perfect gift! ~ Whitney Kaaz |  Lenore Finds a Friend: A True Story from Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz (ages 4-8). Poor Lenore! None of the animals at Bedlam Farm welcome her. Even Rose the border collie is too busy. But Lenore refuses to give up. Things change unexpectedly after she licks a grumpy ram named Brutus right on the nose. Katz's irresistible photographs chronicle this true story of a dog determined to make friends. ~ Alice Fiske |
|
 Vermont Peace Magnets ($6.95) Do humankind a favor - take a stand on this subject - give one to everyone you know. Who doesn't want peace? |
 |
|
 |
||
| Horten's Incredible Illusions: Magic, Mystery & Another Very Strange Adventure by Lissa Evans (ages 8-12). Stuart is back in another amazing adventure! This time, in order to prove his uncle's magic tricks really belong to him, he's teleported into magical worlds to solve his uncle's puzzles and find a hidden will - with help from familiar and unlikely characters in the latest quest from Teeny-Tiny Tony Horten. ~ Krysta Piccoli | Summer & Bird by Katherine Catmull (ages 10 & up). A cryptic picture message is all that young sisters, Summer and Bird, have to seek out their missing parents. A story filled with beautiful imagery and breathtaking language, along with cryptic leads propels this fantasy and its authentic cast forward at a meandering, thoughtful pace. ~ Jessica Wood | |
| Son by Lois Lowry (ages 10 & up). Set after The Giver, Son follows 14 year-old Claire, a girl selected to become a Birthmother in a community where roles are chosen by the government. In a land of strict rules, however, the baby is taken away from her. Driven by love and heartbreak, Claire, Jonas and Gabriel search for the ones they love in the face of many real and magical evils. ~ Aubrey Restifo | Malcolm at Midnight by W. H. Beck, illustrated by Brian Lies (ages 9-12). Follow the story of Malcolm, a rat. But does that mean he's a rat? Accused of just that, he must clear his name and keep the school safe for the "lankies" and "nutters." Mixing fantasy, mystery, even romance(!), the twists and turns are as many as the corridors of Malcolm's new home. ~ Jeanette Sessions | |
 |
||
 The Birds of Bethlehem by Tomie dePaola (ages 3-5).
An inventive and fresh Nativity story told from a bird's-eye view. The
birds of Bethlehem gather on the first Christmas morning to share the
exciting news that something extraordinary is coming and they fly to
the stable where a child has been born. Beautiful illustrations provide
the perfect backdrop to this simple yet powerful story. ~ Jessica Wood |
 The Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales retold by Sherab Chödzin and
Alexandra Kohn, illustrated by Marie Cameron (ages 8-11).
A very entertaining, beautifully illustrated bedtime, story-time book.
The symbolism will inspire thoughts and questions to ponder about
life, such as generosity, compassion and a sense of humor. One
common thread is about generosity over trying to find fulfillment in
foolish self-interests and possessions. ~ Fran Tobia |
|
 |
||
 The Raven Boys by Maggie
Stiefvater (ages
13 & up). With a wonderful
cast of quirky characters,
rife with seers,
graveyards and enough
atmosphere to last for
a very long time, this
is a beautifully written,
compelling read. While it has many elements
of current trends in young adult literature, it
stands alone due to the talent of the author.
Highly recommended. ~ Jessica Wood |
 Silhouette of a Sparrow by Molly Beth Griffin
(ages 13 & up). Garnet
longs for the freedom
of the birds outside her
window, but growing up
in the 1920s, ladylike
behavior is expected. A
summer in Minnesota
changes everything for
her. A lovely bird silhouette graces each
chapter and in turn each bird highlighted is
characterized within the chapter. Charming
coming of age tale. ~ Jessica Wood |
 The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and
Led the Revels There by Catherynne M. Valente,
illustrated by Ana Juan (ages 10
& up). September returns to Fairyland to find
her shadow in another satisfying adventure.
Again, Valente dazzles us with her rich use of
language and leaves us hungry for the next
beautifully constructed sentence. If you love
classic fantasy stories you are sure to be a fan.
~ Whitney Kaaz |
 Dodger by Terry Pratchett
(ages, 12 & up). Another
wonderful romp of
a book by Mr. Pratchett,
inspired by Dickens' Artful
Dodger character in
Oliver Twist. Set in Victorian
London, it features a
colorful cast of characters
including Dickens, Disraeli
and Queen Victoria. History and fantasy
intertwine in a breathtaking account of adventure
and mystery coupled with a thoughtful
coming of age element. ~ Jessica Wood |
 The Diviners by Libba Bray (ages 14 &
up). New York City, 1926. Flappers, speakeasies,
pickpockets and showgirls! The city is
alive and full of hope as Evie O'Neill finds
herself thrust into the middle of a bizarre
serial killer investigation and must use her
secret powers to stop him. But all is not what
it seems in this novel of ghosts, demons and
superstitions. You will be dying to read the
sequel! ~ Whitney Kaaz |
 Edgar Allen Poe Lunchbox ($15.95) Express your dark side, or your literary bent, with this moody yet charming Goth lunchbox. |
 |
 The Big New Yorker Book of Dogs. The New Yorker magazine and our favorite four-legged friends—it's a
perfect combination. With a foreword by Malcolm Gladwell, this oversize, full-color
canine celebration includes poems, fiction, essays and, of course, cartoons, from the likes
of Roald Dahl, James Thurber, Ogden Nash and Susan Orlean. You really can't miss with
this one. Dog lit at its best. |
 A Little History of Science by William F. Bynum. From the Greek philosophers
to Einstein, from the stars to DNA, this well-priced volume tells a marvelous, sweeping
adventure story—the history of science. The format is the same as the illustrated edition
of E. M. Gombrich's classic, A Little History of the World. With smart illustrations, it's a
fantastic choice for curious readers of all ages. |
 The Dust Bowl: An Illustrated History by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns. The
acclaimed filmmakers and authors provide a riveting chronicle of the epic 1930s disaster
in a companion volume to this fall's PBS special. A unique and vivid document of a great
human and environmental tragedy, The Dust Bowl includes more than 300 photographs as
well as extensive letters, government reports, articles and interviews. |
 The Appalachian Trail: Celebrating America's Hiking Trail by
Brian King, foreword by Bill Bryson. Whether you've hiked
it all, or just a piece, or simply dreamed of doing it, this lavishly
illustrated volume is a worthy tribute to "The People's Path"
in this its 75th year. An exploration of the legendary footpath,
which includes 300 eye-popping contemporary images plus
unpublished archival photos, maps and documents. |
|
 |
||
 |
||
 Bouchon Bakery by Thomas Keller
& Sebastien Rouxel. Three years ago,
Thomas Keller's Ad
Hoc At Home was the
must-have cookbook
of the season. This
year it is Bouchon Bakery that will dazzle.
Combining American and French elements,
Keller has created a book that is both flashy
and simple, exquisitely beautiful and useful.
From homemade Oreos to mille-feuilles,
Bouchon Bakery is full of delightful surprises
as well as classics. ~ Stan Hynds |
 Burma: Rivers of Flavor by Naomi Duguid.
In her James Beard
Award-winning Hot Sour
Salty Sweet, Duguid ate
her way through villages
throughout Southeast
Asia. Her spectacular
new cookbook focuses
on the cuisine of Burma. I personally know
booksellers across the country who have tested
recipes from this book before its release. The
raves are loud and across the board. Unlike
any other cookbook this season. ~ Stan Hynds |
 The King Arthur
Flour Baker's
Companion: The
All-Purpose Baking
Cookbook.
It's back and better
than ever. Now with
an innovative lay-flat
paperback cover with
a durable, sewn binding, the authoritative
baker's baking book has the same tried and
true content at an unbelievable price. The
new packaging and exceptional value make
it the perfect gift choice for Vermont bakers
who want to share a classic. ~ Stan Hynds |
 Consider the Fork:
A History of How
We Cook and Eat by Bee Wilson. Readers will
savor this delightful,
deliciously fascinating
history of cooking
and culinary tools,
from knives to coffee
grinders to the kitchen
fire itself. When was the vegetable peeler
invented? How different are our whisks from
the whisks of the Middle Ages? An account
of our kitchens that every cooking enthusiast
will relish. ~ Krysta Piccoli |
 Smitten Kitchen
Cookbook by Deb
Perelman.
"There are no
bad cooks…just
bad recipes," says
celebrated food
blogger Perelman.
She's not a TV chef
or a restaurant owner - just an excellent home
cook and adapter of recipes. Here are the best
of the best from her extraordinarily popular
blog (plus many never before seen) with lush
photos. Broadly appealing, simply irresistible,
Smitten could be your new everyday, go-to
cookbook. ~ Stan Hynds |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 Bowl of Heaven by Gregory Benford and Larry Niven. A first contact novel from two science fiction heavyweights. While en route to a new planet the colony ship Sunseeker encounters an artifact of immense, mind-bending size. Niven is one of my favorite world-builders and once again he delivers. This is part one of a two-part story. ~ Ben Parker |
 Red Country by Joe Abercrombie. They burned her farm and stole her siblings. Now Shy South and her stepfather Lamb must journey into the Far Country to save those who can be saved and kill those who need killing. This highly anticipated novel from the author of The First Law Tril-ogy has Abercrombie's trademark wit and vivid combat scenes ~ Sarah Teunissen |
 The Hive by Charles Burns. The creepy second volume of Burns' trilogy that began with X'ed Out continues the story of Doug "Nitnit," a negative version of Tintin, as he works his way through his failed relationship and the horror of the hive. ~ Ben Parker |
 Pariah: Ravenor Versus Eisenhorn by Dan Abnett. Warhammer 40K fans rejoice - it's a Ravenor and Eisenhorn smackdown, as Ravenor must hunt down his former ally and friend. ~ Ben Parker |
 The Lands of Ice and Fire (A Game of Thrones) by George R. R. Martin. You can't be a true Game of Thrones fan without owning a set of maps to help your journey. Among the maps is one of the entire known world and also a map of character movements, which will enhance your angst as characters keep just missing each other. ~ Ben Parker |
 The Walking Dead Com-pendium Volume II by Robert Kirkman. Just in time for the start of season 3 of The Walking Dead is the second volume of the bestselling graphic novel series. This volume of the compendium collects the second eight graphic novels (Walking Dead issues #49-96). New to graphic novels? Be sure to check out volume 1 for the first eight novels. ~ Ben Parker |
 |
||
 |
||
 Paradise City by Archer Mayor. Mayor again produces a
winner with his 23rd Joe Gunther novel. The story starts with a home
invasion in Boston but soon extends to Vermont (naturally!) and then to
Northampton, MA, the eponymous Paradise City. There's plenty of action
and the well-defined characters move the plot, as do the arcane details that
Mayor does so well. ~ Louise Jones |
 Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham. Welsh Detective Constable
Fiona Griffiths bends rules and flaunts authority, determined to solve the
murder of a young mother and daughter found in a squalid Cardiff squat.
Bingham skillfully shows external and internal conflicts Fiona must face as
she uncovers more widespread and deeper criminal activities. Recovery from
her teenage psychological breakdown adds depth to her feisty character.
~ Sarah Knight |
 A Question of Identity by Susan Hill. Old women
living in an almost completed housing complex are killed and posed in
front of mirrors. The killer takes trophies from each victim that are identical
to those taken years before in murders in which the killer was acquitted.
Subsequently the man and his identity have completely disappeared. Another
excellent Serrailler mystery from Hill. ~ Sarah Knight |
 The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds by Alexander McCall
Smith. In this ninth Isabel Dalhousie novel, she is
asked to help a wealthy Scots landowner who has been robbed of a valuable
painting by Nicolas Poussin. While rendering assistance, Isabel waxes gently
on matters philosophical, quotes Auden and depicts a full life with her
precociously mathematical young son and husband. ~ Amy Palmer |
 Island of Bones by Imogen Robertson. The newest
Gabriel Crowther/Harriet Westerman mystery is brimming
with intrigue and plot twists. A corpse is found in an ancient tomb on
Crowther's family estate and it isn't one of the original occupants. The two
embark on an investigation that will bring to light deeds Crowther has
spent decades trying to forget. A nail-biting thrill of a read!
~ Sarah Teunissen |
|
 |
||
 |
||
 The Patriarch: The
Remarkable Life and
Turbulent Times of Joseph P.
Kennedy by David Nasaw.
Despite America's continuing
fascination with the Kennedys,
the collective memory of "The
Patriarch" is mostly limited
to that of the unscrupulous
businessman, bootlegger,
womanizer and political failure.
Nasaw digs more deeply and carefully, restoring Kennedy to a front and center position in mid20th
century public affairs and within his family. Compelling. ~ Bill Lewis |
 The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill:
Defender of the Realm, 1940-1965 by
William Manchester and Paul Reid.
At last! The final volume of Manchester's
biography of a towering historical figure.
Before Manchester's death in 2004, he chose
Reid to complete the project. Reid uses
Manchester's stupendous research to bring
Churchill to life during the time when his
nation, its empire, its very ideals faced a life
and death struggle. ~ Bill Lewis |
 Master of the Mountain: Thomas Jefferson
and His Slaves by Henry Wiencek. One
of our finest scholars and writers about early
American slavery and race uses his superb
research skills to give a penetrating study of
the enigmatic Jefferson's engagement with
both, revealing much that is new, carefully
supporting his judgments and leaving the
reader vastly more informed. Perhaps the
most important study of Jefferson in years.
~ Bill Lewis |
 Leonardo and the Last
Supper by Ross King. Leonardo da Vinci
left Florence for Milan
in 1482, hoping to work
for Count Lodovico
Sforza as an architect
and military engineer, to
no avail. Finally, Sforza
ordered a wall painting at
a small Dominican convent. This absolutely
fascinating book shows the artistry, techniques
and politics that created one of our most
memorable works of art. ~ Louise Jones |
 The Longest Race: A
Lifelong Runner, an
Iconic Ultramarathon,
and the Case for Human
Endurance by Ed
Ayres. Ayres is
running the JFK 50 Mile
days after 9/11. The world
has shifted and as he races
he considers how he got
there, how humanity reached this point and
how both can prevail. His case will make you
reassess everything from training regimes to
evolution. ~ Alison Clark |
|
 |
||
|
||
 The Big Screen: The Story of the Movies by David Thomson. A
wonderful mixture of film critic, historian and novelist, Thomson enlights
and infuriates. Here is a rich epic of films and film-making, from the
Victorian photographer Eadweard Muybridge to the never-ending stream
of baby pictures on Facebook. In between, puckish profiles of cinematic
pioneers, odes to ravishing leading men and women and piercing
appreciations. ~ Charles Bottomley |
 Living Beautifully: with Uncertainty and Change by Pema Chödrön. This wise and encouraging book from the American
Buddhist nun teaches us through "The Three Commitments"
to embrace our prickly natures and habitual patterns in order to
live fearlessly and be completely present for ourselves and
for those in our lives and in the world, even in the most challenging and
difficult times. ~ Amy Palmer |
 Light And Shade: Conversations With Jimmy Page by Brad Tolinski.
Given Page's famously enigmatic and highly introverted nature, Tolinski's
look into the musician/producer/composer's creative thoughts and processes
represents a major leap forward for Led Zeppelin fans. Tolinski guides the
reader through Page's entire career and legacy while periodically offering
song-by-song insights that are bound to entice hard core fans and musicians
alike. ~ Jon Fine |
 Kurt Vonnegut: Letters Vonnegut's letters are just as cutting and
hilariously cynical as his writing, if not more so, because they are so
honest. The reader gets a glimpse at the struggles he endured on the way
to becoming the amazing writer we all know him to be. His life was full
of false starts and many, many rejection letters. So it goes. ~ Krysta Piccoli |
 The Entertainer: Movies, Magic, and My Father's Twentieth Century by Margaret Talbot. Most people won't remember the name
Lyle Talbot, but movie buffs will recognize the face. He never made it
to Hollywood's top tier, but he had a great time trying. Here, his daughter
affectionately remembers her father's long show business career during the
last century, although the subject often plays second fiddle to the writer's
elegant prose. ~ Alden Graves |
|
 |
||
 |
 |
|
 Live By Night by Dennis Lehane. If William
Kennedy were Raymond Chandler's editor, the result
might resemble Lehane's latest, most wonderful
novel. Set twenty years after The Given Day, this
literary masterstroke is much more than the story of
a small-time gangster's rise during Prohibition. It is
a dark, stylistic tour de force, elevating this tale to
truly classic status. What a ride! ~ Erik Barnum |
 In Sunlight and in Shadow by Mark Helprin.
This magnificent story, set in post WWII Manhattan,
describes the depths of mind, heart and soul of
characters whose lives have been shaped by the war,
the culture and the city. The reader is torn between
the swift river of the narrative and its luminous
sentences and searing paragraphs. A deeply
romantic, supremely intelligent novel. ~ Karen Frank |
|
 Sutton by J.R. Moehringer. The Pulitzer prizewinning
author of The Tender Bar turns his formidable
talent to a novel based on the life of this famously
unknowable hero/villain. Willie Sutton, bank robber
and escape artist, who said he robbed banks "Because
that's where the money is," often fictionalized his
own life story. This version weaves between the
events that shaped an extraordinary character.
~ Karen Frank |
 Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan. In 1972
Cambridge graduate Serena Frome is recruited by
MI5, the British Secret Service. After boring months
filing reports, she's sent to check out the politics of a
young writer. A love affair begins, with dire results.
McEwan creates the paranoid Cold War atmosphere
and the duplicitous nature of espionage with his
customary wit and elegance. ~ Louise Jones |
|
 Between the Notes: Making Art's Cello by James N.
McKean. Shires Press is thrilled to bring you this
poignant memoir of three friends united in the unique
art of creating fine violin-family instruments for elite
musicians. After one became ill, the others vowed to
make a cello to donate to a deserving Julliard student
in their friend's name. A feast of
artistry, a tribute to friendship and
a great story. By the author of the
novel Quattrocento. ~ Karen Frank |
||
 |
|
|
 |
 The Round House by Louise Erdrich. A powerful
investigation of a Native American woman, raped on sacred
ground. Thirteen year-old Joe attempts to understand and
solve his mother's violation, exposing themes of truth, honor
and integrity - and the harsh realities surrounding inequality
and power in America. Once again Erdrich confirms why
writers of fiction are universally vital to us all.
~ Nancy Scheemaker |
 The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro. Claire Roth, a
luckless artist who paints reproductions, is asked to copy a
Degas that looks exactly like one stolen from the Gardner
Museum in 1990. Those art works have never been
recovered, despite multitudes of rumors and speculation.
Is Claire being drawn into a conspiracy? A clever plot with
many twists produces a highly satisfying read.
~ Louise Jones |
 Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver. Wonderfully
rounded characters tell a story both frighteningly
contemporary and important in its insights: the entire
population of the North American monarch butterfly
migrates to southern Appalachia rather than Mexico.
Kingsolver creates a complex scenario based on scientific and
historical fact in which the natural world plays a significant
role. A thought-provoking, inspiring, achingly moving
novel, embodying Kingsolver's well-loved humanity and
empathy. ~ Barbara Morrow |
 Dear Life: Stories by Alice Munro. "Nothing changes
really about love." This last line of the second story in this
collection sums up a lot of what makes Alice Munro a gift
to the world. Her words illuminate achingly real people in
ordinary situations as that elusive shock of recognition grabs
the reader. The last, an autobiographical sketch, ends:
"Just after my mother had grabbed
me up, as she said, for dear life."
~ Karen Frank |
|
 |
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
(DVD $29.98, Blu-ray $39.98).
The lives of a group of British
citizens, living in a hotel in India
that caters to older people of
limited means, begin to undergo
momentous changes. A rare,
quietly understated film
nearly impossible to dislike, about the
power of the human spirit, beautifully
acted by a superb ensemble cast. ~ Alden Graves |
|
