People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

Pulitzer prize-winning author Brooks brings us another fascinating historical fiction title, this time revolving around the illustrated Sarajevo Haggadah, the rare book expert authenticating it, and the history of its creation and journey through time.                                                                  Carol

eat pray love by Elizabeth Gilbert

We were completely absorbed in Gilbert's journey from her bathroom floor to her new height of spirituality and self awareness.  You don't need to travel the world to feel the effects of this book.                                      Lisa, Kathy, & Carol

The Thirteenth Tale   by Diane Setterfield

A mysterious, gothic tale, reminiscent of Rebecca by du Maurier & stories by the Bronte sisters.                                                Carol

Run by Ann Patchett

One of my favorite authors returns with a mesmerizing story of a family in Boston and the secrets unlocked by a snowy accident.                                                                                                                 Carol

Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell

Russell, the author of one of my favorite books, The Sparrow, takes us to the Middle East after World War I.  In a fictionalized account, her protagonist encounters Lawrence of Arabia, Winston Churchill, and Gertrude Bell, as they decide the fate of the Middle East--with consequences that affect us today.                      Carol

The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty     

When Kara's tragic mistake causes strain in her family and community, her mother's best efforts at love and protection only push Kara farther away.  This story will resonate with any mother or daughter, who, despite good intentions, have failed to connect emotionally from time to time.                                  Lisa

The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Goff     

The narrator has rturned to her hometown after a failed romance to solve the mystery of her birth father.  The story is told in current day and by the historical voices of her family and other members of the community (which is actually Cooperstown, NY).   A great read.                                              Carol

Grace (Eventually) by Anne Lamott

I love Lamott's earthy way of putting her faith into words.  I feel like she's a friend of mine.                                                     Kathy

The Film Club by David Gilmour    

A father allows his son to drop out of school--if he will watch and discuss with his father three movies a week.  This is an engaging memoir in which what may be a non-traditional approach to parenting works out for the best.  A story of movies, fathers & sons, and growing up.                          Carol

The Girl with No Shadow by Joanne Harris

A sequel to Chocolat finds Vianne and Anouk in Paris, where Vianne is afraid to use her charms, until something precious to her is threatened.                                                         Carol & Lisa

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan    

A suberbly written first novel, which won the Bellweather Prize for Fiction.  It is a wrenching story of racism in 1940's Mississippi, peopled with unforgettable characters.         Carol

The Host by Stephanie Meyer   

For those like us who are secretly addicted to her Twilight Saga for young adults, Stephanie Meyer has written her first adult novel.  Intriguing aliens called "souls" have taken over Earth.  It is at heart a story about the relationships between an alien soul and the remaining humans.  You won't be able to put it down (also a good young adult cross-over title).                            Carol & Lisa

Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos    

From the very first page you want to welcome Cornelia into your neighborhood.  A sequel to Love Walked In, it is a story of love,

loss, and friendship.                                        Lisa & Carol

Standing Up to the Madness

by Amy Goodman & David Goodman    

I learn more about world news in the first 10 minutes of Amy Goodman's Democracy Now radio program than 24 hours of cable news.  In her newest book, she and her brother David tell inspiring stories of everyday citizens who have challenged the

government on issues from civil liberties to the environment.   

Camel Club by David Baldacci    

Needing a page-turner for a day in bed with a cold, I grabbed Camel Club and was not disappointed.  Baldacci writes great thrillers--this one involving terrorists, the Secret Service, D.C. power players, and the introduction of the Camel Club--a paranoid group of misfits investigating a murder.                             Carol

Take This Bread by Sara Miles    

I first learned of Sara Miles when I heard her reading her essay on This I Believe (NPR).  This is a spiritual memoir about her conversion to Christianity after the simple act of eating bread.  I knew right away that I'd enjoy her book                       Kathy

The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay    

My book club discovered this 1989 title on a list of South African favorites.  It is the absorbing story of Peekay, an English boy in WWII South Africa.  At times wrenching, the reader is also introduced to the marvelous friends of all ages and races that Peekay makes on his journey to adulthood.                          Carol

The Scent of Blood by Raymond Miller  

A great noir mystery recommended by Norm & Alene                   

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski  

A moving family saga of the relationship between dogs and humans, set outside Mellen and the Chequamegon National Forest.   It is the number one July pick for the Indie NEXT List.                                                                                                  Norm

And since Norm's initial recommendation, I can second it.  An excellent first novel with the scope of a Shakespearean tragedy.   Carol

And now for just a few of our favorite new kids' books...

Pinkalicious & Purplicious by Elizabeth Kann & Victoria Kann    

Pinkalicious is a delightful story of a girl who loves pink.  I found Purplicious even more engaging.  When pink is no longer in--black is, Pinkalicious broods in her room until she meets a new friend who loves blue...                           

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie    

Alexie won the National Book Award for this semi-autobiographical story of an endearing young Native American named Arnold.  When he goes to school off-reservation, he soon finds that he is not a member of either community.  Arnold is also an aspiring cartoonist, and the book would not be the same without Ellen Forney's marvelous illustrations.

Why War is Never a Good Idea

by Alice Walker & Stefano Vitale    

A moving poem and illustrations.

Savvy by Ingrid Law

When a Beaumont turns 13, he or she gets her "savvy"--a talent akin to a superpower.  Things seemingly go from bad to worse on Mibs 13th birthday as she awaits the arrival of her true savvy.

New Moon by Stephanie Meyer    

Now in paperback, New Moon is the second in the hugely popular Twilight Saga for young adults.  Bella is bereft at the absence of Edward and his family.  Her friendship with Sam deepens, then the story takes an unexpected turn...   The final book, Breaking Dawn, will be out August 2nd.