Sonata for Miriam   by Linda Olsson

The second book from the author of Astrid & Veronika is equally engaging.  Adam is a composer who returns to Europe to learn of his parents' fate in WWII Poland, and eventually to Sweden to confront his own past.                       Carol    

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society   by MaryAnn Shaffer & Annie Barrows

A historical novel of the WWII German occupation of the Channel Islands of England told through letters shared with the Islanders and the main protagonist, Juliet Ashton.  I enjoyed reading the letters and connecting the lives of the characters.  I couldn't put it down.          

                           Kathy               (I agree! Carol)                                                                                           

A Reliable Wife  by Robert Goolrick

Inspired by Wisconsin Death Trip, this dark story of a northern Wisconsin lumber baron and his mail order bride at the turn of the century, during a never-ending winter, is an excellent first novel.                                                                                        Carol

Wings  by Aprilynne Pike

When wings bloom on Laurel's back, she learns that she is a faerie who was placed with human parents.  A book for young adults, which will also appeal to adults .     (young adult title)                                                                                              Lisa

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo   by Stieg Larsson

An intriguing new mystery series out of Sweden (the author finished three books before passing away). Larsson's characterization is excellent and the story goes in unexpected and sometimes unsettling directions.  We can't wait to read more about the girl of the title in the next installment.                                 

                                         Carol & Kathy

The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet   by Reif Larsen

A unique story of a brilliant boy who is awarded a fellowship by the Smithsonian, which mistakenly believes he is an adult.  The book follows his adventures cross-country by train to accept the award, and the margins are filled with his maps, diagrams, and other musings.                              Carol                                                                                                                

Not Becoming my Mother:  and other things she taught me along the way by Ruth Reichl

Reichl departs from her earlier memoirs of how food shaped her life and learns through newly discovered writings of her mother that her mother truly did teach her many valuable lessons, even through all the dysfunction.  Very touching.                                                                          Kathy

The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

At long last, we have another gothic tale from the author of The Shadow of the Wind, one of my favorite books.  Set again in Barcelona, but this time in the 1920's.  Aspiring novelist David Martin, living in a mysterious old house, takes a commission to write a book like no other, visits the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, and soon becomes obsessed with love and writing.     

                                                                           Carol        

The Little Book by Selden Edwards    

A time traveling love story spanning 1890's Vienna to present day.  For those who loved Time and Again by Jack Finney.                                                                  Carol

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan

One of my favorite books from last year is now in paperback.                                                                                         Carol

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Licthenheld

Is it a duck or a rabbit?--a great read-aloud either way!                          

The Pig Did It & The Pig Comes to Dinner  by Joseph Caldwell

The first in these dryly comic stories set in Ireland is now in paperback.  In it, the pig of the title unearths a body in a famous author's backyard.  The same cast is back in the sequel, but this time inhabiting a castle with two lovely ghosts.                                                  Carol

The Leisure Seeker by Michael Zadoorian    

One of the best, albeit bittersweet, love stories I've read.  A woman with terminal cancer and her husband with Alzheimer's defy their children and doctors and take off for one more trip in their motor home along Route 66.                                  Carol

The Night Birds by Thomas Maltman   

The author is from Manitowoc and has written an engrossing story of German immigrants to the Midwest and their involvement with slave holders and the Dakota uprising.  An exceptional debut novel.                                  Alene & Norm

East of the Sun by Julia Gregson

A big saga worthy of a Masterpiece Theatre special in the tradition of The Jewel in the Crown.  Three British women to to India by ship in 1928 to seek their futures.                                                                                                              Carol

Radiant Darkness  by Emily Whitman    

My daughter loved this book about the goddess Persephone, who wants to break away from the life her mother planned for her and sees her opportunity with a mysterious stranger. (A young adult title)                                        Carol's daughter Hannah   

Below Zero  by C.J. Box    

We love Box's Joe Pickett, the Wyoming game warden.  This newest book in the series finds Joe dealing with environmental zealots, poachers, and possibly someone special from his family's past. 

                Carol, Norm, Alene, Lisa, Carol's parents...        

Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell

The ivy league bound daughter of uptight parents is invited backpacking through Asia with her freewheeling grandma.  Vassar has great adventures and makes a surprising discovery.  (a young adult title)                             Carol

Benny & Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti

The quirky and unexpected story of Benny & Shrimp's mid-life romance is a truly delightful read.

                                                                   Lisa

The God of War   by Marisa Silver

A poignant, beautifully written coming of age story of a young man and his brother, set in the California desert.

                                                                 Carol        

Toads by Eileen Zeisler & Janelle Thompson  

This book asks the question, "Where do toads spend their time during the light of the day?" and is warmly illustrated by a friend of mine who lives in Ladysmith.

                                                                  Kathy                                                                                             

The Survivors Club:  The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life by Ben Sherwood   

A fascinating look at who survives and why--from crashes to animal attacks to illness.  Equally intriguing is why people don't survive when they should.

                                                                Carol         

Fancy Nancy Explorer Extraordinaire!

byJane O'Connor & Robin Preiss Glasser

Fancy Nancy books just keep coming, and this is a particularly good one, with fun rules and activities for her explorers' club.  Even the outdoors can be fancy!

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Relin

If you haven't read this inspiring and timely story yet, you must

(I thought I was the last one and finally read it this month!)

                                                                    Carol