Book ReviewsHardback FictionThe Help, by Kathryn Stockett, published by Amy Einhorn Books $24.95 
I didn't want this book to end. I wanted to keep following the characters, find out more about what happens to them. I wanted to have coffee with Aibileen, make sure Minny didn't put up with any more of Leroy's abuse, and shake Hilly Hollbrook until her teeth rattled. Stockett vividly brings to life Mississippi in the 1960s and explores the supposed lines not only between blacks and whites, but also between the "haves" and "have nots." An excellent book; this should be required reading. ISBN 978-0399155345 Reviewed by: Morgan Along for the Ride, by Sarah Dessen.
A wonderful story about second chances. 18-year-old Auden West decides to spend the summer with her father, new step-mother, and new baby sister before going off to college in the fall. There she learns that there is more to life than books and studying... Reviewed by: Natalia Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater. Release date: August 2009. Published by Scholastic Press $17.99 This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoyed the Twilight saga, you will love Shiver. Maggie Stiefvater redefines the meaning of werewolf in a way that will leave you wanting more. Reviewed by: Natalia A Reliable Wife, by Robert Goolrick, published by Algonquin Books $23.95 
Expect to see this, Goolrick's first novel, on numerous bestseller lists. A Reliable Wife is a story of secrets and lies, of lust, madness, betrayal, and redemption set against the frigid backdrop of turn-of-the-century Wisconsin. When the paths of the beautiful, deceitful Catherine Land and the wealthy, tormented Ralph Truitt cross, the result reveals a jumble of skeletons in every closet. With more than one surprising twist, Wife is difficult to put down. Goolrick's gift is his ability to tell a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, without sacrificing style and prose. ISBN 978-1565125964 Reviewed by: Morgan Pictures at an Exhibition, by Sara Houghteling, published by Alfred Knopf $24.95 Have you noticed how many books are being written right now about civilians and how WWII affected them either before, during or after the war? Perhaps enought time has elapsed since the war, perhaps people are trying to capture that time before the Greatest Generation is gone. Whatever the reason, literature oftoday is rich in this time in history. Pictures at an Exhibition is just such a story. The main character, Max, is raised in a French/Jewish family. His father is an art dealer, with accounts with the masters, Matisse, Picaso, and others. Before the war Max is not allowed to enter in the family business, but is told to become a doctor. After the war, when he and his father return to Paris (they went into hiding in the south) the entire art collection is gone.While this is fiction, some of the characters are based on reality. One woman, Rose Clement, was a spy, keeping track of artwork, listing who took it and where it went. The prose is rich, and the descriptions of life are so real you feel you are experiencing Max's life. Enjoy this wonderful exploration of the Parisian art world, the Nazi occupation of Paris, and all its aftermath. Reviewed by: Theresa The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, (published by The Dial Press $14.00) 
London 1946. Now on the bestseller list as a paperback, and still #1! An author is looking for the subject of her book. When Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a man, a native of Guernsey, the British Isle which was once occupied by the Nazis, a friendship is born. Thus begins a remarkable correspondence with this man, and other members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. She learns about their island, their taste in books, and the powerful, transformative impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. “I can’t remember the last time I discovered a novel as smart and delightful as this one…. I can’t recommend it highly enough”-- Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love. ISBN 978-0385340991 Reviewed by: Theresa Paperback FictionHit Man, by Lawrence Block (publisher HarperTorch $7.99) 
Alright, I know that this is not a new book. But Mr. Block is new to me. I have just discovered his books, and thankfully, he has lots! The series I am reading right now begins with Hit Man. The story revolves around Keller, a man hired, mostly by the mafia, to take out informants, and other ne'er do wells. But sometimes he makes a mistake. The writing is wonderful, with descriptions of life in New York City and other places rich from a different angle. His philosopy of life is fascinating. If you like mystery/thrillers, youshould try Lawrence Block. Reviewed by: Theresa In the Woods, by Tana French (publisher Penguin $14.00) Three children playing in the woods. Only one is found, catatonic and with shoes filled with blood. Fastforward 20 years to another murder, a young girl murdered in the same woods. Detective Rob Ryan, (that little boy who was found) takes on the case with his partner Cassie Maddox. Are the two cases connected? With only snippetsofhis memory to guide him Ryan has a chance to solve both cases. An outstanding thriller, one of the best I have read in a long time. - Theresa Lazo. Follow Tana French's next book, The Likeness, and Cassie Maddox in her next murder. Reviewed by: Theresa Hardback NonfictionRemarkable Trees of Virginia, by Nancy Ross Hugo and Jeff Kirwan, photography by Robert llewellyn $49.95 Enjoy not only the spectacular photos of amazing 475-year-old cedars, towering white pines but also the the stories of the trees and the search for them. What began as a project to find the oldest trees in Virginia, this book is the culumunation of also searching for the most interesting and significant trees in the state of Virginia as well. This is not just a coffee table book, but as Michelle Robbins, editor of American Forests, says "It brims with the 'wow' factor the authors so aptly describe,and it will have you taking a closer look at the trees and tree habitats around you. Reviewed by: Theresa Grazing Along the Crooked Road, by Betty Skeens and Libby Bondurant $24.95 Do you like to read cookbooks? What a treat this book will be for you. Grazing the Crooked Road is a collection of stories and recipes from Dickinson County to Franklin, from Galax to Damascus to Rocky Mount. Mrs. Skeens and Mrs. Bondurant have collected recipes and stories of people along the Music Trail and include stories of Ralph Stanley, Breakin' Up Christmas at the Rex Theater, the Brown Family Square Dancers, Wayne Henderson and Rixey's Market. Recipes include Blackberry Wine Cake from Sharon K. Tudor of Rocky Mount, Shooting Creek Potato Salad from Lucille T. Nollen, Floyd, VA, Gingerbread with Orange Sauce from Lucille H. Kemp, Dugspur, VA and Squirrel and Dumplings in a dutch Oven from Creg Barton,1st Sgt. Cumberland Mtn Rangers,Clintwood, VA. What could be better than reading the stories of these folks and then eat the great food! Reviewed by: Theresa Paperback NonfictionHungry Girl, by Lisa Lillien $17.95 (published by St. Martin's Griffin) Want your cake, pizza, burgers, nachos and still fit in your jeans? Lisa Lillien is a self-appointed "foodoligist" who is always hungry! Check out the recipes in this and in Hungry Girl, 200 Under 200, with 200 recipes under 200 calories. Brownies, onion rings, cheeseburger quesadillas, chocolate marshmallow madness cupcakes! How can you go wrong?
Reviewed by: Theresa |
Release date: June 16 2009. Published by Viking $19.99