Here are some of the books that we just can't stop talking about!
An unforgettable story, rich with inspiration and historical accuracy, from his own family, growing up in Kerala, India. Part historical fiction, part non-ficiton, part family dynamics drama. This remarkable, sweeping novel portrays the goodness of humanity. Masterfully written! - Jeanne
Traditional heroes, those we identify as "good guys/gals", are not the hallmark of Lehane's stories. Character flaws are rawly exposed and the subject matter is often difficult, uncomfortable, and unnerving. But his ability to add layer upon layer of complexity to his characters draws you in, keeps you hooked, almost rooting for them to the very end.
— Chuck
A new book from this world class author! Set in the hills of Virginia, during Prohibition, this one traces the complicated family history of a bootlegging empire. Walls writes, "What else are you going to do? You can get married or you can become a schoolteacher or a nurse. Other than that, it's slim pickings - a nun of a whore or a spinster peeling potatoes in the corner of some relation's kitchen." OR...you can set your own path, which is what Sallie Kincaid does. Powerful.
— Anne
An intriguing account of this little-known historical event. The Wager sets sail, undergoes danger, disease, marauding and shipwreck. Grann masterfully details the human spirit in all of its glory and pain.
Scheduled to be a movie!
— Jeanne
Timothy Egan is one of my absolutely favorite non-fiction writers. A master storyteller and remarkable researcher. Such a difficult subject matter, yet a book you just cannot put down!
— Chuck
Flawed characters cause major conflicts as two families determine who will be heirs to their restaurants. Stradal writes for the Midwest as Richard Russo does for upper NY State, allowing the reader greater local insight.
— Philip
Bittle does a yeoman's job in explaining the concerns we will face with natural disasters, but recognizes that heat will be the biggest driver of migration. People will be heading north. Some cities are already planning for this inward migration.
— Philip
Dombrowsky ponders the question of what we should hand down to our offspring. He is a native of Michigan who found "the place in which he feels right to be" - Montana. Included are some memories he has fishing with the author Jim Harrison. - Phil
The funniest book I have read in years! And the bonus is that it's about baseball. McGee quotes Jim Bouton "you spend your whole life gripping a baseball, and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around the whole time."
— Philip