Staff Suggestions

Even though I’m telling you that the central character dies in the first sentence of the book, I promise that it won’t spoil this powerful novel for you! The author skillfully proceeds to weave in and out of the past, present, and future to bring you the story of Kweku Sai and his family circle. Kweku is an accomplished surgeon with a thriving practice in Boston when his life takes an unfortunate turn that tears him and his family apart and sends him back to his homeland: Ghana. His death will reunite them in this unforgettable and flawlessly-written novel.
-Val

Chilling doesn’t begin to describe the criminal career of RN Charles Cullen – he may have murdered up to 300 patients over the course of a dozen years. Even more frightening, however, are all the health care administrators who suspected his activities and took no action. He easily moved from job to job and was practically begging to be caught!
-Mary T. 

When I have a new Harlan Coben book in my hands, all of my responsibilities are ignored until I’ve reached whatever stunning conclusion he’s come up with. He doesn’t disappoint with this thrilling tale of heartbroken Jake Fisher as he searches for the woman who abruptly left him and married someone else 6 years earlier. His search takes him on an unimaginable journey with shocking results. It’s a must-read. ~Julie

Clarice, Odette and Barbara Jean become an inseparable trio as they grow up in the tumultuous 60s. For 40 years, they meet at Earl’s after church to help each other cope with love, marriage, death, infidelity and gossip that will make you laugh, sob and appreciate the meaning of a true friend. Prepare to be surprised. -Andie

Are you ready for something mind-bending, something intelligent, introspective and quintessentially Irish? Five men volunteer to enter a comatose state to test a new idea for incarceration of criminals. The novel makes a subtle statement on today's politics, spirituality and even celebrity worship. –Mary T.

Right from the opening scene of a brutal torture, Steig Larsson fans will love this gripping tale of murder, secrets and revenge. Set in the closed-off Irish community of Buffalo, NY, this gritty winter read is perfect to curl up with during a blizzard (like me) or even at the beach! I LOVED the female detective—smart and capable! I certainly hope we get more Det. Absalom “Abbie” Kearney novels in the future! - Jamie

Think Thomas Edison invented the light bulb? Wrong. Think the electric light killed gas light? Wrong. This fascinating book covers 1880 through 1920 and the amazing history of lighting—which is completely different than the history of electricity. Find out why inside. - Andrew

Erik Schroder (aka Eric Kennedy) has lived a life of deception, all because of an innocent childish desire to attend a summer program. By one simple act, he becomes someone else. Maybe it’s no surprise that he’s ultimately found out and his life is destroyed. And maybe it’s no surprise that you don’t want to like this man who seems to think only of himself. And yet, nothing is that easy. This is a terrifically interesting and compelling story that will make you think, and think again. –Kathryn

Anytime I sat down to read The News from Spain, I heard The Four Tops playing in my head. And while it might sound like “the same old song,” Wickersham reminds us that love is different for everyone—in a variety of iterations and ideals. Her subtle short story collection proves that the love for humanity is the most universal of all. If you’re a fan of Alice Munro, you’ll love (ha!) this book. – Courtney

I am an avid biography fan and this book is one of the best I have read. You are given an in-depth look at Jefferson’s political and personal life. I felt as though I was in the room when the Declaration of Independence was signed. Jefferson was a prolific writer and the author included excerpts from many of Jefferson’s unpublished presidential papers. The book is incredibly well researched and at times reads like a good fiction novel. You will see that Jefferson was a genius and probably the most successful political leader of the early Republic.

~Bonnie

Welcome to Wendover, MA. A small historic New England town not unlike the one where you live. And meet Hildy Good, a 60 something realtor who within a few short pages you want to hang out with, and gossip with and… This book is like a good friend whose company you don’t want to leave.

~Pat

Faulks is one amazing writer. Here he presents five novellas that stretch from 1822 to 2029 and take place all over the globe. Only when you’ve finished this carefully wrought novel do you see the connections between the story and the characters – they are as subtle as his writing. Faulks is turning into one of our generation’s great talents.

~Andrew

It is hard to imagine a more compelling, taut, well-written story of a group of survivors in a lifeboat and the consequences of the choices they make. This is a page-turner for sure and it’s one that made me think hard about what humans really are at their core. And all I can say is, it’s complicated. Charlotte Rogan is one talented lady.

~Kathryn

I laughed! I cringed! I l felt for all the characters in this bizarre, strange, but fantastic novel. Yes it’s very dysfunctional and yes, it’s hard to imagine. But- yes- it’s an interesting read!

-Lori

I was hooked when I found out the caricatures inside the cover were drawn by Grace. She has lived an extraordinary life at the top of the fashion industry- from 1960’s model to Creative Director of Vogue alongside Anna Wintour. Beautiful, blunt and witty. Oh what a life!

-Sarah

Catherine the Great was many things - child bride, neglected wife, passionate lover, great philosopher, and of course, ruler of Russia.  Pulitzer Prize winning author Robert K. Massie draws from Catherine’s voluminous correspondence to bring this amazing and infamous woman’s story to vivid life.  It reads like a great novel, but it’s all true!  - Lori

From one of my favorite writers comes the story of the real-life bank robber, Willie Sutton.  And what a story it is!  J.R. Moehringer is such a terrific storyteller and Willie Sutton is the perfect subject for his talents.  You will be entertained, absorbed, surprised and shocked.  Spend time with this wonderful book and you won’t be disappointed.  – Kathryn

The Keller family has five generations of first-born women who live together on a California olive grove.  Starting with Anna, age 112, and trickling down to Erin who is in her twenties, they have all lived seemingly ordinary lives. However, when a geneticist begins to research the secret behind their lack of aging, old memories and secrets are stirred up and bonds are tested as the Keller women cope with the consequences of their choices.  Told from a variety of viewpoints, the story is well-written and unique.

– Sarah

Kennan’s life spanned the 20^th century and he observed and affected so much of what the rest of us lived through – the Marshall Plan and the containment policy of the Soviet Union that became the Cold War.  This is an American life lived in public, but filled with second thoughts, doubts, and the yearning for simplicity.  Kennan’s life is a microcosm of the past century – a wonderfully written view through the eyes of one of us. – Nancy

If you loved The Art of Racing in the Rain with its unconventional narrator and his unconditional love for his owner, then this is the next novel that will become near and dear to your heart.  Budo is an imaginary friend to Max, a 4^th grader with special needs. Max has no friends and not one, but two dangerous enemies.  Budo may be imaginary but his friendship, his bravery, and his love for Max are very real.  Exquisite and poignant. – Mary T.

I was completely engrossed by Kati Marton’s intimate and honest memoir.  After casually picking it up one morning on vacation, I was immediately enthralled and finished it by mid-afternoon!  Very few books cause me to have such a reaction.  In just 200 pages, Marton tells us her life of love and loss as a Hungarian refugee, an ABC foreign correspondent, wife and mother, all centered in Paris.  With all that she has experienced and accomplished in her life, Marton’s words resonate as they are both inspirational and enlightening.  I am overwhelmed by how much I love this book! – Sarah

As I read this I found myself continually saying “Are you kidding?”  How, why, could these people persevere?  What drove them?  Money? Fame? Were they all mad?  And what is the result?  Look at the map of Africa, read this book, see the aftermath of this “need to know” and be the first.  Terrific writing with, thank goodness, great maps.  Tim Jeal writes so that the rest of us can understand.  Wonderful.  – Nancy

A beautiful Berliner has a forbidden affair with a Jewish man at the height of World War II.  Ironically, she later provides refuge to his family and puts herself in terrible danger as a result.  Sexy, passionate and provocative – this is my favorite book this year!  Perfect for fans of Julie Orringer’s The Invisible Bridge.  – Mary T.