"Just the knowledge that a good book is awaiting one at the end of a long day makes that day happier." ~ Kathleen Norris, American novelist
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Ngā mihi o te wā! Find out more about Christmas and explore our seasonal stuff: Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from Christchurch City Libraries to you and yours.
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New and Recently Released!
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Each and every one
by Rachael English
The Irish economy is faltering and the children of a comfortably off family find out things aren't going to be that easy. Warm, wise and witty, this is a novel about the lessons we learn in life and the ones we never do.
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The book of strange new things: a novel
by Michel Faber
Called to perform missionary work in a world light years away where the natives are fascinated by the concepts he introduces, man of faith Peter Leigh finds his beliefs tested when he learns of natural disasters that are tearing Earth apart.
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| Let me be frank with you by Richard FordFrank Bascombe has already starred in three reflective, compassionate novels. In this latest outing, which consists of four novellas set in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Frank is 68, retired, and feeling old. A friend is dying, his ex-wife is suffering from Parkinson's, and he's stuck with the feeling that everything is in decline. Readers who have followed him through the years will enjoy reconnecting with Frank as he continues to muse (crankily if discerningly) about the ravages of life. |
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This picture of you
by Sarah Hopkins
Gripping, insightful and moving a searing story of love and betrayal, and a family coming apart at the seams as dementia affects the father. A breakthrough novel from one of the rising stars of Australian writing.
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Frog: a novel
by Yan Mo
Chronicling the history of modern China through a controversial lens, a novel from a winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature tells the story of Gugu, a revered midwife, who, to prove her allegiance to the Communist party, strictly enforces the one-child policy, performing abortions on women as many as eight months pregnant. By the author of Red Sorghum.
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| The forgers: a novel by Bradford MorrowIn this literary novel of suspense, we begin with the gruesome murder of rare book collector Adam Diehl. Narrated by a semi-reformed forger of literary works named Will, who is dating Adam's sister, The Forgers describes in rich detail the pleasure of rare books -- and the thrill of forging them. This latter is especially important, as Will's past as a forger is quickly catching up with him. Will, an unreliable narrator from the start, appears to have a stalker, and the question soon becomes -- did he kill Adam, or is he the next victim? |
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| Us: a novel by David NichollsThe night before biochemist Douglas Petersen is scheduled to leave for a European trip with his wife of 25 years, Connie, and their 17-year-old son, Connie announces that's she's considering divorce. They go on the trip anyway, with Doug hoping to use it to win Connie back and improve his relationship with his son. Unfortunately, they have different ideas of what a perfect vacation looks like (Doug: detailed, strict itinerary; Connie: follow your whims), and their son alarmingly disappears in Amsterdam. Narrated by Doug, who has always felt bewilderingly out of step in his family, Us offers endearing characters and an engaging, often humorous tone. |
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I refuse
by Per Petterson
Two men meet by accident on a bridge early one morning. Once they were best friends but Tommy and Jim haven't seen each other for 35 years. Back then, Tommy and his sister were abandoned by their mother and later by their abusive father, and Jim, who lived alone with his religious mother, went to high school and became a socialist.
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Reunion: a novel
by Hannah Pittard
Failed screenwriter Kate Pulaski learns that her estranged father has killed himself and gives in to her siblings' request that she join them, along with her many half-siblings and most of her father's five former wives, in Atlanta, their birthplace, for a final farewell. By the author of The Fates Will Find Their Way.
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Adam
by Ariel Schrag
During the summer of 2006, California high school student Adam Freedman is sent to stay with his older sister Casey in New York City where she introduces him to a wild, lesbian subculture complete with underground clubs, drinking and a new crowd who assumes he is transgendered.
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The architect's apprentice: a novel
by Elif Shafak
From the acclaimed author of The Bastard of Istanbul, a colourful, magical tale set during the height of the Ottoman Empire. In her latest novel, Turkey's preeminent female writer spins an epic tale spanning nearly a century in the life of the Ottoman Empire. A memorable story of artistic freedom, creativity, and the clash between science and fundamentalism, Shafak's intricate novel brims with vibrant characters, intriguing adventure, and the lavish backdrop of the Ottoman court, where love and loyalty are no match for raw power.
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The story hour: a novel
by Thrity N Umrigar
Befriending a young Indian woman named Lakshmi—who is suicidal, lonely and trapped in a loveless marriage to a controlling man—experienced psychologist Maggie finds their relationship warped by conflicting expectations and threatened by the revelation of long-buried secrets.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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