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Check out our reviews and recommendations:
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Laura recommends: The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris What it’s about: In a small Georgia town during the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, residents grieve their losses. George and Isabelle Walker are mourning the death of their soldier son Caleb. Recently emancipated brothers Prentis and Landry, after struggling to survive in the wilderness, find refuge working for the Walkers. But the growing friendship between the brothers and the Walkers disturbs the local white residents, and the resentful feelings come to a head when yet another broken soldier returns from the War. Critics say: “Harris' first novel is an aching chronicle of loss, cruelty, and love in the wake of community devastation” (Booklist); “Harris writes in intelligent, down-to-earth prose and shows a keen understanding of his characters, and while the plot leads to several tragic events, there’s a tinge of hope at the end. This character study is credible and deeply moving” (Publishers Weekly).
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Misty recommends: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood What it’s about: There are so many brutal practices that have become the norm in this tale, shocking and unimaginable events that would be horrific to be forced to experience. We see all of it from Offred's perspective - the horrors, the injustices, and the small triumphs that mean everything to her. Her victories are things we experience many times every day and think nothing of the fact that we have these freedoms. Is it for you? I found myself thinking about the book often. It is a story that is very difficult to keep out of your head. If you like when a book has that effect on you, then you will want to read this book. You might also like: Vox by Christina Dalcher
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Kristin recommends: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict What it’s about: Belle da Costa Greene has a secret. She’s passing for white in the rarified world of museums and libraries in 1906. A lover of the printed word, Belle is encouraged by a friend to apply for a job as personal librarian to J. P. Morgan, who needs someone to help him acquire and curate antique books and manuscripts for his personal collection. This determined young woman navigates the delicate handling of her imperious employer and high-stakes art auctions with growing skill. As we follow Belle through the next twenty years, she shines as a woman in a male-dominated society, all the while keeping the secret of her birth, knowing that exposure would cost her her job and her ability to support her family. Based on the real-life Belle da Costa Greene, this story is a look back at a time both strangely different and uncomfortably similar to our own. Reviewers say: “An excellent piece of historical fiction that many readers will find hard to put down” (Library Journal); “Benedict and Murray do a great job capturing Belle's passion and tenacity as she carves a place for herself in a racist male-dominated society” (Publisher’s Weekly).
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Roseanne recommends: The Last Anniversary: A Novel by Liane Moriarty What it's about: Sophie Honeywell inherits the house of her ex-boyfriend’s Aunt Connie, located on the fictional Scribbly Gum Island. The island is famous for an unsolved mystery, the disappearance of Alice and Jack Munro, known as the Munro baby mystery. Sophie moves onto the island and begins a new life as part of an unconventional family, where it seems everyone has a secret. Reviewers say: “A stunner…[Moriarty’s] prose turns from funny through poignant to frightening in an artful snap” (Publishers Weekly).
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Aimee recommends: Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz What it's about: This book is about the blossoming relationship of Aristotle Mendoza and Dante Quintana, two boys who fell in love. It picks up right where Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe left off, summer before their senior year of high school. Ari is learning how to open up to his friends, parents, and sisters, by having honest conversations about his father’s involvement in the Vietnam War, his imprisoned brother, the AIDS epidemic, and coming out. And Dante is preparing for the birth of his new baby brother or sister. Together, they navigate and chart their lives together, as Ari and Dante. From the Author: “It took me five years to write a book I never intended to write. Aristotle and Dante came from somewhere inside me and I thought I was finished with them. But they were not finished with me. I came to feel very strongly that I had left too many things unsaid … this was the most difficult book that I have ever written.” Reviewers say: “There’s an unhurried quality to the author’s wistful, tender prose that feels utterly intimate. Messily human and sincerely insightful” (Kirkus Reviews).
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Astrid recommends: Bittman Bread: No-Knead Whole Grain Baking for Every Day by Mark Bittman What it’s about: This simple approach to baking bread uses whole-grain flour in place of white, and a starter instead of commercial yeast. The “beginner loaf” came out so well we ate it all in one sitting. It was delicious! Authors’ quote: “As it turns out, making the best bread mostly means two things: mastering natural starter—usually called ‘sourdough,’ though it’s not necessarily sour—and using real whole grains.” Reviewers say: “After reading through the straightforward instructions and salivating at the recipes for crusty breads, pizzas, desserts, and more, readers will be excited to get started” (Booklist Review); “This hits the spot” (Publishers Weekly Review); “Another cookbook in which Bittman thoroughly learns a kitchen task, then deftly explains it to readers. Recommended for anyone interested in whole grains or easy, no-knead, naturally fermented bread” (Library Journal Review).
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Stacey recommends: These Precious Days: Essays by Ann Patchett What it’s about: In these warm and lyrical essays, bestselling novelist Ann Patchett writes about her three fathers, the independent bookstore she co-owns, her writing mentors, her love of dogs, and her relationship with knitting. When she writes about some of her most significant friendships, those are the essays that might break your heart (and you’ll count yourself lucky if you have such a friend). What sets it apart: Because she’s Ann Patchett, the writing is beautiful and memorable and evocative. And because she’s Ann Patchett, her observations are heartfelt and honest.
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