Upon first opening this, I thought “Ugh – a book told in letters.” But the letters are witty and quickly grabbed me. This is the story of Juliet Ashton, an author who wrote under the name Izzy Bickerstaff during the war. Tired of writing under her pen name and looking for something deeper than her war writing, she begins correspondence with the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. As the society was started after the German invasion to protect their local citizens, it is a story not only of well loved books but of a community’s survival in the face of adversity. Well crafted, witty, and with a light touch, this is a book I would highly recommend.

Ever is the only survivor of the car crash that killed the rest of her family. She moves to California to live with her aunt, but brings along something special – the ability to hear other people’s thoughts. Trying to survive high school in a hoodie and her ipod, she meets someone who is blissfully silent. Damen is handsome, clever, and hiding something. The first in a series of books, great for fans of Meyer.

The last of the Mortal Instrument series, this book picks up with Clary’s mother in a coma and her forced entry into the City of Glass. With a war about to break out amongst the magical groups, it is up to her and her friends to avert disaster and bring together all the warring factions (faeries, vampires, and wolves) to save their ways of life. A satisfying conclusion to a great series, which is going to be picked up with a prequel trilogy, and a future trilogy featuring a major character of this series. Looking forward to reading more of her work.

When Clay receives a package of cassette tapes in the mail, he never expects to hear Hannah Baker’s voice…because she’s dead. One of thirteen people who she says are responsible for her decision to end her life, he must follow her story to various places in town, and comes to understand how small decisions have large repercussions. Well written and handles the topic of teen suicide appropriately, it is a compelling read.

Vibes is the story of a troubled young woman. Kristi’s father has left her, her mother has buried herself in her work, and she thinks that Gusty (her crush) not only doesn’t like her but thinks her crazy. On top of that, she believes that she can hear the thoughts of others, and none of it is good. She cloaks herself in a hard shell of opera music and clothes made from found materials (an awning skirt, anyone?) and pushes herself even further off the school-cool radar. Bitingly witty, this is a quick read about what happens to a girl who doesn’t want to be normal.

City of Ashes continues the story of Clary and her newfound family; wishing her family would be ‘normal’ again won’t make it happen. Her mother is in a magically-induced coma, her best friend Simon wants romance, and her new-found father (Valentine) is hunting Downworlders. When the Soul-Sword is stolen, the Inquisitor arrives to investigate and places the blame on Jace. Clary must work to prove his innocence and stop the murder of Downworlder children. The series is set in New York City, but she doesn’t rely on location to further the story. The second in the trilogy is just as well-written and past paced as City of Bones; Clare does a great job of giving all characters (even minor ones) great depth and the writing is sharp.

City of Bones starts out an AMAZING trilogy with well rounded characters, smart dialogue, and solid action. Clary Fray and her best friend Simon wander into Pandemonium, only to catch a group of teens in the act of killing a ‘person;’ the ‘person’ is no person and she is drawn into the world of Downworlders and Shadowhunters. Clary discovers that the life she thought she had only hid her mother’s dark past and her own special abilities. This book has fantastic banter and a solid plot. What I thought was truly refreshing was the character relationships, particularly the interplay between Clary, Simon, and her love interest Jace. Worth reading.

When I chose this book, I was interested because it was a memoir about a successful man with Aspergers. What I didn’t expect was that he was Augusten Burrough’s brother. His family life was twisted by his mother’s madness and his father’s alcoholism, but the irony is that Asperger’s shielded him from the worst of his family’s problems. Robison’s memoir is touching and sad, but it is also laugh out loud hysterical. He was an extremely intelligent boy (now adult) and was involved in intricate pranks. More than that, his patience and interest in electronics and cars gave him the knowledge that would allow him to escape his family. What is fascinating (and fantastic) is how he was able to cope with serious social problems without realizing that he was ‘different.’ He has a great sense of self, and this comes through in his writing.

This is a fantastic story of a boy finding his place in the world. Told through illustrations with interspersed pages of text, this is the tale of Hugo. Hugo lived with his uncle in the rail station and helped him keep the clocks running. When his uncle disappears, he must keep his disappearance a secret and keep things running smoothly. Sneaking through the station, he develops a growing relationship with the toy man and his daughter and discovers that nothing is what it appears. A great children’s story, but also a great read for adults.

This book was AMAZING! Set in the future, the United States has been split into the Capitol and 13 Districts. The Capitol is successful while the districts are poor and pay for the entertainments of the Capitol. Each year, the districts each select a boy and a girl to go to fight in the Hunger Games; this is a fight to the death, aired live on television. They are provided with nothing, and the better the ‘show’ (the flashier the murders, the more drama while the children try to create alliances) the more money raised by Capitol sponsors. And there can only be one winner in the Hunger Games. It raises some great questions about survival, class status, and what is done for the sake of entertainment.

Dawn’s story revolves around bad relationships, her sister (or Life Coach), and a mother obsessed with creating THE holiday tree. When things hit their worst, Dawn starts to hear dogs talk to her. Its both charmingly light and dark; what made this book are the dogs’ voices. Without their perspective, the book would have been left with just Dawn’s voice. And Dawn is stupid in love, and her voice is focused on her unhappiness. A great read if you’re looking for something quick and entertaining.

Zoey is left without friends and her boyfriends when she loses their trust. Her teachers have turned against her, and she has to regain her friends’ faith. This book sets up the battle between the good and the bad of the vampyre world. Also the most recent title released in the series.

Zoey must deal with a good friend’s return as the undead and questions about humanity, all while attending classes. One of her sworn enemies becomes the only person she can trust in the third book in the House of Night series. Again, great read with sharp banter and pop culture references. Great suggestion for readers interested in the vampyre or fantasy genres.

Zoey is starting to settle into House of Night (even though she is unique even in the vampyre world). She has become the head of the Dark Daughters, but all is not well; humans are being killed and the deaths placed on the House. While she fights to protect all those she loves, a betrayal might threaten everything she has worked to achieve. This book is dark, but there is humour. Zoey’s friends are well fleshed out personalities with odd quirks, and the authors play this up well, as well as Zoey’s attempts to date.

This story is based in a world aware of vampyres, but not one in which they are accepted. Zoey Redbird becomes ‘marked,’ and moves into the House of Night. There they teach those blessed with this gift how to control it; but this does not mean that all of those marked will survive the change. Zoey is given a special gift by the goddess and she must begin to learn how to use her gift while navigating the treacherous waters of (essentially) high school. Marked is the first book in a series by the Casts, a mother/daughter writing team. Great dialogue, sharp characters, and a solid plot make this an entertaining read for those interested in the vampire/fantasy genre.

Harper Connelly was struck by lightning and develops a gift: she can find the dead and see how they died. She travels with her ‘brother’ Tolliver and earns a living from helping people find their dead. This book revolves around a small town and a number of missing teenage boys. An interesting and quick read, it is the 3rd book in the Harper Connelly series (by author of Sookie Stackhouse novels).

I think that the second book in Marr’s series is even better than the first. Leslie is a troubled teen that has a difficult and abusive home life. To express herself and deal with her pain, she decides to get a tattoo. The tattoo design she chooses brings her into the realm of fairies (and not the pretty and happy kind). This is the latest book released in the series, although book three is currently in Advanced Readers Copy. Can’t wait.

Carolyn’s review made me realize I couldn’t find the review I (thought) had posted. This is one of my favorite young adult ‘series’ (second to Twilight). Marr has created a world of books loosely tied together by characters but they do not have to be read in order. Wicked Lovely is the 1st, and she has created a wonderful, magical world full of flawed characters and bad guys. The plot revolves around Aislinn; she can see fairies because of a magical gift she would give anything to not have. What I love so much about these characters is that none of them are traditional; the main love interest has piercings and there are tattoos. I love that Marr steps outside of the box, and this book is a fantastic suggestion for both young adults and adults.

McEwan’s novel is based on the consequences of a single (bad) choice made by a young and observant girl. Precocious yet sheltered, she grows up understanding her responsibility and hopes to find a way to atone for the harm she has brought to her sister and her lover. I found myself caught up in Briony’s character but I did not find the other characters compelling.

This follows the lives of the author and his girlfriend as they decide to “do good” and move to an atoll in the South Pacific for two years. Sitting just above the equator it is a hot island lacking in running water, no ‘real’ food, and lethal water. While this is ultimately the story of how he adjusts to living without everything you thought essential, it also tells the story of an entire cultural system that is not a part of your average textbook. Well-researched and a sharp voice; would recommend for people who enjoy Bryson.

This has such a great premise: A divorced woman decides to spend a celibate year getting to know herself without the trappings of a relationship to tie her down. Broken into three sections (Italy, India, and Indonesia) it gets bogged down by her whining. Her time in India (in particular) was awfully written with long-winded and unnecessary explanations of her entire experience. It is really the other people that give the book what little life it has. Her “my life is awful, I must find myself” attitude is particularly difficult in the face of her supportive friends and family, strong career, and financial independence. While I understand and respect serious depression and that it defies reality it lacked that ‘spark’ that could made her depression relatable, and thereby moved me (the reader) through her journey.

This was a fantastic (and quick) read that I did awhile back, before the movie hit the theatres. This is the story of Nick (a young boy stuck on his ex) and Norah (a girl who spends her life shepherding her drunken best friend from various NYC hot spots). Norah borrows Nick for a kiss and when he realizes Norah is connected to his ex, they join together for a madcap dash around NYC to find their favorite band. Full of fun band references, it is told from both Nick and Norah’s perspectives. A great read for young adults as well as adults.

This is a well written novel that I would highly recommend. Jim Sheeler looks at the price of the war-the human bodies. From the point of notification through the “reverberations” with friends and family, this puts a human face on a war played out on foreign soil. He makes no political points; some reviewers berate him for that choice but I think it is important for two reasons. (1) To respect the families he followed, who have a wide range of opinions and values. (2) This book isn’t about politics; it’s about respecting those who have made sacrifices for their country (whatever their reasons). This is a continuation of his Pulitzer Prize winning articles.

Dessen’s writing (as always) is superb; she has an amazing grasp of how to give the characters just enough teenage angst without it feeling overly whiny or completely unrealistic. The main character has been living by herself, hoping to get by until she turns eighteen and can legally be on her own. However she is discovered and forced to live with her older sister Cora (who left her 10 years ago) and her new husband Jamie in a wealthy neighborhood completely unlike anything she has ever known. She must work through her bitterness at her sister’s entrance into her life and her mother’s disappearance. She must also find a place for herself in a community that forces her to become a stronger person-both intellectually and emotionally. What is great about this book is that although a young adult novel, this has a strong adult presence-which makes it a great choice for older readers as well.

This is a short but satisfying history of cod. Not just cod, but a human history as well. Humans’ voyages of discovery parallel the flow of cod; a source of food that is easily preserved for later meals, early discoverers followed them on their travails. Even today the loss of cod is reflected by the shift of populations in fishing communities. An interesting and quick read.

Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington to live with her dad and leave her mother free to travel with her new husband. Only, things aren’t as simple as she expected them to be. She meets Edward Cullen, whose family is as unique as he is…vampires. While a ‘young adult’ novel, this could be enjoyed by adults as well. While I love the entire series, I admit it is flawed-particularly Bella’s sometimes immature narrative. But a great read.

I’ve always had an intense fascination with the Civil War period in American History, so this book was a must on my reading list. The Civil War has a different meaning for every individual-then and now. Retracing the Civil War in the present day, Horwitz speaks with everyone from the ‘everyday’ communities that live with battlefields in their backyards, to the reenactors who live for the moments of ‘battle’ (including participating in one reenactor’s “Civil Wargasm.”) With a great sense of humor and solid historical research, it is gripping. A blend of travel memoir and history, its a great read I would suggest to anyone. His background as a journalist serves him well; through his journeys he finds himself in the thick of several events that are remarkably influenced by the South’s past, and fleshes it out to reveal how easily it is for groups to twist a story to serve their own purposes.

This is a collection of a variety of Vonnegut’s writings-his last speech, letters, short stories…all about war and peace. I found the first half of this collection to be more enjoyable and well-written in comparison to the second half. His writings about Dresden are striking; his observations in the final speech he wrote are as sharp as ever. This is not the first work I would give someone who hasn’t read him yet, but great for somebody already familiar.

This story (while for young adults) reminds me of The Wonder Years in a book form. The year is 1967, and Holling Hoodhood is the only boy who does not attend either Catholic or Jewish classes on Wednesdays. He swears his teacher hates him (he’s too young to understand ‘free time’) and once he runs out of chores, she begins to make him read Shakespeare. An easy read, but enjoyable.

This is a funny yet heart-gripping read; a year after he loses his wife Doug Parker is looking back on his life with his wife and fears a future without her. He is far from perfect, which makes his story all the more ‘relatable.’ Stuck with a step-son who seems to respect him more than he does his own father, a family who constantly pushes and barges into his life, he works on coming to grips with moving on. He is wise enough to know that he will move on and create a new life, a new family-but isn’t ready just yet. I consider this author the american version of Nick Hornby.

This was a FANTASTIC read. Short, irreverent, Cullen looks at select presidents and reveals how they made mistakes and then made up for them, during and after their presidencies. Ultimately, this is a great book if you are already somewhat familiar with presidential histories; part of the humor is understanding his little side comments. He has a great section for further reading in his source notes, where he discusses some of the materials that he used, along with reputable authors. How could I not like an author who, when referring to all of the literature on Thomas Jefferson, uses the phrase “blah, blah, blah.” A great read for history buffs.

Willie returns home after leaving her job in disgrace; pregnant and back in Templeton with her newly born-again mother, she must discover the true identity of her father. There is a second story line that runs along with her story, about a dead monster discovered in the lake, that brings the town closer together. Templeton is modeled after Cooperstown; since I am a local, it’s particularly fun to read a story based in a place I am so familiar with. A quick and enjoyable read.

The premise of this book is that to be completely happy is not something that should be attainable for long periods of time; he is not arguing that there are not people out there who are clinically depressed or have disorders. Rather, this is about how society (Americans in particular) are so focused on happiness that they do not understand that to be happy there must be sadness. This idea is interesting, but the book lacks convincing examples and discussion. It felt like the author just liked to hear himself ‘talk.’ I wouldn’t recommend this book.

This is a light read for those of you fond of Canada and its rich history. It deals with everything a newbie should know about Canada – where to meet people, what to wear, good insults…even how to drive. Part of the fun of this book is turning the page to find out what ridiculousness the Ferguson brothers will think of next. An example: "In Toronto, traffic lights are interpreted in the following manner:
Green: “Don’t stop!”
Yellow: “Faster! Faster!”
Red: “Screw ’em, they deserved to die.” "
What is fantastic is that they are content to poke fun at themselves throughout this as well, throwing in personal stories to highlight their comments. Both have won numerous humor awards from Canadian reviewers, and their excellent writing skills are evident here.

To lighten the mood, I read this for Children’s Literature. Now if this isn’t the way to take the edge off a bad day….I don’t know what could.

Susanna Sonnenberg’s memoir is gripping. Her family is dysfunctional-her mother is a drug abuser and (possibly) a nymphomaniac, and her father is an intellectual locked within his own world. Her mother gives her a Penthouse to read aloud at 10, gives her cocaine at 12, and pushes her into “relationships” she is unprepared for. The writing is clean, and moves very quickly (I read this in a night). Drugs and sex are prevalent, so if offended-not your book. She writes without judging her and her family’s decisions, and that kind of narrative choice makes it all the more believable. If anyone reads this, would love to discuss.

Gemma Doyle is shipped to England after her mother commits suicide and her father is no longer capable of acting as a proper guardian. Her grandmother puts her into boarding school at Spence Academy, where she fights to build friendships with already made cliques. At the same time, she has begun to have visions, and things are happening that she has no explanation for. The big negative for this book is that there is a magical world where her and her “order” ventures, but all of the magical aspects of the novel are not detailed enough to make it understandable. This is part of a young adult series.

Again, another story about how a dog reflects the growth of a family. In this case, this is a dog whose lovable nature belies its troublesome behavior. The Grogan family received Marley as a puppy, and there were times they considered removing him from the household. They tried various methods to curb his behavior, such as obedience school-only for him to be expelled. A good read, but again-sad because (ultimately) a dog’s life can only be so long, even if memories live on for longer.

“The life of a good dog is like the life of a good person, only shorter and more compressed." This non-fiction work by Anna Quindlen revolves around her labrador retriever Beau. For a dog owner (myself), this was both heart-warming and difficult to read, because ultimately this story is written after Beau is put to sleep. This is a reminder of how dogs are important not just as an integral part of your family, but how having a dog can be a marker for how you have grown and aged. It’s short, but it is so simply and beautifully written that as a reader you don’t feel it is lacking.

This novel juggles many story lines that sometimes seem overwhelming to the reader, even for someone who likes complexity. The main character of this story is ultimately Walker & Daughter, the yarn shop Georgia opens to support her daughter Dakota. The more successful the shop, the more women who visit and loiter and eventually the Friday Night Knitting Club evolves. The focus of the novel is on how knitting gives women a sense of community and each woman begins to build a new sense of self with the help of their new friends.

Will North’s debut novel is fantastically written, and very lyrical. Alec Hudson is on a pilgrimage; he must scatter the ashes of his ex-wife (but still much-loved) Gwynne on the peaks of the mountains where they found their happiest times together. Almost to his destination, he stops at a bed-and-breakfast where he meets Fiona, who is married to David. Alec and Fiona begin a blossoming relationship while he waits for the mountain’s weather to clear, and upon his journey back from the peak he finds David, near death. I can’t reveal much else without giving away key plot points; normally I would have a more serious problem with Fiona’s infidelity, but the writer seems to understand some reader’s hesitation and makes it clear that this is a reclusive husband who leaves Fiona to tend to herself. A nice novel that doesn’t take long to finish.

Iris, a successful vintage clothing shop owner, finds out that she has a great-aunt that her grandmother has kept hidden in a mental institution for over sixty years. The story unfolds as Iris decides to help Esme become part of mainstream society, and is told through various narrative voices. It can be a little difficult to follow at times, since Iris’ grandmother (Kitty) has Alzheimer’s, and her narrative voice is very disjunctive. Ultimately Iris begins to find herself as she learns from Esme’s story, about refusing to give in to society’s restrictions. Well written, it is a fast read; the only problem is the ending leaves much to be desired.

Mia McMurray works in an art gallery in Soho. She becomes obsessed with a portrait by the late Jeffrey Finelli (killed the night of his showing by a taxi) titled “Lulu meets God and doubts him.” This is the story of the New York City art scene, and a fight for possession of a now famous painting by an until then unknown artist. Well written, it is witty and sarcastic. Mia (the narrator) makes fun of herself and how she remains in her job, even while it pays poorly and she is far from the starving artist that so many gallery assistants are. If you enjoyed The Devil Wears Prada, this might be a novel you’d enjoy.

This story is told entirely through notes left between the mother and daughter. I almost put it down when I realized this but it was short, so I figured it would kill an evening. The mother is a doctor and the daughter is involved in all sorts of things through school and has an active social life. But the mother begins to have some health trouble, and her story is told between their coming to grips with the changing family life. A short read, and very touching.

This was an awful graphic novel. I chose it because I thought it would be interesting to reread Beowulf as a graphic novel instead of the poem. But instead I was annoyed at having wasted so much of my time. The battle scenes didn’t even have words. If I hadn’t read the poem, i wouldn’t even know what was going on. The graphics aren’t well drawn; it’s a lot of dark colors and ridiculous looking creatures. But if you’re a fan of little words and violent imagery, this is your book.

This graphic novel really encompasses three plotlines: the Monkey King, who attempts to become something other than what he is; Jin Yang, who moves to a community where he stands out because he is Asian American; and Danny, an American boy ashamed of his Chinese cousin Chin-Kee. I am not a graphic novel fan; in fact, in general I hate them. But this was so well done, and read so quickly. The graphics and coloring are perfect; some novels are very jarring but the colors stand out without being so bold as to detract from the story itself.

This narrative is told through chronological poems from 15 year old Billie Joe, who survived the Depression in Oklahoma only to face the Dust Bowl. These poems are well written stories in their own right, but are put together so that the reader can follow easily. These poems are about hope even when nothing about their lives gives them something to hope for. Well done, and a quick read

Sammie’s parents decide to give their marriage a “break” – her father moves to California and she and her mom move out of their home in Ithaca to spend the year in New York City. This is a pretty formulaic coming of age story, with not much to make it stand out. She is bitter since she is closest to her father, and her mom hides in her room,unwilling to find a job as an art teacher and incapable of being an adult and parent. While often with young adult books an older reader may question how much is the narrator’s view of being neglected, this is clearly a disturbed woman unwilling to drag herself out of bed or take care of her child. So in this sense, the narrator is very accurate with less teenage family angst. Not a book I would recommend unless you are really interested in this specific type of fiction.

Berry’s sister Laura is brutally murdered while doing volunteer work in South Africa. Her father forces her to go with him to present money to the community, as well as join him for a few business meetings. Her parents’ marriage ended bitterly, and her father is far from being a good parent (at least in her eyes). He sees her as lacking ambition and motivation, without seeing her vulnerability. Short read; adults reading this will feel a disconnect since her extreme emotional volatility will be difficult to grasp or relate to.

This story revolves around teenage parenting. Bobby’s girlfriend becomes pregnant, and the decision is made that he will keep the baby. The story is told through chapters called “then” and “now” which switch every chapter. This makes an already short story go quickly. It is a very interesting perspective – what it’s like for a boy who isn’t ready to be a father but chooses to take responsibility anyways. The ending is surprising, in that I wasn’t expecting how Bobby and Nia’s relationship ends. A short read – well done, but far from a favorite.

Megan Meade is an army brat, and when her parents have to move to South Korea she decides she isn’t going. As a compromise, her parents move to South Korea and she moves to Boston and in with the McGowans – and their seven sons. This story revolves around a girl who’s never had siblings and is awkward with boys, and the story is told through her narration and emails to a friend about “facts” about boys. While it is formulaic, it was a fantastic read – the author has a way of making the reader cringe at the boy’s pranks, high school cliques and parties.

A read for my YA Literature course, I thought this book could have handled so many of the issues it deals with with much more grace and subtlety. Jacob Todd goes to Amsterdam in place of his grandmother Sarah as a remembrance trip for his grandfather, who passed away there during the Second World War. It is told by him and Gertruui, a woman who knew his grandfather during his time there. The plot is obvious-while YA books can sometimes lack depth that more mature novels provide, this should be something better developed-particularly when handling questions of gender and sexuality. I felt that this book could have had a better ending and allowed more character development. Definitely not a book I would recommend.

This was my selection for “realistic fiction” in this semesters’ Young Adult Literature class- and surprisingly I loved it! 15 year old Ginny’s best friend goes to Walla Walla for the year, and Ginny doesn’t know what to do. A “chubby” girl who everyone remarks how pretty she would be “if only she could lose twenty pounds,” she feels adrift in a family of “perfect” people. Only she finds out her perfect brother Byron is not so perfect after all. A well written story about self esteem, high school drama, and rape-this is fantastic coming of age story. Ginny comes to realize how important it is to find yourself and be happy about who you are instead of allowing someone else to dictate who you should be.

This book is fantastic. Its aimless wanderings really have no reason, and yet this makes it all the more humorous. Since the book has been reviewed previously, I won’t go into detail, but you should check out the comic strip about this book….
http://www.unshelved.com/archive.aspx?strip=20060423

The story begins with the news that Paula Spencer’s husband has died. She is struggling to maintain dignity while battling an addiction to alcohol and come to terms with the death of her abusive husband. Her bitterness over her “body’s betrayal” as a child is gripping. These troubled teen years shape the relationship with her children and her lack of self worth. Doyle’s choice of writing in both the past and present, as well as the simple sentence structure brings the reader to a better understanding of Paula, who as a child believed that life held endless potential now feels as though she has lost everything.

Overall a quick read and entertaining. Marjorie Hart and her best friend Marty decide to go to New York City during the summer of 1945 when the sorority sisters at their Iowa college decide to rent apartments and live “the life.” This memoir focuses on a very specific period in her life, detailing her summer as they become the first women to work on the sales floor at Tiffany & Co.. This reads as a “who’s who” of the celebrities of that time-Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich, et cetera but this does not detract from the story. While she repeatedly returns to her small town roots to establish how “new” this new world is, I think a wiser choice would have been to begin with her family background, and return to it only when necessary. This summer is also of import since that August is when Japan surrenders. She glosses over a lot of the items they were forced to live without-she only notes at the beginning of the book that she leaves Iowa with her rations and stamps. These details would better shape how extraordinary her summer was during a period of loss and hardship.

This play is a disturbing look at the relationship between parents and children, as well as the role of psychiatrists in “correcting” violent and psychotic behavior. It begins after Alan Strang has committed acts of violence against several horses. His obsession with horses are traced to his relationship with his parents, resulting in his parents’ decision to push him away after he is put into a hospital. The psychiatrist, Dysart, slowly begins to question his own sanity and whether it is “right” to help Strang become a part of everyday society.

What makes this play such a compelling drama are the choices Shaffer makes in telling this story. It is told through flashbacks, with Dysart as the narrator, and the play quickly shifts between scenes and voices-I can imagine seeing this on stage would be even more disturbing. This is not a play for the faint-hearted; there is no happy ending and when the play is finished I felt very unsettled. Shaffer clearly makes the reader question who is to blame for Alan’s crimes. The players are revealed very slowly through the play, and with each piece the story becomes more complex. For fans of modern literature, this is certainly a play to add to your “must read” list.

This story looks at the New York of the 1920s. Well written, it focuses on two families-one rich and one poor. An improbable friendship begins with Jed and David who become comrades during the War. Jed is heir to the Gates fortune and David is from a poor Jewish family who gives up this life in pursuit of becoming a soldier. Jed brings David into his family fold when they return, and from this point the stories become complex and increasingly interwoven. The plot of the story is interesting but obvious, and some of the character development is clearly lacking. The first novel from this author does not live up to its potential; however, if she chooses to write another, I would read it.

So without giving away any major plot twists, I think that the final Harry Potter book ties together a lot of the loose ends…and even important things that as a reader you didn’t realize were important until now. It certainly has a few slow points, but they build up the tension that you, as a reader, are feeling-knowing that the story is leading to something big. Normally after I have finished reading, I am left with this feeling of completion. This time, I was left emotionally drained; perhaps that is a combination of so many books coming together in one-but it took awhile to really sort out what I thought. I didn’t automatically think (as I would usually) – “what a fantastic book!” or “what rubbish!” it took some time to get there. This complexity of story is what makes her such a fantastic writer.

Update: Since everyone is discussing plot twists, I figured….why not. I think that the book started out strongly with the first chapter, and kept that pace for the first third of the book. When the trio set out on their own, it certainly slows down with their camping-and that’s where the book starts to disappoint. The buildup is necessary but slows the reader down. However the end was worth it; Snape turns out to be neither good/evil, just human. She doesn’t try to change him-the decisions he makes revolve around his love for Lily. Harry represents everything that he lost and at the end he still hates him. When Dumbledore’s background is slowly revealed it seems like such an important part of the plot I almost felt-DUH-why did I never really think about where he comes from, much in the way that Harry does. More later…

This is an interesting novel based on accounts of Henry James’ life. Toibin is a highly respected Irish author, and his writing style is put to good use focusing on James at the point at which he is being eclipsed by Wilde, particularly during this period in which the theatre is gaining popularity. This book goes back and forth through his life to his childhood and Toibin makes this style appear effortless. He leads the reader through the author’s life, but at the same time the reader is left feeling as if some of the critical (and perhaps unknown) moments and aspects of James’ personality are left untouched.

This is the summer read that I won’t forget. While June wasn’t directly responsible for Marissa dying in a car crash, she feels responsible. So when she finds Marissa’s “20 things to do before my 25th birthday” list, she decides that she will finish them for her. She hopes that this will give her closure. The story focuses on the 6th month anniversary of the car crash on, when June decides to take her decision seriously, instead of caving (as she always does) and forgetting the list. Obviously more on the chick-lit vein, it is well written and thought provoking on many levels-at the end you’re left wondering about yourself and what you hope to achieve. That is certainly one of the factors for making it one of my “it” books.

This is an “easy read” mystery abut Cate Nightingale, who owns a small bed and breakfast in a small town that is thrown into upheaval when a suspicious stranger leaves something at her bed and breakfast, and mercenaries come into town and take over the small town. While unrealistic ( a band a mercenaries cuts off the towns only way out and all of their communication lines) it was well written and fast paced. I just wish it had a stronger plot.

This is a short follow up to Sam Harris’ The End of Faith. This is his response to many of the letters he received from angry readers, particularly Christians (although this applies to those of all faiths). The focus is on arguing against many of the Christian rights’ beliefs and reasoning why these beliefs by necessity should be kept out of public policy. This is concise and well written, and was an excellent way to handle many of the responses he received and make their arguments public-and then break them apart using the very sources they were using to solidify their arguments.

This is a story about love and second chances. Bess and Michael are married, but Michael’s affair breaks up their marriage, leaving their children bitter and confused. Decisions made by their daughter bring them back together, and both must face their own responsibility in the break-up of their marriage and their children’s bad decisions. This book is what Spencer excels in-much like Danielle Steel, only with a real plot.

An acient artifact is stolen from a long forgotten crypt beneath Temple Mount. The corpse that the Catholic Church has stolen had been crucified. This story revolves around the mystery of who these “sacred” bones belong to, with many religious communities attempting to take control. Interesting read with a rather obvious plot. But a good religious mystery along the lines of the DaVinci Code.

This book is part of a two story series (so far) about Cotton Malone. He was a former operative who bought a rare bookshop in the hopes of settling down. Instead, his son is taken hostage and the book begins to look at the world of secret organizations while he works to fight the 72 hour timeline he was given to find the lost Alexandria Library. Well written with fast dialogue and surprising plot twists, I hope that there will be more books to follow.

This was an excellent mystery. Four teenagers go into the woods one night-two are found dead, and two disappear. Years later, one of the missing teenagers is found dead. This story revolves around Paul, the brother of one of the missing. He is a lawyer who begins to look into why the events of that night are being covered up by family and his community. While I was able to easily figure out the why’s and the plot itself, the writing style kept me hooked through the entire story-I finished it in a night!

This was an excellent book, and I would highly recommend it for someone who enjoys the style of James Joyce or Virgina Woolf. Jones calls himself the “god” of the book, and as such he can reveal the characters’ futures before it happens. The plot revolves around Henry Townsend’s death-a black farmer and former slave, this story is about those that came before him and what he left behind. It has great depth for historical fiction, and delves into a very interesting and unexplored history of America.

I noticed that Patrick posted on this book, and wanted to comment as well. James Joyce is an amazing writer, who can play with words in a way that most writers cannot. This is a story of coming of age. It is about choice-Stephen Dedalus has to choose between family expectation of a “normal” life and his artistic dreams. It is semi-autobiographical, and this makes it all the more interesting, to get the chance to look into his mind. Joyce was a forward thinker who began to change the nature of writing itself. If you like his work, I suggest another title of his: Finnegan’s Wake.

This book was different. Taking place in the 50s, it is a son reflecting on his unusual upbringing. His father’s first wife (Madeline) was hurt in an automobile accident and was permanently brain damaged, forever a child. But his father and mother (the second wife) choose to keep Madeline with them instead of moving her to a home. It is certainly a new twist for a novel, but well done for the topic it addresses. His mother is dead, and it is just his father and Madeline, and he reflects on all the criticism his family received for their decision, and what it meant to him. I am not sure I would suggest this for a casual read, but the writing is well-done.

This was an excellent read. It is about Archie Astor and Amelie Rives Astor and their tumultuous marriage. But it is more than that-it explores the Astor family and their role in the rise of New York City and their relationships with some of the most famous people of the time. Amelie wrote racy stories and painted herself in the nude, and Archie was a “player” in his day, and their story fed the gossip columns of the times. It reads like a novel but is well researched and the author travelled to their homes and used primary sources along with the newspapers to establish their love affair.

Franklin Foer explores the world of soccer and how it is a testament to local political and religious ideologies. He says that instead of the Left’s notion that globalization will destroy local beliefs, it reinforces them. While the book had great potential, I don’t think that it stood up to its intentions. However, he does explore some long standing rivalries in soccer and what they mean within the larger discourse on nationalism, such as the Protestant/Catholic soccer groups in Scotland, and the commercialization of the soccer “hooligan.”

A book from the woman who brought us When Harry Met Sally, it addresses all types of seemingly random problems we face as women, such as the bottomless pit that is our purse. While she is reminiscing about being “old,” I think that readers of all ages can find something to identify with, be it the apartment that you fell in love with, and refuse to move out of, or the process of aging. A collection of short thoughts, it is an easy read.

This book posed a lot of interesting questions about Progress and the future of religion. What are the issues that people who have “faith” must face to continue to believe? He separates people into Religious Moderates and Religious Extremists, and discusses both thoroughly and coherently. Moderates must pick and choose their beliefs because today’s society conflicts with our basic religious texts. Religious Extremists put too much faith in the literal words of that text. What I like about Harris’ arguments is that he uses these doctrines themselves to argue against continuous unquestioning faith in written word over progress and reason. In the end, he suggests this unquestioning literal interpretation, as well as our conscious decision to ignore what we dislike about them, does more harm than good. A really interesting read. While you may not agree with his points, I think the questions he raises are valid, and makes you question and consider where you position yourself within this debate.

I really liked this memoir about gardening. This is not just about attaining that perfect garden-but the journey that gets you there. At times self-deprecating and serious, it is more than just gardens-its how the progression of his garden reflects how his family grows and moves with him. This is a short, interesting read.

This is the first book in a series about Constable Evans, a police officer in a quiet town in Wales. In one night, two separate deaths occur on the mountains, seemingly accidental. But he is the only one who believes that they were intentional, and must prove that he’s right.

Obviously lately I have been reading a lot of “cozy” mysteries, as they are termed. But this was one was well written, and made the characters believably, and charmingly, flawed. The little details in this mystery bring together the story well, without gaps that need to be filled in.

Molly’s “love interest” Captain Daniel Sullivan is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, set up as an example for other “crooked” policemen involved with the Irish gangs. She must investigate and prove his innocence, while also finding the lost friend of his fiance.

Bowen set up the plot well, including real people from the period, an example the first woman police officer. And this is a realistic portrayal of the Irish gangs’ power, and the new regime coming in and wresting it away from them.

With a spreading typhoid epidemic in New York City, Daniel arranges for Molly to leave the city for an investigation in the country. The Flynn’s son was kidnapped, and his mother hopes to make contact with him through spiritualists. She arrives at Senator Flynn’s house to prove that they are fakes, and becomes involved in solving the kidnapping. This was not as good as the rest of the series has been, with some plot twists stretching a bit to make the connections. But worth reading if you liked the previous stories. And the ending sets up an important plot-line for the next book.

This is a continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I am a huge Jane Austen fan, and this story takes place after the Darcy’s marriage. Jane and Elizabeth are both settling into matrimony, and there are many obligations and obstacles that they face.

The tone of this novel is surprisingly sharp and remarkably like Austen’s, but it is “steamier” and focuses more on the sexual tension that Austen only glosses over. As Berdoll points on in the introduction, Austen was “sheltered” and would have perhaps been unaware of passion, as Bronte as well points out in an earlier critique of her works. It is an easy read, and there is actually a sequel to this sequel, which I intend to read as well.

Clearly you can tell what series I’m currently obsessed with. This story sees Molly Murphy going undercover in sweatshops to find Katherine, an immigrant who came to New York City with her “scoundrel” husband Michael Kelley. This introduces new characters that become close friends of Molly’s, who are unique and part of the increasingly modern trend within Greenwich Village. She becomes involved with anarchists and artists, which is surprisingly true to form for the City during that period. Again, she is a strong and independent woman who is aware of the consequences of her actions and is unwilling to settle for less than she deserves.

This is the second book in the Molly Murphy series. Molly becomes an apprentice P.I. to Riley, a special detective whom she later finds murdered in his office. While Riley wouldn’t allow to her to do any investigating, she decides to search for his murderer. While not as good as the first novel in the series, it is worth reading. Molly is smart and independent, and this makes her a strong character that the reader can empathize with.

This is the first story in a series about Molly Murphy, an Irish immigrant forced to America after she accidentally kills an English nobleman while he attempts to rape her. She is embroiled in a murder investigation when the ship docks, and from there the story develops quickly in old New York City.

What I really liked about this book is that it stays true to historical New York City and Tammany Hall and its relationship with the Police force. I think, while it may be a light mystery, it also addresses some of the serious issues that immigrants faced upon arrival, and just how easy it was for them to either lose everything or gain what they desire.

This story revolves around two orphaned girls, who become the responsibility of the community after their mother’s death. The timing of the story is inventive and important to the plot itself. Had the author chosen to reveal some of the background too early, it would not have been as emotionally coherent. It is also the story of the Minister who does not know how to preach, and a woman who does not know how to love-and how they find solace in revealing themselves. This is a good read if you are not bored with theory. The woman (Langston), a Ph.D. student, continuously relies on theory to express herself in inner dialogue. These characters are truly flawed-and Langston is not particularly likeable-but Kimmel does an excellent job in developing her.

It follows the love story of Claire and Jamie. Claire, a 20th century nurse has just been reunited with her husband Frank after WWII, and is transported back to 18th century Scotland, where she meets Jamie. She does an amazing job of developing the love between Claire and Jamie, even while establishing Claire’s love for Frank. It would not be believable if she just forgot about him-she is truly torn by her commitments in both times. Jamie is also equally as developed-an 18th century Scotsman who bears the weight of his fugitive status along with his responsibilities. I came to almost believe that they were real. And the other characters are equally as fleshed out-which is really important to me in the ranking of a good read.

I began to read this grudgingly, and then got sucked into a well written story, that is accurate to not only the spirit of the times, but often real events (as close as she can be). Can’t wait to begin the next book in the series!

My theme for summer reading is loosely tied to books being made / already having been made into movies. I reread this a few weeks ago when I heard that it was currently being filmed. This is an interesting look into the lives of the wealthy. More specifically: rich wives. Their roles are second to their “responsibilities” to themselves and their husbands, and the Nanny becomes the Mother. The authors do not suggest that the parents do not care about their children; rather, they are incapable of the depth of emotion that “normal” families have simply by virtue of their class status. It is in turns humorous and tragic, as it deals with infidelity and young love. The Nanny character is believable and imperfect, and this is what drives the story.

As Patrick said, Graduation is a good reason for a break from posting. Back on the job, this was the latest read from a long list of vacation reads. A Good Yarn is the story of women in a knitting class. Each chapter is a different woman’s voice, and all of them revolve around learning how to become confident women and move on from some type of tragedy. From an overweight teenager to a divorced mother, these stories have “heart.” Each woman copes with their losses by helping the others get back on their feet. But what makes this story flow is that while each chapter is a different woman, they all give opinions on the same events even while sharing more of their own personal tale. A good read if you are looking for something simple…based on knitting.

Soooo….no one has exactly explored one of the biggest “hits” of our generation, and since I recently reread this in preparation for the new film release, I felt it was deserving of a review. My major is Medieval and Renaissance studies, so obviously I am aware of more information than the “general” public in regards to the da Vinci history, etc, and I felt that Brown did an excellent job making the past come alive for the present. While clearly he takes artistic license with some historical facts, nonetheless it has spurred a reading frenzy (and everyone is willing to admit they’ve read it).

Here’s a simple summary: Robert Langdon is called in to look at a murder scene at the Louvre, which lays out clues to the murderer and what the murdered man was attempting to protect. It becomes a case of hide and seek in which Langdon becomes the target, and the mystery is based on da Vinci’s use of codes and other items to hide secrets. A really interesting read-and I read it the first time (biased) and didn’t enjoy it. The second time, I kept an open mind, and enjoyed it. So read it with an open mind, and hopefully you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

On the recommendation of a friend, I decided to pick up Picoult’s latest novel. This is the story of the Stone family, all of whom have deeper problems that are brought into the open when the daughter, Trixie, is dumped by her boyfriend and begins to self-mutilate. At a party, she is raped, and this is the crux of the story. Daniel (the father) ignores his daughter’s emotional problems until the rape, as if it will all go away, and her mother feels guilty because she believes her affair has led to the unravelling of her family. A horrific event (not the rape) then changes the shape of the rest of their lives. I thought it was really well written, and includes Daniel’s cartoon works, as part of the story line, which is really inventive and ties together the basic themes of the plot. This a really intense story, and there really is no happy ending (I don’t think I’m giving away too much, as what I have said is, I believe, on the book’s summary). But nonetheless, if you’re looking for a deep read, this is it.

I decided to read this because I wanted to watch the movie, and I’m stubborn…I will not watch a movie until I have read the book (if I’m so inclined). Anyways, I found myself surprised that I enjoyed how John Grisham writes. He is clear, concise…and leads you to where he wants you to be. This is a story about an obscure law suit that has resounding repercussions….Justices are murdered, along with a Law School Professor. And Darby Shaw, the Law school student who found their connection has to go into hiding to save her life. A fast read.

This is a really interesting book that makes no claims to be either feminist or antifeminist, yet shows all the downfalls of the modern woman without really giving due to modern women. She separates all of the functions of women’s lives-the house, the husband, the family…Each time she attempts to point out the advantages of women stepping into professional roles, she focuses more on what she gives up and less on how the role changes her domestic life in positive ways. Nonetheless, a lot of points she makes are valid arguments, particularly in “The Virgin Wedding” section, but I would have preferred a more balanced argument…it is Loving and Loathing, after all.

This is a really interesting old story of folklore and magic. The main character, Gilly, is willed a house by her godmother. Along with the house comes a sense of belonging, and she realizes her gifts-not just magical, but practical. Working with the garden, she falls in love-but that love is threatened by a local coven. An older story, but it nonetheless has a magic of its own.

This is an amazingly well written storry about Leonardo’s Last Supper. A European best seller, it has been recently translated and published here. I cannot say much about the mystery (because it would ruin the story) , but the Church becomes concerned with Leonardo’s work being heretical. An Inquisitor is sent to Santa Maria della Grazie to determine how involved the church is, as well as the Duke. With a few murders, and famous Italian men such as Marcilian Ficino as key characters, this is a must read for 2006.

I really liked this story about Cornelia and Claire, who are both trying to find a “happy” ending like in the movies. But not just movies-a black and white film kind of happy ending. Cornelia is obsessed with The Philadelphia Story,and lives by the hope that she will meet the “perfect” man. Cornelia learns that you can find love in the most surprising of places, like her coffee bar. When Martin Grace enters her life, he is perfect…too perfect. And he brings his daughter into her life, and this is really what the story focuses on. Growth and love in all its forms.

This is an amazing novel that I picked up at my work’s book exchange. I figured, it probably won’t amount to much-so I can just put it back on the shelf….but it surprised me. The characters have an amazing depth, that makes them real/accessible to the reader.This is the story of two widows, and how their paths meet in difficult circumstances, and how each learn from the other-about living, love, relationships. Sandra is “encased in ice” after her husband’s death, while Mattie moves from one sewing project to the other. The story revolves around women’s history-textiles. How each thread has a history, and how crafts do not really change. A very well done first novel.

Ever since Jack’s funeral Sandra had been covered in glass.

The greatest blessings come by way of madness, indeed of madness that is heaven-sent.

This work by William Broad lives up to expectations as a Pulitzer Prize winner. The Oracle is really interesting, because the prophecies have such significance, but are really a mystery. These women had very important roles in Greek civilization because of their close relationship to Apollo, and he attempts to take apart the mystical and scientific realities of the search for the chasm in which she descends. He follows for two days geologist Jelle de Boer and archeologist John Hale while they attempt to refute previous theories. Really interesting read, but this might not be a book that everyone wants to read from cover to cover, but definitely worth picking out the important parts.

A well-crafted fantasy. Each chapter from a different character’s voice, it is the story of Sylvia Lynn’s relationship with her grandparents and the land she was born from. The woods scared her as a child; as an adult, she becomes aware of the power the woods holds. She must return home for her grandfather’s funeral, and she joins The Fiber Guild.

This is a really fast read, with a very surprising ending. Based in 1950’s New York it is the story of a woman who has kicked her drug habit, and a story of a woman who escapes into the sleazy underbelly of the drug world. Given a chance for redemption, she decides to try to find the girl before she is lost to dope. It has a very noir-ish feel to it, and goes really quickly. If you’re looking for a quick-paced and interesting read, this is a good choice.

This is a witty and pointed collection of essays from Jon Stewart. He starts in reality, then moves on to somewhere beyond that. Each essay stands alone-but some can border on poor taste, even while being laugh out loud funny. This is a must read for fans of “The Daily Show”-but not if you’re not willing to laugh at yourself and “have fun” with history. One of the essay’s titles suggests the mode he takes in poking fun at history, and using it for comedic purposes: “Adolf Hitler: The Larry King Interview.”

I’m not sure what made me choose this as my first read in a long long time, but it was a well done movie, and I read it regardless of “Oprah’s Book Club” status. And it was an excellent choice. It is creative and sensitive, and the reader is constantly torn between tears and laughter. Each character, even the small ones, are fully developed and add to a well rounded story. And Novalee Nation, the main character, keeps her faith and her strength throughout-even when tried over and over again.

The Thief Lord revolves around the story of two brothers who run away from their aunt, who hopes to separate them. She hires an investigator to find them, and it then turns to the story of the Thief Lord, a young boy who takes care of other “unwanted” children in an abandoned theatre. A short and easy read.

Felt this was worthy of posting, as the new movie has just been released (not bad…not that great though). This is a classic story that regardless of time has universal themes that are always worthy of discussion. Elizabeth Bennett, of an average middle class family, becomes attracted to Mr. Darcy, a well off gentleman of high social standing…as well as a few other relationships that are explored. They do not start off their relationship well, indeed it begins horribly, but Austen writes about finding love even through bumbled words and meetings. But this is also about society and its intricacies and hypocrisies, and the shallowness that lies just beneath the exterior of the TON; A classic read.

I felt that this book by Marquez felt short of his other works. A short fictional work, it is about a 90 year old man who decides to pay for a whore on his birthday, and his obsession with her youth, beauty, and innocence. It is the story of his sexual history and his relationship with women who are paid to give him the attention that he lacks in all other aspects of his life. This piecelacks the depth of his other works, but is short enough to make it worth the read.

I was expecting an interesting and more conversational book about what the professor learned from returning to college and facing some of the challenges we as college students face today. It is an interesting, quick read…but it’s not conversational in the way I expected. Included are statistics and a more “scientific” look at the results she had while becoming a student. One of the largest issues she faced perhaps “clouds” some of the points she makes (also because EVERYTHING is anonymous) is that she has returned to college as a 50-something student, living in dorms. This alienates her in some ways, so read to find out!

A Long Way Down is based on the story of 4 people brought together by their misery. They meet New Years Eve at Toppers House, where they have all chosen to end their lives. A mother, a daughter, a father, a lover: this story brings together some of the most crucial “identities” that we all understand and can relate to. Part of what makes this book so readworthy is that it is written by all the characters. They make a pact: wait 6 weeks. And what ensues is a hilarious, poignant look at suicide, depression, and life.

This is an interesting read and shows great insight into the complexities of women’s relationships with themselves and with others. What I really liked is the use of interviews with such people as Jenna Jameson and Christie Hefner to make her point. She looks at Hugh Hefner for example, who supports Womens sexual liberation ,yet wants “real” relationships with women who are not sexually experienced. A really strong read because she builds up the points people are making that this new “raunch culture” is liberating, and then breaks it apart and shows the truth (ie that it constructs and constricts).

This piece of non-fiction by Vonnegut was dead on. His work with outside artists is showcased here, as well as a sharp mind, that even at 82, grasps the complexities and ironies of life. I felt that this gave me a greater insight into the man who’s written such “classics,” and explains the inspiration for some of his ideas. Definitely a must read for Vonnegut lovers, and even for those who haven’t read him.

I saw Thomas Frank on both C-Span and The Daily Show, and his book lived up to my expectations. He takes apart Kansas, from what it was to what is has become, and puzzles out what makes blue collar workers become right wing Conservatives. Without going into detail (as some, I’m sure, would disagree with my politics) this is a really interesting read if you’re more “liberal” and want to trace the steps of a state once considered a forerunner in Radical thought now turned Conservative. Really well done.

If you’re looking for a novel that is amazingly well written, and heartbreaking, this is it. Mattie finds out her husband Jake is leaving her for his mistress. At the same time, she learns she has Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This is the story of her and her family’s struggle to right “wrongs,” and deal with a horrible disease that affects not just her, but everyone around her. Joy Fielding makes you feel for these characters, makes you cry along with them. Definitely something you need to be in the mood to read, but nonetheless eloquent and well done especially coping with such a rough topic.

This is a great book if you’re looking for something simple with a great storyline. The first in the Immortals series, this is about Daine, a girl who was forced from home after her mother is murdered. She has a special talent: she can communicate with animals. She becomes a horse trainer in a mythical kingdom, and meets Numair, who helps her to learn more about her “wild magic.” Not much more to say…just gotta read and see for yourself.

Burmese Days is set in Kyauktada, Upper Burma. The plot revolves around the European club, which was for whites only, and they are forced to accept a “token” native member into their club. This enclosed society is revealed in more ways than one: socially, politically, economically. And it is not simply about the members, but the fight amongst those who could become the “One.” James Flory, the protagonist, accepts the natives and their culture with a mixture of respect and a lack of understanding. Dr. Veraswami’s controversial nomination into the club has unfortunate results, and in the end the story leaves the reader to question whether any character is without guilt.

Felony is a modern historical novel based on both (1) the rumor of Claire Claremont’s letters from Shelley, and how a man ingratiates himself in her household to steal the papers from her (the inspiration for the Aspern Papers) and (2) Henry James creation of the story itself. A very complex novel, you should definitely read The Aspern Papers first, to get a better sense of the storyline. Henry James’ self obsession is made overt by Tennant, and his personality shows through in the same way it does in his own works. The question of art and life is made distinct, as he chooses to “sacrifice” his personal life for the sake of his art. She raises the question of just how much of himself he puts into his characters, or what he sees in them that he sees in himself.

This is my favorite Henry James story. Short and to the point, it is based on an editor who tests the limits of his conscience. His obsession with Jeffrey Aspern drives him to use two women to get private papers he believes the aunt, Aspern’s muse, must still hold. Based on a story about Claire Claremont, Byron’s lover, it explores the conscience through a first person narrative. James focuses on the art of narration in and of itself. The narrator’s self obsession brings into question every comment that he makes about “Miss Tina.” It is a novel of ideas that explores the means of storytelling that James finds himself fascinated with in other works such as “The Private Life.”

This is an amazing fount of satire on the history of our nation, and especially our political organization and news culture. With such things as Class Discussion Questions, where the questions progressively ask who is our current president, name a president, anyone etc….its an amazing critique of our media culture. This is a wake up call to just how many people are unaware of what is going on around them politically and socially. What I love about the style of this is that the writers leave no stone unturned. Everyone/everything is criticized, and you have to be able to laugh at yourself and your opinions, I think, to appreciate this, but really well done.

Based in the 80s gay pop culture, it focuses on the life of Dorian and his “closest friends.” This Dorian, unlike Wilde’s, is clearly much more depraved and “monstrous” from the outset. There is no build up to the culmination point of his madness. Rather, it is continuous. Self goes for sensationalism with this novel, and this is the one rather large downfall to this novel. It has some great lines, but I felt it was overshadowed by the sense that he wanted to shock. For example, every few pages there is a rather large description of their drug use. While this is the 80s-90s, and drug use and such were extreme, I felt that as a part of this novel, it took away from what could have been an amazing interpretation of the modern day Dorian. This might be more “real,” but this is only when put in perspective to Wilde’s novel.

This is a wonderful story for literature lovers, because this is not simply the story of Nafisi, a professor who has to leave Iran, but her struggle to spread her knowledge to women denied it. Nafisi was educated in America, and returned “home” to Iran to teach, and this is an expression of her frustration with her/women’s lack of power, and her influence on these women’s lives. Each week, her and a few committed students gathered to talk about forbidden classics. A great read, because it explores her relationship with them, and their understanding of books such as “Lolita.”

This take on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was phenomenal. While Stevenson’s novel is a novel of ideas, this gives shape to these ideas in the world of women. It questions so many of our principles. Topics such as rape, the role of MPs, poverty are all addressed and tied together. It is written from many perspectives: the editor, Jean Hastie’s Journal, Mara’s videotape…It’s hard to find, but definitely one of my choices for a must read. I hated it as much as I liked it, and I say this because I could not pin my opinion down. Every time I would try to give a definite conclusion, it would slip out from underneath me. Between Stevenson and Tennant, my pick is Tennant.

This is a tightly woven story around the life of one woman, Jane. Throughout these stories, the narrator is clearly aware of the dichotomy of life as its happening, and how she’d like it to be. From the first story, of her brother’s first love, she realizes that the goal is not to simply figure out how to fall in love, but how not to fail. A favorite line of mine is when she comments, “I’m like one of those animals that imitates its predators to survive.” Jane’s level of self awareness, even when she doesn’t want to know, makes this an entertaining read.

This is a modern version of Frankenstein, only the creature is a woman. It is a fast paced novel, written from both the M.D. and the woman’s perspective. It brings up many questions that are raised even now, from women’s sexuality and beauty, as well as medical technology. Who is really the monster? What is truth (because the perspectives have such different opinions of events, it becomes a question of reliability) Who can you believe? What is the difference between moral/immoral? And so on.

This is a story about a small town that has had the life sucked from it. A vital town filled with booming industry, it is stripped of everything. It is a gripping depicton of small-town life, and the murder that the plot revolves around mirrors the slow death of the community itself.

This is a collection of Chris Bohjalian’s long running Burlington newspaper column. A favorite story of mine is titled “That roof didn’t collapse: It’s a home improvement project.” What I like is his wry humour-he leaves no topic untouched. He is originally from Brooklyn, and moves to a town in Vermont-population 950. His column is a collection of his life in this town, about 20 years worth.

This is at least one of my favorite books, if not my favorite. The story line is based around her romantic entanglements, and lack thereof. In diary form, it isn’t simply a romantic comedy. Bridget, as well as all the other characters, are believable. Both funny and poignant, I (and others) can identify with Bridget and her mishaps. Definitely a must read!!

I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this, but it was both funny and touching. Good Omens is great because the two authors (Gaiman and Pratchett) balance each other. It is about the Apocalypse-and the Antichrist is an eleven year old boy. The writers make fun of themselves even while creating believable characters in this satire about the battle between Good and Evil.

What I liked about this was its quiet religiosity. A man leaves the monastery after 20 years and must find himself in the “real” world. His landlord is a single mother trying to deal with raising her daughter and her ex, who is a bum/surfer. The monk wasn’t very pushy about religion; instead there is a lot of philosophical issues that he must address, done so through letters to a Brother in the monastery. The plot is good if you’re looking for a simple read.

Burke’s work contextualizes Louis XIV and disects the creation of an image. He explores the steps of propaganda, and makes connections between art (paintings, dance, music), literature, and history. While a scholarly text, it is interesting and readable.

Wicked is the story of Elphaba and “explains” why Elphaba became “wicked.” Maguire raises the question what does it mean to be “wicked.” In some sense it is a prequel, describing Oz and creating a fully developed story line that integrates all the characters from The Wizard of Oz, and then some. It is an allegory, and studies the meaning of good and evil, connecting this tale with real historical concerns. Highly recommend.