The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
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This bestselling debut novel has become one of my favorites. Skeeter, a new college graduate of Ole Miss, returns home in 1962 dreaming of becoming a writer. She takes a columnist position giving household cleaning advice to housewives. Knowing little on the subject, she asks advice of her friend’s black maid, Aibileen. Each week, Skeeter learns more about Aibileen’s life and her stories as a maid. She then meets Aibileen’s friend, Minny, a sassy and outspoken maid with equally interesting stories. Together the three women come together on a risky project that will bring change and awareness to their community.
Reviewed by Jude
Tagged: Civil rights, Fiction
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
by Aimee Bender
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Rose has a magical gift; she is able to taste people’s emotions in the food that they prepare. Rose views this gift as a curse. She is able to feel the emotions of her family and friends and learn their deepest secrets. With solid writing and an original storyline, this new novel is quickly working its way up the bestseller lists.
Reviewed by Jude
Tagged: Fiction
Stay
by Allie Larkin
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A heartbroken woman, Van, tries to get on with her life after the man she is in love with marries her best friend. During a late night Rin Tin Tin marathon, she accidentally buys a Slovakian German Shepard while under the influence of vodka. With the dog’s help, Van works to rebuild her life and meets a handsome veterinarian.
Reviewed by Jude
Tagged: Dogs, Fiction, Romance
The Art of Racing in the Rain : A Novel
by Garth Stein
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The art of racing in the rain is one of my favorite books this year. The novel is narrated by a dog, Enzo, who observes and supports his family going through a crisis. His insights are spot on. This book made me rather emotional: I laughed out loud when Enzo attacked the “dancing zebra;” I cried when a loved one died; I got mad, really mad at the “evil twins.” This novel is touching and meaningful in so many ways.
Reviewed by Jude
Tagged: Dogs, Fiction
The Girl Who Chased the Moon : A Novel
by Sarah Addison Allen
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Seventeen-year-old, Emily Benedict, comes to live with her grandfather following the death of her mother. Hoping to solve the mysteries of her mother’s childhood, Emily soon meets the many colorful characters of Mullaby, North Carolina. There are many supernatural happenings including: mood changing wallpaper, dancing lights in the backyards, and the smell of pastries that can bring people home from afar. A satisfying and magical read.
Reviewed by Jude
Tagged: Fantasy, Fiction
Noah’s Compass
by Anne Tyler
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In this humorous tale, Liam Pennywell finds himself in a hospital, not knowing how he got there and grappling for memories. In a wonderful tale of a life contracted and then expanded, we have an unlikely hero – the schmucky father and ex-husband who finally becomes beloved.
Reviewed by Sara
Tagged: Fiction, Humor, Psychological fiction
The Pillars of the Earth
by Ken Follett
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Set in 12th-century England, the narrative concerns the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The ambitions of three men merge, conflict and collide through four decades during which social and political upheaval and the internal politics of the church affect the progress of the cathedral and the fortunes of the protagonists.
Reviewed by Forbes Library Staff
Tagged: Fiction, Historical fiction
Inside Job
by Connie Willis
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Willis, one of sci-fi’s most spirited writers, rounds on the New Age; pays tribute to a great, skeptical journalist, and upends doubters and fakes alike. Unexpected ending.
Reviewed by Forbes Library Staff
Tagged: Fiction, Science fiction
The Greener Shore : A Novel of the Druids of Hibernia
by Morgan Llywelyn
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Fleeing the destruction of the Sacred Grove by the invading Roman army, Ainvar the druid and the remnants of his clan flee Gaul to settle in Hibernia, where they find other Celts and druids. Along with his wife, Briga, a powerful druid in her own right, he sets out to rebuild their lives in a new homeland which is beautiful and mystical like the wanderers who are drawn to it. Sequel to The Druids.
Reviewed by Forbes Library Staff
Tagged: Fiction, Historical fiction
Things Invisible To See
by Nancy Willard
[Book]
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A freak accident leaves Clare Bishop paralyzed from the waist down, but with the ability to see the future, enter the bodies of animals, and talk with Death .
Reviewed by Forbes Library Staff
Tagged: Fantasy, Fiction
Eating Heaven
by Jennie Shortridge
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Eleanor Samuels, a lonely young woman who lives for food, finds her way toward family and love while taking care of her “Uncle” Benny. Very humorous and warm.
Reviewed by Forbes Library Staff
Tagged: Fiction
The Eyre Affair
by Jasper Fforde
[Book]
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Surreal and hilariously funny, this alternate history, the debut novel of British author Fforde, will appeal to lovers of zany genre work (think Douglas Adams) and lovers of classic literature alike. Set in 1985 in an alternate London, literature is (refreshingly) so important that you can get punished for forging Byronic verses. Then someone starts kidnapping literary characters from their manuscripts. Jane Eyre’s disappearance is particularly traumatic and Special Operative Thursday Next must stop this before it’s too late.
Reviewed by Forbes Library Staff
Tagged: Fiction, Science fiction
