Books

New Mysteries – March 2010

Lynne

Bellfield Hall: Or, The Observations of Miss Dido Kent Anna Dean, M DEA – Miss Dido Kent is called on to help her niece, Catherine, find her fiancé who mysteriously vanished from Bellfield Hall in the early 1800s.

Blacklands Belinda Bauer, M BAU – Twelve-year-old Steven is determined to find the body of his uncle and begins to write to an imprisoned serial killer.

Blood Vines Erica Spindler, M SPI – Alexandra Clarkson’s worst nightmares are about to come true. Creepy suspense.

Broken Places Sandra Parshall, M PAR – Murder. Blackmail. Old secrets that refuse to stay buried.  Summer has become deadly in the mountain community of Mason County, Virginia.

Cook the Books Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant, M CON – Gourmet Girl Chloe Carter is compiling a book of recipes.  When she comes across the body of one of Boston’s top chefs, killed by a grease fire, she knows it was no accident.

Death by the Book Lenny Bartulin, M BAR – Jack Susko is enjoying a quiet life as the owner of a secondhand bookstore.  When Hammond Kasprowicz, a wealthy collector, offers Jack some easy money, he doesn’t turn it down.

Death Without Tenure Joanne Dobson, M DOB – After six years in the English Department at Enfield College, Kate Pelletier is hoping to be tenured. Unfortunately, her rival for the coveted position is found dead.

The Devil’s Star Jo Nesbø, M NES – Oslo is sweltering in the summer heat when a young woman is murdered in her flat.  Detective Harry Hole is assigned the case with a colleague he neither likes nor trusts.  Cool Scandinavian crime.

Doors Open Ian Rankin, M RAN – Three friends descend upon an art auction.  Soon they seize on an impossible idea: steal the art.  There has to be a way, or is there?

Faces of the Gone Brad Parks, M PAR – Four bodies, each with a single bullet in the back of the head, is the story facing investigative reporter, Carter Ross, with the Newark Eagle-Examiner.

The Fifth Servant Kenneth Wishnia, M WIS – In 1592, Prague is a relatively safe city for its Jewish people.  However, when a Christian girl is murdered on the eve of Passover, a Talmudic scholar must bring the true killer to justice.

The Fourth Assassin Matt Beynon Rees, M REE – Palestinian Omar Yussef travels to New York for a UN conference and is looking forward to visiting his son, Ala.  The latest title in a great series, beginning with The Collaborator of Bethlehem.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest Stieg Larsson, M LAR – The last book in the wildly popular series featuring Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist.

Her Highness’ First Murder Peg Herring, M HER – In London, several young women are found dead, their corpses dressed as nuns. When one of her ladies  becomes a victim, Princess Elizabeth decides to act.

The Information Officer Mark Mills, M MIL – Summer 1942: Malta has become most bombed place on the planet.  After a young Maltese woman is murdered, presumably by a British officer, the fragile spirit of the Maltese people may be shattered.

Last Nocturne Marjorie Eccles, M ECC – Chief Inspector Lamb struggles to learn why two men took their own life.  A postmortem reveals some surprising results.

The Man from Beijing Henning Mankell, M MAN – January 2006: In the Swedish hamlet of Hesjövallen, nineteen people have been massacred.  The only clue is a red ribbon found at the scene.

The Merry Wives of Maggody Joan Hess, M HES – Sheriff Arly Hanks of Maggody, Arkansas must solve the death of the winner of the town’s hole-in-one contest. More amusing mayhem from a long-running series.

Murder in the Palais Royal Cara Black, M BLA – Just as P.I. Aimée Leduc is about to leave for New York City, her partner, René Friant, is wounded by a near fatal gun shot.  Even more horrifying is that eyewitnesses identify Aimée as the culprit.

Murder on the Cliffs Joanna Challis, M CHA – Daphne du Maurier herself is at the center of this mystery along the rugged cliffs of Cornwall.  Atmospheric.

A Night Too Dark Dana Stabenow, M STA – Another suspenseful outing for Aleut detective Kate Shugak, especially when she finds a body.  A very popular series.

Paganini’s Ghost Paul Adam, M ADA – A Parisian art dealer is found dead the day after a sold-out concert featured the playing of Paganini’s violin.  Great reviews.

Short Squeeze Chris Knopf, M KNO – Jackie Saitkowski is a smart-aleck attorney whose legal turf is the buzzing Hamptons real-estate market.  But when a new client turns up dead, things take a more dangerous turn.

Split Image Robert B. Parker, M PAR – The body in the trunk of car was just the beginning.  Sunny Randall and Jesse Stone team up.

The Teaberry Strangler Laura Childs, M CHI – It was a beautiful evening for the shop owners of Charleston, until Theodosia, tea shop owner, finds one of them dead.

Wake Up Dead Roger Smith, M SMI – On a hot night in Cape Town, American Roxy Palmer and her gunrunner husband, Joe, are carjacked, leaving Joe lying in a pool of blood.  Roxy makes a fateful choice that changes her life forever.

Winterland Alan Glynn, M GLY – The worlds of business, politics, and crime collide when two men with the same name, from the same family, die on the same night.

New Biographies – March/April 2010

Lynne

All of Me Anne Murray with Michael Posner, B MURRAY – The story of the popular singer’s life from her humble beginnings through the career that now spans forty years.

All Things At Once Mika Brzezinski, B BRZEZINSKI – The cohost of Morning Joe relates her struggles as a working mother and her early years as the daughter of President Carter’s national security advisor.

American Original: The Life and Constitution of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Joan Biskupic, B SCALIA – The author presents a detailed portrait of the life and long career of the complicated and outspoken jurist.

The Bag Lady Papers: The Priceless Experience of Losing It All Alexandra Penney, B PENNEY – The author invested nearly all of her life savings with Bernie Madoff and was faced with her greatest fear when she lost it all.

Churchill Paul Johnson, B CHURCHILL – A look at one of the most complex and fascinating personalities in history by a noted historian.

Cleaving: A Story of Marriage, Meat, and Obsession Julie Powell, B POWELL – The author of Julie and Julia returns with further life adventures and her foray into butchery.

Comeback 2.0: Up Close and Personal—Lance Armstrong Lance Armstrong, B ARMSTRONG – Photographs and personal commentary by the iconic biker.

Confections of a Closet Master Baker: One Woman’s Sweet Journey from Unhappy Hollywood Executive to Contented Country Baker Gesine Bullock-Prado, B BULLOCK-PRADO – The subtitles says it all: unhappy as the head of her celebrity sister’s production company, the author and her husband move to Vermont and a small bakery.  Recipes included!

Enemies of the People: My Family’s Journey to America Kati Marton, B MARTON – The author discovers the terrifying truth about her family’s past in Hungary during the Cold War.

Finding It: And Satisfying My Hunger for Life Without Opening the Fridge Valerie Bertinelli, B BERTINELLI – More entertaining stories from the author of Losing It.

A Gambling Man:  Charles II’s Restoration Game Jenny Uglow, B CHARLES – Charles II was thirty years old when he crossed the English Channel in 1660.  A spirited look at turbulent time.

Going Rogue: An American Life Sarah Palin, B PALIN – The story of her life from the vice-presidential candidate.

Here’s the Deal, Don’t Touch Me Howie Mandel, B MANDEL – A memoir from the host of Deal or No Deal and his ongoing struggle with OCD and ADHD and how it affected his life and career.

High Society: The Life of Grace Kelly Donald Spoto, B KELLY – A new look at the glamorous actress who retired at the age of twenty-six to become the Princess of Monaco.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skloot, B LACKS – The story of an African American woman who died in the 1950s, but whose cells have been grown over the years for a multitude of medical experiments and advances.

The Journal Keeper: A Memoir Phyllis Theroux, B THEROUX – An insightful stroll through the life of a gifted writer as she discusses universal issues: love, loneliness, growing old, financial worries and spiritual growth.

The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn Alison Weir, B BOLEYN – A look at one of the world’s most fascinating and controversial women by a great biographer of British royalty.

Last Word George Carlin with Tony Hendra, B CARLIN – Indeed, the last words from the comedian/commentator.

Living Oprah: My One-Year Experiment to Walk the Walk of the Queen of Talk Robyn Okrant, B OKRANT – The author kicked off a year-long experiment to find out what would happen if she decided to follow all of Oprah’s advice.

Louisa May Alcott: the Woman Behind Little Women Harriet Reisen, B ALCOTT – A lively account of an exceptional woman and writer of the 19th century.

Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes Elizabeth Bard, B BARD – In Paris for a weekend visit, Elizabeth Bard sat down to lunch with a handsome Frenchman — and never went home again.

Marriage and Other Acts of Charity: A Memoir Kate Braestrup, B BRAESTRUP – The author of Here If You Need Me turns her attention to the subjects of love and commitment.

A Mountain of Crumbs Elena Gorkhova, B GOROKHOVA – Coming of age in the Soviet Union of the 1960s, the author’s passion for learning English bordered on the subversive in a land of political deception.

Mrs. Adams in Winter: A Journey in the Last Days of Napoleon Michael O’Brien, B ADAMS – Early in 1815, Louisa Catherine Adams, with her young son, left St. Petersburg in a Russian carriage and set out on a difficult journey to meet her husband, John Quincy Adams, in Paris.

Open: An Autobiography Andre Agassi, B AGASSI – A very revealing look inside the life of the tennis star.

Peter the Great Derek Wilson, B PETER I – The  life and reign of the extraordinary Russian leader.

Princess Noire: The Tumultuous Reign of Nina Simone Nadine Cohodas, B SIMONE – The triumphs and trials of the brilliant singer and musician.

The Queen Mother: The Official Biography William Shawcross, B ELIZABETH – A definitive biography of the mother of Queen Elizabeth II and grandmother of Prince Charles and one of the most beloved members of the British Royal Family.

Staying True Jenny Sanford, B SANFORD – A look at the private ordeal of the first lady of South Carolina after her very public betrayal.

Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life’s Challenges Byron Pitts, B PITTS – The 60 Minutes correspondent relates the challenges of his life, including stuttering and being functionally illiterate. He also tells of the people who “stepped out on nothing” to make a difference for him.

New Non-Fiction Books – March 2010

Lynne

Americans in Paris: Life and Death Under Nazi Occupation Charles Glass, 944.0816 GLA 2010 – Life under the Nazis as experienced by the Americans who lived in Paris from the spring of 1940 to liberation in the summer of 1944.

Bluebird: Women and the New Psychology of Happiness Ariel Gore, 305.42 GOR 2010 – Can a woman be smart, empowered and happy?

The Checklist Manifesto:  How to Get Things Right Atul Gawande, 610.28 GAW 2009 – A noted writer and surgeon states that we can do better and find solutions to complex situations through the lowly checklist.

Danger to Self: On the Front Line with an ER Psychiatrist Paul R. Linde, 616.89 LIN 2010 – A look behind the scenes at an urban psychiatric emergency room with all its chaos and pathos.

Daring Young Men: The Heroism and Triumph of the Berlin Airlift, June 1948-May 1949 Richard Reeves, 943.155 REE 2010 – The airmen of World War II returned to emergency active duty to save the desperate people of western Berlin.

Death of American Virtue: Clinton vs. Starr Ken Gormley, 973.929 GOR 2010 – An extensive history of the polarizing scandal that almost terminated the Clinton presidency.

Diabetes Rising: How a Rare Disease Became a Modern Pandemic, and What To Do About It Dan Hurley, 616.462 HUR 2010 – A penetrating look at a disease that now affects hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us Daniel H. Pink, 153.1534 PIN 2009 – What really motivates us?  Is it an external reward such as money?

Eternity Soup: Inside the Quest to End Aging Greg Critser, 613.2 CRI 2010 – An intriguing look at the multibillion dollar anti-aging industry.

Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near Death Experiences Jeffrey Long with Paul Perry, 133.9013 LON 2010 – Dr. Long presents firsthand accounts of people who have died and lived to tell about it. The author has recorded hundreds of stories and examined remarkable similarities.

A Good Talk: The Story and Skill of Conversation Daniel Menaker, 302.346 MEN 2010 – An entertaining examination of how to enjoy the fine art of social conversation.

The History of the Medieval World: From the Conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade Susan Wise Bauer, 909.07 BAU 2010 – A comprehensive look at world history, and the new importance of religion, between the fourth and twelfth centuries.

If God Is Good: Faith In the Midst of Suffering and Evil Randy Alcorn, 231.8 ALC 2009 – A penetrating discussion of a fundamental human question:  “How can we reconcile a good and all-powerful God with the terrible evil and suffering we see in this world?”

Inside the Teenage Brain: Parenting a Work in Progress Sheryl Feinstein, 649.125 FEI 2009 – A look at teenagers through the recent discoveries of the evolving adolescent brain.

Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Mystery Eric Ives, 942.053 IVE 2009 – A penetrating look at the mysteries surrounding the “nine days queen.”

The Mom & Pop Store: How the Unsung Heroes of the American Economy Are Surviving and Thriving Robert Spector, 381.14 SPE 2009 – A moving celebration of independent neighborhood shops, and of the vision, passion and persistence of their owners.

My Prison, My Home: One Woman’s Story of Captivity in Iran Haleh Esfandiari, 955.0544 ISF 2009 – As she was returning home to the United States, an Iranian-American woman was arrested for being part of an “American conspiracy.”

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea Barbara Demick, 306.095 DEM 2009 – A view into North Korea, as seen through the eyes of six ordinary citizens over the span of fifteen chaotic years.

The Power of Half: One Family’s Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back Kevin Salwen and Hannah Salwen, 174 SAL 2010 – A family from Atlanta decided to sell their mansion and buy a house half its size, and give half of the sale price to a worthy charity. Could half be even more?

The Quants: How a New Breed of Math Whizzes Conquered Wall Street and Nearly Destroyed It Scott Patterson, 322.645 PAT 2010 – The story of four men whose “digitized money-trading machine that could shift billions around the globe with the click of a mouse” sowed the seeds for the unprecedented financial disaster.

The Routes of Man: How Roads Are Changing the World and the Way We Live ToDay Ted Conover, 388.1 CON 2010 – An enthusiastic exploration of six key roadways worldwide.  A look at the costs and benefits of being connected — from ancient Rome to the present.

The Science of Liberty Timothy Ferris, 303.483 FER 2010 – The author argues that the progress of science was the inspiration behind the rise of democracy and liberalism.

Sonic Boom: Globalization at Mach Speed Gregg Easterbrook, 330.9 EAS 2009 – The author looks at the sonic boom economy: an explosive time of unprecedented growth and change that will also create anxiety and stress.

The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century  Ian Mortimer, 942.03 MOR 2010 – Important facets of everyday life are shown in this down-to-earth study of the 1300’s.

The Twilight Years: The Paradox of Britain Between the Wars Richard Overy, 941.083 OVE 2009 – During the years between the wars, Britain, although intellectually vibrant, faced “a creeping fear that the West was staring down the end of civilization.”

An Uncommon Passage:  Traveling Through History on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail Edited by Edward K. Muller, 974.87 UNC 2009 – An uncommon book about an important feature of Western Pennsylvania history.

Why Boys Fail: Saving Our Sons from an Educational System That’s Leaving Them Behind Richard Whitmire, 370.154 WHI 2010 – A penetrating and insightful look at a misunderstood and ignored problem. The author looks at the issues and then addresses what actually works for boys.

You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up: A Love Story Annabelle Gurwitch and Jeff Kahn, 306.81 GUR 2010 – After thirteen years of being married, the authors found that “we’re just not that into us.”  Instead of giving up, they’ve held their relationship together by ignoring conventional wisdom.

New Fiction – March 2010

Lynne

Alice I Have Been Melanie Benjamin, F BEN – Alice Liddell Hargreaves has had a life of rich experiences, but as she nears her 81st birthday, she realizes that to the world she will always be known as “Alice.”

The Brightest Star in the Sky Marian Keyes, F KEY – When a spirit visits the Dublin townhouse on Star Street, the tenants are surprised by intriguing changes.

The Burning Land Bernard Cornwell, F COR – A new entry into the noted historical novelist’s saga of Saxon Tales and the epic story of the birth of England and the legendary king who made it possible.

Conspirata: A Novel of Ancient Rome Robert Harris, F HAR – On the eve of Marcus Cicero’s inauguration as consul of Rome, the death of a boy sends ripples of fear throughout Rome.

Galileo’s Dream Kim Stanley Robinson, F ROB SF – A new title from the award-winning science fiction author.

An Irish Country Girl Patrick Taylor, F TAY – Another hopeful tale from the colorful Irish village of Ballybucklebo.

The Kingdom of Ohio Matthew Flaming, F FLA – After discovering an old photograph, an elderly antiques dealer is forced to revisit the history he has spent years trying to deny.

Kisser Stuart Woods, F WOO – Stone Barrington is back in New York and looking forward to some downtime. What do you think? Will he get to take a break?

The Midnight House Alex Berenson, F BERCI – Agent John Wells must find who is killing members of a secret interrogation team that operated at a secret base called the Midnight House.

Ordinary Thunderstorms William Boyd, F BOY – Adam Kindred is in London for a job interview, when a chance encounter soon leads to a series of accidents through which he loses everything, even his identity.

Point Omega Don Delillo, F DEL – The noted author looks into the mind and heart of a “defense intellectual,” a man involved in the management of the country’s war machine.

Pride and Avarice Nicholas Coleridge, F COL – At his magnificent Chawbury Manor, Miles Straker has it all. When self-made millionaire Ross Clegg buys the land adjoining Straker’s estate, Miles is racked with jealousy.  Scandals and revenge escalate as the battle between two families rages on.

The Queen’s Governess Karen Harper, F HAR – A tale of Elizabeth I’s closest ally and most trusted confidante, whose tale has never been told until now.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt Beth Hoffman, F HOF – Twelve year old CeeCee Honeycutt is in trouble, but her eccentric great-aunt, Tootie Caldwell, whisks her away in her vintage Packard convertible.

Secrets of Eden Chris Bohjalian, F BOH – The murder and suicide of  Alice Hayward and her husband tortures the thoughts of her minister, Stephen Drew.

Shadow Tag Louise Erdrich, F ERD – When Irene discovers that her husband is reading her diary, she begins a secret Blue Notebook that records the truth of her life and marriage, and a Red Diary, that doesn’t.

Small Wars Sadie Jones, F JON – A major in the British Army, Hal Treherne is transferred to the British colony of Cyprus in 1956 and is soon join by his wife, Clara and their baby daughters.  As war breaks out, their family is unprepared for the resulting emotional strain.

Too Much Money Dominick Dunne, F DUN – High-society journalist, Gus Bailey, has found life to be rather unpleasant after he repeats a fake story from an unreliable source on a radio program.  The last offering from the well-known high-society journalist.

Treasure Hunt John Lescroart, F LES – Mickey Dade is initially glad to be pulled from his desk job at the private investigative service, The Hunt Club, and put on the case of the murder of Dominic Como, a high profile San Francisco activist.

True Confections Katharine Webe, rF WEB – Combine chocolate candy, a family business in turmoil, and an outsider’s perspective on it all.

The Unbearable Lightness of Scones Alexander McCall Smith, F MCC – The inimitable author returns with another episode featuring the characters of 44 Scotland Street.

Unfinished Desires Gail Godwin, F GOD – Friendship, loyalty, rivalries, redemption and memory are all captured in this novel centering on Mount St. Gabriel’s, a North Carolina all-girls school.

The Unnamed Joshua Ferris, F FER – Tim Farnsworth is a handsome, healthy man who seemingly loves his family and his work, until the day he just walks out.

Where the God of Love Hangs Out Amy Bloom, F BLO – A collection of connected stories centers on the theme of love, in its many forms and complexities.

Wild Child: Stories T.C. Boyle, F BOY – Fourteen new short stories by a noted author.

Winter Garden Kristin Hannah, F HAN – Sisters Meredith and Nina Whitson find a long hidden secret of their family after the death of their father.

The Wolf at the Door Jack Higgins, F HIG – Someone is targeting the members of an elite intelligence unit known as “the Prime Minister’s private army.”  Sean Dillon has an idea who it might be, but proving it may be a difficult task.

New Mysteries – January/February 2010

Lynne

The Body in the Sleigh Katherine Hall Page, M PAG – It’s Christmas time and the Fairchild family is spending the holidays on idyllic Sanpere Island off the coast of Maine.  Holiday spirits are subdued when a body is found in an antique sleigh.

The Broken Teaglass Emily Arsenault, M ARS – Something suspicious is going on, in addition to the study of English words, at the Samuelson Company, the venerable dictionary publisher. Coded clues and murder!

Cape Greed Sam Cole, M COL – Two private detectives get involved in seemingly separate cases in Cape Town, South Africa.

Crawlspace Sarah Graves, M GRA – Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree moves from the fast world of Wall Street to a rewarding life in Eastport, Maine.  But no matter what your address, the most terrifying crimes always hit closest to home.

Darkness Visible J.M. Gregson, M GRE – Chief Superintendent Lambert and his team uncover a variety of suspects in the murder of a small-time criminal.

Death of a Valentine M.C. Beaton, M BEA – Will Hamish Macbeth, the Scottish police sergeant, be married at last?

9 Dragons Michael Connelly, M CON – Detective Harry Bosch promises the family of John Li, the owner of Fortune Liquors in a South L.A. neighborhood, that he will find his murderer. Vintage Connelly.

Eye of the Raven Eliot Pattison, M PAT – Duncan McCallum and Native American shaman Conawago, unite forces in 1760 Virginia during the turbulent French and Indian War.

Final Exam Maggie Barbieri, M BAR – Professor Alison Bergeron teaches at the small college of St. Thomas, but when a resident director goes missing she knows she must find her. From the author of Quick Study.

The First Rule Robert Crais, M CRA – Organized criminal gangs of the former Soviet Union may be behind the killing of Frank Meyer, an old friend of Joe Pike. Pike and partner Elvis Cole team up to get at the truth.

The Fleet Street Murders Charles Finch, M FIN – Christmas, 1866. Amateur sleuth Charles Lenox involves himself in a strange case concerning the violent deaths of two journalists.

The Godfather of Kathmandu John Burdett, M BUR – Sonchai Jitpleecheep, a Royal Thai Police detective, is summoned to a shocking and intriguing crime scene.

Heat Wave Richard Castle, M CAS – The fictional author of the fictional Derrick Storm novels, introduces Nikki Heat as a New York homicide detective.

Locked In Marcia Muller, M MUL – Following a shot to her head, San Francisco private eye Sharon McCone finds herself trapped by locked-in syndrome: almost total paralysis, but with an alert, conscious mind.

The Monster in the Box Ruth Rendell, M REN – Inspector Wexford is taken back to his first days as a young policeman and to the man he has long suspected of murder.

Necessary as Blood Deborah Crombie, M CRO – Scotland Yard detective Gemma James is involved in a complicated case featuring the murder of a Pakistani lawyer in trendy London’s East End.

The Poisoning in the Pub Simon Brett, M BRE – When a lunchtime meal leaves everyone with food poisoning, it seems to be the beginning of the end of the road for the pub known as the Crown and Anchor.

Predators Frederick Ramsay, M RAM – Predators, both human and animal, are roaming the country of Botswana.

The Red Door Charles Todd, M TOD – Detective Ian Rutledge is back in another stirring mystery set in post World War I England.

The Scarpetta Factor Patricia Cornwell, M COR – Dr. Kay Scarpetta offers her services to the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner.  Soon  a string of unexpected and unsettling events occur that escalates into even more bizarre happenings.

There Goes the Bride M.C. Beaton, M BEA – Unlucky in love, Agatha Raisin is not happy, especially when the fiancé of her ex-husband is shot, just before their wedding.

Thereby Hangs a Tail: A Chet and Bernie Mystery Spencer Quinn, M QUI – The irresistible Chet and his human companion, Bernie, are working on another case, following their great debut in Dog On It.

Too Many Murders Colleen McCullough, M MCC – The year is 1967 and detective Carmine Delmonico is faced with 12 murders in one day in the little town of Holloman.

Trial by Fire J.A. Jance, M JAN – A severely burned woman is helped by Sister Anselm  and Ali Reynolds of the Yavapal County Police Department. But could their efforts to save her put all three of them in greater danger?

U Is for Undertow Sue Grafton, M GRA – Kinsey Millhone continues to work her way through this acclaimed series of alphabetically arranged mysteries.

The Vows of Silence Susan Hill, M HIL – Detective Simon Serrailler tracks down a lone gunman who is terrorizing young women in the peaceful  town of Lafferton, England.

What Remains of Heaven C.S. Harris, M HAR – Nobleman and former spy, Sebastian St. Cyr, needs to expose a murderer in the glittering and dangerous world of 1812 London.

New Fiction – January 2010

Lynne

Altar of Eden James Rollinsm F ROL – Science, history and suspense are combined in this stand-alone novel that delves into the mystery of genetically modified animals that were kept at the Baghdad city zoo.

The Atlantis Code Charles Brokaw, F BRO – After satellites spot extremely ancient ruins along the Spanish coast, archeologist Thomas Lourds knows that this could mean that the lost continent of Atlantis has been found.

Broken Jewel David L. Robbins, F ROB – The author of War of the Rats presents a novel of war and survival set against the backdrop of the Los Baños prison raid  – one of the most daring episodes of World War II.

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer: A Retelling by Peter Ackroyd Peter Ackroyd, F ACK – The well known writer takes on the classic 13th century poem and presents it in an accessible style with the aim of preserving the spirit of the original work.

Cloud Pavilion Laura Joh Rowland, F ROW – Japan 1701. Samurai detective Chamberlain San Ichirō undertakes a desperate search to locate a vanished cousin.

Deeper Than the Dead Tami Hoag, F HOA – FBI investigator Vince Leone is called to California to consult on a case involving a vicious psychopath.

Delilah India Edghill, F EDG – An inventive retelling of the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah.

The Fall of the Templars Robyn Young, F YOU – 1295 AD. The fight for the Christian empire in the Holy Land has come to an end. The Knights Templar’s last battle has just begun.

Hollywood Moon Joseph Wambaugh, F WAM – More mayhem and crime from the Hollywood division of the LAPD.

The Honor of Spies W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV, F GRI – A new novel in the popular authors’ Honor Bound saga of World War II espionage.

I, Sniper Stephen Hunter, F HUN – Four ‘60s radicals are gunned down at long range by a sniper. Retired Marine sniper Bob Lee Swagger is called in to investigate and begins to unravel a sophisticated conspiracy.

Impact Douglas Preston, F PRE – Strange events seem to prefigure an event of earth-shaking consequences. “Sixty hours and counting.”

Iron River T. Jefferson Parker, F PAR – Charlie Hood joins a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms task force patrolling the “iron river,” where illegal guns flow from United States dealers to Mexican drug cartels.

Knit the Season: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel Kate Jacobs, F JAC – Holidays with the friends of the Friday Night Knitting Club at the Walker & Daughter cozy yarn shop on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Lacuna Barbara Kingsolver, F KIN – Harrison Shepherd is pulled between Mexico and the United States as both nations invent their modern identities in the years before World War II.

La’s Orchestra Saves the World Alexander McCall Smith, F MCC – During World War II, Lavender (or La) flees London and organizes a small orchestra in her small town.  A heartwarming story by a favorite author.

Nanny Returns Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, F MCL – Nan, the heroine of The Nanny Diaries, returns from abroad with her husband, but is once again pulled into the lives Mrs. X and her two sons, Grayer and Stilton.

New York Edward Rutherfurd, F RUT – A sweeping fictional saga that explores Manhattan through four centuries.

No Less Than Victory: A Novel of World War II Jeff Shaara, F SHA – The final book in the noted author’s World War II trilogy.

Not My Daughter Barbara Delinsky, F DEL – A pregnancy pact between three teenaged girls puts their mothers’ love to the test.

Once in a Blue Moon Eileen Goudge, F GOU – An emotionally charged family drama focuses on two sisters, Lindsay and Kerrie Ann, and their turbulent lives.

The Paris Vendetta Steve Berry, F BER – Cotton Malone is on the trail of Napoleon’s legendary lost treasure, but obstacles abound.

Pirate Latitudes Michael Crichton, F CRI – Treasure and betrayal in the Caribbean of 1665 is the latest offering from the popular author.

The Prodigal Wife Marcia Willett, F WIL – The ancient family home where the Chadwick family has lived for generations is a haven from the heartbreaks of life. But when Jolyon Chadwick returns home with his new girlfriend, will he find the homey warmth he longs for?

The Pursuit of Other Interests Jim Kokoris, F KOK – Charlie Baker the CEO of a major Chicago ad agency seems to have it all, until the day he is unceremoniously fired.

Summertime J.M. Coetzee, F COE – A work of fiction that allows the author to imagine his own life with an unsparing eye.

Under the Dome Stephen King, F KIN – A new blockbuster from the master of horror.

Watchlist: Two Serial Thrillers in One Killer Book Two novellas written serially by many well-known authors: The Chopin Manuscript and The Copper Bracelet. Some of the authors included: Linda Barnes, Lee Child, Jeffery Deaver, Joseph Finder, Lisa Scottoline, and Erica Spindler.

New Fiction – November 2009

Lynne

Black Friday Alex Kava, F KAV – FBI profiler Maggie O’Dell is sent to the site of a terrorist attack in an American mall for which no one has claimed responsibility. Is she running out of time?

Breaking the Rules Barbara Taylor Bradford, F BRA – Following a terrifying encounter in England, a young woman flees to New York to find a new life. Re-inventing herself, she hopes that her troubles are behind her.

The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein Peter Ackroyd, F ACK – A re-imagination of the classic tale that features Victor Frankenstein, the serious researcher, and Percy Bysshe Shelley, the poet.

A Change in Altitude Anita Shreve, F SHR – Margaret and Patrick have been married just a few months before they take on a year-long adventure of living in Kenya.

The Children’s Book A.S. Byatt, F BYA – During the golden era prior to World War I, Olive Wellwood, a famous children’s book author, and her family experience betrayals, passions, and secrets that threaten to tear them apart.

Chronic City Jonathan Lethem, F LET – An illuminating portrait of the denizens of Upper East Side Manhattan and their delusions, desires, and lies.

Crossers Philip Caputo, F CAP – Three generations of an Arizona family are forced to confront the violence and loss that have become its inheritance.

An Echo in the Bon Diana Gabaldon, F GAL – The continuation of the Outlander series featuring the 18th century Scotsman, Jamie Fraser, and his 20th century wife, Claire Randall.

Generosity Richard Powers, F POW – Professor Russell Stone encounters a young Algerian woman with a luminous presence. How can this refugee from perpetual terror be so happy?

Gorgeous East Robert Girardi, F GIRA – n adventure story from the modern-day French Foreign Legion features three legionnaires and the woman they love, the beautiful Louise Vilhardouin.

Half Broke Horses Jeannette Walls, F WAL – The author of Glass Castle returns with a true-life novel about the author’s no-nonsense, compelling grandmother.

Hothouse Orchid Stuart Woods, F WOO – After years of trailing an internationally wanted terrorist, Special Agent Holly Barker returns to her hometown of Orchid Beach, Florida.

The King of Thieves Michael Jecks, F JEC – In 1325, King Edward of England prepares to pay homage to the French king, Charles IV and decides to send his teenage son in his place. A complex, multilayered plot in the author’s Knights Templar series.

Last Night in Twisted River John Irving, F IRV – In 1954, a twelve-year-old boy and his father become fugitives after a terrible hunting accident. From the author of The World According to Garp.

Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos H. Papadimitriou, F DOX – And now for something completely different: a graphic novel based on the early life of the philosopher Bertrand Russell.

Love and Summer William Trevor, F TRE – Ellie Dillahan is a shy orphan girl from the Irish hill country whose life is changed after a chance meeting with Florian Kilderry, who is about to leave Ireland forever.

The Museum of Innocence Orhan Pamuk, F PAM – The Nobel Prize winner’s first novel following his award, examines the privileged life of Kemal, who, while engaged to a daughter of a prominent family, falls in love with a beautiful shopgirl. A look at Istanbul and a society torn between the traditional and the western world.

No Time to Wave Goodbye, Jacquelyn Mitchard – F MIT – The Cappadora family, first introduced in The Deep End of the Ocean, are confronted once again with the terrible events of the past.

Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall Kazuo Ishiguro, F ISH – The author of The Remains of the Day presents five interconnected stories in which music is an essential character.

Pursuit of Honor Vince Flynn, F FLY – Counterterrorism operative Mitch Rapp and his team member, Mike Nash, are forced to take extreme measures during a devastating attack on Washington D.C.

Rough Country John Sandford, F SAN – When Virgil Flowers goes north for a fishing tournament, he finds himself investigating a murder in some very rough country.

Spartan Gold Clive Cussler with Grant Blackwood, F CUS – Treasure-hunting team Sam and Remi Fargo are introduced in this action-packed adventure of ancient clues and formidable rivals.

Stardust Joseph Kanon, F KAN – Hollywood, 1945. Ben Collier comes home from war torn Europe to find that his brother, Daniel, has died mysteriously.

Too Many Yesterdays Sara Hylton, F HYL – At her beautiful manor-house, Charlotte Chayter prepares for her eightieth birthday party, a happy occasion, but one which holds secret dread for what might unfold.

True Blue David Baldacci, F BAL – A mysterious high-profile homicide in Washington, D.C. collides with the dark side of national security.

The Vintage Caper Peter Mayle, F MAY – Culinary delights, sumptuous wines, colorful characters and a lot of fun.

Wolf Hall Hilary Mantel, F MAN – In the ruthless arena of the court of King Henry VIII steps a man willing to gamble his life to win the king’s favor: Thomas Cromwell.

New Fiction – October 2009

Lynne

The Confessions of Edward Day Valerie Martin, F MAR – Edward Day is a New York actor in the 1970’s who life in changed after he is saved from drowning off the Jersey shore.

Day After Night Anita Diamant, F DIA – Based on the true story of the October 1945 rescue of more than two hundred prisoners from an internment camp, as told through the eyes of four young women.

Down in the Flood Kenneth Abel, F ABE – Former New Orleans prosecutor Danny Chaisson’s latest case is bid-rigging. But a gathering storm named Katrina blasts his world apart.

An Echo in the Bone Diana Gabaldon, F GAL – The continuation of the story of the 18th century Scotsman Jamie Fraser and his 20th century wife, Claire Randall.

Fear the Worst Linwood Barclay, F BAR – Tim Blake’s desperate search for his daughter leads him into a dark world of corruption, exploitation, and murder.

A Gate at the Stairs Lorrie Moore, F MOO – A much heralded novel.  The author’s first in over a decade, focuses on the anxiety and disconnection of post 9/11 America.

Her Fearful Symmetry Audrey Niffenegger, F NIF – The author of The Time Traveler’s Wife, opens her new book with a letter that alters the fate of every character.  Great reviews.

Homer & Langley E.L. Doctorow, F DOC – Homer and Langley are brothers living as recluses in their once grand New York Fifth Avenue mansion, but the epic events of the century seem to pass through their cluttered house.

The Hunted Brian Haig, F HAI – Kidnapped, beaten and forced to relinquish his business and his fortune, Alex Konevitch escapes from Russia to the United States, only to be accused by his own government of stealing millions.

Inherent Vice Thomas Pynchon, F PYN – The psychedelic 60’s in L.A. finds Doc Sportello helping an ex-girlfriend who’s in love with a land developer who might be the target of a kidnapping.  Paranoia runs deep.

Intervention Robin Cook, F COO – New York City medical examiner, Jack Stapleton is featured in a vintage Cook thriller that involves DNA science, biotechnology and religion.

Juliet, Naked Nick Hornby, F HOR – What happens when a washed-up musician looks for another chance?  As he releases the acoustic version of his greatest album, Juliet, Tucker Crowe is about to find out.

Little Bird of Heaven Joyce Carol Oates, F OAT – When Zoe Kruller is found murdered, the police target two suspects, her estranged husband Delray Kruller and her longtime lover, Eddy Diehl.

The Magicians Lev Grossman, F GRO – High school senior, Quentin Coldwater loves a series of fantasy novels set in an enchanted land called Fillory.  Unexpectedly, he finds himself admitted to a secret college of magic in upstate New York.

Mercury in Retrograde Paula Froelich, F FRO – When mercury is in retrograde, the only guarantee is that anything that can go wrong, will.

No Time to Wave Goodbye Jacquelyn Mitchard, F MIT – The Cappadora family, first introduced in The Deep End of the Ocean, are confronted once again with the terrible events of the past.

Once on a Moonless Night Dai Sijie, F DAI – The author of Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress returns with a tale of love and the power of a lost language.

Prospect Park West Amy Sohn, F SOH – Four stay-at-home mom (“sahms”) provide entertaining drama in this tale of an upscale Brooklyn neighborhood.

The Puzzle King Betsy Carter, F CAR – Simon Phelps and Flora Grossman find their way to New York City before World War II and become the last hope of their families’ escape from Europe.

Rebel Yell Alice Randall, F RAN – Arden Jones, Jr. an eminent black conservative and White House advocate at the Pentagon, collapses at the Rebel Yell restaurant.

Resurrecting Midnight Eric Jerome Dickey, F DIC – International assassin Gideon is in Argentina facing his fiercest adversary yet.

A Separate Country Robert Hicks, F HIC – The author of The Widow of the South returns to the tumultuous years following the Civil War, with the love story of Confederate general John Bell Hood and his wife, Anna Marie.

Short Girls Bich Minh Nguyen, F NGU – The author Stealing Buddha’s Dinner tells the story of Van and Linny Luong, two sisters who share a secret, but are unable to confide in each other.

South of Broad Pat Conroy, F CON – The author’s long awaited novel, his first in fourteen years, features a changing southern culture through the stories of a group of teenagers who face the future in 1969.

The Spire Richard North Patterson, F PAT – Mark Darrow becomes a college president of his alma mater,  and then begins to investigate a long-ago murder that was allegedly committed by his best friend.

Vanished Joseph Finder, F FIN – Roger Heller vanishes after he and his wife are attacked.  The only one who has a chance of finding him is his brother, Nick, an investigator with a private intelligence firm.

The White Queen Philippa Gregory, F GRE – The author of The Other Boleyn Girl begins a new series set amid the feuds of England known as the Wars of the Roses.

The Year of the Flood Margaret Atwood, F ATW – An inventive apocalyptic novel by the author of The Handmaid’s Tale.

Sewickley’s Favorite Books – Summer 2009

Lynne

The Following books were rated 5 stars by the participants in the Adult Summer Reading Program. Click on the Book Jackets to read more about the books and even reserve them!

Accidental Mother, by Rowan Coleman

Alexandria, by Lindsey Davis

All Around the Town, by Mary Higgins Clark

Angels and Demons, by Dan Brown

The Appeal, by John Grisham

Arctic Drift, by Clive Cussler

Beach Music, by Pat Conroy

Big Four, by Agatha Christie

Blood Work, by Michael Connelly

Blow Out, by Catherine Coulter

A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity, by Bill O’Reilly

Book Thief, by Marcus Zusak

A Case of Need, by Michael Crichton

The Cat Who Went Up the Creek, by Lilian Jackson Braun

Chasing Smoke, by Bill Cameron

Columbine, by Dave Cullen

The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas

The Cradle Will Fall, by Mary Higgins Clark

Crazy Love, by Leslie Morgan Steiner

Cross Country, by James Patterson

A Cry in the Night, by Mary Higgins Clark

Cutting for Stone, by A. Verghese

Danse Macabre, by Laurell K. Hamilton

Dark Summer, by Iris Johansen

A Day Late and a Dollar Short, by Terry McMillan

Dear and Glorious Physician, by Taylor Caldwell

Death in Hyde Park, by Robin Paige

Domestic Affairs, by Eileen Goudge

Dying for Revenge, by Eric J. Dickey

The Edge, by Catherine Coulter

Executive Privilege, by Phillip Margolin

Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

The Faithful Spy, by Alex Berenson

Farewell To Arms, by Ernest Hemingway

Fatally Flaky, by Diane Mott Davidson

Fault Line, by Barry Eisler

Fearless Fourteen, by Janet Evanovich

Fidelity, by Thomas Perry

Finding Nouf, by Zoe Ferraris

Finger Lickin Fifteen, by Janet Evanovich

Fire and Ice, by J.A. Jance

First Family, by David Baldacci

Fortune Hunter, by Diane Farr

Foul Play, by Janet Evanovich

Francesca’s Party, by Patricia Scanlan

Gifts of the Heart, by Bettie Youngs

A Good Woman, by Danielle Steel

The Gospel of Wealth and Other Timely Essays, by Andrew Carnegie

The Grand Finale, by Janet Evanovich

The Great Books, by Bruce Meyer

Grow Organic, by Doug Oster and Jessica Walliser

Growing Up Again, by Mary Tyler Moore

Handle with Care, by Jodi Piccoult

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by JK Rowling

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Horse Boy, by Rupert Isaacson

In Her Defense, by Stephen Horn

Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri

It Only Takes a Momenti by Mary Jane Clark

The Judgement of Paris, by Ross King

Junk Beautiful: Room-by-Room Makeovers with Junkmarket Style, by Sue Whitney & Ki Nassauer

Kaffe Knits Again, by Kaffe Fassett

Keeping Faith, by Jodi Picoult

King’s Oak, by Anne Rivers Seddons

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hoseini

The Last Hurrah, by Edwin O’Connor

The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch

Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo

Light in the Forest, by Conrad Richter

Lights Out Tonight, by Mary Jane Clark

Loitering with Intent, by Stuart Woods

London Bridges, by James Patterson

Long Lost, by Harlan Coben

Look Again, by Lisa Scottoline

Love, Medicine, and Miracles, by Bernie Siegel

Mason Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines, by Kay Gardiner

Meltdown, by Thomas E. Woods, Jr.

The Memory Collector, by Meg Gardiner

The Middle Place, by Kelly Corrigan

Midnight in Sicily, by Peter Robb

Mists of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley

My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult

The Namesake, by Jhumpa Lahiri

The Necklace, by Guy de Maupassant

Nineteen Minutes, by Jodi Picoult

Off Season, by Ann Rivers Siddons

One Day at a Time, by Danielle Steel

The Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell

Perfectly Imperfect, by Lee Woodruff

Porch Stories, by Jewel Parker Rhodes

Real Sex, by Lauren Winner

Running Hot, by Jayne Krentz

Same Kind of Different as Me, by Ron Hall

The Scarecrow, by Michael Connelly

The School of Essential Ingredients, by Erica Buermister

Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd

Shadow Music, by Julie Garwood

Sharpe’s Tiger, by Bernard Cornwell

The Silent Speaker, by Rex Stout

Soul Stories, by Gary Zukav

Still Alice, by Lisa Genova
Still Watchi, by Mary Higgins Clark Summer at Tiffany, by Marjorie Hart
Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas, by James Patterson Sweetheart, by Chelsea Cain
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley Swimsuit, by James Patterson
Tail Spin, by Catherine Coulter Sidney Crosby: Taking the Game by Storm, by Gare Joyce
TeaTime for theTraditionally Built, by Alexander McCall Smith Team of Rivals, by Doris Kearns Goodwin
To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway To the Death, by Patrick Robinson
Today, I am a Ma’amValerie Harper Total ControlDavid Baldacci
Trunk Music, by Michael Connelly Under Enemy Colors, by S. Thomas Russell
The Undomestic Goddess, by Sophie Kinsella Walk Away the Pounds: The Breakthrough Six-week Program that Helps you Burn the Fat, Tone Muscle, and Feel Great without Dieting, by Leslie Sansone
Warlock: a novel of Ancient Egypt, by Wilbur Smith Wedding Ring, by Emilie Richards
Weep No More My Lady, by Mary Higgins Clark While My Pretty One Sleeps, by Mary Higgins Clark
The Whole World Over, by Julia Glass Wicked Prey, by John Sandford

New Nonfiction Books – August 2009

Lynne

The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, a Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal Ben Mezrich, 338.761 MEZ 2009 – Two Harvard undergraduates looking for a way to win social success, hacked into the university’s computer system.  The framework for Facebook was born in a Harvard dorm room.

The Age of the Unthinkable: Why the New World Disorder Constantly Surprises Us and What We Can Do About It Joshua Cooper Ramo, 973.931 RAM 2009 – How to thrive in a world of unpredictability.

American Passage: The History of Ellis Island Vincent J. Cannato, 325.7 CAN 2009 – Between 1892 to 1924 over twelve million immigrants passed through the gates at Ellis Island.

And Then the Roof Caved In: How Wall Street’s Greed and Stupidity Brought Capitalism to Its Knees David Faber, 332.63 FAB 2009 – The author relates the story behind the economic crisis: the defining theme of which has been greed, coupled with the regulatory failure of the government.

Busted: Life Inside the Great Mortgage Meltdown Edmund L. Andrews, 332.722 AND 2009 – Even as a New York Times economics reporter, the author succumbed to the temptation of subprime lending and became part of the economic catastrophe.

Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle Chris Hedges, 302.23 HED 2009 – The author asserts that a culture that cannot distinguish between reality and illusion dies; the society that retreats into fantasy will eventually turn to demagogues and charlatans.

Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur Pamela Slim,658.11 SLI 2009 – How to make a getaway from the corporate grind.

The Evolution of God Robert Wright, 200.9 WRI 2009 – The author presents a sweeping journey through history and the development of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

A Failure of Capitalism: The Crisis of ‘08 and the Descent Into Depression Richard A. Posner, 330.973 POS 2009 – The author presents a non-technical examination of the current financial disaster and the efforts to cope with it.

Halfway to Heaven: My White-knuckled and Knuckleheaded Quest for the Rocky Mountain High Mark Obmascik, 796.522 OMB  2009 – A look inside the culture of the mountaineering obsessives who try scaling all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains in one year, to become part of an elite group known as the  Fourteneers.

Holy Roller: Finding Redemption and the Holy Ghost in a Forgotten Texas Church Julie Lyons, 289.9 LYO 2009 – An inspiring story of a journalists firsthand investigation into the results of faith and prayer in the lives of society’s overlooked people.

Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of U.S. Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan Doug Stanton, 958.1047 STA 2009 – The dramatic account of a small band of Special Forces soldiers who secretly entered Afghanistan following 9/11 and rode to war on horses against the Taliban.

How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In Jim Collins, 338.7 COL 2009 – Every institution is vulnerable to decline, but it can be avoided. By the author of Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t.

How Rome Fell Adrian Goldsworthy, 937.09 GOL 2009 – During the second century, the Roman Empire controlled most of the known world.  By the end of the fifth century, the empire had disintegrated, a shadow of its former might.

The Language of Things: Understanding the World of Desirable Objects Dyan Sudjic, 745.401 SUD 2009 – An informative look at the intersection between art, design, and commerce.

The Last Best Hope: Restoring Conservatism and America’s Promise Joe Scarborough, 320.52 SCA 2009 – A new take on the nation’s political and economic situation.

Packing the Court: The Rise of Judicial Power and the Coming Crisis of the Supreme Court James MacGregor Burns, 347.7326 BUR 2009 – A penetrating look at the nation’s top court by a noted author.

Portfolios of the Poor: How the World’s Poor Live on $2 a Day Daryl Collins, et.al., 339.46 POR 2009 – About 40% of the world’s people live on incomes of $2.00 a day or less. How do the poor find solutions to living on such an amount? A thoughtful report on the “bottom billion.”

Renegade: The Making of a President Richard Wolffe, 324.973 WOL 2009 – The story of how a political newcomer with no money became the world’s most powerful leader.

Rocket Men: The Epic Story of the First Men on the Moon Craig Nelson, 629.45 NEL 2009 – The dramatic story of the first trip to the moon aboard the 30-story-high Apollo II-Saturn V spaceship.

Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work Matthew B. Crawford, 331 CRA 2009 – The author discusses the experience that was once quite common: the activity of making and fixing things with our hands.

Soul Survivor: The Reincarnation of a World War II Fighter Pilot Bruce and Andrea Leininger, 133.90135 LEI 2009 – The parents of James Leininger were puzzled and disturbed by the nightmares their two-year-old son was having.  They set out on a journey of discovery that led to one conclusion.

Stay Close: A Mother’s Story of Her Son’s Addiction Libby Cataldi, 362.29 CAT 2009 – The poignant story of a mother’s love and her struggles with her son’s drug addiction.

Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played L. Jon Wertheim, 796.342 WER 2009 – All the details of the classic tennis match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on July 6, 2008.

The Third Reich at War Richard J. Evans, 940.53 EVA 2009 – A narrative of the war along with the personal stories from a wide range of people during the rise and demise of German military might.

The Whole Five Feet: What the Great Books Taught Me About Life, Death, and Pretty Much Everything Else Christopher R. Beha, 011.73 BEH 2009 – The Harvard Classics were compiled a century ago by Charles Eliot.  The author decides to revisit these classic books over the course of a year.

You Are Here: Why We Can Find Our Way to the Moon, but Get Lost in the Mall Colin Ellard, 153.752 ELL 2009 – How has modern culture become so directionally challenged?