Books

New Nonfiction – March 2009

Lynne

A Jury of Her Peers: American Women Writers from Anne Bradstreet to Annie Proulx Elaine Showalter, 810.9 SHO 2009 – A comprehensive history of American women writers from 1650 to 2000. Well known writers as well as more obscure authors are highlighted.

Blank Spots on the Map: The Dark Geography of the Pentagon’s Secret World Trevor Paglen, 355.3432 PAG 2009 – The author undertakes a road trip to investigate the U.S. military and CIA “black ops” sites.

A Case for the Existence of God Dean L. Overman, 212 OVE 2009 -Why is there something rather than nothing?

The Difference: How Anyone Can Prosper in Even the Toughest Times Jean Chatzky, 332.024 CHA 2009 FIN – The financial coach shares her research into the similarities among the self-made wealthy.

Einstein’s Telescope: The Hunt for Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the Universe Evalyn Gates, 523.1126 GAT 2009 – Astronomers are using the theory of Einstein in ways that allow them to view the invisible aspects of the universe. Exciting research that is pursuing one of science’s great mysteries.

Embracing the Wide Sky: A Tour Across the Horizons of the Mind Daniel Tammet, 612.82 TAM 2009 – The author of Born on a Blue Day who has autistic savant syndrome, discusses the similarities between his thinking abilities and the kind that we all do.

Enough Already: Clearing Mental Clutter to Become the Best You Peter Walsh, 646.7 WAL 2009 – How to deal with the overwhelming “stuff” in our lives.

Expect to Win: Proven Strategies for Success from a Wall Street Vet Carla A. Harris, 650.1 HAR 2009 – The Wall Street superstar relates her “key survival tools” to those who are advancing their careers.

Eyes on the Horizon: Serving on the Front Lines of National Security Richard B. Myers, 355.0092 MYE 2009 – With an insider’s view of the war on terror, the author presents a  plan to prepare the United States for challenges in the 21st century.

The Face on Your Plate: The Truth About Food Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, 641.306 MAS 2009 – The prolific author provides insight into the psychological factors that influence decisions about what we eat and why.

Fight for Your Money: How to Stop Getting Ripped Off and Save a Fortune David Bach, 332.024 BAC 2009 FIN – The author of the Automatic Millionaire explains how to take on the “corporate machines.”

Freedom in My Heart: Voices from the United States National Slavery Museum 306.362 FRE 2008 – Never-before-seen artifacts, images and documents that trace the history of slavery in North America are presented.

In Search of Our Roots: How 19 Extraordinary African Americans Reclaimed Their Past Henry Louis Gates, Jr., 973.0496 GAT 2009 -In tracing their family’s past, most African Americans face a series of daunting, but not insurmountable, obstacles.

The Inheritance: The World Obama Confronts and the Challenges to American Power David E. Sanger, 327.73 SAN 2009 – An intelligence briefing on the world America faces from a noted Washington journalist.

Is God a Mathematician? Mario Livio, 510 LIV 2009 – How can mathematics accurately describe and even predict the world around us?

Legacy of Secrecy: The Long Shadow of the JFK Assassination Lamar Waldron, 973.922 WAL 2008 – An extensive look at the cover-ups and conspiracies surrounding the Kennedy assassination.

Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World Liaquat Ahamed, 332.1092 AHA 2009 – Four men, four banks and the economic collapse of the 1920’s.

The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon David Grann, 918.1 GRA 2009 – A mystery that reaches back centuries and a sensational disappearance are featured in this tale of death and madness.

Meltdown: A Free-Market Look at Why the Stock Market Collapsed, the Economy Tanked, and Government Bailouts Will Make things Worse Thomas E. Woods, 332.4 WOO 2009 – Are the culprits in the collapse of housing values and stocks located on Wall Street or in Washington?

Moments of Clarity: Voices from the Front Lines of Addiction and Recovery Christopher Kenney Lawford, 606.86 LAW 2009 – What finally forces any person to choose life over death?  The author of Symptoms of Withdrawal presents the stories of others who have confronted and triumphed over addiction.

The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century George Friedman, 303.49 FRI 2009 – What are the changes we can expect during the twenty-first century?

The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet Neil DeGrasse Tyson, 523.49 TYS 2009 – The story of the extraterrestrial underdog.

Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People Ken Watanabe, 153.43 WAT 2009 – How good are you at solving real-world problems?

The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008 Paul Krugman, 330.9 KRU 2009 -Is a replay of the 1930’s possible? A Nobel prize winner presents his informed opinion.

Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else Geoff Colvin, 153.9 COL 2008 – What is the solution to the mystery of high performance?

A Tolerable Anarchy: Rebels, Reactionaries, and the Making of American Freedom Jedidiah Purdy, 320.973 PUR 2009 -An examination of the nature and concept of freedom that is at the heart of American identity.

The Triple Bind: Saving Our Teenage Girls from Today’s Pressures Stephen Hinshaw with Rachel Kranz, 155.533 HIN 2009 – The opportunities available to today’s young women are accompanied by stresses from conflicting messages.

Why Evolution Is True Jerry A. Coyne, 576.8 COY 2009 – An accessible summary of the facts supporting the Darwinian concept of evolution.

Why We Make Mistakes: How We Look Without Seeing, Forget things in Seconds, and Are All Pretty Sure We Are Way Above Average Joseph T. Hallinan, 153 HAL 2009 – Why do we make mistakes? Could we do a little better?

New Mysteries – April 2009

Lynne

All the Colors of Darkness Peter Robinson, M ROB – When the body of a man is discovered near Eastvale, all signs point to suicide. At least Detective Inspector Annie Cabbot believes that to be the case.

August Heat Andrea Camilleri, M CAM – Sicilian inspector Salvo Montalbano spends a hot summer attempting to solve a sinister and perplexing case.

Aunt Dimity Slays the Dragon Nancy Atherton, M ATH – Aunt Dimity helps out Lori Shepard when the Renaissance Festival that comes to the village of Finch presents a dark layer of intrigue.

Batter Off Dead Tamar Myers, M MYE -Mennonite innkeeper Magdalena Yoder gets caught up in a case of hotcake homicide.

Blood and Bone William Lashner, M LAS -Kyle Byrne, the illegitimate son of a Philadelphia lawyer, finds himself a suspect in the death of his father’s law partner.

Bright Futures Stuart M. Kaminsky, M KAM – In the wake of his wife’s death in a hit-and-run accident, Lew Fonesca has moved to Sarasota, Florida  His gloomy life consists of small-time criminal investigations until an accused murderer turns to him for help.

Dead or Alive Michael McGarrity, M MCG – Retired Santa Fe Police Chief Kevin Kerney is back in action after the murder of a good friend.

Degrees of Separation Sue Henry, M HEN – Alaska’s Jessie Arnold returns to the sled-dog trail only to stumble upon something unexpected across her path.

Dog On It Spencer Quinn, M QUI – Chet, the wise, lovable canine narrator, along with his Bernie, a down-on-his-luck private eye, investigate the disappearance of a missing teenager.

Don’t Look Twice Andrew Gross, M GRO -A drive-by shooting rocks upscale Greenwich, Connecticut and a bystander is left dead. Detective Ty Hauck is pulled into what seems to be a vicious case of retribution.

Fatal Lies Frank Tallis, M TAL -In turn-of-the-century Vienna, Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt is confronted with the mysterious death of a young cadet.  He turns to Dr. Liebermann, an expert in Freudian psychology.

Fed Up Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant, M CON -As Chloe Carter helps her chef boyfriend compete for the starring role of a new television program, one person drops dead after eating his cuisine.

Hangman Blind Cassandra Clark, M CLA – November, 1382.  The month of the dead.  Abbess Hildegard rides out for York and the Abbey of Meaux.

In a Gilded Cage Rhys Bowen, M BOW – Turn-of-the-century Irish immigrant Molly Murphy finds herself in jail for a few hours and meets some Vassar suffragists and lands a new case.

Lethal Legacy Linda Fairstein, M FAI – The New York Public Library houses dazzling treasures — and deadly secrets.

The Lost Witness Robert Ellis, M ELL -Los Angeles detective Lena Gamble is in disgrace with her higher-ups, but is tossed a difficult murder case that may finish her career for good.

The Mao Case Qiu Xiaolong, M XIA – The author of Death of a Red Heroine, returns with Chief Inspector Chen of the Shanghai Police Department who is in charge of the cases that are considered politically “sensitive.

” Murder in the Latin Quarter Cara Black, M BLA – The murder of a Haitian academic in the Left Bank of Paris is more than a simple problem for Leduc Detectives.

Oolong Dead Laura Childs, M CHI – The latest in the Tea Shop mysteries features the opera boosters, the Bravissimo Club, of Charleston, South Carolina

. The Renegades T. Jefferson Parker, M PAR -Modern day outlaws are still found in the new American West.  Charlie Hood prefers to ride alone, especially after his partner is shot dead in the passenger seat.

Revenge on the Spellmans Lisa Lutz, M LUT -Isabel Spellman is back on the case and back on the couch in court-ordered therapy.

Safer Sean Doolittle, M DOO – The Callaway’s hope that they’ve moved to a safe, Midwestern town, but find themselves in a harrowing situation.

The Séance John Harwood, M HAR -A gothic thriller set in late Victorian England, finds Constance Langton inheriting Wraxford Hall, where a family disappeared years before.

The Shanghai Moon S. J. Rozan, M ROZ – Chinese-American private investigator Lydia Chin is brought into a case that involves a cache of jewelry that was left in Shanghai during World War II.

Three Silent Things Margaret Mayhew, M MAY – The colonel, newly settled in the peaceful Dorset village of Frog’s End, make inquiries of his own following the death of a once-famous actress.

Whisper to the Blood Dana Stabenow, M STA -Alaskan trooper Jim Chopin and Kate Shugak investigate the murder of two opponents of a planned gold mind expansion inside a national park.

Wild Sorrow Sandi Ault, M AUL – Bureau of Land Management agent Jamaica Wild stumbles across a frozen corpse and soon finds herself stalked by an unidentified killer on the wintery mesa.

New Fiction Books – February 2009

Lynne

Arctic Drift Clive Cussler, F CUS – Dirk Pitt returns in another tale of adventure and derring-do.

Beat the Reaper Josh Bazell, F BAZ – This debut thriller features Peter Brown, a Manhattan medical intern, who before he became involved with the Federal Witness Protection Program was a mob hit man.  Can he escape his past? “Darkly comic.”

The Bodies Left Behind Jeffery Deaver, F DEA – A night time call to 911 brings Brynn McKenzie to a scene of horror and a forced flight into the woods of Wisconsin.

Black Ops W.E.B. Griffin, F GRI – Presidential Agent Charley Castillo learns of a several assassinations that have targeted members of his team from the Office of Organizational Analysis.

Born to Run James Grippando, F GRI – Intrigue and murder at the top levels of government confront Miami criminal defense lawyer, Jack Swyteck.

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark, F NEW – In Venice, 1498, rumors abound about an ancient book that holds the secrets to unimaginable power.

The Charlemagne Pursuit Steve Berry, F BER – Attempting to learn the story of his father’s death, Cotton Malone uncovers a bizarre tale of Charlemagne’s tomb and the Nazis.

The Darker Side Cody McFadyen, F MCF – A thriller that involves a psychopath and murder and a woman with a dark secret.

Eclipse Richard North Patterson, F PAT – California lawyer Damon Pierce takes on a nearly impossible case: the defense of an African freedom fighter who is accused of murder.

The Hour I First Believed Wally Lamb, F LAM – Teacher Caelum Quire and his wife Maureen move to Littleton, Colorado and both get jobs at Columbine High School shortly before the notorious shootings.  By the author of She’s Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True.

The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet Colleen McCullough, F MCC – Elizabeth and Jane’s younger sister is rescued from a dreary fate in this sequel to Pride and Prejudice.

Just After Sunset: Stories Stephen King, F KIN – A new collection of stories by the master of horror fiction.

Lark and Termite Jayne Ann Phillips, F PHI – Starred reviews have been given to this tale of grief and survival in 1950’s West Virginia.

Last of the Old Guard Louis Auchincloss, F AUC -The author relates the stories of two remarkable men, Adrian Suydam and Ernest Saunders.

The Leper Steve Thayer, F THA – World War I veteran John Eric Severson is torn from the life and woman he loves and confined to a remote leper’s colony.

A Lion Among Men Gregory Maguire, F MAG – This third volume of the Wicked series features the Cowardly Lion.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County Tiffany Baker, F BAK -Enormous Truly has a bleak existence on her upstate New York farm in this magical novel that critics say should “race up the bestseller lists.”

A Mercy Toni Morrison, F MOR – In the 1680s the slave trade was just beginning.  Jacob, an Anglo-Dutch trader reluctantly takes a small slave girl as  payment for a bad debt from a plantation owner.  A searching story by the award-winning novelist.

The Messenger Jan Burke, F BUR – Who is Tyler Hawthorne? Why is Adrian deVille so desperate to find him? And why does Amanda Clarke find him so attractive?

The Northern Clemency Philip Hensher, F HEN – This British suburban drama features two families, the Glovers and Sellers over the course of 20 years during the Thatcher era.  Nominated for the Man Booker Prize.

A Promise to Believe In Tracie Peterson, F PET – The prolific author begins a new series featuring three sisters who operate a roadhouse along a Montana stage coach line.

Show No Fear Perri O’Shaughnessy, F OSH – Nina Reilly is featured in her first murder investigation, back to the case that ignited her commitment to fight for justice.

Sicilian Tragedee Ottavio Cappellani, F CAP – Moody aristocrats, vain politicians, inept gangsters, shabby actors and high-tech killers are all part of this Italian novel featuring modern-day Sicily.

Songs for the Missing Stewart O’Nan, F ONA – College-bound Kim Larsen disappears from her small Lake Erie town on a quiet summer day.

Still Alice Lisa Genova, F GEN – Psychology professor Alice Howland is 50 years old when she realizes she is becoming increasingly disoriented and forgetful.  Great reviews.

The Treasure Iris Johansen, F JOH – Two treasure hunters embark on a perilous journey to find an legendary religious relic and thereby earn their freedom.

The Weapon David Poyer, F POY -U.S. Navy Commander Dan Lenson is handed another assignment: with his elite team, he must defuse emerging naval threats that threaten  from around the globe.

Your Heart Belongs to Me Dean Koontz, F KOO – A young man receives some very troubling messages after his heart transplant.

New Nonfiction – February 2009

Lynne

Angels and Ages: A Short Book about Darwin, Lincoln, and Modern Life Adam Gopnik – Two babies were born on February 12, 1809 an ocean apart. One in a log cabin. The other on an English country estate.

Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson – The animal scientist and autism advocate looks at the way animals are treated and explains what animals want and need.

Banquet at Delmonico’s: Great Minds, the Gilded Age, and the Triumph of Evolution in America Barry Werth – An inside look at the circle of philosophers, scientists, politicians and businessmen who brought Darwin’s ideas to America in the years after the Civil War.

The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama Gwen Ifill – The veteran journalist provides an introduction to emerging African American politicians and the impact of the election of Barack Obama.

The Decline and Fall of the British Empire, 1781-1997 Piers Brendon – A sweeping chronicle of the far-reaching British Empire following the American Revolution.

Disquiet, Please! More Humor Writing from The New Yorker David Remnick and Henry Finder, eds. – Amusing essays from the pages of the noted magazine. Every Living Thing: Man’s Obsessive Quest to Catalog Life, from Nanobacteria to New Monkeys Rob Dunn – A look at the exhilarating quest to study the natural world.

Fifty Miles from Tomorrow: A Memoir of Alaska and the Real People William L. Iġġiaġruk Hensley – This memoir of a native Alaskan recounts his upbringing and the formation of the Northwest Alaska Native Association and its work to protect the rights of the people who have called Alaska home for thousands of years.

God in the Foxhole: Inspiring True Stories of Miracles on the Battlefield Charles W. Sasser – A collection of true personal accounts from generations of American soldiers whose faith has been born or transformed under fire.

History’s Greatest Heist: The Looting of Russia by the Bolsheviks Sean McMeekin – How did the Bolsheviks manage to stay in power? During the early years the Russian Revolution was financed largely through artistic thievery.

How to Live: A Search for Wisdom from Old People (While They Are Still on This Earth) Henry Alford – The author interviews famous and/or accomplished people over seventy in this witty search for enlightenment.

The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets: How to Keep Your Portfolio Up When the Market Is Down Peter D. Schiff – How to protect your assets and invest your money.

Living Rich for Less: Create the Lifestyle You Want by Giving, Saving, and Spending Smart: How You Can Save $30,000 This Year Ellie Kay – New tips for saving during tough times.

The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life Joseph Maroon – The noted Pittsburgh neuroscientist explains the recent scientific advances that have identified the natural substances that will promote health and longevity.

Making It All Work: Winning at the Game of Work and the Business of Life David Allen – Following up on his previous book, Getting Things Done, the author explains how to figure out where you are in life and how to get where you want to be going.

Note To Self: 30 Women on Hardship, Humiliation, Heartbreak and Overcoming It All Lessons learned from defining moments form the basis of these inspirational stories.

Nothing to Fear: FDR’s Inner Circle and the Hundred Days that Created Modern America Adam Cohen – An account of the critical first days of FDR’s presidency during the worst time of the Great Depression.

Positivity: Groundbreaking Research Reveals How to Embrace the Hidden Strength of Positive Emotions, Overcome Negativity, and Thrive Barbara L. Fredrickson – What is positivity? Can it transform our lives?

The Power of Less: the Fine Art of Limiting Yourself to the Essential…in Business and in Life Leo Babauta – Simple steps to help individuals increase productivity and efficiency and learn to work simply.

Racing Odysseus: A College President Becomes a Freshman Again Roger H. Martin – After surviving cancer, the author in enrolled in St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland as a 61-year-old freshman.

Rich Like Them: My Door-to-Door Search for the Secrets of Wealth in America’s Richest Neighborhoods Ryan D’Agostino – The author knocked on 500 doors in nearly two dozen of the most affluent towns in America to discover insights into what it means to have money and how to get it.

So Damn Much Money: The Triumph of Lobbying and the Corrosion of American Government Robert G. Kaiser – The author discusses how the increased growth of lobbying has had negative effects on politics and government.

Split: A Memoir of Divorce Suzanne Finnamore – On a list for one of a “best books of 2008,” this title captures the reality of one woman’s life after those four words: “I want a divorce.”

Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street Michael Davis – The saga of the influential and long-lasting children’s program.

The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50 Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot – A new look at a time of potential change, growth and new learning for older individuals.

The Time Paradox: The New Psychology of Time That Will Change Your Life Philip Zimbardo and John Boyd – There are seven common ways that people relate to time, each of which create benefits and pitfalls. The authors relate a plan for optimizing your time perspectives.

The World is Curved: Hidden Dangers to the Global Economy David M Smick – The author contends that the mortgage mess is a symptom of potentially more devastating trouble.

New Fiction – December 2008

Lynne

The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday Alexander McCall Smith – Isabel Dalhousie returns to help a doctor who has been disgraced by allegations of scientific fraud

Company of Liars Karen Maitland – In 1348 the Black Plague is gripping England. Nine desperate strangers try to outrun certain death by traveling through the country.

Cross Country James Patterson – Detective Alex Cross pursues the most ruthless killer he’s ever encountered. 

A Cure for Night Justin Peacock – Forced to resign from his prestigious Manhattan law firm for drug abuse, Joel Deveraux becomes a public defender in Brooklyn. 

 Dark Summer Iris Johansen – Veterinarian Devon Brady never suspects that Ned, a wounded black lab, will plunge her into a whirlwind of terror and destruction.

 Deaf Sentence David Lodge – Desmond Bates is a recently retired linguistics professor and vexed by his encroaching deafness and at loose ends with his life.

 Devil’s Brood Sharon Kay Penman – The long-awaited third book in the author’s trilogy of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquataine concludes their timeless stories.

 The Eleventh Man Ivan Doig – A college football team from Montana is scattered around theglobe during World War II. One teammate’s assignment is to chronicle the story of each member of his team.

Exposed Alex Kava – FBI Agent Maggie O’Dell and Assistant Director Cunningham believe they are responding to a threat made at Quantico. Instead they walk into a trap.

Extreme Measures Vince Flynn – Counterterrorism operative, Mitch Rapp, wages war against a bin Laden wannabe whose group is about to descend on America.

The Fire Katherine Neville – Finally, twenty years after the publication of The Eight, comes a continuation of the global adventure.

First Daughter Eric Van Lustbader – After his troubled youth, Jack McClure becomes a top ATF agent.  A call from his friend, the newly elected president, ramps up a search for a kidnapped child.

 The Glass of Time: The Secret Life of Miss Esperanza Gorst Michael Cox – A story of murder, love and revenge in Victorian England.

The Gate House Nelson DeMille – The author returns to the fabled Gold Coast of Long Island and the changing world of ultra-WASP John Sutter.

Heat Lightning John Sandford – The author’s latest outing features Minnesota investigator Virgil Flowers and a disturbing series of murders.

Hot MahoganyStuart Woods – Stone Barrington is trying to enjoy a quiet meal at Elaine’s restaurant when he is drawn into the cutthroat world of priceless antiques.

 I See You Everywhere Julia Glass – The intertwined lives of two sisters, the conscientious older sister and the younger, a daring rebel, are depicted over the course of 25 years.

The Lucky One Nicholas Sparks – On a tour of duty in Iraq, U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a young woman that eventually changes his life. 

Lulu in Marrakech Diane Johnson – Lulu Sawyer arrives in Morocco, hoping to rekindle a romance with Englishman Ian Drumm, and also to begin her assignment as an undercover agent for the CIA.

 A Most Wanted Man John Le Carré – Issa, a young Russian man smuggled into Hamburg, meets up with Annabel, a civil rights lawyer, and Tommy Brue as they become victims of rival intelligence operations in the War on Terror. 

One Fifth Avenue Candace Bushnell – Living in New York City’s most elite apartment building, five women pursue relationships and personal dreams in a privileged world.

 An Outrageous Affair Penny Vincenzi – A family saga  tells the story of Caroline and her two daughters, Chloe and Fleur, and their lives in wartime England to 1950’s Hollywood.

 The School on Heart’s Content Road Carolyn Chute – Egypt, Maine is the setting for this story of Mickey Gammon, a 15-year-old dropout, and his introduction into the secretive world of the “Settlement” and its leader, known as “The Prophet.”

A Stopover in Venice Kathryn Walker – Romance, art history, mystery and Venice!

Testimony Anita Shreve – A prestigious boarding New England boarding school is rocked by a sexually explicit videotape that includes several students.

Too Close to Home Linwood Barclay – In a quiet suburb, in a house only one door away, a family is murdered for no apparent reason.

 What Happened to Anna K. Irina Reyn – An inventive, modern-day retelling of Anna Karenina takes place in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Whiskey Rebels David Liss – Ethan Saunders, a former spy for Washington during the Revolution, follows a trail that leads him to Alexander Hamilton and to the rebellious whiskey-makers who are fiercely opposed to taxation.

The Widows of Eastwick John Updike – Alexandra, Jane and Sukie return to the town of Eastwick and find themselves dealing with the legacy of their evil deeds

New Nonfiction – October 2008

Lynne

Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life Kathleen Norris – What is acedia? Ruminations from a noted author.

American Lightning: Terror, Mystery, The Birth of Hollywood, and the Crime of the Century Howard Blum – On the morning of October 1, 1910 the Los Angeles Times Building was bombed. This was a prelude to the devastation to come.

The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British Sarah Lyall – As a young reporter for The New York Times, the author moved to London and began a chronicle of her adopted country.

Being Catholic Now: Prominent Americans Talk about Change in the Church and the Quest for MeaningKerry Kennedy – The daughter of Robert and Ethel Kennedy relates the importance of faith and showcases the thoughts of other Americans.

The Black Hole War: My Battle with Stephen Hawking to Make the World Safe for Quantum Mechanics Leonard Susskind – What is the true nature of black holes? Is our understanding of the entire universe at stake?

China: Getting Rich First Duncan Hewitt – Is it possible for the new China to reconcile its ancient past with the new dreams of modernization and globalization?

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the WorldVicki Myron with Bret Witter –How is possible for an abandoned kitten to transform a small library, save an American town, and become famous around the world?

Emotional Awareness: Overcoming the Obstacles to Psychological Balance and Compassion A Conversation Between the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman – A remarkable exchange that delves into the nature of our emotional lives from the perspectives of science and spirituality.

Empires of the Sea: The Siege of Malta, the Battle of Lepanto, and the Contest for the Center of the World Roger Crowley – In 1521, Suleiman the Magnificent sent an invasion fleet to the Christian island of Rhodes. This was the opening shot in the struggle between rival empires and faiths for control of the Mediterranean.

The First Billion Is the Hardest T. Boone Pickens – At the age of 68, down and out, Pickens turned his remaining investment funds of $3 million into $8 billion in profit. Now, at age 80, he explains what he believes will be the future of energy in America.

Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: On the Tracks of the Great Railway Bazaar Paul Theroux – The prolific and noted author of travel narratives describes his recent journey through Asia.

Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men Michael Kimmel – A look at the cultural and social world of young men through the years between 16 and 26.

Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution—and How It Can Renew America Thomas L. Friedman – The noted author of The World Is Flat takes a look at America’s loss of focus and the global environmental situation and how these two problems are linked.

The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington Jennet Conant – The story of the British spies who infiltrated the upper echelons of Washington during the early days of World War II.

The Last Undercover: The True Story of an FBI Agent’s Dangerous Dance with Evil Bob Hamer – Posing as everything from a drug dealer to an aging pedophile, the author describes his life as an undercover agent.

The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism Andrew J. Bacevich – The author identifies a triple crisis that confronts America and offers solutions to cope realistically with the future.

Moral Clarity: A Guide for Grown-Up IdealistsSusan Neiman – How is moral philosophy relevant to everyday life? The author presents a philosophical framework for forming clear opinions and taking responsible actions on today’s questions.

Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life Wynton Marsalis with Geoffrey C. Ward – The award-winning musician relates the lessons he has learned from jazz that can help move us all to higher ground.

The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment that Transformed Their Lives Cheryl Jarvis – The author bought a beautiful, expensive necklace along with twelve other women who agreed to share it equally throughout the year. Here’s their story.

Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein – The authors demonstrate how “choice architecture” can be established to help individuals be nudged in beneficial directions, rather than to make those choices that make us poorer and less healthy.

A Path Out of the Desert: A Grand Strategy for America in the Middle East Kenneth M. Pollack – A leading Middle East policy analyst advises a more realistic and cohesive approach to the Arab world.

Poisoned Profits: The Toxic Assault on Our Children Philip Shabecoff and Alice Shabecoff – The authors’ research links current rise in childhood disease to industrial toxins that are found both outside and in everyday products.

The Sea Is So Wide and My Boat Is So Small: Charting a Course for the Next Generation Marian Wright Edelman – The founder of the Children’s Defense Fund calls on Americans to create a better world for all of our children.

Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief James M. McPherson – With virtually no military experience, President Lincoln emerged as the greatest commander in chief in American history.

The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do Peg Tyre – Struggling throughout elementary and secondary school, boys now account for less than 43% of those enrolled in college.

Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip—Confessions of a Cynical Waiter Steve Dublanica – An inside look at a waiter’s life at an upscale New York restaurant.

The War Within: A Secret White House History 2006-2008 Bob Woodward – The author’s fourth book about the Bush administration takes the reader through the highest levels of decision-making at the White House, Pentagon and State Department.

New Fiction – October 2008

Lynne

American WifeCurtis Sittenfeld – Alice falls in love with boisterous Charlie Blackwell, a wealthy son of a prominent Republican family. Eventually her path takes them to the White House.

Everything Under the SkyMatilde Asensi – This literary thriller involves newly widowed Elvira De Poulain in a hunt for the lost treasure of China’s first emperor.

Fine Just the Way It Is: Wyoming Stories 3Annie Proulx – A new collection of stories by the noted short story author.

The Given DayDennis Lehane –At the end of World War I, America was a country torn by political and civil unrest. This large scale novel centers on the events surrounding the Boston Police Strike of 1919. Starred reviews.

GoldengroveFrancine Prose – The well-known author returns with a moving novel that centers on a young girl who faces the sudden loss of her sister.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows – A wonderful story about a unique book club that became an alibi to protect its members from arrest by the Germans during WWII.

The Heretic’s DaughterKathleen Kent – Martha Carrier and her daughter, Sarah, face the horrors of the witchcraft hysteria that enveloped Salem, Massachusetts.

HomeMarilynne Robinson – The author of Gilead, returns to the small Iowa town to tell the story of the Broughton family.

It’s a CrimeJacqueline Carey – Mystery reader, Pat Foy, is astonished when her husband, Frank is arrested for accounting fraud at LinkAge.

Just BreatheSusan Wiggs – Cartoonist Sarah Moon finds she has to tackle real life when her situation begins to mirror her comic strip alter ego.

The KeepsakeTess Gerritsen – When a preserved “mummy” is discovered in the basement of Boston’s Crispin Museum, an archeologist turns up missing as well.

Killer View Ridley Pearson – Sun Valley Sheriff Walt Fleming has a horrible situation to face when a skier is missing.

The King’s GoldArturo Pérez-Reverte – Captain Alatriste returns to Seville, Spain in 1626 following the bloody siege of Breda. More swashbuckling!

The Legal Limit Martin Clark – Legal intricacies and family secrets involve an attorney, Mason Hunt and his imprisoned brother, Gates.

Liberty Garrison Keillor – A spectacular Fourth of July in Lake Wobegon is only the beginning is this tale from the heartland.

The Little Book Selden Edwards – Wheeler Burden, 47, is living in San Francisco in 1988, and suddenly finds himself wandering in a city and time he knows mysteriously well: Vienna, 1897. Intriguing.

My Husband’s SweetheartsBridget Asher – When Lucy discovers that her cheating husband is dying, she decides to call the other women in his life to come help.

Night of Thunder Stephen Hunter – Bob Lee Swagger faces off the Dixie gangsters when his daughter’s life is at stake.

Off Season Anne Rivers Siddons – After her husband’s death, Lilly travels to the coast of Maine to try to deal with her loss.

The Other Queen Philippa Gregory – This little known story of Mary, Queen of Scots centers on her time as the “guest” of George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury and his new wife, Bess of Hardwick.

Pecking Order Omar Tyree – Ambitious Ivan Davis jumps into the high-stakes world of industry promotions and celebrity parties in Southern California.

The Road Home Rose Tremain – Following his wife’s death, Lev leaves Eastern Europe for London and finds work in a posh restaurant and a room in the home of an Irishman who has also lost his family.

Rough Justice Jack Higgins – There is intrigue in the halls of power and blood in the streets.

The Sealed LetterEmma Donoghue – Based on a scandalous divorce case that gripped England in 1864, the author blends fact and fiction to create a drama of friends, lovers, and divorce.

Sinner Ted Dekker – The author’s next installment in the Paradise series confronts a force of raw evil.

Supreme Courtship Christopher Buckley – The U.S. President, annoyed that the Senate has rejected his nominees for the Supreme Court, nominates a popular TV judge (think Judge Judy).

This Must Be the Place Anna Winger – Berlin is a strange city for a young American named Hope until she develops an unlikely friendship with a failed actor, Walter.

Tsar Ted Bell – Somewhere in Russia lives a man so powerful that no one even knows his name. Counterspy Alex Hawke faces a global nightmare of epic proportions.

Various Flavors of Coffee Anthony Capella – Robert Pinker, a struggling young artist, accepts a job as a coffee taster and a composer of a “vocabulary of coffee” to describe the many subtle flavors of the brew.

New Nonfiction – September 2008

Lynne

Ahead of the Curve: Two Years at Harvard Business School Philip Delves Broughton – A Harvard MBA has been the golden ticket to American business. The author relates his experiences at this vaunted institution.

The Billionaire’s Vinegar: The Mystery of the World’s Most Expensive Bottle of WineBenjamin Wallace – In 1985, in an auction by Christie’s, a 1787 bottle of Bordeaux was sold for $156,000 to a member of the Forbes family.

Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School John Medina – What scientists know about how our brain works and how that can affect our daily lives.

Catching Life by the Throat: How to Read Poetry and Why: Poems from Eight Great Poets Josephine Hart – An introduction to eight great poets that includes a CD featuring readings by notable actors.

Crazy Good: The True Story of Dan Patch, the Most Famous Horse in America Charles Leerhsen – A hundred years ago, the most famous athlete in America was a horse and became the first celebrity sports endorser.

Descent Into Chaos: The United States and the Failure of Nation Building in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia Ahmed Rashid – A Pakistani journalist reports the situation surrounding the United States’ involvement in Central Asia.

For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb, and the Murder that Schocked Chicago Simon Baatz – The brutal murder of a child in Chicago, 1924, became a riveting trial in a city on the brink of anarchy.

The Forger’s Spell: A True Story of Vermeer, Nazis, and the Greatest Art Hoax of the Twentieth Century Edward Dolnick – A true story of Johannes Vermeer and the Dutch painter who impersonated him centuries after his death.

The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully Joan Chittister – The noted spiritual writer reviews the challenges and rewards of aging.

Havana Nocturne: How the Mob Owned Cuba…and Then Lost it to the Revolution T.J. English – The true tale of organized crime, political corruption and roaring nightlife that preceded the Cuban Revolution.

The House on First Street: My New Orleans Story Julia Reed – Fifteen years after falling in love with New Orleans, the author bought a house in the Garden District. Four weeks later, Hurricane Katrina struck.

Iroquois Diplomacy on the Early American Frontier Timothy J. Shannon – The story of the intricate political maneuvering that the Iroquois employed to maintain their way of life against the onslaught of colonial settlers.

Lost on Planet China: The Strange and True Story of One Man’s Attempt to Understand the World’s Most Mystifying Nation, or How He Became Comfortable Eating Live Squid J. Maarten Troost – The complex, fascinating country is viewed through entertaining lens.

Love as a Way of Life: Seven Keys to Transforming Every Aspect of Your Life Gary Chapman – The author of The Five Love Languages returns with wisdom for improving your life.

The Numerati Stephen Baker – Companies like Google are harvesting an average of 2,500 details about each of us every month. An investigation into the mathematical modeling of humanity.

Putin’s Labyrinth: Spies, Murder, and the Dark Heart of the New Russia Steve Levine – Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, Russia is veering toward its authoritarian roots.

Save the Males: Why Men Matter, Why Women Should Care Kathleen Parker – The author asserts that men, maleness and fatherhood have been under siege in American culture for decades.

Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China Jen Lin-Liu – The exploding food scene of China is depicted in this cook’s tour that includes a variety of recipes.

Shark’s Fin and Sichuan Pepper: A Sweet-Sour Memoir of Eating in China Fuschia Dunlop – Travel, culture and food all merge in this unique look at China from a British food writer.

Slavery by Another Name: The Re-enslavement of Black People in America from the Civil War to World War II Douglas A. Blackmon – The author exposes the “Age of Neoslavery” that existed after the Civil War and forced thousands of African-Americans into servitude.

So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids Diane E. Levin and Jean Kilbourne – An examination of popular culture and its adverse effects on young people.

Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us) Tom Vanderbilt  – A fascinating tour through the mysteries of the road.

The War for Wealth: The True Story of Globalization, or why the Flat World is Broken Gabor Steingart – An examination of globalization and how this has affected to world’s economy and the outlook for the West.

The Way We’ll Be: The Zogby Report on the Transformation of the American Dream John Zogby – The well-known pollster views the way Americans are headed — politically, culturally and spiritually.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: A Memoir Haruki Murakami – The author discusses the influence that running has had on his life and his writing.

Who Killed the Constitution? The Fate of American Liberty from World War I to George W. Bush Thomas E. Woods, Jr. and Kevin R.C. Gutzman – The authors contend that the purpose of the Constitution—to limit the power of government—has been eroding for many decades.

Why We Hate Us: American Discontent in the New Millennium Dick Meyer – What is behind America’s 21st century mood disorder?

New Fiction – September 2008

Lynne

The Beach House Jane Green – When she learns she may lose her beloved house, Nantucket resident Nan takes out an ad — rooms to rent for the summer.

The Betrayal: The Lost Life of Jesus Kathleen O’Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear – An alternate story of the life of Jesus, with notes and a bibliography.

Breath Tim Winton – On the wild coast of western Australia, two boys fall into the thrall of Sando, a big-wave surfer.

The Condition Jennifer Haigh – The McKotch family is devastated upon learning about the medical condition of their only daughter.

The Court of the Air Stephen Hunt – Fantasy and adventure merge in this tale of two orphans, Molly Templar and Oliver Brooks, as they battle to save civilization.

Death Angel Linda Howard – Drea Rousseau flees from crime boss boyfriend, Rafael Salinas, but after taking part of his fortune with her, can she hide?

December Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop – This emotional portrait of a family in crisis, features 11-year-old Isabelle who inexplicably stopped speaking nine months earlier.

Enlightenment Maureen Freely – Social and political complexities along with murder and espionage are featured in this tale of modern Turkey.

Exiles Ron Hansen – In December 1875 the steamship Deutschland ran aground in the Thames estuary. This shipwreck greatly affected the poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins.

Fearless Diana Palmer – Trouble and temptation clash in the Texas town of Jacobsville.

The Franchise Babe Dan Jenkins – Jack Brannon, golf writer, is bored with the men’s professional golf tour, and so he begins covering the LPGA and young Ginger Clayton, the franchise babe.

Gossip of the Starlings Nina de Gramont – As one reviewer writes: “You want a story about prep school? This is a story about prep school.”

House Rules Mike Lawson – Joe DeMarco, secret troubleshooter for the Speaker of the House, is sent on a quest for the truth after two foiled terrorist attacks and a new law is passed targeting Muslims.

The Island of Eternal Love Daina Chaviano – Alone in Miami, Cecilia yearns for the island she left behind. A story of Cuba.

The Law of Second ChancesJames Sheehan – Convict Henry Wilson has eight weeks to live, but will Jack Tobin, a Florida trial lawyer, decide to work on his case?

Mistress of the Sun Sandra Gulland – A fascinating look at the life of Louise de la Valliere as she becomes the mistress of Louis XIV.

Morality Tale Sylvia Brownrigg – The perils and pleasures of a second marriage are portrayed in this comic novel.

My Sister, My Love: The Intimate Story of Skyler Rampike Joyce Carol Oates –The prolific author tells the story of a family that is quite similar to a recent infamous case.

No Choice but Seduction Johanna Lindsey – Danger and intrigue await Katey Tyler on her grand tour of Europe written by a “master of historical romance.”

No One You Know Michelle Richmond – A family drama that focuses on the search for a sister’s killer that leads to secrets, revelations, and damaged lives.

Palace Council Stephen Carter – A political thriller set during the era of Watergate and the Vietnam War written by a highly regarded author.

Promise of the Wolves Dorothy Hearst – Many generations ago, wolves and still-evolving humans communicated and hunted together. Then everything changed and war began.

The Richest Season Maryann McFadden – After more than a dozen moves in 25 years of marriage, Joanna Harrison is lonely and tired of being a corporate wife. Faced with another move, she runs away to Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

Say Goodbye Lisa Gardner – Kimberly Quincy, FBI Special Agent, is searching for a serial killer who may not even exist.

Secrets of a Shoe Addict Beth Harbison – Four friends are in need of thousands of dollars, and fast. The secret that kept Sandra’s shoe addiction alive may be the perfect plan.

Silent Thunder Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen – An American maritime museum has acquired a former Soviet submarine. Is it a trap? Marine architect Hannah Bryson investigates.

The Sister Poppy Adams – Two sisters, reclusive Ginny and her younger sister Vivien meet again after nearly fifty years.

Sweet Love Sarah Strohmeyer – A novel about the power of love … and desert.

This Charming Man Marian Keyes – Four women explore how their love for one man, the debonair Paddy de Courcy, has shaped their lives.

Valfierno: The Man Who Stole the Mona LisaMartin Caparrós – On August 22, 1911, the world was shocked to learn that the Mona Lisa had been stolen from the Louvre. A fictional version of the real life crime.

New Nonfiction – July 2008

Lynne

Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy Eric G. Wilson – Are Americans addicted to happiness? Are we supposed to always be happy?

April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Death and How It Changed America Michael Eric Dyson – A review of the impact of the death of the leader whose last speech ended with, “I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight, that we as a people will get to the Promised Land.”

Bad Money: Reckless Finance, Failed Politics, and the Global Crisis of American Capitalism Kevin Phillips – Has the financial sector hijacked the American economy and put the country’s future at risk?

Bastard Tongues: A Trailblazing Linguist Finds Clues to Our Common Humanity in the World’s Lowliest Languages Derek Bickerton – The firsthand story of the scientific investigation of what language is, how it works, and how it passes from generation to generation.

The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest Dan Buettner – The author relates nine lessons that can help individuals have a longer life.

Cancer on Five Dollars a Day* (*Chemo Not Included) How Humor Got Me Through the Toughest Journey of My Life Robert Schimmel – A stand-up comedian is confronted with stage III non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The Candy Bombers: The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America’s Finest Hour Andrei Cherny – The saga of the men who made the Berlin Airlift a great military and humanitarian success.

The China Price: The True Cost of Chinese Competitive Advantage Alexandra Harney – How can China offer low prices on goods to the rest of the world?

Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob Bob Delaney – Currently an NBA referee, the author relates his tale as an undercover agent who infiltrated the New Jersey Mob.

Forward from Here: Leaving Middle Age—and Other Unexpected Adventures  Reeve Lindbergh – As the author turns sixty, she reflects on what her mother, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, once described as “the youth of old age.”

The Great Arab Conquests: How the Spread of Islam Changed the World We Live In Hugh Kennedy – A readable history of the Islamic expansion that created an empire from Spain to China.

Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon and the Journey of a Generation Sheila Weller – Although these three women were the musical representatives of the girls who came of age in the 1960s, each artist is portrayed individually.

Havanas in Camelot: Personal Essays William Styron – A collection of the late author’s essays including the title essay about the cigar smoking President Kennedy.

Human Smoke: The Beginnings of World War II, the End of CivilizationNicholas Baker – A wide-ranging chronological look at the political and social landscape that gave rise to World War II .

In Arabian Nights: A Caravan of Moroccan Dreams Tahir Shah – Tahir travels across Morocco and collects traditional stories and reveals the layers of culture of which most visitors are unaware.

Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation Cokie Roberts – The story of early America’s influential women and their public roles and private responsibilities.

Liberty of Conscience: In Defense of America’s Tradition of Religious Equality Martha C. Nussbaum – Is the legacy of religious freedom that was a triumph of early American history in danger?

Maps and Legends: Reading and Writing Along the Borderlands Michael Chabon – Essays celebrating the creativity and verve of various authors and literary traditions.

Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope Don Van Ryn – From a national news case, the story of two families whose daughters were misidentified and one was buried under the wrong name.

Pure Goldwater John W. Dean and Barry M. Goldwater, Jr. – The writings of the presidential candidate and an early leader of the conservative movement.

Reappraisals: Reflections on the Forgotten Twentieth Century Tony Judt – Today’s world is so unlike the world of even 20 years ago that we are now part of an “age of forgetting.”

Retribution: The Battle for Japan, 1944-45 Max Hastings – The final year of the Pacific war by a notable author.

Staring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death Irvin D. Yalom – An encouraging approach to the universal issue of mortality.

The Ten Most Beautiful Experiments George Johnson – Ten of the most fascinating experiments in the history of science are depicted by the New York Times science writer.

Time Bandit: Two Brothers, the Bering Sea and One of the World’s Deadliest Jobs Andy and Johnathan Hillstrand – Fishing in the Bering Sea is a lucrative, but deadly occupation. Two of the masters of this trade have been the focus of TV’s Deadliest Catch and relate the background story of their life’s work.

Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: The Story of an African Childhood Robyn Scott – When the author was 7-years-old, her family decided to move from New Zealand to a converted cowshed in rural Botswana.

Uncertain Peril: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Seeds Claire Hope Cummings – The stories behind the rise of industrial agriculture and plant biotechnology are related along with a description of the Arctic Doomsday Vault that houses millions of seeds.

The World that Made New Orleans: From Spanish Silver to Congo Square Ned Sublette – The remarkable tale of the New Orleans’ first century.