Books

New Biographies – May 2009

Lynne

A. Lincoln Ronald C. White Jr., B LINCOLN – A well-reviewed, expansive biography of the president whose moral compass holds the key to understanding his life.

Abigail & John: Portrait of a Marriage Edith B. Gelles, B ADAMS – The romantic story of two important figures of early American history.

Abraham Lincoln James M. McPherson, B LINCOLN – A very concise, illuminating portrait of the 16th president.

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist Michael J. Fox, B FOX – The actor recounts his years with Parkinson’s Disease and learning to live a new life when he was happy with his old one.

The Art of the Heist: Confessions of a Master Art Thief, Rock-and-Roller, and Prodigal Son Myles J. Connor and Jenny Siler, B CONNOR – The story of legendary art thief, Myles Connor.

The Black Girl Next Door Jennifer Baszile, B BASZILE – The author relates her coming-of-age experiences in an exclusive California white suburb in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Charles Darwin: The Concise Story of an Extraordinary Man Tim M. Berra, B DARWIN – The fascinating story of the man and the idea.

Crazy Love: A Memoir Leslie Morgan Steiner, B STEINER – Even though she seemed to have the perfect life, at 22-years-of-age, the author fell in love with the wrong person.

Growing Up Again: Life, Loves, and Oh Yeah, Diabetes Mary Tyler Moore, B MOORE – The well-known actress recounts her life with diabetes over the course of the past 40 years.

Hands of My Father: A Hearing Boy, His Deaf Parents, and the Language of Love Myron Uhlberg, B UHLBERG – The author’s first language was American Sign Language. His second language was English and as he learned it, he became his father’s ears and mouth in his Brooklyn neighborhood.

Happens Every Day: An All-Too-True Story Isabel Gillies, B GILLIES – Happily married, or so she thought, the author’s marriage dissolved and a friend told her that it “happens every day.”

Honeymoon in Tehran: Two Years of Love and Danger in Iran Azadeh Moaveni, B MOAVENI – Reporting for Time magazine, the author married an Iranian man and learned about life on the inside of this tumultuous country.

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti: A Memoir Giulia Melucci, B MELUCCI – Fizzled romances and steamy recipes!

Last Lion: The Fall and Rise of Ted Kennedy Peter S. Canellos, ed., B KENNEDY – The tumultuous life of the youngest of the Kennedy brothers.

A Little Bit Wicked (Life, Love, and Faith in Stages) Kristin Chenoweth, B CHENOWETH – The story of a talented gal from Kansas who takes Broadway by storm.

Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir Christopher Buckley, B BUCKLEY – The well-known author and only child of famous parents recounts the year in which both of them died.

Love Child: A Memoir of Family Lost and Found Allegra Huston, B HUSTON – The author was four years old when her mother was killed and she was introduced to the film director John Huston with the words, “This is your father.”  Later, at age twelve, she was introduced to her real father, British historian John Julius Norwich.

Mistress of the Monarchy: The Life of Katherine Swynford, Duchess of Lancaster Alison Weir, B KATHERINE – The story of the royal mistress who became one of the most crucial figures in the history of the British royal dynasties.

Mrs. Lincoln: A Life Catherine Clinton, B LINCOLN – The author illuminates the remarkable, enigmatic life of the First Lady.

Not Now, Voyager: A Memoir Lynne Sharon Schwartz, B SCHWARTZ – A memoir, both serious and amusing, about the world of travel with a personal look at the author’s experiences.

Paul Newman: A Life Shawn Levy, B NEWMAN – The fascinating life of the legendary superstar.

Pretty in Plaid: A Memoir Jen Lancaster, B LANCASTER – Think “David Sedaris with pearls and a supercute handbag.”

Red Princess: A Revolutionary Life B DOLGOROUKY, Sofka Zinovieff – Born in St. Petersburg in 1907, Princess Sophy Dolgorouky’s early life was one of privilege, but ten years later, her family fled to England and then to Paris.

Seeking Peace: Chronicles of the Worst Buddhist in the World Mary Pipher, B PIPHER – The author of Reviving Ophelia explores her own life story and the lessons she has learned.

Somewhere Towards the End Diana Athill, B ATHILL – The 91-year-old author relates candidly the condition of being old — both the losses and gains.

Through It All: Reflections on My Life, My Family, and My Faith Christine King Farris, B FARRIS – The only sister of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. relates her memories of growing up, family life and her revered brother.

The Ties That Bind: A Memoir of Race, Memory and Redemption Bertice Berry, B BERRY – The author presents a reflective history of her family that encompasses both pain and hope.

Trailblazer: An Intimate Biography of Sarah Palin Lorenzo Benet, B PALIN – An up-close view of the vice-presidential nominee from an assistant-editor of People magazine.

The Urban Hermit Sam MacDonald, B MACDONALD – Faced with the truth that both his debts and waistline were out of control, the author devised a plan to change his life.

The Yankee Years Joe Torre and Tom Verducci, B TORRE – The noted manager took the Yankees, once again, to the playoffs and the World Series. What did it take to keep the Yankees on the top of the baseball world?

New Books on CD – May 2009

Richelle

Abraham Lincoln: The American Presidents George S. McGovern, CD B LINCOLN – The U.S. senator and presidential candidate presents an inspiring view of the 16th president.

Acing the Interview Tony Beshara, CD 650.144 BES – Candid advice on dealing with the stressful job interview.

Agincourt Bernard Cornwell, CD F COR – During the Hundred Years War, on October 25, 1415, 6,000 English troops defeated a French brigade of 36,000 men.

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

The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama Gwen Ifill, CD 973.932 IFI – A look at contemporary politics and the impact of Barack Obama’s rise to political power.

Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy Martin Lindstrom, CD 658.831 LIN – A look at the persuasive strategies that work in regard to branding, marketing, advertising and packaging.

A Darker Place Jack Higgins, CD F HIG – Famous Russian writer Alexander Kurbsky decides he wants to “disappear” into the West.

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

The Forever War Dexter Filkins, CD 956.7044 FIL – A portrait of the Taliban, the 9/11 events, and the war in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Heart and Soul Maeve Binchy, CD F BIN – The stories of family, friends, patients and staff from a community heart clinic caught between the old and the new Ireland.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Jamie Ford, CD F FOR – Henry Lee recalls his coming-of-age during World War II and his Japanese girlfriend who was sent to the internment camps.

Intuitive Eating Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole, CD 613,25 RES – Get off the roller coaster of chronic dieting and heal your relationship with food.

The Invention of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution, and the Birth of America Steven Johnson, CD B PRIESTLY – A look at the contributions of Joseph Priestly and his influence on the American founding fathers.

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

The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter, and the Town That Raised Them Amy Dickinson, CD B DICKINSON – The syndicated advice columnist shares her mistakes and the remarkable story of the wonderful influence of the women from her hometown.

Mounting Fears Stuart Woods, CD F WOO – President Will Lee’s vice president just died in surgery and the new nominee may not be as innocent as once believed.

Nathan Hale: The Life and Death of America’s First Spy M. William Phelps, CD B HALE – The life of the famous patriot whose last words were: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

No Limits: The Will to Succeed Michael Phelps, CD B PHELPS – The swimmer talks about his remarkable success at the Olympic Games.

The Num3rati Stephen Baker, CD 303.483 BAK – Each individual’s digital and electronic transactions are being used by corporations and politicians to transform everyday experiences.

The School of Essential Ingredients Erica Bauermeister, CD F BAU – Once a month, eight students gather in Lillian’s restaurant for a cooking class. Each wants to learn the art of cooking, but each one is looking for a recipe for something beyond the kitchen.

The Silent Man Alex Berenson, CD F BER – CIA agent John Wells thought he had reached his limit, but he is not at all prepared for what is about to happen.

Still Alice Lisa Genova, CD F GEN – Alice, in the prime of her life, finds herself in a desperate battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing, and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon Nick Trout, CD 636.089 TRO – The humor and heartache that animals bring to their owners.

Terminal Freeze Lincoln Child, CD F CHI – Scientists unearth an enormous ancient animal in the upper reaches of Alaska, but is it really dead?

Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief James M. McPherson, CD B LINCOLN – The Civil War Scholar discusses how the current responsibilities of the American President were outlined by Abraham Lincoln.

Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Signficance Tony Dungy, CD 170.44 DUN – The noted football coach discusses what is really important in each person’s life.

Very Valentine Adriana Trigiani, CD F TRI – The beginning of a new trilogy by the popular author, features the dynamics of the Roncalli and Angelini families in Manhattan and Italy.

What I Did for Love Susan Elizabeth Phillips, CD F PHI – A crazy night in Vegas leads to an all-for-show marriage for down-on-her-luck Georgie York.

The White Tiger Aravind Adiga, CD F ADI – Servant, philosopher, entrepreneur, and murderer, Balram Halwai is a very complex individual.

The Yankee Years Joe Torre and Tom Verducci, CD B TORRE – What did it take to keep the Yankees on the top of the baseball world?

New Nonfiction – May 2009

Lynne

13 Things That Don’t Make Sense: The Most Baffling Scientific Mysteries of Our Time Michael Brooks, 502 BRO 2008 – A look at the frontiers of science where there may be breakthroughs in the near future.

An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith Barbara Brown Taylor, 248.4 TAY 2009 – A noted author and Episcopal priest discovers the sacred in the small things we do and see.

A Comrade Lost and Found: A Beijing Story Jan Wong, 951 WON 2009 – As a foreign student in Beijing during the Cultural Revolution, the author was asked by a young woman about getting into the United States. To her lasting regret, Wong turned her into the authorities.

Confessions of an Alien Hunter: A Scientist’s Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Seth Shotak, 576.8 SHO 2009 – The senior astronomer at the SETI Institute pits scientific truth against speculation and delivers some important news on the current state of our knowledge.

The Gamble: General David Petraeus and the American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2006-2008 Thomas E. Ricks, 956.7044 RIC 2009 – The author of Fiasco recounts the inside story of the Iraq war since late 2005 and the launching of the surge strategy.

The Gardner Heist: The True Story of the World Largest Unsolved Art Theft Ulrich Boser, 364.162 BOS 2008 – Shortly after midnight on March 18, 1990, two men broke into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and committed the largest art heist in history. The mystery is still unsolved.

The Great Decision: Jefferson, Adams, Marshall, and the Battle for the Supreme Court Cliff Sloan and David McKean, 347.73 SLO 2009 – The power of the Supreme Court was established as John Marshall laid the cornerstone of the distinctive American rule of law in the case of Marbury v. Madison.

How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman, 612.8 NEW 2009 – Based on evidence culled from brain-scan studies, and other research, the authors have concluded that positive spiritual belief changes the human brain for the better.

How We Decide Jonah Lehrer, 153.83 LEH 2009 – How does the human mind make decisions? How can we make those decisions better?

Lucy’s Legacy: The Quest for Human Origins Donald C. Johanson, 569.9 JOH 2009 – Groundbreaking discoveries that are transforming our understanding of how humans have evolved.

The Madness of March: Bonding and Betting with the Boys in Las Vegas Alan Jay Zaremba, 796.323 ZAR 2009 – And you thought the madness was on the basketball court.

Madness Under the Royal Palms: Love and Death Behind the Gates of Palm Beach Laurence Leamer, 305.5234 LEA 2009 – An inside look at an exclusive enclave of wealth and privilege.

No Angel: My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels Jay Dobyns and Nils Johnson-Shelton, 364.106 DOB 2009 – The author was the first federal agent to infiltrate the inner circle of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.

Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English John McWhorter, 420.9 MCW 2009 – Hundreds of years of fascinating language lore is found in this lively history of the English language.

Out of Captivity: Surviving 1,967 Days in the Colombian Jungle Marc Gonsalves, Keith Stansell and Tom Howes, 986.1 GON 2009 – Three American contractors crash-landed in the jungle of Colombia and became prisoners of the terrorist group, FARC, for over five years.

Passing Strange: A Gilded Age Tale of Love and Deception Across the Color Line Martha A. Sandweiss, 305.896 SAN 2009 – The noted 19th century scientist, Clarence King, led a double life: as a white explorer and geologist and as a black Pullman porter and steelworker named James Todd.

The Persian Night: Iran Under the Khomeinist Revolution Amir Taheri, 955.054 TAH 2009 – Who really rules Iran? A look at one of the most secretive regimes in the world traces the historical, religious, cultural, and political roots of the current power structure.

Plain, Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution Richard Beeman, 973.313 BEE 2009 – The title comes from a quote by Pennsylvania delegate Robert Morris as he describes the summer of 1787 and their work to form a radically new form of government.

Practicing Catholic James Carroll, 282 CAR 2009 – The author recounts his own personal story as a young priest and discusses the transformation of the Catholic Church.

A Saint on Death Row: The Story of Dominique Green Thomas Cahill, 364.66 CAH 2009 – Imprisoned on death row for his role in a fatal shooting during a robbery, 18-year-old Green was transformed by the time of his execution at the age of 30.

Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance Tony Dungy, 170.44 DUN 2009 – The noted football coach discusses what is really important in each person’s life.

Vanished Smile: The Mysterious Theft of Mona Lisa R.A. Scotti, 759.5 SCO 2009 – On August 21, 1911, the unthinkable happened — the Mona Lisa vanished from the Louvre. The theft captured the imagination of the world. Here’s the story.

Vicksburg 1863 Winston Groom, 973.7 GRO 2009 – The important Battle of Vicksburg permanently turned the tide of the Civil War. An engrossing narrative.

Where Our Food Comes From: Retracing Nikolay Vavilov’s Quest to End Famine Gary Paul Nabhan, 581.632 NAB 2009 – A pioneer in the effort to buffer humankind against widespread famine was imprisoned by Stalin. The author tells this extraordinary story along with his own efforts to ensure that the seeds which are the future of our food are preserved.

Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the Twenty-First Century P. W. Singer, 355.020112 SIN 2009 – What happens when science fiction starts to become reality on the battlefield?

You Are Here: A Portable History of the Universe Christopher Potter, 523.1 LYO 2009 – The life of the universe, now 13.7 billion years old.

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.