Fourteen-year-old Mona is a wizard at baking. Literally. Her magical abilities are limited only to dough (including dancing gingerbread men and a terrFourteen-year-old Mona is a wizard at baking. Literally. Her magical abilities are limited only to dough (including dancing gingerbread men and a terrifying quasi-sentient sourdough starter), but she has a nice, simple life. However, after discovering a dead body in her aunt's bakery, Mona is whisked into a plot that threatens all magical folk. The heat is on and this humble apprentice must rise to the occasion and save not just herself, but the entire kingdom. T. Kingfisher also seems like a wizard in how deftly she combines mystery, fantasy, and humor into one heartwarming and whimsical tale. ...more
The 1960s were a heady time, and Lorraine Delford was as caught up in the space race and as anyone, dreaming of getting out of high school and becominThe 1960s were a heady time, and Lorraine Delford was as caught up in the space race and as anyone, dreaming of getting out of high school and becoming a scientist. What she didn't count on was becoming pregnant. Suddenly her dreams of being the valedictorian and going to college are shattered, and her parents send her away to a home for pregnant girls who wil be giving their babies up for adoption. This no longer common practice was then considered best for these girls - out of sight, out of mind - with little consideration for the scars it leave on them. As readers meet some of Lorraine's housemates, we learn that every circumstance is a bit different, and childbirth is not something that these girls have been well-prepared for. Heartbreaking in many ways, this title serves as a lesson in compassion....more
Annie always heard how her great-aunt Frances learned from a fortune teller that she’d be murdered, turning Frances paranoid as she tried to avoid herAnnie always heard how her great-aunt Frances learned from a fortune teller that she’d be murdered, turning Frances paranoid as she tried to avoid her fate. Now Annie can inherit her great-aunt’s money if and only if she solves the murder. This fun mystery jumps back in time to Frances’ life when she first heard the fortune, leaving clues for who would eventually kill her decades later and exposing the eccentric characters of her local village. An intricately plotted debut with likable characters for fans of "The Thursday Murder Club"...more
Some of Western culture's most artistic minds have also been its most tortured. What is the relationship between creativity and mental illness? Can yoSome of Western culture's most artistic minds have also been its most tortured. What is the relationship between creativity and mental illness? Can you have one without the other? These questions get personal for Seattle cartoonist Ellen Forney in "Marbles," the story of her diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. The illustrated format shines, showing the ups and downs of Forney's moods as she tries and tapers meds. And despite the heavy subject matter where Forney faces the possibility that she'll need to choose between her career and her health, she draws you in with her wryness, wit, and warmth....more
A girl with obsessions. A brother and sister determined to break a bad cycle. A wild party. A car crash. It's been 10 years since the accident that kiA girl with obsessions. A brother and sister determined to break a bad cycle. A wild party. A car crash. It's been 10 years since the accident that killed Phoebe Dean while her brother was behind the wheel, and the mystery still remains - why did it take 27 minutes from time of the crash until Grant Dean called 911? And what is the hold the the only passenger, Becca, has over Grant? Small towns hold many mysteries, and West Wilmer is full of them - June Delroy's brother Wyatt disappeared the same night as the crash, but as Phoebe was the town's shining light, no one seemed to be worried about Wyatt - he was just a troublemaker anyhow. As the 10th anniversary comes up, Phoebe's mother decides to have a memorial, illiciting sympathy from some, and fear from others. Twisty turny and full of unreliable narrators, Twenty-Seven Minutes is a page-turning read....more
Think of a town set among mountains and valleys. Now imagine if you went to the valley to the west, you’d be in the same town, but 20 years into the fThink of a town set among mountains and valleys. Now imagine if you went to the valley to the west, you’d be in the same town, but 20 years into the future; and if you went to the valley to the east, it would be 20 years in the past. And these radiate out infinitely in both directions. Odile Ozanne, a young woman who considers herself an outside, is thrust into the spotlight when she is selected to compete for a spot as a conseilor for the town - one of those who must decide who can pass in and out of the valleys. While trying to live normally - have a crush, argue with a friend, have a hangover - the duties of the Conseil weigh heavily on Odile, and her mother, who wants a better life for her daughter. When the train jumps the tracks, Odile has to use her innate intelligence and judgement to decide how to use what she knows to change not only her life's trajectory, but that of those she loves....more
Amateur detective and recently debuted author Ernest Cunningham is off to a writer's festival on the 'Ghan - a train that runs through the middle of AAmateur detective and recently debuted author Ernest Cunningham is off to a writer's festival on the 'Ghan - a train that runs through the middle of Australia - along with the stellar panel of fellow mystery writers that will be part of the festival. From the crusty McTavish to Ern's literary agent, it seems everyone has a personal agenda for the festival. Juliette, Ernest's girlfriend, seems to be of and not of the festival, though she is a writer herself. And then the first body is found, then a second - and the murderer must be someone on the train. With a bunch of mystery writers aboard, this must be simple - right? Not. Accusations and hilarity ensue. Stevenson has given readers another wild romp in this book, after his very successful "Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone." Highly recommended!...more
When Felicity was young, she saw animals and people that other people didn't see, and as she gets older, she finds that she has the "gift" - which somWhen Felicity was young, she saw animals and people that other people didn't see, and as she gets older, she finds that she has the "gift" - which someone has gifted to her. Able to pass from the real world to the fairy world is truly special, but Felicity's family hardscrabble life on the farm keeps calling her back to reality. When she begins to achieve her dreams at university, including falling in love, Elfrida, her fairy consort, begins to warn her of the dangers of wanting it all, and of giving it all up! Family secrets begin to unfold indicating that Felicity may not be the only one on the farm to know, and love, the fairy world. Part academic coming of age story, part fairy fantasy....more
Big Swiss centers around two main characters - Greta, a transcriptionist floating through life, and "Big Swiss", the woman she has fallen in love withBig Swiss centers around two main characters - Greta, a transcriptionist floating through life, and "Big Swiss", the woman she has fallen in love with over medical transcripts. Breaking rules in search of love doesn't hold Greta back, and soon she is having a physical affair with Big Swiss. In the meantime, Greta's roommate Sabine disappears, leaving her to work with its decrepit nature and a full-blown beehive. As Greta and Big Swiss become more involved, and become less discreet, the idea of the affair begins to unravel. The author herself lives in a very small community in upstate NY, where the novel is centered, and captures the small town gossipy backstabbing nature of it. Funny, satirical and holding a mirror to true life, Big Swiss is guaranteed to make readers laugh, and ponder....more
I liked Lev AC Rosen's Lavender House, the first book that follows our main character Andy Mills, but you don't need to read it to read this one. WherI liked Lev AC Rosen's Lavender House, the first book that follows our main character Andy Mills, but you don't need to read it to read this one. Whereas that book gave us Andy's origin story and sets the scene, this second one -- The Bell in the Fog -- is where we find Andy settling in, believable and exciting in this historical mystery.
Exiled from the police force for being gay, Andy now runs his own private investigation service aimed at queer clients in 1950s-McCarthy-Era, above a queer night club and fully immersed in the San Francisco night scene. I found the actual mystery of the story to be interesting (blackmail, lost and found love, secrets, a mix of hard-boiled and quirky characters), though meandering; at times noir, procedural, and historical fiction with hints of romance. But it is the queer spaces that Rosen portrays here that really sing and give the reader a glimpse into the past where being gay was a crime, though life could still be magical and joyful, even when it is alarming with its casual display of homophobic and transphobic state-sponsored violence. Here's hoping for more books set in this world....more
Chloe's life has been tough - left in charge of her three younger siblings when her mother decides to go find herself, she was forced to quit college Chloe's life has been tough - left in charge of her three younger siblings when her mother decides to go find herself, she was forced to quit college and go to work in the local library to make ends meet. Though she has supportive friends from work, her long-time next door neighbor has been nothing but mean, gruff and nasty. When Chloe discovers what seems to be love notes between two people reading the same book, a spark lights in her. When her brother breaks his leg, and she is struggling to find care for him, the neighbor, Jasper, offers to help - shocking her and everyone else. Small towns are full of big intrigue, and when Chloe's mother suddenly shows up to reclaim her spot in the family, old stories begin to surface. With some research, Chloe is able to connect Jasper with the writer who signs his notes J in the margins, answering a mysterious woman, C. This is a literary scavenger hunt tucked in with gentle romance, a delightful read....more
Every reader will appreciate the insights and observations of life-long reader, Shannon Reed, who is also an accomplished humorist, a semifinalist forEvery reader will appreciate the insights and observations of life-long reader, Shannon Reed, who is also an accomplished humorist, a semifinalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor. As a teacher, she expresses her desire to throw out "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" and trade it for "Gone Girl," and you really need to see what she says about Shakespeare! One of my favorite chapters is "Questions I Use to Evaluate a New Recipe" which includes "Would three years be too long to keep grits?" and "Is there anything I need to prep? Should I travel back in time and set out two sticks of butter to soften?". Funny and heartwarming, you'll want Shannon sitting next to you at the next book club meeting, being disruptive! The final chapter "Because We Are What We Read" might have hard core bookies shedding a tear or two, between the snorts of laughter....more
Family secrets come to light as a father and daughter each contemplate their own marriages and children. Frankie is stunned when her father tells her Family secrets come to light as a father and daughter each contemplate their own marriages and children. Frankie is stunned when her father tells her he getting married, just a short time after the death of his wife/her mother - and not just because of its suddenness, but because his bride to be is Frankie's best friend Ariel, 30 some years his junior! When Ariel's estranged mother shows up after a 10 year absence, many worlds are rocked. Roles are reversed, and pressure builds as Carlotta wheedles her way back into Ariel's sphere, getting closer to her new grandson. Frankie probes into Carlotta's shady past, and knows that some secrets must be revealed. A bit of magic realism oddly slips into the conclusion....more
A whale washes up on the shore of the hardscrabble town of Paradise Deep, in Newfoundland. When the townspeople go to butcher it, a living but barely A whale washes up on the shore of the hardscrabble town of Paradise Deep, in Newfoundland. When the townspeople go to butcher it, a living but barely breathing man is found inside. Given the name Judah, he appears human, but smells badly of fish all the time. Crummey traces the lineages of several families in this small community as they weave in and out of Judah's life, which has more bleak moments than joyous ones. This is truly a book about the difficulty of trying to understand and accept the differences in each other. The writing is lyrical, the setting foreign yet familiar - not an easy read, but a rewarding one....more
What a gem this is! Theodosia leaves her law studies in Canberra Australia because, well, she just can't be a lawyer - she wants to be a writer. Her oWhat a gem this is! Theodosia leaves her law studies in Canberra Australia because, well, she just can't be a lawyer - she wants to be a writer. Her older brother, already a lawyer and raised in the US, allows her to stay with him and gives her a deadline for the completion of the novel. Theo spends time at Benders, a cafe/bar, working on her book, and befriends a fellow writer. They smooch, and then... Bad things start to happen. Before you know it, Theo and her brother Gus are targets, a PI named Mac enters the picture, and conspiracy theories run rampant. The bodies start to pile up, and it appears that Theo, and her book manuscript may be at the center of it. Rompy, smart, with lots of jabs at the publishing industry, this is a fun read....more
"Let us Descend" is a formidable novel and a testament to Jesmyn Ward's utterly unique voice. It is told through the experience of Annis, a young ensl"Let us Descend" is a formidable novel and a testament to Jesmyn Ward's utterly unique voice. It is told through the experience of Annis, a young enslaved woman in the early 19th century, who is separated from her mother and marched hundreds of miles to a plantation in New Orleans. Prior to leaving, her mother reveals two weapons to her daughter - a handmade dagger, and ancient magic from her grandmother, a warrior queen. Every day is its own version of hell yet she manages to tap into what little agency she possesses to survive. After her lover Safi flees from the plantation in a moment of opportunity, Annis commits to making her own escape. A supernatural presence in Annis's journey is as important and real as everything she encounters in the corporeal world....more
This is a beautiful examination of the lives of three friends, who have all chosen different paths, on a trip to England and France which proves to beThis is a beautiful examination of the lives of three friends, who have all chosen different paths, on a trip to England and France which proves to be life-changing. Bonded by their love of art of embroidery, the college-aged Mexican women take in the glories (and despair) of cafes in Paris, handsome locals, and all that each culture has to offer. When Mila learns that one of the group, Citali, has drowned, she reflects back on the trip they took, along with Dalia, and wonders if they missed signs of trouble in Citali's life. Now a wife and mother, Mila thinks of the connections made and lost, stitches that need to be redone, honoring the memory of her friends. Translation by Christina MacSweeney....more
This expansive two-volume set explores the life and career of Academy Award-winning, special makeup effects artist, Rick Baker. You’ll quickly recogniThis expansive two-volume set explores the life and career of Academy Award-winning, special makeup effects artist, Rick Baker. You’ll quickly recognize his work from Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" video, the astonishing effects of "An American Werewolf in London," Bigfoot from "Harry and the Hendersons," and the many aliens in "Men in Black" and "Star Wars episodes IV and V." There are more than 1,600 color images and original sketches contained within. I especially enjoyed the photos of Mr. Baker and his family’s amazing, self-created Halloween costumes. Definitely worth it for fans of film, special effects, and monster makeup....more
I wasn't very familiar with the The Hold Steady before reading this book, but as a fan of rock music and musician biographies I still enjoyed it. ThisI wasn't very familiar with the The Hold Steady before reading this book, but as a fan of rock music and musician biographies I still enjoyed it. This larger-format book contains interviews with every member of the band (past and present) and with the people who have worked with them throughout their 20-year career. It also contains over 200 photographs. One minor complaint is that the photos aren't captioned, which would have been helpful for someone like me, but this is definitely a must-have for fans of the band and of interest to fans of rock music in general. ...more
Not just for Steely Dan fans, this tome is stuffed with music insider info, stories of music deals done wrong, and the fame and foibles of this alternNot just for Steely Dan fans, this tome is stuffed with music insider info, stories of music deals done wrong, and the fame and foibles of this alternately popular and strange musical duo. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen crafted songs and arrangements that built some of the background of the 70s and the 80s, with hits like Reelin' in the Year, Rikki Don't Lose That Number, and Aja, using a carousel of studio musicians featuring the likes Michael McDonald, Denny Dias and Jeff Porcaro. LeMay's illustrations of characters from the Dan's music and the players featured are just fantastic, full of attitude, snark and delight. If you are a Dan fan, you'll pore over each chapter, dedicated to one song and its cast of characters, packed with trivia, behind the scenes bits, and music history. Quantum Criminals is an important book in the popular music canon....more
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