Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Title: Piranesi
Author: Susanna Clarke
Review:
Piranesi is one of those rare stories that is best enjoyed with as little prior knowledge of the plot as possible-- it is impossibly unique and enchanting. I adored the protagonist and setting of this story with all of my heart! This strange, charming, and magical tale of a man and the House that loves him is one that you won't want to miss.
Review by: Jo
An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed by Helene Tursten
Title: An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed
Author: Helene Tursten
Review:
This book is a series of short stories about Maud, who seems like a proper little Swedish lady, a retired schoolteacher who took care of her sister. But there’s more than meets the eye, these short stories are wickedly fun! Never underestimate a little old lady who thinks you’ve done bad things. She will give you what’s coming to you. This book was such a joy to read and so much fun!!
Review by: Julie
Fangs by Sara Andersen
Title: Fangs
Author: Sara Andersen
Review:
This came into my hands kind of by accident. Not the sort of thing I usually read, but I thought, why not?
So what happens when a vampire dates a werewolf?
I found it a fun, quick read about the interesting struggles of a unique couple.
Review by: Ben
Milk Street Cookish by Christopher Kimball
Title: Milk Street Cookish
Author: Christopher Kimball
Review:
I rarely find a cookbook that is chock full of recipes that I LOVE! Here it is. I find myself wanting to make nearly all of the recipes in this beautiful book. Enjoy!
Review by: Jan
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
Title: Kafka on the Shore
Author: Haruki Murakami
Review:
Kafka on The Shore tells two stories: one of Kafka, a teenage runaway attempting to escape from an ominous, oedipal prophecy, and one of Nakata, a charming elderly man who can speak to cats. The way that their fates are interwoven throughout the story is lovely, strange, and dreamlike; if you enjoy magical realism or any of Murakami's other works, this novel is a must-read.
Review by: Jo
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Title: Gods of Jade and Shadow
Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Review:
As a Mesoamerican mythology enthusiast, Gods of Jade and Shadow brought me great joy to read! Casiopea's journey through Jazz Age Mexico with her companion, who just happens to be the Mayan god of death, is such a unique and captivating story with all of the perfect twists and turns. I simply couldn't put it down.
Review by: Jo
Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Title: Song of Achilles
Author: Madeline Miller
Review:
From the moment I picked up this book, I didn't want to put it down. The story is thousands of years old, but Madeline Miller brings new life to the characters, and their world. The story takes place from Patroclus' point of view, a boy who was exiled from his own kingdom, and brought to Achilles'. The boys become friends, and do everything together. Miller's writing is so descriptive, you can almost feel the sun on your face, hear the ocean, see the mountains, etc.
Review by: Kiana
Cook This Book by Molly Baz
Title: Cook This Book
Author: Molly Baz
Review:
A cookbook with QR codes! Seriously! This book is amazing! I have been collecting cookbooks for over 50 years and as a result, I have become pretty particular about the books that come into my collection. This book absolutely made the cut. The recipes are fabulous, simply written and perfect for every occasion. Plus, the book has the added bonus of QR codes so you get videos throughout the entire book.
(Warning - the author does not hesitate to use "salty" language, so beware.)
Review by: Jan
The Mulberry Tree by Allison Rushby
Title: The Mulberry Tree
Author: Allison Rushby
Review:
Do naught wrong by the mulberry tree, or she'll take your daughters... one, two, three. In the dead of night, spirited away, never to see an eleventh birthday.
Ten year old Immy and her family have moved to Cambridgeshire, England. Unhappy about the move, Immy's life is made more difficult by her bumbling father and the foreboding mulberry tree in her backyard. Are the myths about the tree true? If they aren't then why does Immy feel like the tree is watching her, waiting...
Review by: Jannelle
Pencils You Should Know by Caroline Weaver
Title: Pencils You Should Know
Author: Caroline Weaver
Review:
If you have a fascination with pencils, this would be the book for you. I found some interesting pencil history as well as some new pencils I wanted to try out. Such a neat compilation of this classic tool!
Review by: Ben
A Year in Flowers by Erin Benzakein
Title: A Year in Flowers
Author: Erin Benzakein
Review:
This is a stunningly beautiful book for the floral designer in all of us - or "floral designer" wanna-be's! You will find ideas for all kinds of flowers and all of the seasons of the year. Enjoy an explosion of color and designs in this magnificent book.
Review by: Jan
Book Collecting Now by Matthew Budman
Title: Book Collecting Now
Author: Matthew Budman
Review:
Want to get started in book collecting? This excellent guide gives you a running start. From how to identify a first edition, to where to find collectables & where you will likely not find them, to the value of an author 's signature, and more. But the best advice, is to collect what you like. Plus, the appendix has some great resources.
Review by: Ben
Westering Women by Sandra Dallas
Title: Westering Women
Author: Sandra Dallas
Review:
Trying to make a new life for herself and her young daughter, Maggie joins a caravan of 43 women and 2 reverends on their way to California. It is 1852 and the trail is dangerous for a group of women on their own. As she bonds with the women during the trip, she discovers that she isn't the only one with a past she'd rather forget.
Review by: Jannelle
Wine Time by Barbara Scott-Goodman
Title: Wine Time
Author: Barbara Scott-Goodman
Review:
This book takes the guesswork out of "what to pair with that wine I'm serving to my guests tonight." Wonderful recipes for all occasions. Read, cook & enjoy! Cheers!
Review by: Jan
The Woman with the Blue Star by Pam Jenoff
Title: The Woman with the Blue Star
Author: Pam Jenoff
Review: This is a moving and courageous tale about World War II Poland. The story begins in the Krakow Ghetto, where you meet Sadie and her family, on the other side you meet Ella her step mother who is “friendly” to the Nazis. Sadie and others end up escaping to the sewer system and living there, barely holding on. Ella helps when she can and the girls develop a close friendship, like kindred spirits . This is a touching tale of friendship, of family and what you might do to stay alive. Loved it, and it makes you think of the times we are in now as well.
Review by: Julie
Wines of Walla Walla Valley by Catie McIntyre Walker
Title: Wines of Walla Walla Valley
Author: Catie McIntyre Walker
Review:
This is a fabulous comprehensive history of the Walla Walla wine valley. Well written and fun. Recipes included! You will enjoy exploring the Walla Walla valley through Ms. McIntyre's eyes. Pick up a book to take with you while exploring our beautiful valley.
Review by: Jan
Echo Island by Jared C Wilson
Title: Echo Island
Author: Jared C Wilson
Review:
Four boys go on a camping trip to celebrate their high school graduation. They notice a few strange things on the ferry ride back to their home, Echo Island, but don't think much about it until they arrive in a totally vacant town. They can't find anyone anywhere. The boys embark on a mission to find out what became of the people of Echo Island only to discover what has been hiding deep within themselves. Great read!
Review by: Jannelle
Be You by Peter Reynolds
Title: Be You
Author: Peter Reynolds
Review:
Bestselling children’s author Peter Reynolds has done it once again with this fun book on learning to love yourself. This is a great book to ensure your children remember to know their worth and love themselves. A great message with adorable illustrations, I highly recommend!
Review by: Bethany
Grow Bag Gardening by Kevin Espiritu
Title: Grow Bag Gardening
Author: Kevin Espiritu
Review:
I am always on the lookout for a better way to get more yield from my garden, and let’s be honest, easier if I can get it! This book and idea is a new tool in that is great if you are short on space or just want to try something new.This book covers all the Basics, the pros and cons of pots vs bags, what soils to use , how berries will work and tomatoes, plus just about everything else. I will be trying potato’s this year and some small bags that will have Pollinating plants in them, this helps get the bee’s to visit your garden Would recommend this to anyone that has done gardening before, just because some of the terms may not be familiar, but if you're a fast learner, go for it!! Enjoy! Good luck!
Review by: Julie
Ultralearning by Scott Young
Title: Ultralearning
Author: Scott Young
Review:
After pulling off the stunt of learning an entire 4 year MIT computer course in just one year, and following it with a year learning 4 different languages, Scott Young has a few things to say about how one learns something. Not only does he share the techniques that worked for him, but the current best ideas from the science of learning. If you really want to crank up your education or skill set, try ultralearning.
Review by: Ben