MARGI'S LIST -

New Recommendations of some not so new books-- these may be on the library's shelves if you move quickly!

Updated as of 24 October 2011

MARGI’S LIST

OCTOBER 2011

A FEW OF MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE AUTHORS WITH MULTIPLE TITLES

A DEATH IN SUMMER by Benjamin Black (AKA John Banville) – the latest installment of the quirky and enigmatic Dr.Quirke: an Irish pathologist who continues to find himself embroiled in solving mysterious deaths along with examining his own psyche.

Quirke is also featured in CHRISTINE FALLS, THE SILVER SWAN and ELEGY FOR APRIL. 

THE LEMUR is also by Benjamin Black reads like a long short story with developed plot, character and a surprise ending. 

I’D KNOW YOU ANYWHERE  by Laura Lippmann – the latest from this former reporter for The Baltimore Sun; most of her mysteries feature Tess Monaghan.  Her writing is spot on.  She is smart and fun.  Also be sure to check out:

WHAT THE DEAD KNOW

THE GIRL IN THE GREEN RAINCOAT

THE LAST PLACE

EVERY SECRET TURN

THE SUGAR HOUSE

MOONLIGHT MILE by Dennis LeHane – the latest from the consummate Boston writer..  The continuing, and sometimes harrowing, detective adventures in the Boston, MA area with Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro who are now heading towards retirement.

Also be sure to check out:

DARKNESS TAKE MY HAND

SACRED

GONE BABY GONE

PRAYERS FOR RAIN

And don’t forget what, I think, are his masterpieces:

MYSTIC RIVER and SHUTTER ISLAND

STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG by Kate Atkinson – the latest adventure featuring Jackson Brodie her wandering ex police officer/private detective English hero.  Her writing is witty and original and all her books are good from start to finish.  Must reads:

CASE HISTORIES

ONE GOOD TURN

WHEN WILL THERE BE GOOD NEWS?

THE DISTANT HOURS by Kate Morton – the most recent English family saga from the author of the wildly popular

THE HOUSE AT RIVERTON and THE FORGOTTEN GARDEN.  All three simply great reads.

THE HAND THAT FIRST HELD MINE by Maggie O’Farrell (one of my all time favorite new writers) – a spooky tale of love, motherhood and madness.  Absolutely don’t miss THE VANISHING ACT OF ESME LENNOX a wonderfully creative sort of gothic thriller reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier and AFTER YOU’D GONE with suspense, tragedy and, of course, some madness.

AN ECLECTIC ASSORTMENT OF JUST GOOD READS:

PILLARS OF THE EARTH by Ken Follett – a huge departure for this author known for his spy thrillers; this tome of a book is about England in the 1100’s, Kings, Bishops, Lords and Knights, the desire to build a most beautiful cathedral and the Priory of Kingsbridge.  It is unbelievably good.  Follow up with WORLD WITHOUT END which takes place over 2 centuries later in the village of Kingsbridge.  Thanks to Ken Follett for going against the advice of his publishers and straying from the spy thriller genre. 

LITTLE BEE by Chris Cleave – originally published in the UK  - the gripping story of two very different women from two very different cultures whose lives become inextricably linked due to one terrible decision.  Magical.  Don’t miss.

THE PARIS WIFE: A NOVEL by Paula Mclain – a fictional journal of the words of Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, during their years together living in Paris in the 1920’s.  Based on real life events, it moved me to re-read A MOVEABLE FEAST –the journal Ernest Hemingway actually kept during those years. 

MAJOR PETTIGREW’S LAST STAND by Helen Simonson – a quiet, lovely love story that tackles race and religion in a small English village.  Well worth the read.

CLEOPATRA: A LIFE by Stacy Shiff – a bit long and often somewhat wordy but a yet to be seen study of one of the most famous women who ever lived.  A remarkable achievement.

THE PIANO TEACHER by Janice J.K. Lee – Hong Kong.  1942.  Love affair.  I loved this book.

THE TIGER’S WIFE by Tea Obrecht – a first novel by a very young author is a powerful sort of parable about all sorts of things but especially about coming to terms with death.  Extraordinary writing particularly for such a young author.

SISTER; A NOVEL by Rosamund Lupton – a murder mystery in modern day England but more about the bond between two sisters an ocean apart. 

THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows –

I kept putting off reading this book not really even knowing why and then when I did pick it up simply could not put it down!  WWII  England and some sadness but overall an uplifting and joyous must read.

UNBROKEN by Lauren Hillenbrand – based on a true story by the author of SEABISCUIT this is her version of one soldier’s harrowing tale of survival during WWII.  A compelling read with some unforgettable characters.

A FEW OLDIES BUT GOODIES

ANGLE OF REPOSE by Wallace Stegner – a recent re-read and I felt like I was reading for the first time.  An absolute must read.  Stegner’s storytelling, character development and language are thrilling. 

SAVING GRACE by Celia Gittelson – Celia was a publishing friend and this wonderful first novel is about a young pope who accidentially gets locked out of the Vatican.  It was later made into a movie starring Tom Conti as the runaway pope.  Delightful.

STONES FROM THE RIVER by Ursula Hegi – every once in awhile you come across what may be a “perfect” book.  This just might be one of those.  Meet one of modern literature’s most complex and compelling characters:  Trudi Montag, a “zwerg” (dwarf) who knows all the secrets of a small German town during WWII.  Spectacular.

PLAINSONG by Kent Haruf – a gem of a book.  An odd assortment of characters and small town issues. Moving and ultimately uplifting.  Beautifully written. 

TIME AND AGAIN by Jack Finney – the ultimate escape book especially if you know and love New York City – both now and in the late 1800’s.  An enchanting tale of  love and time travel.