Mary's Picks
While in Italy investigating the implications of her late brother's scholarly research, neurosurgeon Beatrice is transported back to 14th century Siena months before the Plague is due to hit. The historical detail and ensuing love story make this a great read.
Reminesent of Friday Night Lights where a whole town's hopes and dreams are wrapped up in a youth sports team. This time hockey and and the deep forests of Sweden. As with all Fredrik Backman books the character development is outstanding and the story emotional and memorable.
Parallel stories, one the father-daughter relationship of Sam and Loo during her teenage years, told from her perspective. The other narrative details Sam's life of crime, specifically chronicling the 12 bullet holes he has in his body. A story about the lengths we're willing to go for the people we love. Truly one of the best books I've read in a long time.
A true life adventure that's a real page turner. The search for a legendary city in Central America has everything you could ask for including eye opening history lessons, ground breaking archeology, larger than life characters and 6 foot long poisonous snakes who are not as afraid of you as you are of them. I couldn't put it down.
This is a very well written book which goes into detail about the African American female mathematicians without whom NASA and the space program may not have succeeded. They are American heroes whose stories have only recently been told. Highly recommended.
Shelby survives a tragic accident as a teenager and a once promising future changes in an instant. Friendless and mentally unstable she retreats to her parents’ basement filled with guilt and memories. The story of how she gradually emerges, first from the basement and then from within herself, to slowly build a life is beautiful and painful every step of the way. I loved it.
A private plane crashes into the ocean while on its way from Martha's Vineyard to New York. The only survivors are a 4 year old boy and a 40 year old man who swims with the boy on his back all night through open ocean to save them. The boy is the sole heir to a massive fortune. The man a struggling artist. Even though they were nearly strangers before the accident their bond is quick and strong. The media storm that ensues is fascinating and frightening.
A definite page turner! A travel writer with a recent trauma is invited to cover the maiden voyage of an exclusive luxury cruise. She thinks she sees a murder. Was it the alcohol, her meds, her paranoia, or is something sinister really happening? Great beach read.
A modern and fun retelling of The Taming of the Shrew. This time Kate is a preschool teacher and her suitor her scientist father's assistant in need of a green card. A well told and worthwhile read I throughly enjoyed.
A family at odds living on the Ohio frontier at the time of Johnny Appleseed. The youngest takes off west, after a violent incident, to find his own way. An interesting story and you’ll learn some things about trees too!
Luisa Brant must prove herself in her new job as State's Attorney in the county where she grew up. Her first major case is a murder and soon she’s uncovering secrets from the past that could destroy her family. Where will it lead and what will be the consequences?
Part memoir, part nature writing this beautifully written book had me mesmerized with words that painted vivid pictures. Now in paperback.
I love Anna Quindlen's novels - her characters always resonate with me and this one is no exception. Mimi Miller is growing up in the 60s on a farm in rural Pennsylvania. She's the smartest girl in her class and doesn't quite fit in. She knows she's destined for something else but what? A lovely and tender story that proves again you can leave the place you came from but it never quite leaves you.
The heart of the story is a child's disappearance during a grand party on a country estate in between the wars England. Alternating between the past and modern times Kate Morton weaves a wonderful story and mystery about love, loss and the price of secrets kept. A wonderful and engaging read.
For those who like beautifully written words about a seemingly bleak situation.