Books we still love.

Some of the books that we have previously featured on our staff recommended shelves.

Listed alphabetically by title.

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Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point by David Lipsky
A surprising look into an American institution. Diverse and still changing in a 9/11 world. Rolling Stone writer tells it well! ~Teresa

The Accidental by Ali Smith
Prepare to be wowed by Ali Smith's remarkable bending and shaping of prose in this story of how one family reacts to the presence of a mysterious stranger. ~Erica

Across the Nightingale Floor: Tales of the Otori, Book 1 by Lian Hearn
Set in ancient Japan during the time of the Samurai, this series has all the political intrigue, love interest and oriental sensibility you would expect from this genre. Add in Ninjas with mystical powers and you've got everything you could want. Any fan of "Shogun" or "Memoirs of a Geisha" will relish these books. ~Susan

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell
She is fascinated and enthralled by her subject. Her writing is so smart and wry and witty -- she draws you in and makes you interested, too. Really, really enjoyed this book! ~Elaine

The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth by E. O. Wilson
This book is a challenge to people of all ideological backgrounds to take an active role in understanding and preserving the Earth's biodiversity, for "...the fate of Creation is the fate of humanity." ~Erica

Dawn of Empire by Sam Barone
If you're looking for a can't-put-it-down book filled with romance and violence, sex and war, you only have to go back to the bronze age! Set circa 3150 B.C., this story is about the building of the first walled city in the desert of Mesopotamia. The sequel, Empire Rising, is just as good. these are fun, interesting stories. ~Susan

Digging to America by Anne Tyler
Anne Tyler asks, and forces the reader to ponder the question: What does it mean to be an American? Two families, one "apple pie" American, the other "assimilated" Iranian meet by chance while awaiting the arrival of their adopted Korean babies.  Over the years as the families become more entwined, cultures collide and values are challenged. The American way of life is viewed from the perspective of those born here and those who are trying to break the crust while "digging into America." Tyler is a master at examining human relationships. This book will not disappoint! ~Michele G.

The Eight by Katherine Neville
In this debut novel, a strong, smart female lead travels the world looking for clues about an ancient chess set believed to have belonged to Charlemagne and to be a source of unimaginable power. Parallel story lines involving 1790 and 1972. My second favorite book of all time. ~Elaine

The English Assassin by Daniel Silva. Great smart spy thriller! An art restorer/spy tracking down art stolen by the Nazis years ago and trying to clear his own name in the process. If you like Ludlum or Dan Brown, you'll love Daniel Silva..  ~Elaine

Everyday Italian by Giada De Laurentiis
There was a time when the only book I owned which might assist in the quest for a nice tasty supper was the Yellow Pages. Its Take Away / Pizza Delivery sections were alarmingly well-thumbed in our household. Then along came Everyday Italian, and a new culinary age dawned. The book is full of recipes I can actually cook, which means you can cook them too. Simple, straightforward and easy, these recipes don't come with lists of ingredients as long as I-5. Nor does the author try to persuade us to make our own pasta: that's what the supermarket's for. Viva De Laurentiis! ~Julian

The Face of  a Naked Lady by Michael Rips
Michael Rips thought he knew his father until finding a portfolio of paintings of a nude black woman painted by his father. In his quest to find the mysterious woman, he learns his father was not always the man asleep on the couch. ~Erica

Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler
Her very last novel, she brings her insightful writing about universal issues of race, gender, and sexuality to create a new take on the vampire story. Great writing, suspense and adventure. Really wish there were going to be more of these! ~Elaine

Geographer's Library by Jon Fasman. First novel that draws you into an age-old mystery of eternal life.  ~Susan

God Went to Beauty School by Cynthia Rylant. Open up to any page in this book of related poems, and you will see why this collection is so wonderful. These are lots of fun to read out loud.  ~Mary Kay

His Majesty's Dragon: Temeraire, Book 1 by Naomi Novik
One would think that an author would be taking a gamble writing a novel half fantasy (think Anne McCaffrey) and half Napoleonic history (think Patrick O'Brian), but there's no gamble here -- it's terrific! There are great battles both at sea and on land that include -- hold onto your hats -- dragons! Novik, a Napoleonic scholar, has delivered a fun new series. ~Susan

Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley
This is undoubtedly one of my Top Five Books of All Time! And I'm not even a particularly big fan of horses. Horse Heaven is absolutely stuffed-full with a vast array of splendid characters, and that's just the four-legged ones. The basic story revolves around a group of race horses destined for greatness or obscurity, and the people that breed, train and ride them. The plot, however, is almost incidental to Smiley's wonderful writing. Her book is funny, warm and life affirming. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to move to the country and establish a racehorse stable. ~Julian

Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child. Ex-military police, now staying off the radar and wandering the country, Reacher is just trying to enjoy a new pace of life, but trouble always seems to find him. Well-written, fast-paced, tough-guy thrillers. Killing Floor is the first in the series.  ~Elaine

Julie and Julia by Julie Powell. From blog to book! In her tiny kitchen, Julie Powell pursues her self-imposed goal: cook every recipe in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, in the span of one year.  ~Mary Kay

Marley and Me by John Grogan
Sweet and funny. Tugs on all of your heart strings. I really want a dog! I even have her named! I think I will want her to be slightly better behaved than Marley, though... ~Elaine

Mysteries of the Middle Ages: The Rise of Feminism, Science, and Art from the Cults of Catholic Europe by Thomas Cahill
Anyone who has read "How the Irish Saved Civilization" knows what a superior historian Cahill is. In this book, he explores the beginning of modern society and thought by delving into the lives of such people as Abelard, Thomas Aquinas and Saint Francis. We often think that the middle age was a time of ignorance and darkness, but Cahill brings it to life and light. An excellent book! ~Susan

Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson is, without doubt, the funniest travel writer ever to hop on a plane. In this book, he takes the reader on a hilarious trip around Europe. Sample quote: "I love the way Italians park. All over the city you see drivers bullying their cars into spaces about the size of a sofa cushion, holding up traffic and prompting every driver within three miles to lean on his horn and give a passable imitation of a man in an electric chair...Romans park their cars the way I would park if I'd just spilled a beaker of hydrochloric acid on my lap." I would warn you against reading any of Bryson's books in public - once you start shaking, snorting and weeping with laughter, people tend to notice. ~Julian

(Not that You Asked): Rants, Exploits and Obsessions by Steve Almond
This new collection of essays is funny and poignant, giving us a glimpse into the life and brain of Steve Almond. Sometimes almost too much information! Love his writing and his attitude!  ~Elaine

The Street of a Thousand Blossoms by Gail Tsukiyama
This wonderful and moving book is set in Japan during and after World War II and involves two brothers. The story, spanning 30 years, takes the reader through the changes in their lives and culture that the war brought to Japan. This is a timeless story about family and love. ~Susan

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time  by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin
An amazing and inspiring story of a promise made and kept to poor villagers who rescue the author after he attempts to climb K2. If you liked Mountains Beyond Mountains, give this a try! ~Teresa

Trip to the Stars by Nicholas Christopher. Story of love and loss. Two stories woven into a great adventure of life. Spellbinding. ~Susan

Truck: A Love Story by Michael Perry
Cooking, gardening, working on an old truck. Family, friends, his writing life -- all told with humor, fondness, and with a wonderful style and use of language. Really enjoyed the book and the writing. ~Elaine
 

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