January 2019

Lively's answer to the oft-asked question, “How much of what you write comes from your own life?” What if she hadn't escaped from Egypt, her birthplace, at the outbreak of World War II? What would her life have been like if she'd married someone else? From a hillside in Italy to an archaeological dig, the author explores the stories that could have been hers, fashioning a sublime dance between reality and imagination that confirms her reputation as a singular talent.

So, Fight Club is one of my favorite books/movies, but I understand Klosterman is not everyone’s cup of tea. I find his writing hilarious, jarring, provocative and inspiring – sometimes within the same sentence. Loved this tale of his cross-country trip to the places where various rock stars have died. Darkly humorous and mischievous.

The hilarious story of Troost’s time on Vanuatu – a rugged cluster of islands where the natives gorge themselves on kava and are still known to “eat the man.” Falling into one amusing misadventure after another, Troost struggles against typhoons, earthquakes and giant centipedes and soon finds himself swept up in the laid-back, clothing-optional lifestyle of the islanders.

Seventeen-year-old Lindsey Allen is an A-student who has her heart set on becoming an astronomer. But first she must break away from her mother, an eccentric failed beauty queen who has set up a phony psychic reading shop in their Oregon garage. Fascinating story of the ups and downs of a mother-daughter relationship.

The fourth book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society.

Whenever parents tell me they have a boy who hates reading, I tell them two words: Gary Paulsen. In this story, a treasured rifle passed down through generations is the cause of a tragic accident. With subtle mastery and precision, this tough, thought-provoking novel challenges the idea that firearms don't become instruments of destruction and murder until they are placed in human hands.

Can’t believe it took me this long to include this wonderful graphic novel with a hodgepodge of memorable characters, from Jin Wang, who starts at a new school where he's the only Chinese-American student to Danny, an all-American boy whose obnoxious Chinese cousin Chin-Kee's annual visit is such a disaster that it ruins Danny's reputation at school. Each of these characters cannot help himself alone, but how can they possibly help each other? A great story about never forgetting who you are.

Charming story of Christopher Ludwick, an unsung hero unsung hero of the Revolutionary War who changed the course of history one loaf at a time. Includes terrific cut-paper illustrations by Vincent Kirsch.

Looking for high brow literature? This might not be the book for you. If you are struggling to get your kid – particularly boy – to read, this is going to be a hit.

Cute story about Douglas, a dog with a big problem: he needs eyeglasses but doesn’t know it, and his bad eyesight tends to land him in some pretty hairy situations. Lots of laughs in this delightful read aloud.