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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Lilli de Jong

Lilli de Jong

by Janet Benton 


Reviewed by Gail 

This first book from UMass MFA grad is historical, touching, and also heartbreaking while being uplifting.

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Off Stage

Off Stage

by Betty Comden 

Reviewed by Janice 

Here is a memoir by Betty Comden, who along with her long term business partner Adolph Green, wrote the screenplay and lyrics for "Singing in the Rain, as well as numerous movies and plays. Her col...

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Austerlitz

Austerlitz

by W.G. Sebald 


Reviewed by Donny 

This is a great book and I'm so glad the Jones has it. I was totally absorbed. It's a book to re-read. Very layered reading.

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Some Assembly Required

Some Assembly Required

by Ann Lamott 

Reviewed by LPB 

Anne Lamott uses a journal style to discuss her innermost feelings about her son, Sam, and his girlfriend's decision to have their baby Jax at 19 years old. The books FULL of racial slurs about "Hispani...

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Thinking the Twentieth Century

Thinking the 20th Century

by Tony Judt & Timothy Snyder 

Reviewed by Marcin 

A stimulating conversation between two great intellectuals and historians of both Eastern and Western Europe. Topics include Tony's life, history of Jews in Europe, totalitarianism, an...

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Every Heart a Doorway

Every Heart a Doorway

by Seanan McGuire 

Reviewed by JL 

If you've ever wondered "What happens after?" when reading a tale of other dimensions or worlds, this book is for you. Part murder mystery, part coming-of-age, a little bit dark humor. I loved i...

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Supernova

Supernova

by C.A. Higgins 

Reviewed by Phelan 

Frankly, this book was far too dismal. That's not to say I don't enjoy dismal books, but Supernova makes everything so hopeless and generally terrible that I ultimately lost all motivation to finish it ...

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Refrigerator Monologues

Refrigerator Monologues

by Catherynne M. Valente 

Reviewed by Amy S 

Really fun and different read. These are the stories of the "damsels in distress" from superhero stories, told from their perspective. Very funny and also kind of raw.

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Bombay Anna

Bombay Anna

by Susan Morgan 

Reviewed by Marie 

A fascinating tale of Anna Leonowens, carefully researched to dispel misconceptions from The King and I and falsehoods from Anna herself.

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

The Shadow Land

The Shadow Land

by Elizabeth Kostova 

Reviewed by JRR 

Set in Bulgaria, this book is two intertwined stories - one "present" and one "past". The past story of Lazarov in the communist era is magnificent. The modern story, much less so....

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Those Who Save Us

Those Who Save Us

by Jenna Blum 


Reviewed by MA 

Very well-written book about the Holocaust and its affect on one mother and daughter. Themes of family secrets, love, and forgiveness. Excellent.

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.

TItan

by Ron Chernow 

Reviewed by PL 

A very detailed, well researched biography of the founder of Standard Oil (Esso). He contrasts the ruthless businessman with the Baptist philathropist, who founded a school for black women and the University...

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

A Discovery of Witches

Discovery of Witches

by Deborah Harkness 

Reviewed by Lara 

This book is a blend of Harry Potter and Twilight, but for adults. The author thoroughly immerses you into the witch/vampire/daemon world of England, and draws you into the start of this wonderful tri...

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

In the Heart of the Sea

In the Heart of the Sea

by Nathaniel Philbrick 


Reviewed by Frank S. 

The story that inspired Moby Dick. The real tale is after they sink!

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Manderley Forever: A Biography of Daphne Du Maurier

Manderley Forever

by Tatiana de Rosnay 

Reviewed by Valerie 

De Rosnay has written Manderley Forever in the emotional and literary spirit of Daphne Du Maurier. This book reads like a page-turning novel, unraveling the mysteries of this very popular writer.

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

Emma

Emma

by Jane Austen 

Reviewed by Amy 

I love all of Jane Austen's books, but Emma is a difficult character to like. The movie adaption Clueless captured Emma, who is blithely unaware of everyone around her.

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Posted on: June 30, 2018

A Fine Romance: Falling in Love with the English Countryside

Fine Romance

by Susan Branch 


Reviewed by CH 

A charming diary of a 2 month journey around lovely England - historical sites and walking paths. Wonderful!

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Posted on: June 29, 2018

My Brilliant Friend

My Brilliant Friend

by Elena Ferrante 

Reviewed by EA 

Everyone raves about this series, so I was ready to love this book. I couldn't finish it! I got to page 172 and felt like torture. I found the writing to be stilted and there was no plot. I didn't like th...

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Posted on: June 29, 2018

My Master Recipes

My Master Recipes

by Patricia Wells 


Reviewed by MDS 

Well organized cookbook with good recipes and great tips.

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Posted on: June 29, 2018

Boston's Massacre

Boston's Massacre

by Eric Hinderaker 

Reviewed by Becky 

Hinderaker tells history like a true storyteller (in the manner of David McCullough). A significant investigation into the use of violence by police, applicable to the present day.

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Posted on: June 29, 2018

The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life

Nordic Theory of Everything

by Anu Partanen 

Reviewed by Ella 

This book outlines how unjust and unequal childcare, education, and healthcare policies are in the US. It offers wonderful and hopeful prescriptions for fixing these problems in America. A must read!

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Posted on: June 29, 2018

Moscow Nights: The Van Cliburn Story: How One Man and His Piano Transformed the Cold War

Moscow Nights

by Nigel Cliff 


Reviewed by Anonymous 

Van Cliburn was a true American hero, albeit by accident. His talents were undeniable. The book was a well-documented life of the pianist.

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Posted on: June 29, 2018

How to Not Hate Your Husband After Kids

How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids

by Jancee Dunn 

Reviewed by MB 

The title is inflammatory, which I did not like. I found myself hiding it from my kids. As for the book, there was thought-provoking information and ideas. It really is a self-awareness and relationship self...

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Posted on: June 29, 2018

The Book of Joy

Book of Joy

by Dalai Lama XIV and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Reviewed by Jeannine 

An intriguing combination of philosophy and self-help advice. Enjoyed how Abrams tied together the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism's Eastern approach to life with Tutu and Christia...

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Posted on: June 23, 2018

Belgravia

Belgravia

by Julian Fellowes

Reviewed by Rebecca

For fans of Downton Abbey, this period drama set in the mid-19th century has many twists and turns that make it an enjoyable read.  Lovers of English aristocracy will find this a treat!

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Posted on: June 23, 2018

Murder, with Peacocks

Murder with Peacocks

by Donna Andrews

Reviewed by Mandi

Cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this first book in the series.  Great character development that really makes you root for the whole family.  A wonderful summer read.

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Posted on: June 23, 2018

Miss Jane

Miss Jane

by Brad Watson

Reviewed by JR

Watson's beautiful prose and intriguing characters make this book a binge read-worthy page turner.  Readers will be drawn into the unique challenges faced by Miss Jane, a girl with a strong spirit and careful powers of...

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Posted on: June 19, 2018

Salvage the Bones

Salvage the Bones

by Jesmyn Ward

Reviewed by EZ

Enduring the challenges of onoing poverty and the looming crisis of Hurrican Katrina, 15 year old Esch narrates her family's flaws, incredible humanity, and resiliance.  A beautiful story - you can feel the humidity an...

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Posted on: June 19, 2018

The Namesake

The Namesake

by Jhumpa Lahiri


Reviewed by DR

A relatable book about immigration and assimiliation to the US from India.  The hardships Ashima endures as a wife and mother are captured beautifully.

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Posted on: June 19, 2018

Gilded Cage

Gilded Cage

by Vic James

Reviewed by Helena

Interesting premise - 10 years of slavery - that is believable within the story.  I got caught up in the characters and cared  what happened to them.  Looking forward to the next volume.

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Posted on: June 19, 2018

Mozart's Starling

Mozarts Starling

by Lyanda Lynn Haupt

Reviewed by Naya

Such a magical mix of memoir and biography, with plenty of ecology and natural history.  I was surpised at how engaging the story was, and it made for a quick, unique read.

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Posted on: June 19, 2018

If We Were Villains

If We Were Villains

by M. L. Rio

Reviewed by SKG

Rio carefully constructs  a tale of love, betrayal, desperation, and ultimate sacrifice.  Suspenseful 'til the very last page, the author's attention to detail can be appreciated by not only Shakespeare fans bu...

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Posted on: November 21, 2017

All these Wonders: True Stories about Facing the Unknown

All these Wonders

by Cahterine Burns, editor 


Reviewed by Lucy P. 

This is a collection of presentations on The Moth Radio Hour. Every one is a gem.

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