Fiction | Nonfiction

FICTION

The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan
Set in 1915 during the dawn of the hydroelectric power era in Niagara Falls, this novel tells the story of Bess and Tom and their commitment toeach other, as well as the history and power of the falls. (Historical fiction; Richly-detailed; Romantic)  

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
In the village of King’s Abbot, suicide, a secret affair, blackmail and murder create rumors and suspects. The famous detective Hercule Poirot must now solve the murder of Roger Ackroyd. This book launched Agatha Christie’s career and made her a household name. (Mystery; Suspenseful; Compelling)

The Map of Lost Memories by Kim Fay
Set in the early 1900s a woman sets off on a journey to discover an archaeological treasure.  History, politics and art play a role in this discovery that could not only change history, but also the lives of those involved. (Historical fiction; Suspense; Plot-driven; Descriptive)   

May We Be Forgiven by A. M. Homes
A darkly humorous book about two brothers, Harry and George, and how their lives are forever changed after a crisis.  Harold is thrust into thenew role as caregiver to his parents, father to his brother’s children all the while transforming his own life and not repeating the mistakes of hispast. (Literary fiction; Darkly humorous; character driven) 

Flight Behavior  by Barbara Kingsolver
The story of a young wife and mother living a quiet existence on a failing farm in Tennessee experiences something she cannot explain.  Herdiscovery opens up her narrow world and causes her to be caught up in the center of a conflict and in a fight for the truth. (Literary fiction; Issue-oriented; Sobering; Lush) 

Turn of Mind  by Alice LaPlante
A retired orthopedic surgeon is the prime suspect in the murder of her best friend, found dead in a Chicago brownstone, but she doesn’t know ifshecommitted the crime.  The early onset of Alzheimer’s disease is raising the question in her own mind of her innocence or guilt.  (Mystery; Psychological; Bleak; Haunting; Compelling)

Mozart’s Sister   by Nancy Moser 
A historical novel about Nannerl Mozart, the sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a musician herself.  While her father pushes her brother to perform and gain the attention of the world, she wonders if her own dreams will ever be realized.  (Historical fiction; Introspective; Melancholy; Richly detailed)

The Last Town on Earth by Thomas Mullen
Set in the Pacific Northwest during the 1918 flu epidemic, this novel is about love, family, friendship, patriotism, and community.  Each becomesthreatened when the town of Commonwealth, still uninfected, votes to quarantine itself against the deadly illness by posting guards at the singleroad that leads in and out of town. (Historical fiction; Character-driven; Compelling) 

Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult 
Told in flashbacks this story is about Paige O’Toole Prescott a wife and new mother.  She leaves her husband Nicholas and son Max to search for her own mother who abandoned her when she was five years old.  Her journey examines the complexities of the human heart and the bond that exists between a mother and child. (Introspective; Bittersweet; Moving)

Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell
Following a family tragedy, Agnes Shanklin leaves behind her life as a spinster schoolteacher and begins an unforgettable journey.  She travels toEgypt, with her newly adopted dog Rosie, and finds herself in the middle of the Cairo Peace Conference where she meets T.E. Lawrence andWinston Churchill. (Historical fiction; First person narratives; Nostalgic; Descriptive)

This Beautiful Life  by Helen Schulman
When a fifteen year old boy forwards a video to his friends sent to him by his girlfriend the resulting scandal threatens the calm and security of his family.  Set in Manhattan this modern story reveals how one innocent mistake can be impacted by twenty-first century technology. (Fiction; Multiple perspectives; Character-driven; issue-oriented)

A Star for Mrs. Blake by April Smith
In 1929, Congress passed legislation to fund travel to France for mothers of fallen soldiers of World War I so they could visit their sons’ graves.This novel is the story of a group of mothers who made the emotional journey.(Historical fiction; Moving; Compelling)

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NONFICTION

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Introverts like to listen, read, and work on their own. In this book, Cain argues that it is the quiet ones that society undervalues the most, and she provides convincing examples of the significant contributions made by successful introverts.  (Science; Reflective; Accessible; Engaging)

Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy
At age nine, author & poet Lucy Grealy was diagnosed with cancer and had to have a third of her jaw removed. This candid   memoir tells how this major change to her appearance created a desire to be perfect and a need to be loved for who she was, despite pain and rejection.(Autobiography; Moving; Candid; Lyrical)

The Faith Club: A Muslim, a Christian, a Jew – Three Women Search for Understanding by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner
Three women set out to collaborate on an interfaith children’s book about the common traditions of their religions, but they soon realize they have to iron out their differences first.  The “faith club” reveals prejudices, stereotypes and misconceptions about each other’s faith. (Spirituality; Religion; Inspiring; Thought-provoking; Candid)   

Mastering the Art of French Eating by Ann Mah
An amusing memoir by a diplomat’s wife, about her three years living in Paris.  After her husband is sent to Iraq for a year-long assignment, AnnMah adapts to her new life by immersing herself in the local culture, traveling around the country, and exploring the history and food of France.  (Biography/Memoir; Travelogue; amusing, candid) 

The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey by Candice Millard
The true story of Theodore Roosevelt’s incredible journey down one of most dangerous rivers on earth.  It is an unbelievable tale of exploration and incredible hardship as he and his men discover an unmapped tributary of the Amazon river. (Adventure Stories; History; compelling; richly detailed) 

The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
The story of a son and his mother who create a book club after she is diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.  Over the course of two years they discuss not only books, but life as well, and become closer. (Autobiography/Memoir; Bittersweet; Moving; Reflective)  

Crossing the Heart of Africa: An Odyssey of Love and Adventure by Julian Smith
Inspired by Victorian explorer Ewart Grogan, the author sets out on a similar journey, a 4,000 mile walk across Africa through eight countries.  The stories of their travels are interwoven throughout the book, nearly a century apart, both inspired by history, adventure, and love. (Travelogue; Strong sense of place; Candid; Conversational)

Lost in Shangri-La: the epic true story of a World War II plane crash into the Stone Age by Mitchell Zuckoff 
A fast-paced story of a transport plane, carrying 24 officers and enlisted men and women, that crashed in the South Pacific during World War II.  Three survived, only to face a harrowing journey of survival in the jungle until they could be rescued. (Adventure; History; Fast-paced; engaging)

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