MY LIBRARIAN ROSEANNEe – Batavia Public Library

My Librarian Roseanne

. . . but for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short..

—Jane Austen

I grew up loving to read and can remember many trips to the library. Working in a library was definitely an easy career choice for me to make. I now read chick lit, contemporary fiction, and books about women’s lives. I enjoy books with a bittersweet tone and if the story can make me laugh or cry I’m hooked. A new favorite of mine is historical fiction and one example is Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell. A good gentle read will lighten my mood. Also on my list is Christian fiction, psychological fiction, a good series, and mysteries. The Stephanie Plum series written by Janet Evanovich is my favorite. I prefer my mysteries on the lighter side, but will also read a thriller or a suspenseful story. I love listening to audiobooks and will often choose a book based on the narrator. Authors Barbara Kingsolver and Ann Patchett do a wonderful job narrating their books. Occasionally I’ll read some nonfiction, autobiographies, memoirs, travel writing, though I prefer nonfiction that reads like fiction.

On Roseanne's Bookshelf

These Precious Days by Anne Patchett
The Last Anniversary by Katherine Center
Fortune and Glory: tantalizing twenty-seven by Janet Evanovich
The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle

Roseanne's Top 10 Favorite Books

A richly detailed story of young wife and mother, Dellarobia Turnbow, living on a failing farm in Tennessee. She experiences something she cannot explain, an unusual fire, which throws her into the world where she must fight for the truth.

After meeting his soul mate, Meredith, Sam Elling creates a computer program so that she can have one last virtual conversation with her grandmother. A thoughtful, witty and off beat story about love, loss, and being able to say goodbye.

A bittersweet and moving tale of Sophie Stanton who finds her personal and professional world in shambles after the death of her husband. In order to reinvent herself she moves to Oregon.

A moving story about a woman who leaves her husband and newborn son to search for the mother who abandoned her as a child. Her bittersweet journey examines the human heart and the bond that exists between mother and child.

After falling down and banging her head at the gym, Alice comes to and her life is completely different from before she fell. A sweet and funny story about memory loss and getting a second chance.

A heartwarming story that chronicles the romantic relationship between Rosie and Alex, best friends since childhood whose feelings gradually evolve into something more. Separation and an unexpected pregnancy turn their lives upside down.

In this descriptive historical fiction novel Agnes Shanklin, a spinster schoolteacher, travels to Egypt with her newly adopted dog Rosie. She finds herself in the middle of the Cairo Peace Conference where she meets T.E. Lawrence and Winston Churchill.

In this atmospheric and suspenseful novel the second Mrs. De Winter must face the shadow of her husband's late first wife. At his country estate a sinister house housekeeper and evil secrets threaten to destroy their marriage.

The first person narrative of Mary Beth Latham, mother of three and a landscape gardener. A heart wrenching, thought provoking and compelling story of what happens when she is faced with a shocking act of violence.

An amusing story of two flawed but likeable families awaiting the arrival of their adopted infant daughters from Korea. Meeting at the airport the families develop a connection that begins at an arrival party and occurs every year.

Roseanne's Best Nonfiction Books

A fast-paced story of a transport plane 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.

An amusing second book by Rob Lowe about his life in acting and the variety of roles he has taken on over the years, the love for his wife of over 20 years and the family he created with her.

A funny book about the stand-up comedian's life growing up in a large Irish-Catholic family to raising his own five children. The stories of diaper changing, eating and sleeping will have you laughing out loud.

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.

The author reflects on the life of her black Labrador retriever Beau and how the life of a dog taught her valuable lessons. It's a bittersweet and heartwarming story of a loyal and cherished friend.

A candid memoir and collection of very personal writings that will resonate with every reader. Essays on love, writing a novel, an old dog, friendship, and art.

A very funny book about the life of an exuberant Labrador retriever named Marley who gets into a wide range of trouble. His misadventures and boundless energy could not be quelled by obedience school or tranquilizers prescribed by the vet.

A reflection on how cats have evolved from predator into human companion and how they reveal their emotions. In a conversational and accessible tone the author draws on observations of his own five cats.

A moving memoir by Alan Cumming, stage and screen actor, who grew up in Scotland. He tells the story of the troubled relationship with his father and how his father's mistreatment started in his childhood and lasted into his teens.

Rob Lowe's interesting life includes stories of his passion for acting, his parent's divorce when he was young and his own substance abuse and treatment. Lowe narrates in a conversational tone, which makes his story a pleasure to read.

Andrew McCarthy, actor and editor at large for National Geographic, journeys up the Amazon River, through the rain forest and up Mt. Kilimanjaro. It's a candid quest to discover why he is unable to commit to his future wife.

A very funny memoir by the comedian about her life in and out of show business. She talks about growing up, being raised by her grandmother, famous friendships and anecdotes about her show including one about her infamous Tarzan yell.

A moving memoir about the author's twenty-three year friendship with poet Lucy Grealy. Lucy's childhood cancer and subsequent surgeries shaped her life, her work their friendship until Lucy's tragic death in New York City in 2002.

An engaging memoir about Amy's life and her take on it. She will make you laugh and ponder the witty advice she gives such as when to be funny, when to be serious and of course, always say yes, please.

Roseanne's Sweet Books

A series of essays about life, love, sisterhood, girlfriends, dogs, movies, and family including a sweet essay about losing her sister Nora Ephron. An enjoyable read and fun to listen to on Audio. Actress Meg Ryan is the narrator.

Marian Caldwell, a New York City television producer, answers a knock at the door and finds the daughter she gave up for adoption. Their reunion forces them both to re-evaluate their lives and to search for what is missing.

A richly detailed story about Jenna, a girl searching for answers to the disappearance of her mother, a scientist studying the effects of grief on elephants. She uses her mother's journals, a psychic and private investigator to find the truth.

Jane Margaux, who is taken once a week to Tiffany's by her mother, has one imaginary friend named Michael. On Jane's eighth birthday Michael leaves, promising that she'll forget him, but years later he returns and has no idea why.

A heart wrenching tale about Katie and a diary left for her by her ex-boyfriend Matt's first wife which she wrote for their son Nicholas. Through the diary she learns why Matt was not able to commit to their future.

Elayna Leopold falls into a deep depression after the death of her infant son. Her depression lifts when she meets an unmarried neighbor and she must question her morality and choices in order to protect her young daughter.

Ellie's flies to London to be with the husband and daughter of her friend Lucy. Ellie leaves behind her husband, job and life in Boston to stay and take care of the little girl traumatized by her mother's murder.

George Washington is preparing to attend the inauguration of his successor, John Adams, and contemplates leaving the presidency behind. He reflects on the trials and triumphs that occur throughout his life and his marriage, one of the great love stories.

A heartwarming story about a woman who loses her husband and then receives word that her grandmother, Sam, is in a coma. As she sits by her grandmothe's side she learns secrets about her grandmother through letters left for her.

A charming holiday story about Mark and Marcy who meet in a coffee shop on a snowy evening in Utah. The two share stories about their lives and Mark soon discovers he wants to share his life with her.

Roseanne's Best Series Books

A funny series about former pop star Heather Wells, who after losing her recording contract and gaining a few pounds becomes part-time PI and residence hall director at the local college. Solving murders makes this a suspenseful, fast paced series.

Shanghai Girls, the first in a two book historical series, about sisters Pearl and May who flee China and come to America during the 1930s. Dreams of Joy focuses on Pearl's daughter Joy and her journey China to find her father.

A New Jersey bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum, has a close knit family and a crazy cast of friends. She works for her cousin Vinny's bond enforcement agency and trying to catch the bad guy causes laugh out loud adventures.

A warm and moving series, Man and Boy and Man and Wife, is about Harry, his wife Gina and son Pat. After having an affair, Gina leaves and Harry is left to raise his son alone.

A funny, engaging and witty series about a 28 year old reporter for the Philadelphia Enquirer who also writes science fiction under a pen name. Cannie Shapiro's is on a quest to find peace and eventually love

Father Tim Cavanaugh is the Episcopal rector at a church in the charming town of Mitford. A leisurely paced and heartwarming series of books about his life and the relationship he has with his parishioners.

16 Lighthouse Road is the first book in this series about Olivia Lockhart, a family court judge, her daughter, mother, neighbors and friends. Each book is dedicated to someone living in the town of Cedar Cove.

A heartwarming series set each year around the holidays about the Quinn family and their Inn on Nantucket Island. Divorced parents, three kids and plenty of drama keep the story going and the reader interested.

The Stephanie Plum series set during each of the holidays. The adventures never stop for this bounty hunter from New Jersey.

Roseanne's Top Audiobooks

A memoir written and read to you by the famous couple who host the HGTV show "Fixer Upper". Chip and Joanna Gaines talk about their lives growing up, how they met, and why they started their business they named Magnolia

An American Wife is the story of Alice Lindgren, a librarian, based on the life of Laura Bush. It follows her life from growing up in Wisconsin and the trajectory that lands her i

Ruth has always found baking cakes to be a source of relief from the stresses of life. As her life crumbles around her baking cakes helps her solve life's problems.

A very funny and romantic story of Julie and Romeo from two families, the Cacciamanis and the Rosemans, who are bitter enemies. They meet at a business seminar and fall in love.

A moving story about Lucy Barton who endures a long hospital stay. Her husband calls her estranged mother to come and stay with her at the hospital. A beautiful story about a mother and daughter.

A haunting book about two brothers, Subhash and Udayan Mitra, born fifteen months apart in Calcutta, India. Inseparable as children, they grow up to lead very different lives, one in America and the other in India.

Annie Oh, an artist and mother, has divorced her husband and fallen in love with Viveca, an art dealer. Their upcoming wedding not only reveals dark family secrets, but also different reactions from each of the immediate family members.

A biography written by the wives of the famous men of Duck Commander. Miss Kay, Korie, Missy, Jessica and Lisa all tell of their lives as wives and mothers in the Robertson family.

A suspenseful story about three very different women, Cecelia, Tess and Rachel. All three women will have to make hard decisions about their lives that will affect the lives of those they love.

The Stephanie Plum series set during each of the holidays. The adventures never stop for this bounty hunter from New Jersey.

A collection of humorous and reflective essays about the authors lives. Lisa writes from her home in the Philadelphia suburbs while her daughter Francesca writes about her single life living in New York City with her dog and cat.

Roseanne's Favorite Women's Fiction Books

Maine is the place where three generations of Kellehers descend every summer to spend time at their family cottage. Maggie, Ann Marie, Kathleen and Alice are four women who while they may have nothing in common each have secrets.

Valentine Roncalli is a 33 year-old apprentice at her grandmother's shoe company. It is one of the last family owned businesses in Greenwich Village and must be brought into the 21st century to save it from ruin.

The lives of four very different women connect in unexpected ways. Each woman in the book faces an issue and each finds the solution they think will best solve the problem.

A book that explores the friendship between two young women whose friendship is shattered by betrayal. The two are forced into a crazy adventure ten years later where they must rely on each other and the friendship that they once had.

Two sisters, Meredith and Josie are at a crossroads fifteen years after their brother Daniel is killed in a car accident right before Christmas. They both must make important decisions. A relatable book about family and the unbreakable bond between sisters.

An engaging story about three friends Kate, Vanessa and Dani who reconnect in the New Jersey beach town of Avalon. Each must come to terms with the part they may have played in the drowning death of Kate's twin brother.

Nantucket residents Grace Pancik, her real estate husband Fast Eddie and twin daughters. Grace's best friend Madeline King, a novelist, her husband Trevor and son Brick. Eddie's sister, Barbie. Rumors are running rampant and everyone is wondering who started them.

The title novella is about a girl who has plans to spend a romantic weekend in Paris with her boyfriend but is stood up. She decides to spend the weekend alone getting to know the city she's always dreamed of visiting.

Allison Weiss seems to have it all, but she is having a hard time coping with the reality of her life. Taking pain pills leftover from a back injury helps. She hits rock bottom and tries to find her way back.

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