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books, libraries, Maine, Maine State Library, Sanford, Springvale Public Library, Staff Picks, staff picks ; library ;
Marie’s picks!!
The Invention Of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd is my favorite book of 2014 thus far. Inspired by a true story, this historical novel follows the lives of a slave and her mistress, who also happens to become an abolitionist and suffragist, through the 1800s. Bright writing and even pacing make this a great read.
I hesitate to put The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon on this list based on title alone after another bitterly cold and windy spring day in late March. However, I did enjoy the story in this chilling mystery-horror crossover. Linking the present to the early 1900s with a diary that chronicles a way to keep the dead alive, this story follows a teenager’s haunting search for her mother in present-day rural Vermont.
Taking place in turn-of-the-century Manhattan, The Golem And The Jinni by Helene Wecker tells the stories of a Jewish golem and an Arabian jinni separately exploring their new home in New York. Eventually, the stories merge together leading to a suspense-filled ending. I enjoyed following this inventive story that reads like historical fiction with a hint of fantasy.
Robin Oliveira’s I Always Loved You is another work of historical fiction that I enjoyed. Taking place in Belle Epoque Paris, the story follows Mary Cassatt’s life, focusing on her relationship with fellow artist Edgar Degas. Cassatt’s interactions with the other artists of the time period hum in the background and add to the creative atmosphere of this novel.
Chip’s Picks:
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon Chip describes as the best book he’s read since Harry Potter!
The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman
Dawn’s Picks:
How does tragedy and time affect a person’s memories? This was the premise in The Headmaster’s Wife by Thomas Christopher Greene that I loved. When I got to the half way mark in the book, I stopped and said WOW. So far it is my best book of 2014! Can’t wait to see what others think of this book.
Loved, loved, loved the beautifully written novel Benediction by Kent Haruf. Not much happens in this book but it is about life’s everyday rewards and struggles. It takes the ordinary and makes it special and memorable. Another book that I just thought was so beautifully written is Alice McDermott’s Someone. These two books have been passed to many people!
The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh is a well written and suspenseful novel that deals with the mystery of two women, one who was murdered and one who disappeared. This is McHugh’s first novel and I will be sure to be on the lookout for her next one!
Wiley Cash hooked me with A Land More Kind than Home so I couldn’t wait to pick up his latest This Dark Road to Mercy. Great story and an emotional ride. He is an author that is now on my ‘must read’ list.
A few other titles that I’ve read:
The Silver Star by Jeanette Walls
Orange is the new Black by Piper Kerman (I had to read this after being obsessed with the NETFLIX series!)
Golden State by Michelle Richmond
The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna
Let us know what you’ve been reading!!
