Blaise’s August Recommendation

Posted on August 25, 2014 by GG Reads

The Sun and Other Stars by Brigid Pasulka

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Blaise says:

This is a great summer read, a good book to escape into. Set on the coast of Italy, the story is told from the perspective of 22 year old Etto, a young man who is struggling after the death of his mother and brother. Through friends, family and soccer he is able to find happiness and hope. I read this book in a weekend, it’s a page turner.

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Similar Titles:

The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman – Also set in Italy, this literary and engaging novel focuses on the interesting characters that staff a struggling newspaper. Won Publishers Weekly and NY Times Book of the Year in 2010.

This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz – A collection of short stories focusing on love and loss. Told from the perspective of Yunior, a romantic and hardheaded young man. If you are looking for funny and beautiful writing, check this out. Won 2012 Publisher’s Weekly and NY Times Book of the Year. Won 2013 American Library Association Notable Books

The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie – For a more historical novel written by an important author, try this story of a stranger who arrives at the court of Emperor Akbar with a tale about a mysterious woman. Set in two empires – Florence during High Renaissance and the Mogul Empire.

Ashley’s December Recommendation

Posted on December 3, 2012 by becks0216

Fourmile by Watt Key

“A boy must contend with the loss of his father, a failing farm and his mother’s shady boyfriend. He finds help and friendship with a drifter (who has his own baggage). The boy and the drifter fix up the farm as his mother’s boyfriend’s faults shine throught. The story ends in a dangerous and dramatic showdown that you’ll have to read to believe. This book is a fast-paced, well written tale with compelling characters. Key trusts middle grade readers with some tough topics–that I’m sure many will identify with. This is a great read for boys and reluctant tween readers–but the book has a great deal of adult appeal. While a story of this nature can help a young person understand the world around them–it can also help adults understand a child’s point of view in times of tragedy”.

Read about or request Fourmile from the library catalog!

3 Similar Reads (Fiction)

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Wringer by Jerry Spinelli

3 Similar Reads (Nonfiction)

You May Plow Here: The Narrative of Sara Brooks by Sara Brooks

We Bought A Zoo by Benjamin Mee

Where Rivers Change Direction by Mark Spragg

Margaret’s November Recommendation

Posted on November 10, 2012 by becks0216

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

“Tom returns to Australia healthy but haunted from WWI to become a lighthouse keeper on an isolated island. Tom is content to live this solitary life but by chance on a shore visit meets and falls in love with lively, spirited Isabel. Somewhat remarkably, the two create a happy life together alone on Janus Rock, and Tom realizes he may be able to have a full life despite the guilt and horrors that he has carried since the war. But, after Isabel suffers two miscarriages and a stillbirth, a heavy sadness descends on the cottage by the lighthouse. Then, one day a boat washes up on the island with a dead man and a crying infant. What follows is a heartbreakingly desperate story about right and wrong, family and love. This is a well-written and affecting novel set in an interesting time and place. Stedman does a good job of catching hold of his readers’ emotions without veering too close to melodrama. Pick it up if you like historical fiction, family stories, or just good literary fiction.”