October Recommendation
Widow of the South by Robert Hicks
"Have you ever heard of the Battle of Franklin or the Widow of the South? Hicks takes his passion for history and beautifully illuminates one of the most overlooked and heartbreaking episodes of the Civil War. This novelization is true to the facts as they are known; when you're finished reading you'll want to take a trip to Franklin and visit Carrie's home of Carnton and its cemetery for yourself. A future American classic"
- Susan, Wellesely Booksmith Buyer
Friends, Lovers and Chocolate is Alexander McCall's second installment in his latest mystery series, the Sunday Philosophy Club. This series introduces us the delightful Isabel Dalhouse, who has become one of my new favorite characters. She's intelligent, funny, well-read, curious and independent. Isable, a fortysomething Scottish-American moral philosopher and editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, seems destined to become entangled in other peoples lives. It's not nosiness, she tells herself. After all, isn't it human nature to want to helpfellow souls in distress?
Friends, Lover and Chocolate is a entertaining and scrumptious read
Sarah, Wellesley Bookseller
Spring Recommendations
Thread of Grace, by Mary Doria Russell
A powerful and thought-provoking historical novel that brings to life the story of an Italian community that sheltered and saved over 40,000 Jews during World War 2. Russell’s intriguing characters are forced to struggle with the complex moral and ethical dilemmas all humans face in war. Despite the horror and darkness of these times, Russell manages to weave in threads of light and hope that remind us that there are always good people who selflessly sacrifice themselves to ease the suffering of others. You will remember these characters and their heart-breaking stories long after you finish the last page.
Sarah - Babes Creator, Wellesley bookseller
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer.
Through the quirky, trustworthy voice of 9 year old Oscar Schell, Foer explores the themes of life and death, love and loss, with an uncanny understanding of our flaws, self-doubts, and insatiable desires. This book is absurdly wonderful.
Alison, Wellesley bookseller
The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchet.
No one writes like Ann Patchett. This is a story that starts in LA and moves to Alliance, Nebraska. Between these 2 points is an amazing journey of the heart that tells of life, death, family, and, especially, magic.
Sally, Wellesley bookseller
Lighthousekeeping by Jeanette Winterson.
It takes a different set of writing muscles to produce a wise, beautiful short novel. This will become a treasure to be recommended to others but never lent out because the reader will want to return to it again and again
Anna, Wellesley bookseller
The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean.
Readers follow Russian émigré Marina Buriakov back and forth from the present-day American Northwest, where she battles the effects of Alzheimer’s, to World War 2 Leningrad, where she is a tour guide at the Hermitage Museum. The Madonnas of Leningrad is a heartbreakingly lovely story of a woman who is able to see and celebrate beauty despite the ravages of war, time, and disease.
Theresa, Booksense review
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.
Jeannette Walls gives us an insight into her life growing up in a family of contemporary nomads, and she proves that, with determination and perseverance, it is possible to reach your goals. A memoir, a social study, and a surprising comment on our society.
Daniel, Booksense review
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