LIGHT BULB LUNCH May 11, 2007 Book Recommendations, especially for Adults (but Students may also like them!)
90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper
Recommended by "Anonymous" The author, a pastor, describes his near-death experience after a car accident in 1989, explaining that he went to Heaven and was brought back to Earth by a miracle, and discusses the impact of the event on his life.
All Over but the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg Recommended by Cathy Sheridan
The author recalls his poverty-stricken youth in Alabama in the 1960s and 70s, focusing on the extraordinary efforts of his mother to protect her sons from the violence of their father, a man scarred by war, and telling of the sacrifices she made so her children could have a better life. (Kirkus starred) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
American Gods by Neil Gaiman Recommended by Michael Russell
LJ quote: "In his latest novel, Gaiman explores the vast and bloody landscape of myths and legends where the gods of yore and the neoteric gods of now conflict in modern-day America." Shadow sets out on a journey across America fighting old myths and the gods of modern technology and material obsession when he takes employment with a man named Wednesday--otherwise known as the god Odin--after his release from prison and his wife's sudden death. (LJ starred, Kirkus starred, VOYA)
The Atlantis Blueprint: Unlocking the Ancient Mysteries of a Long-Lost Civilization by Colin Wilson & Rand Flem-Ath
Recommended by "Anonymous" Theorizes that the Great Pyramid, Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, and other sacred sites are linked together through a sophisticated network of connections that traces back to the city of Atlantis. Referred to as "pseudoscientific history" by Publisher's Weekly who state "For followers of mystical science, fantasy readers and conspiracy theorists, Flem-Ath and Wilson's enthusiasm and conviction will be a welcoming island in a sea of skepticism." Referred to as "mesmerizing non-fiction" by "Anonymous".
Baker Towers by Jennifer Haigh Recommended by Katie Martin
Presents a novel set in a post-World War Two coal-mining town in Pennsylvania and tells the story of the five Novak children who come of age during wartime.(Kirkus starred; Booklist starred) ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION
Basque History of the World by Mark Kurlansky Recommended by "Anonymous"
Traces the history of the Basque people, discussing their role and involvement in the world, and considering the survival of a thriving Basque community throughout time even though the Basques have never had a country of their own. (LJ starred; PW starred) "Anonymous says, "Excellent: Totally different look at history from the viewpoint of people thought to be descended from neanderthals."
Blink: the power of thinking without thinking by Malcolm Gladwell Recommended by Sandy Stuart
Presents a study of how people think without thinking, looking at the brain processes involved in making snap decisions, discussing why some people seem to have great instincts while others consistently choose unwisely, and examining ways to control the process. Informative and fascinating. (LJ starred; PW starred; IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION Also by Malcom Gladwell: The Tipping Point IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
The Botany of Desire: a plant's-eye view of the world by Michael Pollan Recommended by Marc Russell
Traces the history of four domesticated species: the apple, the tulip, marijuana, and the potato, from the plant's point of view and discusses how they have been cultivated to fill human needs and desires.(Booklist starred, PW starred) ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION Also by Michael Pollan: The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (Kirkus starred; PW best books for 2006)
Breach of Faith by Jed Horne Recommended by Sandy Stuart
Chronicles the devastating impact Hurricane Katrina had on the city of New Orleans, describing the experiences of the city's residents who were forced to endure dangerous conditions as the city's leaders struggled to maintain order and begin the enormous rebuilding process. Agonizing, in-the-trenches retelling of Hurricane Katrina and her catastrophic consequences.(Kirkus starred) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos Recommended by Sandy Stuart
Seventy-year-old Margaret Hughes is tired of living alone in her Seattle mansion, so she welcomes Wanda Schultz, a young woman suffering a broken heart, into her home, and the two form an unlikely friendship. Booklist: "Well-crafted plotting and crackling wit make this debut novel by Seattle author Kallos a delight to read and a memory to savor. The compelling story highlights the losses and disjointedness of life and the many paths back to healing for those who seek the way.(LJ starred, Kirkus starred, Booklist starred) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
Citizen Soliders by Stephen Ambrose Recommended by Chris Bobal
Tells the story of the soldiers of the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Air Forces in the European Theater of Operations in World War II, following their activities from DDay on June 7, 1944 to Germany's surrender eleven months later on May 7, 1945. (Kirkus starred; Library Journal starred)
D-Day by Stephen Ambrose Recommended by Chris Bobal
Reveals the intricate plan for the invasion of France in June 1944, based on 1400 oral histories from the men who were there. "Unsurpassed for detail, emotion, and suspense." (Kirkus starred) ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION
Deception Point by Dan Brown Recommended by Diana McClain
White House intelligence analyst Rachel Sexton is thrust into a life-or-death situation when she travels to the Arctic to investigate the discovery of a rare meteorite that might prove the existence of extraterrestrial life, and finds instead evidence of scientific trickery. Diana says it's a "page-turner"! ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION (to replace lost copy) Also by Dan Brown: The DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons IN LSHS COLLECTION
Devil in the White City by Eric Larson Recommended by Michael Russell
An account of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 relates the stories of two men who shaped the history of the event--architect Daniel H. Burnham, who coordinated its construction, and serial killer Herman Mudgett. (Booklist starred, PW starred) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
The Echo Maker by Richard Powers Recommended by Sandy Stuart
Karin Schulter reluctantly returns to her hometown to nurse her brother, Mark, back to health after he suffers a traumatic head injury in a car accident on a remote Nebraska road, but her task is made more difficult when he wakes from his coma only to claim that she is an imposter, and she turns to renowned neurologist Gerald Weber for help. PW: Powers's prose-powerful, but not overbearing-brings a sorrowful energy to every page." (National Book Award winner; Kirkus starred; Booklist starred) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
Fire and Brimstone: the North Butte mining disaster of 1917 by Michael Punke Recommended by Kara Farren, whose Grandfather (last name of Dugan) was in the accident & didn't survive. He is mentioned in 2 chapters!
Chronicles the events surrounding the mining disaster of 1917, in which a fire more than two thousand feet below ground spewed poisonous gas throughout the mine's underground tunnels, killing more than 150 workers. ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom Recommended by Sandy Stuart
A bitter eighty-three-year-old war veteran who believes his life is meaningless dies while trying to save a little girl's life and finds himself in heaven, where five people from his past--some loved ones, some strangers--explain what his years on Earth really meant, and whether or not he succeeded in saving the child.(PW starred) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION Also by Mitch Albom: For One More Day and Tuesdays with Morrie
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri Recommended by Marc Russell
"This Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of short fiction fills the reader with emotions at the turn of each page." Nine short stories chart the emotional journeys of characters seeking love beyond the borders of nations and generations.(Kirkus starred; PulitzerPrize 2000) ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION
Jonathan Kellerman mysteries Recommended by "Anonymous" The Time Bomb , Gone, Rage and more. "Anonymous" says "I love anything by Jonathan Kellerman. I love murder mysteries!" The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Recommended by Nancy Daniels, Pam Lantz, and Sandy Stuart
Relates the demise of friendship and the precipitous decline of Afghanistan at the end of the 20th century. Amir, a Pashtun, and his Hazara servant, Hassan, have grown up not only as master and servant but also as inseparable friends. Yet Amir is jealous of his father's affection for Hassan, who, though poor and illiterate, has many talents. Amir abandons Hassan at a time of extreme need and then, motivated by guilt, brutally betrays him. In the latter half of the novel, Amir returns to Afghanistan and begins to atone for his childhood mistakes.(PW starred, Kirkus starred, ) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
Life if Pi by Yann Martel Recommended by Michael Russell
Pi Patel, having spent an idyllic childhood in Pondicherry, India, as the son of a zookeeper, sets off with his family at the age of sixteen to start anew in Canada, but his life takes an amazing turn when their ship sinks in the Pacific, leaving him adrift on a raft with a 450-pound Bengal tiger for company. (LJ starred, PW starred, VOYA) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
Like Water for Chocolate: a novel in monthly installments, with recipes, romances, and home remedies by Laura Esquivel Recommended by Sandy Stuart
A romantic and poignant tale of love and family life in turn-of-the-century Mexico. From LJ: "A poignant, funny story of love, life, and food which proves that all three are entwined and interdependent."(ALA notable) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
The Looming Tower: Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 by Lawrence Wright Recommended by "Anonymous"
Chronicles the events leading up to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, offering an in-depth look at the Al Qaeda terrorist group's planning of the attacks and the events that prompted them. A talented New Yorker staff writer, Wright was on the al-Qaeda beat within hours of the 9/11 attacks. The product of his efforts is more deeply researched and engagingly narrated than nearly all of the looming stack of books on Osama bin Laden and his cohorts published in the past five years. (Booklist starred; Kirkus starred) ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION
Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan Recommended by Angela Stueve
The author presents a tender story of his family's love for their golden retriever, Marley, and recalls how he grew from a mischievous puppy into a nearly impossible adult that no amount of obedience school training could correct, and of the love they felt for him. IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri Recommended by Anonymous
A young man born of Indian parents in America struggles with issues of identity from his teens to his thirties.(New York Times and Wilson's Fiction literary prizes) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben
Recommended by Lisa Thomas and "Anonymous" A surgeon suspected of killing his wife attempts to save his kidnapped infant daughter without the help of the authorities. "Anonymous" says, "I read it in two days . . .and I don't read! :-). A suspenseful thriller!" ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECITON Also by Harlan Coben (and also a quick, suspenseful read!) Tell No One and Gone for Good IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
On Beauty by Zadie Smith Recommended by Sandy Stuart
Englishman Howard Belsey struggles to revive his love for his African-American wife as he works abroad at an American college, but when a disastrous affair is revealed, Howard learns his actions may have dire consequences on every member of his family. (Kirkus starred; LJ starred, PW starred) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION Also by Zadie Smith: White Teeth (PW starred; ALA Notable)
One Thousand White Women: the journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus Recommended by Nancy Daniels
In her journal, May Dodd records her experiences as a Cheyenne Indian bride, traded by the government in 1875 as part of a secret peace treaty with the Cheyenne nation. ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood Recommended by Michael Russell
Jimmy, perhaps the last living human unaltered by science, struggles for survival in a post-apocalyptic world as he tries to make sense of how everything went wrong, mourns the loss of his beloved Oryx and considers the role of his genius friend Crake who had been working on a formula for immortality at the RejoovenEsenseCompound. (Kirkus starred, LJ starred, Booklist starred, PW starred) (Note from Michael:I read this book after reading that it's at the top of Stephen King's favorite books. I think it's a great book for upper level students or teachers looking for a novel with more substance than the average Grisham thriller. Also recommended: Blood Assassin and The Handmaid's Tale IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
Peace like a River by Leif Enger
Recommended by Sandy Stuart
In the 1960s, a spiritual man named Jeremiah Land sets out from his Minnesota home with his young son and daughter to find his elder son, Davy, after he escapes jail on the morning of his sentencing for murder. PW says, "This is a stunning debut novel, one that sneaks up on you like a whisper and warms you like a quilt in a North Dakota winter, a novel about faith, miracles and family that is, ultimately, miraculous." (PW starred, Booklist starred) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve Recommended by Nancy Daniels
Kathryn Lyon's life was peacefully routine, she had a good job and a happy marriage, so when she received the news that her pilot husband has died in a crash, her world was drastically changed. Even before his body is recovered the media discovers that her husband had a secret life, and Kathryn sets out to learn who her husband really was. (Oprah's book club) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
The Places In-Between by Rory Stewart Recommended by "Anonymous"
Just after the fall of the Taliban, a doughty Scot walks across Afghanistan from Herat to Kabul, observing, studying, starving, freezing, encountering poverty, cruelty, ignorance, generosity, warmth and terror. Along the way, a huge, nearly feral earless dog joined him after being tormented in its village. Their eventual parting is only one heartbreaking moment in a narrative of painful poignancy. Gripping account of a courageous journey, observed with a scholar's eye and a humanitarian's heart. (Kirkus starred; Notable books of the year 2006) ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION Also by Rory Stewart The Prince of the Marshes: and other occupational hazards of a year in Iraq (Kirkus starred)
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant Recommended by Nancy Daniels
The story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, is told from her point of view, beginning with the story of her mothers, Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah. These wives of Jacob give her the gifts that are to sustain her through a damaged youth, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land.(Booklist starred, LJ starred) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
Santa's Secret: A Story of Hope by Donna McGuire Recommended by KC Star
The story of Kansas City's Secret Santa IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Recommended by Sandy Stuart
Fourteen-year-old Lily and her companion, Rosaleen, an African-American woman who has cared from Lily since her mother's death ten years earlier, flee their home after Rosaleen is victimized by racist police officers, and find a safe haven in Tiburon, South Carolina at the home of three beekeeping sisters, May, June, and August. (NYPL, VOYA, PW starred) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg Recommended by Michael Russell
Ten-year-old Bobby Smith, son of the local pharmacist and the host of the radio show "Neighbor Dorothy," grows to manhood in Elmwood, Missouri, observing the people and the changes that affect the small town in the decades after the end of World War II. (PW starred, Booklist starred, Kirkus starred) ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION
The Tender Bar: A Memoir by J.R. Moehringer Recommended by Cathy Sheridan
The author, a Pulitzer Prize writer for the Los Angeles Times, presents his memoirs of growing up without his father and finding himself looking for male role models among the regulars at Publicans, a Manhasset, Long Island, bar. Kirkus review says, "A straight-up account of masculinity, maturity and memory that leaves a smile on the face and an ache in the heart." (Booklist starred, Kirkus starred) ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION
Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston Recommended by Nancy Daniels
An African-American woman searches for a fulfilling relationship through two loveless marriages and finally finds it in the person of Tea Cake, an itinerant laborer and gambler. IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien Recommended by "Anonymous"
A collection of related short fiction stories with recurring characters and an interwoven plot and theme, which recreate the Vietnam War experiences of an American foot soldier.(NYPL Books for the Teen Age) IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
Three Cups of Tea: one man's mission to fight terrorism and build nations--one school at a time by Greg Mortenson Recommended by Pam Lantz
Greg Mortenson recounts the experiences he had while trying to help impoverished villages in Pakistan's Karakoram Himalaya build schools for their children. Booklist: "Readers interested in a fresh perspective on the cultures and development efforts of Central Asia will love this incredible story of a humanitarian endeavor." (PW starred) ON ORDER FOR LSHS COLLECTION
A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
Recommended by Pam Lantz
Tells the story of a young woman, Jean, who sets out on a journey following the memory of a lost love in Malaya who she met during World War II when she survived a Japanese death march. IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen Recommended by Sandy Stuart
Ninety-year-old Jacob Jankowski finds himself haunted by memories of his past in the circus and the freaks, exotic animals, and other people he encountered as a performer. Booklist: "This lushly romantic novel travels back and forth in time between Jacob's present day in a nursing home and his adventures in the surprisingly harsh world of 1930s circuses." Note from Sandy: Reviewers criticized it for ending too happily, but I loved it! IN LSHS LMC COLLECTION