WML Word of Mouth List
See what books your fellow library users recommend!
- General Fiction
- Science Fiction / Fantasy
- Mystery / Suspense
- Action / Thriller
- Horror
- Classics
- Nonfiction
- Young Adult
General Fiction
The Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
One of the best books in a long time.
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
Super good book - best book out in a while. Love this book. It needs to be a TV show/movie.
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Fascinating novel by the author of The Paris Wife. The book is based on Beryl Markham's life. It gives a rich sense of the life of early aviators and life in Africa. Would appeal to fans of Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen and Beryl Markham's West with the Night.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
One of the best books I've ever read. I read it in one sitting.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Loved it! A very moving story - lots of tears. The emotional journey reminded me of 'Tell the Wolves I'm Home' - not because of plot similarities but because of the hard, painful stories of love.
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Wonderful telling of a forgotten part of American history. The orphan train, a mass transport of orphans from the East to the Western frontier. The narration brings a modern day Emo teen and an elderly "orphan trainer" together. Beautiful story.
The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro
Awesome book! I would have returned this in the "Awesome Box" but it is from the book club. What an interesting story - I loved every bit of it!
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Read this book! Unlikely characters on an interesting journey.
Delicious! by Ruth Reichl
A fun and interesting cooking, family, coming-of-age story with a hidden room and people and places I personally would love to experience myself!
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Admittedly, I am a big fan of Sue Monk Kidd anyway, but I loved this book. Her ability to show the pain and struggle of the times as well as the joys (large and small) is unequaled in my opinion. It seems so well researched that it makes the reader want to know more about this segment of history. I was inspired by the theme of the characters' search for freedom.
The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout
One of the best books I've ever read. Human, flawed characters. Success vs. failure; us vs. them; assumption vs. reality. It's complex, thought-provoking and redemptive. Made me cry - in a good way.
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
Really good - the characters felt incredibly real, I was instantly absorbed and it didn't let up at all. I'd like to read more by her.
Where'd You Go Bernadette? by Maria Semple
An unexpected and enjoyable read. Very funny.
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
A remarkable and fascinating book.
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Such an interesting and compelling book. The characters were complicated, sometimes uncomfortably so. I really liked it.
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
Very human and appealing character.
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
Really something special.
The Talk Funny Girl by Roland Merullo
Very well written. I could not put it down! Suspenseful, touching, and a real page turner.
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
What a wonderful and well-written book. A series of interlocking short stories. In each story Olive plays a role, sometimes major, sometimes not.
Casting Off by Nicole Dickson
Nice, nice story, and gives information about the stitching at the beginning of each chapter.
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
Hard to believe this was a first novel... The characters, the place, the game are so fully developed and rich. I've heard a lot of reviewers say that this is definitely not a book about baseball - and I understand that they say that so that people who aren't into baseball won't be turned off, but it's not really accurate. The book is definitely not just about baseball -- but the baseball piece is very important to the story and the characters. This story couldn't be told without the baseball. I'm not a baseball fan (not even close!), but I loved that part of this novel as much as everything else. Definitely one of the best books of the year if not the decade.
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
I want to tell everyone to read this unusual book. I wish I'd paid closer attention to details because there is a thread that runs through each "world." Loved this book.
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Excellent read. It is a good story combining lots of history. Well written.
March by Geraldine Brooks
Excellent book, especially for fans of Little Women or historical novels. The author imagines what happens to Mr. March when he is away from his family during the Civil War era. Well-written and engaging.
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
A woman delves into her past and discovers her mother's secret life. Very hard to put down.
Little Bee by Chris Cleave
Beautifully written and haunting story.
Looking for Peyton Place by Barbara Delinsky
Interesting concept, should especially be enjoyed by New Hampshire folks! Lots of interesting info about Grace Metalious, author of Peyton Place.
Love Walked In by Marisa De Los Santos
So well-written with such delightful characters I could easily see this as a film - this is an author to watch! A heart-tugging tearjerker!
Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay
This is a wonderful first book that hooks you fin from the first pages. Be forewarned - it is a Holocaust story with all the sadness and despair.
The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier
More spicy and funny than Girl with the Pearl Earring. You learn a lot about tapestry and weaving.
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
An excellent book! A coming-of-age story for women.
Theft: A Love Story by Peter Carey
Intriguing, unusual, great pace and settings. The narration alternates between the artist and his mentally disabled brother.
Tara Road by Maeve Binchy
Delightful light read about a woman rediscovering her strength surrounded by an outstanding cast of quirky friends, a husband in mid-life crisis, and a bold, daring journey.
South of Broad by Pat Conroy
A Southern novel set in Charleston, South Carolina. Great development of characters and descriptions of the city.
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
In the vein of Alice Hoffman. SUPER!
The Brooklyn Follies by Paul Auster
You may recognize Auster from an NPR series - his books are quirky, his characters real and his storytelling very easy to read. Sometimes things really do work out for the best even when you think there's no way they could - this book will make you smile!
The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje
A wonderful ocean voyage remembered from adulthood; the character looks back on the central emotional experience of his life, the sea voyage to join his family.
Emily Alone by Stewart O'Nan
His description of Emily was right on the money for the character! One of my favorite authors.
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
I loved this book! He is a really wonderful writer, and I loved how distinct and engrossing the different characters and storylines were. The locations are beautiful, and I was completely drawn in from beginning to end. LOVED it - one of the best I've read in a while.
The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht
Very well written and deeply heartfelt. Parts were very disturbing though! Very slow at the start but fascinating.
Sister Mine by Tawni O'Dell
Family melodrama full of southern humor.
Second Glance by Jodi Picoult
Vivid characters mesmerize in this ghost story - one of her best and hard to put down. Well researched and a very enjoyable book. Highly recommended.
The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett
If you like Alice Hoffman's early books you'll love this one. The characters are real and the true magic happens between them - I didn't want the book to end.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron
Awesome read!
The Human Stain by Philip Roth
Complex, amazing.
Peony in Love by Lisa See
Great book! Interesting to read about China's history, culture and beliefs of the afterlife.
Body Surfing by Anita Shreve
Summer at a beach house in New Hampshire - the house itself has been in several Shreve novels. Well developed characters. The plot is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and is never predictable.
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Great historical fiction, New York in the '30s, well done, excellent!
The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
Set in early 1900s in England - something for every reader - history, romance, intrigue. Saga of family whose lives run from poor to wealthy. Author does marvelous job of interweaving the characters - each one a book of its own but you'll want to read all 3. Each one a page turner. Enjoy!
The Winding Ways Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini
A lovely tale of a group of women who all have a passion for quilting. Though the claim is the books do not have to be read in order, I think the first, The Quilter's Apprentice, before the others makes the most sense. A great series for quilters and lovers of easy-going stories of female friendships.
Sullivan's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
Joyful!
Wish You Well by David Baldacci
Best book I will read all year.
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
Very cute, would make a great movie. A couple totally at odds falls in love.
Pope Joan by Donna Cross
Recommended to me more than once; you don't have to be religious to enjoy the story of an empowered woman.
The Calligrapher by Edward Docx
Interesting device using poetry to frame the story, even without that, great narrator, good unfolding of plot and well-written.
Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock
Only a few books made my BEST list and this is one of them.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
Outstanding, touching, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting. About a journey of the human soul.
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
Very good. About a woman whose life changes after a car accident. Told with a sense of humor and not depressing.
The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass
A really nice story about life and wisdom as we get older.
Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
Wonderful book! Lyrically written with detailed characters. Very interesting and intricate plot and storyline. Highly recommend this one!
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Powerful and perceptive! A Harvard professor gets the bum diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s. Emotional and touching as told through her eyes.
I See You Everywhere by Julia Glass
A very thoughtful book with wonderful character development.
Skylight Confessions by Alice Hoffman
An intense read but with many different twists and turns. A book about what it really means to be a family (whether we love who they are or not).
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
This is a controversial novel covering a few years of Frank Lloyd Wright's life. It is 'book-club worthy' and I highly recommend it.
Circulation by Tim Horvath (Stratham author!)
A very interesting and original novella.
North River by Pete Hamill
A wonderful story, maybe the best I have read in a long time.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Stunning!
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
Good story, good characters in a story about the most difficult lives in difficult times. The setting is rural Mississippi right after WWII. A story of everyone's struggle.
Addition by Toni Jordan
Charming, insightful; a delight to read.
Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson
Full of southern style humor and flashbacks to 1985.
Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
Good summer read. Typical of her work, funny and light.
The Piano Teacher by Janice Lee
A beautifully written account of the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and the people impacted.
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
A well-written and poignant collection of short stories that explore cultural and immigrant experiences.
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
Just wonderful. She is a great writer.
Dedication by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Love it! Flashes back to a woman's high school years with her true love and tells of her relationship with him as she nears her 30s.
The World Below by Sue Miller
This novel draws upon and parallels the lives of a grandmother circa 1919 and her granddaughter in present day. The grandmother's story, through memories, narratives and diaries, drives the novel.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Beautifully written retelling of The Iliad - focused on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus (an exiled Greek Prince who is taken in by Peleus, the father of Achilles).
Heft by Liz Moore
Great characters, beautiful writing.
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell
Took a while to get into and had to pay attention to lots of characters but a worthwhile read.
Pearl of China by Anchee Min
Wonderful book, couldn't put it down.
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
The best understanding possible of a rural world (in France) occupied. Insightful ideas about who the enemies really are and the uncertainties of life.
The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews
A quirky, funny and sweet book. A little like The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver.
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
An exploration of the experience of a young woman from Ireland in the 1950s. Very good book.
A Week in Winter by Marcia Willett
Enjoyed it very much, reads like a Maeve Binchy.
Any Bitter Thing by Monica Wood
Good enough that I've recommended it to ALL my friends!
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
A well written story of a dark time in human history that few Americans are aware of.
Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian
Reads like a Picoult - surprise twist at the end.
The House Girl by Tara Conklin
I enjoy books written with two "views." This story was told in current time and a historical voice from the days of slavery. I liked it.
Good Grief by Lolly Winston
Sad, heart-wrenching but funny and uplifting at the same time. Rings so true! Avoids being both maudlin and syrupy. Loved it!
Bump in the Night by Isabelle Holland
A quick summer read, fairly suspenseful.
The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky
Just like a Jodi Picoult! Realistic.
Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
Typically long Follett story but easy to read and absorbing; story of events leading up to and during WWI through the eyes of British aristocrats, Russian peasants, German nobles, Welsh miners and suffragettes. Characters are entangled in each other’s lives.
Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey
Great read. Unsettling, but excellent.
Breaking Her Fall by Stephen Goodwin
Good story. If you like Jodi Picoult you will like this one.
The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman
A very interesting character. I found all the information about lightning strike victims very interesting. It kept me reading late into the night.
Finding Laura by Kay Hooper
My first book by this author and with every turn of the page I was captivated into the story. Had to finish it in a day!
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
Great! Interesting - a must-read!
Ruby by Ann Hood
This was my first book by the author and I enjoyed it enough to seek out and read a second.
The Dress Lodger by Sheri Holman
Excellent, unique topic.
Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
Delightful, sweet, heartfelt.
The View from Mount Joy by Lorna Landvik
Great characters, humor, drama . . . her other works are great as well!
Benny & Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti
Benny, a lonely farmer, and Desiree, a librarian whom he calls "Shrimp" meet in a cemetery and begin a very unlikely romance. A different kind of love story.
The Cotton Queen by Pamela Morsi
A delightful read, enjoy it!
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
When her father disappears, Julia is compelled to leave New York City and travel to the small mountainside village of Kalaw, Burma to unravel the mystery and come to terms with her father's past. What unfolds is an extraordinary love story of two remarkable souls that is sure to capture your imagination and touch your heart.
Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
I would recommend this book for people who want to read something really different and unique. It is set mostly in a hole in the wall "vertical" bookstore in San Francisco. It quickly becomes a high-tech, code breaking international adventure. There is an interesting cast of quirky characters who must find a way to infiltrate an International Secret Society based upon the literary past. A fun summer read.
Red Hook Road by Ayelet Waldman
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. I had avoided it because the premise seemed so sad, but when I eventually picked it up I found it to be a beautifully written book. The characters were compelling and the aftermath of the tragedy on the 2 families was really moving and very well told.
The Family Man by Elinor Lipman
I always enjoy Elinor Lipman's books, and not surprisingly, this one was funny and smart and I really enjoyed it.
To the End of the Land by David Grossman
A sort of "stream of consciousness" dialog sometimes made for slow reading, but it does an amazing job of making one realize how a lifetime of violence and war (in Israel) impacts entire generations - not only physically but emotionally and intellectually. It manages this without an excess of graphic descriptions.
The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman
This is a compelling story of the small town of Blackwell in Western Massachusetts and its people from its founding in 1750 to the 1990s. It is told in a series of short story chapters, adding to the town's history with each story and connecting and linking members of several families throughout the centuries. Alice Hoffman writes with such wonderful perception of the human spirit that each chapter comes alive. It is these people and their stories that make me wish I could visit such a town as Blackwell. I highly recommend this book.
The Quilter's Legacy by Jennifer Chiaverini
Warm story about friendships and women's issues. Learn about history of quilts.
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Science Fiction / Fantasy
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Just a really satisfying fantasy novel with a great female protagonist, wizards and lots of spells. Really enjoyed it.
Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore
Funny, irreverent. This is NOT the Twilight series; it is a laughing-out-loud vampire farce.
Dragon's Fire by Anne McCaffrey
A return to the world of Pern, the story of the Shunned, well-written and enjoyable. Pern fans won't be let down.
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Her science-fiction series are wonderfully entertaining. She creates other worlds and societies, especially adept in psychic phenomena. Her older work (above) is a do-not-miss tale of King Arthur and the Holy Grail times told from a pre-Christian female tradition.
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Great movie also! A fairy tale for adults.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Lots of wider references to ancient Greek and Norse gods. Large read, but it goes quickly upon entering the world.
Pure by Julianna Baggott
Best recent science fiction book I've read.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
I loved this book. What a great callback to Narnia, Hogwarts & Tolkien while still being original, interesting, page-turning and addictive. First of a trilogy.
Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson
When I first heard about this book I was reminded of Charles de Lint's Spirits in the Wires. Turns out the books are very different, but they do share an interesting tension between modern (and even futuristic) technology and old or even ancient stories and magic. The setting in "a city" in the Middle East (never really identified) was described in detail and it helped to bring the whole story and characters to life for me. The ending was a bit overly-tidy for my tastes but it didn't undermine my enjoyment of the book. I'm so glad this was recommended to me by a friend since I don't think I would have discovered it on my own.
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Ghosts, twins, kittens, cemetery full of famous Brits, and intrigue -- does it get better than that?
Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
A strangely sweet zombie love story. Not what I expected at all. Very good.
The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
Like no book I have ever read - horror, suspense, love, twists, turns, and a gripping circuitous narration. You have to read this - it is addictive.
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Mystery / Suspense
The Lighthouse by P.D. James
Good Agatha Christie-type murder mystery taking place on a private island retreat. Loved the development of each character and guessing who was to be the next victim.
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
Great mystery and great characters all blended in a very intriguing plot that I found to be a real page-turner.
Buried Prey by John Sandford
Great mystery - kept you involved. Interesting narrative of investigation into 'a cold case,' the disappearance of two young girls.
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
Norwegian police investigate multiple missing person cases. Suspenseful with plot twists, fast paced.
The Watchman by Robert Crais
Much like the Jack Reacher character in Lee Child's series.
Degrees of Separation by Sue Henry
A 'cozy' type mystery set in Alaska with a dog sled driver as the main character. A fun read with a real sense of place.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Absolutely the best of her novels with a terrific surprise ending!
Run for Your Life by James Patterson
Excellent plot, unusual ending. Very fast reading, one of his best.
Bent Road by Lori Roy
Really good. Different, but worth it!
Promise Me by Harlan Coben
Surprise ending! Very good!
Devil's Claw by J.A. Jance
Fun mystery and characters! I enjoy all of her books so far!
Kiss of the Bees by J.A. Jance
A very good mystery. Interesting to read more of the legends of the Southwest.
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (or On the Segregation of the Queen): A Novel of Suspense by Laurie King
Fun to have Sherlock Holmes back and he has met his match with young Mary, or should I say, his equal!
Well-Schooled in Murder by Elizabeth George
Excellent story and wonderful main characters. You try to guess who did it and then she throws a curve.
The Slow Moon by Elizabeth Cox
Great for young adults and adults alike, I could feel the 'small-townness' of it.
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin
Very moving and emotional story of a lonely man accused of a crime he did not commit. Happy ending!
Big Trouble by Dave Barry
His first attempt at a novel. The humor was quintessential Dave Barry. In other words: laugh-out-loud funny.
The Other Daughter by Lisa Gardner
I've grown to love the mystery and suspense that Gardner books offer, and this one sure fits that! Her characters are so sympathetic, and her plot twists are great. This is one of my favorites!
Stillwatch by Mary Higgins Clark
Though slightly less suspenseful than many of her later books, Stillwatch is still a quick read with a host of well developed characters and plot twists that make it hard to put down.
Daddy's Gone A Hunting by Mary Higgins Clark
In typical Mary Higgins Clark style, this mystery does not disappoint. I always read her books fairly quickly and this book was no exception. The suspense keeps the pace lightning fast for readers.
Blue Heaven by C.J. Box
Dramatic and enthralling.
Bloodstream by Tess Gerritsen
Very enjoyable, a good thriller set in a New England town.
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz
A funny, quirky detective story.
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
Stephanie Plum is always a blast to read about.
Fatal Harbor by Brendan Dubois
Fun to read about these pretend New Hampshire towns. Certainly keeps your interest.
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Action / Thriller
Breakpoint by Richard Clarke
This novel raises disturbing questions about the future of technology as it relates to life as we know it. This is a good read.
State of Fear by Michael Crichton
A good read. The author poses a multitude of questions regarding our knowledge about global warming. Since I am a confirmed environmentalist, it was thought-provoking. I find myself questioning everything I hear now.
The Spies of Warsaw by Alan Furst
Written in a clear style with lots of interesting detail.
The Associate by John Grisham
A great book, could not put down. As good as The Firm.
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn
A fast moving adventure. At times a little graphic. Hard to put down.
The Secret Servant by Daniel Silva
Great story, very intense.
The Madman's Tale by Jon Katzenbach
Mystery with a very twisty ending, creative and unique story-telling.
The Ambler Warning by Robert Ludlum
Excellent!
The Last Hostage by John Nance
Excellent suspense!
The Pied Piper by Ridley Pearson
Very intriguing all the way through. Kept me guessing. Fun especially if you like mystery.
Inferno by Dan Brown
A fast-paced entertaining international thriller. Once again, Harvard professor of symbology, Robert Langdon, this time with amnesia, must interpret the messages found in various works of art to solve the mystery which threatens the future existence of mankind before it's too late. A clever, thought-provoking novel.
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Horror
Horns by Joe Hill
This is the rock song of horror novels. It’s funny, mysterious, and fast-moving.
The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson
This short story collection should be read - not just because of the iconic title story. She deals with lost love, racism, not fitting in - common themes in our daily lives. For her scathing wit, My Life with R.H. Macy can't be beat.
Don't Breathe a Word by Jennifer McMahon
This was a very creepy book. Well written and holds your attention.
Frankenstein: Lost Souls by Dean Koontz
A new twist on the Frankenstein theme - part creep show, part mystery. It is a real page turner.
Deeply Odd by Dean Koontz
This was a pretty good book; engrossing and well plotted. It's definitely connected to the other Odd Thomas books, so couldn't be read/enjoyed without the other ones first. I love Koontz's use of descriptive words, but it might get tedious for those that prefer a more concise story. The author is getting a bit more violent as he goes on through. All in all, pretty vintage Koontz!
Zone One by Colson Whitehead
This post-apocalyptic outbreak novel takes place very close to modern times. It keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout as civilian “sweeper” units have to clear the city.
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
One of my favorite books of 2013. This is a gothic novel, a ghost story (maybe), a love story (maybe), a story about the decline of part of society (maybe), and a study of some very interesting characters - though whether we ever really understand them remains uncertain. Just read it.
Duma Key by Stephen King
Stephen King has gotten back to his better stuff in the past couple of years. In some ways this is similar to Lisey's Story, but still entertaining in that creepy "I so don't ever want to hang out with Stephen King" sort of way.
Salem's Lot by Stephen King
One of the best vampire novels ever. While reading this (and for a while after), I had to keep my shades drawn and doors locked. This stays true to the old legends (no sparkly vampires) but the setting of small town New England makes it current enough to be super scary.
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Classics
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Nonfiction
A Fine Romance: Falling in Love With the English Countryside by Susan Branch
Wonderful travelogue by artist Susan Branch with her whimsical sketches, amusing anecdotes and photographs - a love letter to England.
10% Happier by Dan Harris
Dan Harris is an ABC news correspondent who, after experiencing an on-air anxiety attack, looks for a way to quiet his internal critic - that little voice in his head that has an opinion about everything. His search for peace of mind leads him to Buddhist meditation. The journey there is funny, fascinating and completely relatable for any of us who have found ourselves looking for the same answers. Harris is a terrific writer; his life experiences uniquely compelling. He tells a great story.
Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Love this book!! A wonderful journey into life and how to live a calmer and more purposeful daily life. I read this book a decade ago and when I found out there was an updated version, I read it again. I would recommend to anyone.
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
The author writes about his dying mother's last year and the time they spend together sharing books. She was an amazing woman! If you love reading, read this!
War Room: The Legacy of Bill Belichick and the Art of Building the Perfect Team by Michael Holley
Excellent description of the process of evaluating college players and the draft pick process. Wish they had included info through draft picks full first season as well.
Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo
A 4-year-old's dad tells about his son's trip to heaven and back.
When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
David Sedaris is always funny - this book made me laugh out loud in places, more like Me Talk Pretty One Day than Dress your Family in Corduroy. It includes the piece about the Stadium Pal, which I had heard on the radio ages ago. Hilarious!
Running the Books: The Adventures of an Accidental Prison Librarian by Avi Steinberg
Fascinating book. Funny, sad, immensely interesting.
This Life Is In Your Hands: One Dream, Sixty Acres and a Family Undone by Melissa Coleman
I probably wouldn't have picked this book up if I hadn't heard NH booksellers (Michael Hermann of Gibson's, Dan Chartrand of Water St. Books) on NHPR's the Exchange all saying that it was one of the best books/memoirs they had read. I would have expected it to be focused on the back to the land movement -- and it probably would have been if written by the author's father -- but instead it is really about a childhood and the relationships that defined it. The description about how they lived their lives was definitely interesting and I learned a lot more about the beginnings of the movement than I knew about before, but I was drawn in by Coleman's voice, memories and the vividness of her childhood experiences. It is also very well written. This was one of the best books I've read in a long time.
The Hare with Amber Eyes: A Family's Century of Art and Loss by Edmund de Waal
I thought this was a really wonderful book. The author explores the history of his family, a rich, powerful Jewish family from Odessa, by tracing the story of their collection of Japanese netsuke from the mid 1800s to the present - moving through high society Paris in the late 1800s, Vienna in the years leading up to the first World War to 1950s Tokyo. The book is about art and history, but it is also a deeply personal family history. I found it fascinating and moving.
Notes from the Underwire: Adventures from My Awkward and Lovely Life by Quinn Cummings
Like reading the blog of a smart funny friend.
Without a Map by Meredith Hall
Amazing story - very well written.
Under a Wing: A Memoir by Reeve Lindbergh
Well-told memoir of Anne and Charles Lindbergh by their youngest child/2nd daughter Reeve. It's a bit of history and memories of a shared loss through a loving daughter's eyes.
A Singular Woman: The Untold Story of Barack Obama's Mother by Janny Scott
Unorthodox, a woman before her time, she laid the foundation for the free world's leader. A must-read.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Incredible story of one woman's cells taken unknowingly that helped in researching cancer, AIDS, etc. Issues of medical ethics, poverty, and the horrifying Jim Crow South. A must-read.
Encore: A Journal of the Eightieth Year by May Sarton
What a delightful and inspiring book from one of our greatest poets - she makes one look forward to the challenges and rewards of old age.
The Sea Captain's Wife: A Treasure of Love, Race, and War in the 19th Century by Martha Hodes
History, life in the 19th century from a personalized point of view. Best book I've read in a long time.
Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Day at a Time by Rob Sheffield
Funny, sad, sweet memoir with great music references. Really good.
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less by Terry Ryan
Lovely, inspiring biography.
Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself by Alan Alda
A fine read of everyday wisdom and humor gained through a lifetime of living a very interesting life. Yes, a must-read!
The $64 Tomato by William Alexander
One of the funniest books whether you garden or not.
Dog Days: Dispatches from Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz
Wonderful depiction of life on a rural farm and the bond between man and animal, also read his other books.
Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West by Dorothy Wickenden
I loved this book! Well written and very interesting! These two women were real pioneers, made me want to be with them.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
A very funny book. When I was reading it around friends, I found myself reading amusing passages out loud quite often because they kept wanting to know why I was giggling.
One Summer: America 1927 by Bill Bryson
Great insight & facts of happenings in 1927. Bill's hilarious self. I highly recommend it.
The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen Year Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida
Fascinating insight into autism and humanity that would be helpful for everybody to read.
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Olympics by Daniel Brown
Might be the best book I've ever read.
The Funny Thing Is . . . by Ellen DeGeneres
A fun read. Those familiar with DeGeneres' career in standup will recognize sections from her routines, but the whole book sparkles with her unique brand of humor.
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Young Adult
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
A good book for early high school girls - about fitting in and girl troubles.
Graceling by Kristen Cashore
Nice 'girl power' fantasy.
A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
Wonderful story of a girl struggling with growing up in the early 1900s. This young adult selection describes the life and times of that period remarkably, evoking mental imagery that makes this book very enjoyable.
Luna by Julie Anne Peters
Eye-opening story of a transgender teen, makes you think!
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
A young adult selection but a favorite among adults also. Spinelli has an amazing style that gets us into the lives of young adults.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Totally unexpected ending, for middle and high-schoolers as well as adults, a new perspective of the Holocaust.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
A love story set in the 80s. Loved it - one of my favorites in a while.