AUGUST 2011

A Discovery of Witches-- Deborah Harkness
Twilight meets The Da Vinci Code....but better written. For sure the next big blockbuster. But WHY does the evil witch Gillian have to be a Bryn Mawr professor??

Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard -- Liz Murray
Amazing story...but something does not ring true. After the "controversies" surrounding A Million Little Pieces and Three Cups of Tea (which I LOVED), I'm less of a believer.

The Knitting Circle -- Ann Hood
Everyone has a sad story. Devastatingly sad. And it's semi-autobiographical. Read with a tissue box within reach.

Fruit-- Brian Francis
Peter Paddington is an overweight, confused thirteen year old, tormented in school and misunderstood by his family. He knows he's different, but the full realization of his "difference" does not readily occur to him.

A World Elsewhere -- Wayne Johnston
Landish Druken, son of an infamous Newfoundland sealing captain, goes to Princeton in the 1890s. There, he makes the acquaintance of Padget Vanderluyden, son of an American baron of industry. Their friendship changes Landish's life. After he is disowned by his father, destitute and option-less, Landish seeks his old friend's help. It comes at a very high cost.

Riding the Bus with my Sister -- Rachel Simon
Rachel's sister Beth is mildly retarded, a condition that the family worked hard to mainstream. Beth, now in her late thirties, lives on her own, has a boyfriend, and rides the public buses in her town. All the buses, all day. Rachel spends a year riding them with her.