A very entertaining short story I just read:
The Grownup by Gillian Flynn
-Nancy
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
Books I like the best are ones that make me ask questions. Mbue does a great job giving real life to the characters in the story. None of them is glossy or perfect, each of them has deep thoughts and feelings. They have joys, sorrow, and take you along every twist and turn they encounter. Wavering between success and struggle, the dreams of the married coouple don’t always match up. She wants to hold on to her dream no matter what. What does she choose to sacrifice for her family? Does she give up? Can you see yourself making hard choices?
-Jenneffer
Born Bright by C. Nicole Mason
This book stands out to me as unique memoir because the author grew up in poverty, and was able to rise above it and earn a PhD, studying poverty. She is both very candid in her story, and also tells it how she remembers, rather than through an academic filter. It makes me “nature vs. nurture” questions such as, did her tenacity play a role in helping her succeed because of her circumstances, or because of her personality/temperament? How does her mother feel about the book? (I always wonder about this when someone writes a memoir…) A quick non-fiction pick that will appeal to novel fans, too.
-Jenneffer
Mischling by Affinity Konar
“One of the most harrowing, powerful, and imaginative books of the year” (Anthony Doerr) about twin sisters fighting to survive the evils of World War II [www.goodreads.com]
-Megan
I recently read Canada, by Mike Myers. Yes, that Mike Myers; Wayne’s World, Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, the one and the same Mike Myers. His book is a fascinating perspective of growing up in Canada, loving Canada, and reconciling American culture with Canada’s own. Although Mr. Myers does explore Canadian/ American politics he does so with comparison not criticism. He also allows glimpses into American comedy and how SNL and his own movies were produced. Along the way the reader is gifted with Myer’s wit and comedy and will find themselves laughing out loud throughout. Highly recommended!
-Sandra
The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood
Ava’s twenty-five-year marriage has fallen apart, and her two grown children are pursuing their own lives outside of the country. Ava joins a book group, not only for her love of reading but also out of sheer desperation for companionship. The group’s goal throughout the year is for each member to present the book that matters most to them. Ava rediscovers a mysterious book from her childhood―one that helped her through the traumas of the untimely deaths of her sister and mother. Alternating with Ava’s story is that of her troubled daughter Maggie, who, living in Paris, descends into a destructive relationship with an older man. Ava’s mission to find that book and its enigmatic author takes her on a quest that unravels the secrets of her past and offers her and Maggie the chance to remake their lives.- from Amazon
Lynae
Body of Work- Meditations on Mortality from the Human Anatomy Lab by Christine Montross
This was a great book! Written by a young woman going through med school, this book examines the process by which a student not only must, but eventually an, dissect a human cadaver. Through dissecting an elderly woman’s body, three lab partners come to terms with their feelings on religion, mortality and morality. They will become the doctors they are today because of the gift this woman, and others like her, have given the profession. I could not put this book down. Not only was it informative, it was also a good story.
-Jeri
Mooresville Public Library (NC) 