Biography, Nonfiction

In Extremis by Lindsey Hilsum

The Life and Death of War Correspondent Marie Colvin I first came across In Extremis when going through front list (new release) publisher orders and, thanked my lucky stars I have such a good relationship with the rep because when I begged her to send me an advance copy, she happily obliged. And I think it is… Continue reading In Extremis by Lindsey Hilsum

Memoir/Autobiography, Nonfiction

From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein

I've slowly but surely been making my way through the four major Obama White House Staffer memoirs - first was Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?, followed by this one, next will be Thanks, Obama (my coworker Su's favorite), and last The World as It Is.  Synopsis In 2012, Beck Dorey-Stein is working five part-time jobs and… Continue reading From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein

Fiction, Historical

The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher

I've started reading again! In an effort to ingratiate myself with our publisher reps at the bookstore, I've decided to read an advanced reader copy a month BEFORE the book comes out AND write an "Indie Next" pick for it - this is the first! Downside, I read it back in July so my memory… Continue reading The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher

Fiction, Historical

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Laura: I found this book on my mom’s shelves and when she noticed that I had picked it up she told me I should absolutely read it. It is one of the few non-mystery type fiction books she has read in the past 10 years, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. Knowing my love of all… Continue reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Contemporary, Fiction, New Adult

The Little Shop of Happy Ever After by Jenny Colgan

Scottish Bookshop #1 (The Bookshop on the Corner in the USA) A few years ago I picked this book up and thought it looked adorable and perfect for a friend. A perfect chick-lity read, a book about books, that she would love. Two years later, I found the audiobook on Overdrive I figured it was time I… Continue reading The Little Shop of Happy Ever After by Jenny Colgan

Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Reduction Duology by Diana Peterfreund

For Darkness Shows the Stars & Across a Star-Swept Sea Diana Peterfreund is one of my most favorite authors. I first discovered her works when I was getting ready to head off to college in 2007 and I stumbled upon the Secret Society Girl series. It is one of the few series that actually covers college age… Continue reading Reduction Duology by Diana Peterfreund

Memoir/Autobiography, Middle Grades, Nonfiction

Four Perfect Pebbles by Lila Perl & Marion Blumenthal Lazan

One of my grandmothers grew up in Germany in the 1930s and 1940s, specifically in Nürnberg and the surrounding countryside. She doesn't talk about it. As such, I have spent my entire life fascinated by the stories of German children between 1933 and 1945. I don't remember the first book I read that fit the… Continue reading Four Perfect Pebbles by Lila Perl & Marion Blumenthal Lazan

Fantasy, Fiction, Retelling

Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon

I love a good fairy tale adaptation and when I first heard the true story of the Little Mermaid, I became a bit obsessed with all accurate adaptations. Synopsis Princess Margrethe has been hidden away while her kingdom is at war. One gloomy, windswept morning, as she stands in a convent garden overlooking the icy sea,… Continue reading Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon

Contemporary, Fiction

Brida by Paulo Coelho

One of my GED students from Brazil recommended this book to me as the author is from her home country (though she read it in English) and she really enjoyed the premise. I agreed to read it in an effort to continue to encourage her to read in English, but I was not quite as… Continue reading Brida by Paulo Coelho

Fantasy, Fiction, Middle Grades, Retelling

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

I’ll readily admit that Ella’s dark green dress on the front cover of the first paperback edition was what first caught my attention. But given my established record as a lover of fairy tale adaptations, it should come as no surprise that this is the book that started my obsession! Synopsis How can a fairy's… Continue reading Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine