Extraordinary, Ordinary People by Condoleezza Rice
This is not just your ordinary politico memoir or a typical walk down memory lane. This book is positively inspiring. I wish that every high school student had this as required reading. Ms. Rice proves that no matter what your passion, no matter if other people think it is silly or impractical, if your goal is to be the very best you can achieve great things. Perhaps it should be required reading for parents of all teenagers too. Unyielding support, no matter the direction can lead to greatness. -Trish
The Brave by Nicholas Evans
This is the second book by this author, and it is just as wonderful as his first. The story spans one man’s life, altered and colored by generations of secrets, half truths and tragedy. As years pass and the truth fades away another generation of secrets threatens to ruin his son's life. Nicholas Evans wrote The Horse Whisperer, which was made into the beautiful movie directed by and starring Robert Redford. -Trish
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Laura Hillenbrand, author of Seabiscuit, has once again proven that the words biography and page-turner can enthusiastically be used to describe the same book. Many years of research later we have the story of Louis Zamperini, a man who is truly amazing in his strength, both physical and emotional.After a childhood that was a little more adventurous than any mother finds comforting, his running career was cut short by World War II, as he was shot down over the Pacific and captured after many days at sea. What was required for survival as a POW and becoming whole again makes him, in my mind, truly amazing. -Jane
A Secret Gift by Ted Gup
In seventeen years of selling books, I can count on one hand the number of books I would recommend that absolutely everyone read. Ted Gup’s A Secret Gift is among them. This story of Sam Stone and his then-anonymous generosity is fascinating for readers of all ages, and for those of us too young to remember the Great Depression, the opportunity to know the specific details of how people were affected is a powerful experience. This is a book people will be discussing for a very long time, and I believe we will be better for it. -Jane
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
In my opinion, Dennis Lehane is one of the best crime-fiction writers out there. His books are paced as page turners, but I still stop to re-read the occasional passage simply for the way it is written.Moonlight Mile picks up years after Gone, Baby, Gone with the same characters, although there were a couple Kenzie and Gennaro books in between. If you want to follow them from the beginning, A Drink Before the War is the place to start. -Jane
It’s a Book by Lane Smith
This is my new favorite “for kids of all ages” book. (But please read through to the end before deciding if it is appropriate for your child!) -Jane
She’s back....she is making it even easier for us to enjoy yummy meals with our family and friends. From cocktails to dessert, Ina Garten shares her tips and time saving recipes...easy with delicious flavors. Have a peek on page 138, Steakhouse steaks with roquefort chive sauce...how bad can that be? -Ann
The Simple Art of Eating Well by Jessie Price
In my kitchen, this is a “go to” cookbook. The recipes in this book are easy to follow...many having less than 10 ingredients. The Cream of Mushroom and Barley Soup is beyond delicious. The Porcini mushrooms add depth and richness to the soup. I followed the recipe but will confess that I added more mushrooms than suggested ...shitake, cremini and button were the stars! -Ann
The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America by Donald & Lillian Stokes
This is the biggest, most complete, national photographic field guide ever published. It also includes a bonus CD of over 600 bird sounds from 150 common species that will help you to identify birds you hear. The photography is wonderful! -Ann
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
This sublime novel explores so many things – longing for tradition, acceptance of the modern age, hope for new love, pride, the frustration of family, the multicultural melting pot that our world has become – and yet retains a simplicity and subtlety that is lovely to behold. Just a gorgeous read. -Kath
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
This recent winner of the National Book Award, when described as the story of a 10 year old girl with Asperger’s Syndrome whose older brother has just been killed in a school shooting, sounds like an extremely intense read. It is not. Ms. Erskine has managed to address these modern issues with great sensitivity and, by telling the story from Caitlin’s perspective, rare insight. Mockingbird is a wonderfully written novel that inspires a new perception of our world. -Kath
Savory Baking by Mary Cech
My favorite recipe in this cookbook so far is for Peppered Pear & Goat Cheese Scones and they are so yummy, I want more right now! These recipes are simple and scrumptious, but the best part is that all of your family and friends will praise you as a genius baker of the highest degree! -Kath
True to its title, Gary Shteyngart’s new novel is a Super Sad True Love Story, though it’s not exactly true in the literal sense and it is actually quite funny and full of life. A dystopian satire with lacerating wit and a very human story at its core, this is a very compelling work from one of the country’s most heralded young authors. His sharp sense of humor tempers his sentimental side and his fondness for his characters gives dimension to his mordant wit. A highly recommended highlight of 2010. -John
A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore Lorrie Moore’s new novel, A Gate at the Stairs, is funny, sad, smart and touching. Full of sly and insightful observations that only this author could capture in her own personal style, Moore tackles many of the hot button issues of the day. Politics, family, and social mores are craftily enclosed in a somewhat modest coming of age story that grabs you with its pithy language. New in paperback, this was one of highlights of literary fiction in 2009. -John
Homer & Langley by E. L. Doctorow
A masterful, intimate work of historical imagination concerning the lives of the infamous Collyer brothers. Both funny and haunting, often at the same time, Homer & Langley are pack rats and general recluses. Despite their best efforts, the outside world intrudes on their life in unexpected ways, though the tragic outcome of their story has already been determined. -John
A Free Life by Ha Jin