TOKYO UENO STATION by Yu Miri
A little gem of a book. At times, eloquent. At other times enigmatic. Japan the setting, the story universal.
A homeless man reveals his life in bits and pieces, inviting the reader to sort through the joys and sorrows. It's not all spilled out in an orderly fashion, so expect to work a little, but you'll find that the image stays with you long after the last page.
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THE LOST AND FOUND BOOKSHOP by Susan Wiggs
Life has its ups and downs at Lost and Found Bookshop in historic downtown San Francisco - especially when the bookstore's proprietor dies and her daughter moves in to care for her grandfather and try to keep the store from bankruptcy. Author Susan Wiggs introduces us to a cast of colorful characters and tells a story with plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing. But we know that, at the end, it will all turn out OK. So enjoy the journey.
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THE HOLLOWS by Jess Montgomery
This mystery novel is an Ohio book - Ohio author, Ohio setting, Ohio history - all wrapped up in a tale that keeps the reader speculating until the last page. Encompassing a generational mystery, the novel takes place in 1926 and reveals some dark secrets surrounding the Ohio Underground Railroad. This is the author's second book and contains some of the same female main characters as her first book "The Widows," which was highly acclaimed by critics. Check that one out as well! (Librarian's note: The Widows is our book discussion book for May 5, 2021, and the author will meet with participants via Skype for discussion!)
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BLOOD AND BEAUTY by Sarah Dunant
The Renaissance in 15th century Europe brought us a wealth of art and music, but was also a time of multiple wars and widespread corruption. The Borgia name lives on in that history in its ambition for power and wealth. In this 500-page book, Sarah Dunant has brought the Borgia family to life in Rome as real people caught up in their times. You'll come away with plenty of reasons to be grateful you live in the 20th century, and to be happy with the family you have.
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SEA WIFE by Amity Gaige
A young couple's dream - sailing the Caribbean for a year. With two children, ages 7 and 2-1/2. Is it all "happily ever after?" Of course not (after all, this is a story written to keep us guessing). Through their individual writings - portions from his captain's log, scrupulously kept, and some from her more poetic emotional side - we follow the young family in their adventure. Since this is a novel, of course it needs a crisis. You'll just have to keep reading until the end to discover how, when and where.
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THE WONDER BOY OF WHISTLE STOP by Fannie Flagg
Here we go again! Remember back to "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe" with Ruth and Idgie at the Cafe, Dot Weems with her weekly news bulletin, and a whole cast of interesting characters? Well, Fannie Flagg is back with a new tale to fill us in on all the goings-on since then, including whatever happened to little Buddy. There's a lot to tell. All narrated in her newsy, tell-all, down home, southern hospitality style. It's good rainy day entertainment - or an anytime chuckle.
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INHERITORS by Asako Serizawa
Ooh, this one's a toughie. The book really needs a second reading, with time to digest, to do it justice. In individual essays, scattered members of five generations in a Japanese family reveal snapshots from portions of their lives - from the turn of the century to several decades from today. Combined, these stories provide glimpses into a complex history that many of us here in America are only beginning to try to understand.
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THE EXILES by Christina Baker Kline
This tale takes us from England to Down Under in the mid-1800s. A time when the British government was relocating its prisoners to the newly-acquired colony of Tasmania. Although a novel, Kline has extensively researched the complicated history of the times - including the removing of the indigenous peoples there. Based on true events, Kline combines the harshness of the times with the blessings of friendship. Well worth your time.
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