APRIL 2016 STAFF READING SUGGESTIONS


MILLER'S VALLEY
by Anna Quindlen

In Miller's Valley, Anna Quindlen tells the story of Mimi Miller's life from the 1960's to the present day.  Family secrets, the Vietnam War, and environmental issues impact this multigenerational novel.  Set in a valley in Pennsylvania, this quiet and insightful novel is a terrific spring read.  
-Lisa Dietrich



EATING IN THE MIDDLE: A  Mostly Wholesome Cookbook
by Andie Mitchell 

I cooked the entire meal for a friend's birthday dinner out of this fabulous new cookbook! Delicious recipes that are "mostly healthy", from the blogger and memoirist Andie Mitchell. She wrote the NYT bestseller, It Was Me All Along, about her struggle with obesity, losing weight and finding balance in her life which was fantastic as well and is now available in paperback.
-Di Grumhaus




JOURNEY TO MUNICH 
by Jacqueline Winspear

Calling all fans of Maisie Dobbs! Author Jacqueline Winspear is back with a new release where Maisie is sent to Hitler's Germany while working undercover with the British Secret Service. 
-Staff





LAB GIRL 
by Hope Jahren

A fascinating debut memoir of a life dedicated to the science of plants. Following the career of Hope Jahren, named by Popular Science in 2005 as one of the"Brilliant 10" young scientists, this book invites the reader into the lab and inside the inner lives of plants.  The center of the book deals with the relationship of Jahren's lab partner-turned-best friend. Their time in the lab and their research trips strengthen the friendship that is rooted in the love of science.
-Amy Hoobler




THE DECENT PROPOSAL 
by Kemper Donovan

A smart and funny romantic comedy that draws you into the world of LA and the lives of two very different people; neither of whom realizes how much the proposal will change their lives on so many levels.  A real page turner!
-Maxwell Gregory





THE SUMMER BEFORE THE WAR: A Novel 
by Helen Simonson

During the summer of 1914, Beatrice Nash, the new Latin teacher, moves into the small town of East Sussex. The town doesn't quite know what to make of this educated young woman who must make her own way in the world after the death of her academic father. She is taken under the wing of prominent town member, Agatha Kent, who happens to have two very charming nephews visiting her for the summer. We follow Hugh, Daniel and Beatrice as the signs of war come to this lovely small town. This is such a delightful story and is written by the author of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel.
-Ann Patterson



LILAC GIRLS
by Martha Hall Kelly

The best historical fiction I've read since All the Light We Cannot See. Three female narrators (a Polish teenager, a Nazi doctor, and an American socialite), all based on real people, lend their distinctive voices to this story of heartbreak and courage. I read it over a weekend and can't stop thinking about it.
-Ann Walters



MOTHERING SUNDAY 
by Graham Swift
Releases 4/19/2016

Graham Swift has written a stunning novella that focuses on one day in the life of Jane Fairchild, a maid in an English country house in the 1920s. This day will change Jane's life forever. Swift gives the reader a profound insight into Jane's thoughts, feelings, and memories. This is a spare, yet beautiful novel of self discovery.
-Laura Skinner



THE ONE-IN-A-MILLION BOY 
by Monica Wood 

Don't miss this heartfelt novel full of hope, friendship and devotion. As part of  his Boy Scout service, a sweet young boy agrees to help 104-year old Ona Vitkus  with her household chores. After the boy's sudden death, his wayward father steps
in to fulfill the boy's task and falls into a friendship with Ona that allows him to discover  the son he never really knew.
-Maxwell Gregory



GLORY OVER EVERYTHING
by Kathleen Grissom

Set in 1830, this marvelous novel, Glory Over Everything, tells the story of Jamie Pyke who is living in Philadelphia as a wealthy white man and artist while keeping his past deeply hidden. After the disappearance of a charming young house servant, Jamie must travel to the south to rescue the boy and confront the secrets of his birth. Suspenseful and heart warming, this novel by the author of The Kitchen House is a must read.
-Lisa Dietrich



...AND NEW TO PAPERBACK

IT WAS ME ALL ALONG   
by Andie Mitchell

New York Times bestseller about Andie Mitchell's struggle with obesity, losing weight and finding balance in her life. (See above cookbook review, Eating In The Middle: A Mostly Wholesome Cookbook)
-Di Grumhaus




THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE  
by Ann Packer

This New York Times Bestseller explores relationships and family saga  through the eyes of four siblings over the course of five decades.
-Staff



MY SUNSHINE AWAY 
by M.O. Walsh

A coming-of-age story set in Louisiana with suspense and mystery intertwined. Beautiful writing in this new to paperback debut novel.
-Diana Wettermann


What We're Reading For Kids


MIDDLE GRADE:

RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE 
by Kate DiCamillo

Raymie hopes that if she wins the title of Little Miss Central Florida Tire, her father will be so proud that he will return to his family. In order to compete, Raymie must learn to twirl a baton. In the class she meets two other girls, each with her own reason for competing. The girls find themselves in quirky adventures, and an unlikely friendship blooms. Through her simple prose, DiCamillo explores important social issues in a manner appropriate for middle grade readers. This is a heartfelt, beautiful story by an acclaimed children's author. Do not miss!
-Laura Skinner



MIDDLE GRADE:

THE WILD ROBOT  
by Peter Brown 

A friendly robot shipwrecked on an island inhabited only by animals must learn to adapt and survive alongside these many creatures. Among her many adventures, "Roz" raises a gosling as her own and succeeds in bringing predator and prey together to live harmoniously through a long, cold winter. The book wraps with an exciting cliff-hanger and we probably haven't seen the last of this wild robot! A sweet story lovingly illustrated throughout by the award-winning author and illustrator of Mr. Tiger Goes Wild and Creepy Carrots.
-Di Grumhaus




YOUNG ADULT:

GIRL IN THE BLUE COAT 
by Monica Hesse 

The cover of this novel grabbed me first and as soon as I began reading I couldn't put it down! I feel that kids' books about WWII are so important; to present that period of history to young people in ways that will resonate, educate and engage them and this book hits all the marks. I absolutely loved this unforgettable, heartbreaking novel set in Amsterdam in 1943 and recommend it highly.
-Di Grumhaus


MIDDLE GRADE:

HOUR OF THE BEES 
by Lindsay Eagar

A powerful, multi-layered book. On its surface it is a coming-of-age story with Carolina, a 12 yr old girl, and her family learning to cope with a loved one dealing with dementia. Hour of the Bees also contains a touch of magical realism in the form of a beautiful fable about embracing your roots, yet not being afraid to seek adventure and live life to the fullest.
-Laura Skinner
Lake Forest Book Store
662 N. Western Avenue
Lake Forest IL 60045 
847-234-4420

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