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THE COTTINGLEY SECRET
by Hazel Gaynor
Beautifully written and well researched, this intriguing mystery is an important reminder of belief. 1917: Two cousins announce that they see fairies. Photographs are taken and the experts of the era announce that they are authentic. Sir Arthur Conon Doyle writes an article about them and the photographs, declaring they are genuine. This secret is kept for 70 years, until Elise decides at an interview to reveal the truth. Modern day: Olivia is struggling with her life. She inherits a used/rare edition book store from her grandfather. When Olivia finds an old manuscript written by Francis Griffiths telling the story of what happened,
she finds the answers to her own life.
-Anne Allin
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YOUNG JANE YOUNG
by Gabrielle Zevin
Gabrielle Zevin, author of The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry, has again created memorable characters who will stay with you long after you've read the last page. Aviva Grossman's story parallels what we all know as Monica Lewinsky's story, but her strength and determination change everything- at least for a while. Her story is told first through her mother, jumps to Aviva's voice in current time, her funny and precocious young daughter then takes a turn, and finally we hear from Aviva again through her journal entries during the time of her affair with the Congressman. It wasn't what I thought it was going to be- but it's funny, feminist, and smart, not to mention current. Definitely a book to have on your shortlist!
-Beth Mynhier
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LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE
by Celeste Ng
When Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl rent a house from the Richardsons, a picture-perfect Shaker Heights family, both worlds are upended when secrets are revealed. This novel explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity and the ferocious pull of motherhood. I read this book in two days and I loved it. Ng's fans will not be disappointed!
-Kathy Petray |
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SOMETHING LIKE HAPPY
by Eva Woods
Something Like Happy by Eva Woods is awesome! Loved it! It is such an inspirational read. Two 35-year-old women, one with terminal cancer and 100 days to live, the other in the depths of inconsolable grief, find each other in a hospital corridor. Through the ensuing friendship they help each other to complete a bucket list of sorts and learn to "live" again. You will laugh, you will cry, but you learn that happiness is a choice we can all make. A must read!
-Katha Plack
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THE GOOD PEOPLE
by Hannah Kent
Hannah Kent's second novel is set in Ireland in the 1820's and based on actual events. Her writing is dark and atmospheric. This is the story of three women who come together to save the life of a child. The community is very supersticious. Nora who is the grandmother of Michael, believes he is a changeling. She enlists the help of Nance who has knowledge of herbs and their cures, to bring back her grandson from the fairies. A story of how people believe in omens and curses, putting blame on someone who is different for their misfortunes.
-Anne Allin
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HALF BAKED HARVEST
by Tieghan Gerard
Whether you need to get dinner on the table for your family tonight or are planning your next get-together with friends, Half Baked Harvest Cookbook has your new favorite recipe. Maxwell Gregory's new fall favorite!
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BRAVING THE WILDERNESS
by Brené Brown
A timely and important new book that challenges everything we think we know about cultivating true belonging in our communities, organizations, and culture, from the #1 bestselling author of Rising Strong, Daring Greatly, and The Gifts of Imperfection.
-Staff
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A COLUMN OF FIRE
by Ken Follett
The saga of The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End continues with Ken Follett's gripping new story. The year 1558 will turn young Ned Willard's life upside-down and change Europe for ever. Ned is coming home to find Kingsbridge torn by religious hatred. Rivalry for the throne between Elizabeth Tudor, the crowned queen and Mary Queen of Scots threatens turmoil in Europe. Over a turbulent half-century, the love between Ned and Margery seems doomed, as extremism sparks violence from Edinburgh to Geneva.
-Staff
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THE BEST KIND OF PEOPLE
by Zoe Whittall
Are you really innocent until proven guilty??? This thought provoking novel by Whittall explores the feelings and emotions of a family when the husband/father, thought to be the golden boy of the town, is accused of the unthinkable. It is shocking how quickly the heroic actions and long-standing role as a community leader are forgotten when George Woodbury is arrested, the effects of which fracture his family and create irreparable doubt of George's innocence in his wife and children. This book is hard to put down, and once the final page is turned, it sticks with you.
-Maxwell Gregory
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A LEGACY OF SPIES by John Le Carré (His first George Smiley novel in more than twenty-five years)
THE GIRL WHO TAKES AN EYE FOR AN EYE by David Lagercrantz (A Lisbeth Salander novel, continuing Stieg Larsson's Millennium Series)
THE CUBAN AFFAIR by Nelson DeMille
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THE LOST CITY OF THE MONKEY GOD
by Douglas Preston
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THE FIX
by David Baldacci
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BEING MORTAL: MEDICINE AND WHAT REALLY MATTERS
by Atul Gawande
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BOOKS FOR LIVING: SOME THOUGHT ON READING, REFLECTING, AND EMBRACING LIFE
by Will Schwalbe
When I started the book, I began underlining. And underlining, and underlining - until I realized that I needed to stop, because I was underlining almost everything. "Much love" doesn't begin to describe how I feel about this inspiring book.
-Ann Walters
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HIDDEN FIGURES: THE AMERICAN DREAM AND THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE BLACK WOMEN MATHEMATICIANS WHO HELPED WIN THE SPACE RACE
by Margot Lee Shetterly
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YOUNG ADULT & MIDDLE SCHOOL SELECTIONS
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YOUNG ADULT:
WILD BIRD
by Wendelin Van Draanen
I was captivated by Wendelin Van Draanen's new young adult book, Wild Bird. It opens with the protagonist, Wren, being yanked out of her bed and a drunken stupor by an unknown man~while her parents stand back watching. Wren is 14 and out of control. As a last ditch effort, her parents have signed her up for an 8-week wilderness therapy camp in the Utah desert. Wren's story is told through flashbacks as she struggles with her inner demons, fire-starting and tent-pitching. I loved the visuals and that the characters and plot felt "real". This would be a great book to read and discuss with your teen.
-Molly Forlow
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MIDDLE SCHOOL:
TUMBLE & BLUE
by Cassie Beasley
New from the author of Circus Mirandus. Set in Murky Branch, GA (Population 339 give-or-take) on the edge of Okefenokee Swamp. Blue suffers from the Montgomery family curse. Legend has it that when the blood-red moon rises over the swamp, the mystical golden alligator can change your fate. Blue, and his new friend Tumble, join together to alter their destinies. For Grades 4 and up.
-Laura Skinner
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MIDDLE SCHOOL:
THE CARE AND FEEDING OF A PET BLACK HOLE
by Michelle Cuevas
Have you ever had a lost puppy follow you home? How about a black hole? In this quirky middle grade read, 11-year-old Stella has a lonely black hole follow her home from NASA. Stella is lonely and has a "hole in her heart" since her beloved father passed away. She decides to keep her black hole, trains and names him Larry. Cuevas, author of Confessions of an Imaginary Friend, is one of my favorites. This book doesn't disappoint. Lovely, funny and her charming characters will hold a place in your heart.
-Molly Forlow
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MIDDLE SCHOOL:
THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK
by Celia C. Perez
Maria Luisa (but, please, call her Malu) has just moved to Chicago and is starting 7th grade at a new Middle School. Malu is half Mexican, half Anglo and 100% a punk rocker (much to her mother's dismay). This is a fabulous story about being true to yourself and finding strength in your voice. Perez uses Malu's collages (zines) throughout the book as a wonderful, visual look into Malu's psyche as she tries to make sense of the many facets of her identity. Wonderful cast of supporting characters. Great message. Fabulous read. For Grades 5 and up.
-Laura Skinner
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Lake Forest Book Store
662 N. Western Avenue
Lake Forest IL 60045
847-234-4420
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