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PESTO: THE MODERN MOTHER SAUCE
by Leslie Lennox
I know we aren't supposed to pick a book by its cover, but the cover is what made me look through and purchase this book, and I am so glad I did. We plant a lot of basil and I am always looking for ways to use up my supply. I hit the jackpot with this cookbook. So much is covered within these pages; pesto basics (I never knew there were so many ways to make pesto!), pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers, soups, sauces, fish--I could go on and on. The photographs are as beautiful as the cover. I will have no problem using up my basil in very creative ways this summer!
-Ann Patterson
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THE LAST COLLECTION: A NOVEL OF ELSA SCHIAPARELLI AND COCO CHANEL
by Jeanne Mackin
(Releases June 25, 2019)
Mackin's novel draws you into the colorful heart of Paris in the years before WWII, where a young widow, Lily Sutter, is called to Paris by her brother and is quickly absorbed into the world of fashion, specifically into the rivalry between the renowned designers, Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel. While the designers styles greatly differ, they both have past issues that influence their lives and their fashion and Lily finds herself in the middle of their tug of war. I savored every page!
-Maxwell Gregory |
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VINTAGE 1954
by Antoine Laurain
(Direct to Paperback)
A true delight! After an unexpected meeting Hubert Larnaudie gathers some new friends to his apartment to share a 1954 bottle of B
eaujolais, never expecting this unusual vintage to transport them back to 1950's Paris. As expected, it is quite a shock, but the magic of this time period is captivating. Ultimately, they must discover the secret to return to 2017. I devoured this in one sitting!
-Maxwell Gregory
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SEA STORIES: MY LIFE IN SPECIAL OPERATIONS
by William H. McRaven
Written by the author of Make Your Bed, which continues to be hugely popular at the store, his latest is a collection of his amazing experiences as US Navy Seal. McRaven was involved in many special operations over his long and illustrious career including the capture of Sadam Hussein, the rescue of Captain Phillips and the raid on Bin Laden's compound; Sea Stories gives us a backseat ride on these missions. Action packed and full of all the thrilling details, this book is perfect for Father's Day.
-Di Grumhaus
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A GOOD AMERICAN FAMILY
by David Maraniss
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winning author David Maraniss captures the fear and paranoia that gripped America during the Red Scare in the 1950s with the story of his family's ordeal, from blacklisting to vindication. This book is a fascinating drama that moves from the Depression and Spanish Civil War to the HUAC hearings and the end of the McCarthy era. It is a moving tribute to Elliott Maraniss, the author's father, and a 20th Century history of issues of race, fascism, communism and first amendment freedoms.
-Kathy Petray
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THE DITCH
by Herman Koch
Nobody deals with domestic dramas like Herman Koch (recall The Dinner) and The Ditch does not disappoint. Set in Amsterdam, the Mayor, Robert, is dealing with his ever-growing paranoia that his wife is having an affair. Added to to that worry is his concern over his aging parents (just wait) and his duties trying to run a city. In someone else's hands, perhaps a typical story, but what makes Koch's book stand apart is his ability to be humorous and edgy simultaneously. I am still thinking about it!
-Molly Forlow |
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ASK AGAIN, YES
by Mary Beth Keane
Two rookie NYPD policeman, Francis and Brian are assigned to the same precinct for a short period of time. They aren't close friends, but end up living next door to each other. Their wives never become friendly but their children, Peter and Kate, become fast friends. A vicious altercation divides the neighbors and the kids are no longer allowed to see each other. But as the years pass Kate and Peter reconnect and need to resolve issues from the past. The story is about friendship, love, innocence and the gift of forgiveness.
-Ann Patterson (and staff) |
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STATE OF THE UNION
by Nick Hornby
(Direct to Paperback)
I am a huge Nick Hornby fan. I love his dry British wit. This novel, told in 10 parts, chronicles a couple who meet up in a pub an hour or so before their weekly marriage counseling session. What ensues is a lively, painfully funny discourse between a husband and wife trying to navigate the waters of a troubled marriage. This slim volume is the basis of the wonderful Sundance TV series. A witty, quick read.
-Laura Skinner
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THE SCHOLAR
by Dervia McTiernan
(Direct to Paperback)
A well written crime novel set in Galway, Ireland that introduces us to Detective Cormac Reilly. A young woman is discovered dead by a hit and run driver and the only identification she has is the student ID card of Carline Darcy, heir apparent to Darcy Pharmaceuticals. And so it begins...the case centers around academia and research and those who will stop at nothing to achieve success. New on the table--give this one a try, you won't regret it!
-Di Grumhaus
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THE FLATSHARE
by Beth O'Leary
An unexpected and quirky love story, both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Tiffy has left an emotionally abusive relationship and ended up in a flatshare arrangement where she and her roommate Leon only communicate via post-it notes. Little by little, they break down their walls and become friends. Can you learn to trust again after having your heart broken? I loved this!
-Maxwell Gregory
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FURIOUS HOURS: MURDER, FRAUD, AND THE LAST TRIAL OF HARPER LEE
by Casey Cep
The Reverend Willie Maxwell was a beloved, small town Alabama preacher until the people closest to him began to die of unexplained causes. When it became known that the Reverend had taken out insurance policies on each of the departed, the town turned against him. His trial, and the trial of his eventual killer, were watched closely by a quiet young woman from the same town, Nelle Harper Lee, and her lifelong friend, Truman Capote. Their story is as interesting and complicated as the murders they studied. Furious Hours is a fascinating look at the life and work of both authors, with insight into the deep South, race, and privilege.
-Beth Mynhier
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CALL YOUR DAUGHTER HOME
by Deb Spera
A moving story of motherhood and justice as told through the voices of three unforgettable women. Set in South Carolina during the 1920s three women who seem to have nothing in common unite to stand up to the injustices that have plagued their small town and find strength in the bond that ties women together. A fantastic, well written book!
-Kathy Petray (Maxwell Gregory also endorses!)
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THE MOST FUN WE EVER HAD
by Claire Lombardo
(Releases June 25, 2019)
This multi-generational family saga introduces us to the Sorenson family. Marilyn and David are the parents to four daughters who aspire to find the "perfect" kind of love they imagine their parents have. Love, loss, betrayal and ultimately forgiveness and acceptance define this wonderful story. A must read!
-Laura Capstick
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THE CASTLE ON SUNSET: LIFE, DEATH, LOVE, ART, AND SCANDAL AT HOLLYWOOD'S CHATEAU MARMONT
by Shawn Levy
I have always known of the Chateau Marmont as the hotel where John Belushi died, but little did I know the history of the hotel and it's varied occupants. The Chateau was built on a dirt road located far from the studios in Hollywood. It was originally designed as a series of luxury apartments, but the owners found it difficult to keep occupied. So the apartment building became a private hotel, patronized by celebrities who wished for seclusion. The list of the famous guests is quite extensive. I felt as if I was getting a chance to get a peek at what life for those living at the hotel and for those working at the hotel was like, and the lengths that were taken to provide the warm hospitality provided to its guests. Anyone interested in "Tinseltown" will find this very well researched and full of entertaining tidbits. The book has been described as fascinating and dishy--I would agree.
-Ann Patterson
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INDIANAPOLIS: THE TRUE STORY OF THE WORST SEA DISASTER IN U.S. NAVAL HISTORY AND THE FIFTY-YEAR FIGHT TO EXONERATE AN INNOCENT MAN
by Lynn Vincent & Sara Vladic
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SUMMER HOURS
by Amy Mason Doan
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THE CLOCKMAKER'S DAUGHTER
by Kate Morton
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THE GREAT BELIEVERS
by Rebecca Makkai
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THE OUTSIDER
by Stephen King
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THE RESTLESS WAVE
by John McCain & Mark Salter
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THE UNBREAKABLES
by Lisa Barr
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BEFORE WE WERE YOURS
by Lisa Wingate
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| MIDDLE SCHOOL & YOUNG ADULT SUGGESTIONS |
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YOUNG ADULT:
THE LAST PIRATE OF NEW YORK: A GHOST SHIP, A KILLER AND THE BIRTH OF A GANGSTER NATION
by Rich Cohen
A riveting tale of mystery and murder. Was Albert Hicks New York City's last pirate or its first gangster? This is a well-researched, completely entertaining, imminently readable history of old New York by the brilliant storyteller, Rich Cohen. Great for fans of Boardwalk Empire or Gangs of New York.
-Di Grumhaus
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MIDDLE SCHOOL:
FINDING ORION
by John David Anderson
Rion's eccentric grandfather, Papa Kwirk, turns his own funeral (he actually refers to it as a "fun-eral") into a scavenger hunt, sending Rion, his parents and his two sisters running all over a small Illinois town searching for clues that will lead them to truly understand Papa Kwirk's life. Told in 12-year-old Rion's voice, this rich novel beautifully captures the complexity of family history, especially the parent/child relationship. Rion's sisters and parents are each wonderful, vibrant characters, beautifully realized.
-Laura Skinner
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MIDDLE SCHOOL:
THE PUMPKIN WAR
by Cathleen Young
Billie and Sam have been best friends for most of their twelve years. Each year children on the island raise thousand pound pumpkins to hollow out and race across the lake. Trouble arises after Billie is convinced that Sam has cheated to win the race. Now Billie wants revenge and as far as she is concerned their friendship is over. While tending the pumpkin patch, sheering llamas and caring for bees, a visitor arrives to the island and helps Billie see herself and her friendship with Sam in a different light. But will it be enough to help the friendship to continue? This was a very enjoyable story of responsibility, independence and kids working together on the family farms. I'm glad I read it.
-Ann Patterson
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Lake Forest Book Store
662 N. Western Avenue
Lake Forest IL 60045
847-234-4420
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