Hiding Places by Daniel Asa Rose
After his divorce, the author decides to take his 2 boys, ages 7 & 12, to Europe to find the hiding places their relatives used to escape the “not-sees” during the Holocaust. I loved the premise of a man instilling his family history, making memories, for his sons. Reading it was an emotional roller coaster that had me laughing and crying and left me both elated and exhausted. A truly amazing book that I could not put down.
Night of the Avenging Blowfish by John Welter
It’s an original, charming, deliciously funny love story from a guy’s point of view and an absolute delight to read. Don’t miss it!
Waiting by Ha Jin
I loved this deceptively simple story about a man trying to get a divorce to marry the woman he loves. A fascinating look at life in contemporary China. Winner of the Pen-Faulkner & National Book Awards.
The Ladies Auxiliary by Tova Mirvis
This is a story about the Orthodox Jewish community of Memphis, TN and how they deal with someone new and a little bit different moving in. The narrator is the community itself and it makes for a compelling voice indeed. Don’t miss it.
Special Circumstances by Sheldon Siegel
Move over John Grisham! There’s a new lawyer on the block, and this one writes a taut, fast-paced legal thriller that you can’t put down. Random House signed this first time author to a multi-book contract. Read this book and you will know why!
The Cider House Rules by John Irving
People loved the film but the book, as usual, is so much better! I confess to a weakness for John Irving. He is an amazing story teller. His books are rich in character and plot, Dickensian in scope. A joy to read.
Lesbian Sex Secrets for Men by Jamie Goddard & Kurt Brungardt
The subtitle reads “What Every Man Wants to Know About Making Love to a Woman and Never Asks.” Need I say more?
Demolition Angel by Robert Crais
I’m definitely in the mystery mode so far this year. This is well written crime fiction, with a strong interesting female protagonist. Non-stop action makes it easy to understand why it has already been optioned for a movie. Don’t miss his previous novel either, the Edgar Award nominated L.A. Requiem.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
A behind the scenes look at what goes on in restaurants (sometimes more than you wanted to know!) along with recipes and shopping and cooking tips. He is brutally honest about his profession and the people that work in it. A funny and fascinating read for anyone who has ever wondered “how did they do that” while dining out.
Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner
A big, sprawling novel of incredible description and complex characters. There are two stories going on here; the narrator of modern day writing a historical biography of his grandparents who helped settle the old West. Based on the life of Mary Hallock Foote, a writer and artist of the late 1800’s, Stegner combines her story with his imagination and comes up with a beautiful book. Winner of the 1971 Pulitzer Prize.
BONUS
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Part how-to, part memoir, excellent read all the way around. Learn how a master storyteller weaves his magic.
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