Saving the World by Julia Alvarez (Book on CD)

Saving the World by Julia Alvarez (Book on CD)

Two stories intertwine as an award-winning Latino author living in Vermont narrates a story about her husband’s mission to the Dominican Republic to help eradicate AIDS as well as the story in her latest book about an ill-fated 19th-century Spanish expedition to Central America to prevent future smallpox epidemics. The main characters in this novel are well-developed and face some messy dilemmas in life, e.g. the ethics of ways people are saved from epidemics.

Kathleen Z., Library Director

Fire Point by John Smolens

Fire Point by John Smolens

Tensions simmer in Michigan's remote Upper Peninsula when a stranger comes to renovate an old Victorian home and becomes involved with 19 year old Hannah, the town pariah. When Sean Colby, her former boyfriend, returns to town, his jealousy and hostility involve many other townspeople. This is suspenseful up to the chilling end.

Sue N., Youth Services

Forgotten Ellis Island: the Extraordinary Story of America's Immigrant Hospital by Lorie Conway

Forgotten Ellis Island: the Extraordinary Story of America’s Immigrant Hospital by Lorie Conway

Most of us know something of Ellis Island and the amazing number of immigrants who entered the United States in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty. We study the hows and whys that so many left their native countries and traveled here. We know of the terrible conditions that many traveled in on the long journeys. But, did you ever stop to think of the number of immigrants who arrived on the shore of Ellis Island ill or carrying a contagious disease? What happened to those people?

Enter America’s Immigrant Hospital. “The hospital was massive and modern- 22 state-of-the-art buildings crammed onto two small islands, which were man-made from rock and dirt excavated during the building of the New York subway system.” (page 5). Read about the controversy surrounding ill immigrants, the building of the hospital, the staff that provided amazing care, and the patients. This is a fascinating look at an extraordinary institution, filled with photos of both then and now. Lorie Conway produced a documentary about the hospital, and this is the companion book. I haven’t been able to find a copy of the documentary available for purchase, but I’ll keep looking.

Holly, Youth Services

Manic: a Memoir by Terri Chaney

So, the book wasn't about Dick Chaney's daughter. I was wrong about that. Even still, I was hooked from the 1st page. Manic, a Memoir, by Terri Chaney is a no-holds-barred insight into the mind of a manic depressive Vassar alum, high-powered LA entertainment attorney. WOW. I couldn't put it down; I was glad it was a short read. No wonder it's a best seller.

Donna O., Reference

River God by Wilbur Smith

River God, a novel of ancient Egypt by Wilbur Smith

While visiting Egypt and after I returned, I read the River God, a fascinating story of history, love, civil war, and the glory of the Pharaoh days. It is very accurate historically and reinforced much that I learned on my trip. It is a long book with much detail but the characters make it flow along with the facts. Wilbur Smith writes "A grand tale of intrigue, deception, true love and exile." I highly recommend this read.

Sue N, Youth Services

Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan

Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan

Set on the last day of business of a Connecticut Red Lobster, this tells the story of Manny DeLeon, a conscientious, committed restaurant manager any national chain would want to keep. Instead, corporate has notified Manny that his—and Manny does think of the restaurant as his—location is not meeting expectations and will close December 20. On this last night, Manny is committed to a dream of perfection, but no one and nothing seems to share his vision. Small but not slight, the novel is a concise, poignant portrait of a man on the verge of losing himself. I would recommend this to anyone who has ever had a job or a relationship.

Sue A2, Reference

Black Duck (Book on CD) by Janet Taylor Lisle

Black Duck (Book on CD) by Janet Taylor Lisle

It's the Spring of 1929 on the New England shore... Prohibition... Smuggling Liquor... and a dead body found on the beach.

So begins Black Duck the story of Ruben and Jeddy and their, along with most of those in the small community, involvement in rum-running. Black Duck is a wonderful piece of historical fiction that will have you on the edge of your seats at times. The author’s note at the end of the audio tells of the actual events that inspired the story.

Holly, Youth Services