GOOD READS
Beyond Best-Sellers: What B&ECPL Staff Recommend
The following were recently published titles which were read and recommended by members of our staff in the month indicated. The initials or pen name of the contributing staff member are noted after each review. Click here for more current recommendations.
July 2003
Two
Thousand Minnows: an American story Sandra Leigh
Non-Fiction
An autobiographical tale of a family, torn by abuse and loss told with love
and laughter. The author searches to solve a family mystery and come to terms
with her life and the lives of those who, despite their faults, she still holds
dear.
Reviewed by sjc
Swan Frances
Mayes
Fiction
This first novel by the author of Under the Tuscan Sun tells a story of hidden
family secrets. The southern setting and descriptions of small-town life are
perfectly suited to this story of a complex family.
Reviewed by MMS
Say
When Elizabeth Berg
Fiction
How does it feel to be left behind by the woman you love? This novel explores
the feelings of the husband who is taken by surprise when his wife decides
she wants a life apart from his. The story is both sweet and sad as the husband
ponders the reasons for his wife's discontent and the couple struggles to find
a relationship that will work for each of them.
Reviewed by AJS
Running
with Scissors: a memoir Burroughs, Augusten
Non-Fiction
An interesting and frightening account of a young boy growing up in the care
of his mother's psychiatrist. As we witness Augusten deal with both his crazy
mother and her crazy psychiatrist, we can only hope that time has skewed his
memory, and that these stories are the product of a vivid imagination.
Reviewed by bdw
Down
the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy
Through the Grand Canyon Edward Dolnick
Non-Fiction
The story of the historic first attempt to travel by boat down the Colorado
River through the Grand Canyon. This is a work of nonfiction excellently written
as a narrative. It will appeal both to readers of history and adventure stories.
Reviewed by JE
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