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.
January 2005
Fruit by Brian Francis
Fiction
This is a hilarious yet sad book told in a convincingly child-like voice. It is a sort of diary of the daily socially awkward events in the life of a twelve-year-old boy. The main character is dealing with the realization that he is gay and he has weight and home problems. This book makes you remember all the ridiculous things you did and thought when you were twelve.
Reviewed by ase
Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X by Deborah Davis
Non-Fiction
Belle Epoque Paris thoroughly enjoyed the scandal provided by a misplaced strap. Davis provides us a fast-paced, entertaining view of Parisian society and the life of one of Europe 's most famous artists, through one of his most famous paintings.
Reviewed by pmm
Fallen Order: Intrigue, Heresy, and Scandal in the Rome of Galileo and Caravaggio by Karen Liebreich
Non-Fiction
The Piarist Order, established by Father José de Calasanz, established the first schools for poor children in the late 16 th Century. By 1646 the order was closed down by the pope for snowballing socio-political reasons, which may have resulted from a cover up of child sexual abuse allegations made 17 years earlier. This is an interesting read and a timely subject.
Reviewed by skh
Military Commanders: The 100 Greatest throughout History by Nigel Cawthorne
Non-Fiction
This primer offers a snapshot of the lives of great military figures from every major period of history. While the coverage is by no means in-depth, the reader is given the highlights of the military accomplishments of leaders ranging from Genghis Khan to Colin Powell, in a uniform and readable format. This book holds appeal for the history buff as well as the student.
Reviewed by KMW
The Bark of the Dogwood: A Tour of Southern Homes and Gardens by Jackson Tippett McCrae
Fiction
Laugh out loud funny one moment, deeply disturbing the next, this unique novel is multi-layered and definitely not for the faint of heart. A New York writer begins an assignment on southern homes and is transported back in time to his dysfunctional past. The assignment awakens buried childhood memories, revealing dark family secrets that will change his life forever. Once begun, this is a book you won't be able to put down.
Reviewed by DML
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