What Our Staff is Reading

The following are fiction and non-fiction titles that have been read and recommended by members of our staff. The initials or pen name of the contributing staff member are noted after each review. The titles may include award winners, not-so-recent bestsellers or a new look at the classics.

January 2003

Letters to Father: suor Maria Celeste to Galileo, 1623-1633 Maria Celeste Galilei Non-Fiction
For those people who loved reading the best-seller Galileo's Daughter, author Dava Sobel presents Letters to Father, sour Marie Celeste to Galileo 1623-1633. This collection of 124 letters written to Galileo by his cloistered daughter and saved by the astronomer over the years, speak in the language of daily life. We the readers become suspended in the urgency of their once current affairs. Reviewed by libgal2

First Lady Michael Malone
Fiction A mystery with a southern locale, First Lady sets two detectives on the murky trail of a possible serial killer. As they try to solve the mystery it seems as if everyone is determined to get in their way. Reviewed by MMS

At the Eleventh Hour: The Biography of Swami Rama Pandit Rajmani Tigunait
Non-Fiction
This fascinating biography of the founder of the Himalayan Institute tells of his life and journeys in India and the U.S. Reviewed by BDW

Sport Mick Cochrane Fiction
A novel by a professor from Canisius College, Sport tells of the story of a young boy trying to deal with a difficult home situation. Reviewed by MMS

Partly Cloudy Patriot Sarah Vowell Non-Fiction
This humorous collection of essays comes from a contributor to NPR's This American Life. Topics range from commentary on current events to surviving a family visit during the holidays. Reviewed by KLS

Carnival of Rainbows: A Novel of the Pan-American Exposition Barbara Soper Fiction
Very enjoyable book set in Pan-American era Buffalo and written by a retired B&ECPL librarian! Ms. Soper has unearthed fascinating material from Buffalo's history and used it to create a novel full of colorful and interesting characters. Reviewed by JE

Looking for Mary Gabriel Carole Lawrence Fiction
Beautifully written story of a young girl and the impact a mentally ill sister has on her life. It speaks of misconceptions of childhood carried through one's life and the lost opportunities that result. Reviewed by sjc

The House of Gentle Men Kathy Hepinstall Fiction
The story of a young girl's rape, and subsequent visit to the House of Gentle Men. In this house she discovers kindness administered by men seeking redemption for their crimes against women. Reviewed by sjc

Traveling Light Katrina Kittle Fiction
Story of family, illness, lost dreams, and spiritual growth. Reviewed by sjc

How I Learned to Snap: a Small Town Coming Out and Coming of Age Story Kirk Read Non-Fiction
Humorous and bittersweet memoir of growing up gay in the 1980's South. Read's tale is a hip and enlightening journey through recent history. Reviewed by Barbara Gordon