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.

February 2003

The Tipping Point Malcolm Gladwell Non-Fiction
Gladwell, a frequent contributor to New Yorker magazine, deals with the idea that small actions can make large differences in areas as diverse as education, selling books, and crime. Reviewed byMMS

Waiting for an Angel Helon Habila Fiction
This book is a well-written, compelling story of life in Lagos, Nigeria during the mid 90's. Masterful use of language and strong imagery draw the reader in at the first chapter and holds his attention right through to the end. Reviewed bysk-h

Population: 485 Michael Perry Non-Fiction
A writer turned volunteer fireman tells of a small town, its people, and their joys and tragedies. His love for the written word and for his neighbors is expressed with a style that left me searching for everything else he's written. A real find. Reviewed by sjc

Windchill Summer Norris Church Mailer Fiction
This novel tells the story of a young girl coming-of-age in Arkansas in the 1960's. It is the author's first book and gives a good picture of the conflicts of the period. Reviewed by MMS

Burning Marguerite Elizabeth Inness-Brown Fiction
Beginning with the tragic death of his elderly aunt, the author describes his childhood on an island in Lake Champlain. By the end of the novel, we understand that family is not necessarily made up of mother and father, but is built on relationships with those who we love. Elements of mystery surrounding the death and the author's description of the locale make this book a compelling read. Reviewed by AJS

Venzano: a scented garden in Tuscany Stephanie Donaldson Non-Fiction
Venzano is the story of the development & nurturing of a garden in Tuscany. The book has many beautiful pictures that bring the garden to life. Reviewed by MMS

Sweet Dream Baby Sterling Watson Fiction
Twelve-year-old Travis is sent to Florida to live with his young aunt and grandparents after an upheaval in his home. His pubescent feelings as he adjusts to the changes in his life hook you and lead to a climax that is a total surprise. Reviewed by sjc

Finding my Balance: a memoir Mariel Hemingway Non-Fiction
This is the short but interesting story of Mariel, growing up Hemingway, and how she deals with the "Hemingway curse." Mariel tells of her exploration into alternative remedies for dealing with physical and emotional pain, and shares details of how her dedication to yoga and meditation has carried her through. Reviewed by BDW

Collision With History Robert Ballard Non-Fiction
The story of Ballard's search for JFK's PT 109 in the waters of the South Pacific, this book combines World War II history with a contemporary scientific adventure. Reviewed byMMS

Sisters of Cain Miriam Grace Monfredo Fiction
Monfredo, the critically acclaimed author of historical mysteries such as Seneca Falls Inheritance, has rewarded readers with another exciting selection. In this novel two sisters become involved in the spy games of the Civil War. The author marries rich historical detail with cameos by real figures (including Abraham Lincoln and Dorthea Dix) to produce a story that will keep readers riveted.