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.

April 2007

The Black Sun by James Twining
Fiction 2006
I read this novel and found it to be similar to several different action books having to do with WWII. The book was action packed and enjoyable with a few unexpected twists, including a new perspective on the "what if" theories of what is considered the 8th greatest wonder - the “Amber Room." There is a hint of romance and numerous action packed scenes, including a harrowing chase across the frozen wastelands of Russia.
Reviewed by DK

Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
Fiction 2006
This is a wonderful story of a boy who, desperate to leave his unhappy life, slips through an opening in a tree and enters a land of fairy tales.
Reviewed by BDW

The Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Fiction 1979
A fun filled adventure of an Earth man named Arthur Dent whose home planet is destroyed to make room for a hyperspace bypass. At the last minute Arthur is saved by his good friend Ford Prefect, who is in fact, NOT, a struggling artist as he claims, but an alien working for the "Guide" who was stranded on Earth while doing a report. From there the two are thrown into a wild adventure full of intrigue, drama, romance, and mice. Happy Reading; So Long and Thanks For All The Fish!
Reviewed by DL

Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived by Ralph Helfer
Nonfiction 1997
An adventure-filled, uplifting story of loyalty, friendship and love. Spanning their lifetime, the story follows Bram (the trainer) and Modoc (his elephant) across several continents where they face many challenges, dangers and triumphs!
Reviewed by DS

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
Fiction 2007
A compulsive read from the first page, this Victorian thriller details a genteel lady's search for her husband's murderer with the help of a secretive private inquiry officer. The dialogue is sharp and intelligent and the motive intriguing as the lady discovers disturbing truths about a husband she never really knew. Readers will eagerly anticipate a sequel.
Reviewed by pe

What is the What: the Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng  by Dave Eggers
Fiction 2006
Valentino Achak Deng, a Lost Boy of Sudan, was separated from his family at age seven when his village was attacked during a civil war in his country. He became a refugee for over a decade and eventually was able to move to the U.S. This is an account of suffering, of survival and surprisingly, of humor.
Reviewed by KLS