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.

June 2007

The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton
Nonfiction 2006
Some buildings can make you feel relaxed, or productive, or invigorated. Others generate a vague sense of unease even without any apparent flaws. Why? Is there a standard of beauty, or is it a conceit to think that the purpose of architecture is more than functionality? de Botton draws on examples from various time periods and across the world to give his perspective on what humans respond to in architecture. Written for the general reader, no previous knowledge of architecture or design is needed to enjoy this thought provoking book.
Reviewed by A. Reader

Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger
Fiction 2006
A string of mysterious events forces Ridley Jones to examine her past. New York City provides the lush backdrop to this suspenseful story.
Reviewed by KLS

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Fiction 2006
This is the story of Bruno, his family and a fence. Any more of an introduction and the tale will lose its magic. The only words I'll leave you with are from the author. "I hope none of you have to encounter a fence such as this one." ~John Boyne
Reviewed byDL

Hard Laughter by Anne Lamott
Fiction 1980
Anne Lamott's first novel about a woman in her early twenties coping with her beloved father's illness.
Reviewed by KLS

Straight Manby Richard Russo
Fiction 1997
A wry comedy set in academia. This is my favorite book to recommend; it's impossible not to love it.
Reviewed by KLS

Tilt a Whirl by Chris Grabenstein
Fiction 2005
This is a fast paced murder mystery with as many twists and turns as the title suggests. Similar in style to Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich, the story features seaside New Jersey ambience, a pair of seemingly mismatched investigating officers, punchy dialogue and laugh out loud moments. Readers will look forward to the further adventures of Ceepak and Boyle.
Reviewed by pe

True Sources of the Nile by Sarah Stone
Fiction 2002
Anne, an American AIDS educator working in Burundi in 1993, becomes involved with Jean-Pierre, a local government official. The two try to eclipse their cultural differences during an outbreak of genocide within the country.
Reviewed by KLS