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.

August 2007


The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak
Fiction 2007
A novel that explores the tragic consequences of past hatred and injustice and its impact on the present. The book is set primarily in modern Turkey and works backwards to the 1st 20th century example of ethnic cleansing, the Armenian massacre of 1915. Shafak shows us both poignantly and shockingly that the bitter irony of hatred is one ends up hurting one's own family and oneself. Good book for discussion groups. Will appeal more to women than men.
Reviewed by Minerva


Rumspringa: To Be Or Not To Be Amish by Tom Shachtman
Nonfiction 2006
A fascinating dichotomy, Rumspringa is the term used when Amish teenagers are allowed to experience mainstream culture. Many drive cars, drink alcohol, use drugs and live away from their families. After this period of exploration, between 80-90% of them return to the Amish way of life and choose to be baptized.
Reviewed by KLS


The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
Fiction 2005
Set in modern day Bombay, a servant and her wealthy female employer form an unusual friendship despite their class differences.
Reviewed by KLS


What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt
Fiction 2003
Columbia University art history professor Leo befriends a contemporary and innovative artist, Bill. Their two families become close, share a calamity and then something much darker. Intelligent and affecting, this is a study of loss.
Reviewed by KLS