The Wave
Susan Casey
I couldn't stop talking about this one while I was reading it! I think I'm going to get a WWLD bumper sticker. That's short for "What Would Laird Do?" as in Laird Hamilton, big wave surfing pioneer, old-school waterman, and all around Real Man. His story forms the central structure of the book, off which Casey hangs everything from wave science to maritime history to surf culture. It's the kind of book I just eat up with a spoon, and I tore through this one like it was a (insert your own surfing simile here). I can't imagine a better book to curl up with as storm season approaches here on the Northern California coast.
The Invisible Bridge
Julie Orringer
The novel opens on young Hungarian Jews in Paris, 1937. There's a breathtaking love story and a whole vibrant world of architecture students, theatre, and ballet. You'll be sorry when this glorious, sprawling story ends.
Born Yesterday -- Children's Picture Book
James Solheim
Hilarious! I laughed out loud, then went looking for someone to read this aloud to. It's perfect for the older kid with a baby sibling on the way, or kids who like to write, or anyone who likes to giggle!
The Super Hungry Dinosaur -- Children's Picture Book
Martin Waddell
This super-silly story is an ode to the power of politeness, courage, kindness, and spaghetti! Expressive drawings, charming details, totally fun!
The Mystery of the Burmese Bandicoot
Judy Cox
A fun and funny adventure featuring two brothers who happen to be classroom pets. I had a blast reading it to my 3rd grade son and 1st grade daughter. All three of us loved it! The sequel, too!
The Forest of Hands & Teeth
Carrie Ryan
One of the spookiest novels I've ever read, with a shocking revelation to rival anything in fiction for teens or adults. Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games!
The Windup Girl
Paolo Bacigalupi
Finishing this book is like returning from a trip to a faraway place where you witnessed some scary s*it. You try to resume your daily life, but you're a little haunted by what you've seen. Sci-Fi book of the year?
The Tiger
John Vaillant
This. Is. Incredible. The true story of a tiny village in far eastern Russia, this book had its teeth and claws in me by the end of the first (short!) chapter. Absolutely compelling, well researched, and well written.
Stolen
Lucy Christopher
Controversial, well-written, and unlike anything else you've read lately. A girl writes a letter to her troubled (but nonviolent) kidnapper. It's a thoughtful look at what's necessary for real love.
About a Mountain
John D'Agato
I tore through About a Mountain like it was on fire, then went back and wandered through again. Layered like an onion, this nuanced collection of essays is -- on the papery surface -- about the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage facility outside of Las Vegas, and a particular suicide in that city. Go deeper and it examines issues of commitment and communication, including the fascinating problem of how to create a marker for radioactive waste that will be intelligible ten millennia from now. Peel another layer and John D'Agata is getting at fundamental questions: What do human beings owe to one another? What makes us keep trying, or give up? It's a remarkable accomplishment by a master of the essay form.
In the Valley of the Kings
Terence Holt
I'm sorry, but there's no other way to say it: these stories will blow your mind. Holt is a genius, and a poet, and he's writing about things that really matter. Stunningly good.
This page last updated June 20, 2010