In the Shadow of the Cypress
Thomas Steinbeck (son of John)
The accidental unearthing of an ancient Chinese relic in early (1900) Monterey sets off a battle of wits and will between those who want its secret to remain hidden and those who suspect its mind-boggling implications. The Steinbeck legacy lives on.
Matterhorn
Karl Marlantes
An epic, riveting novel of the ground war in Viet Nam. Matterhorn has received rave reviews nationally, and I totally agree. Once you open the cover you become a Marine, on the ground, in the jungle, fearing for your life. It's that good!
Sweeping Up Glass
Carolyn Wall
At first, it looks like a story of revenge, over the killing of her wolves. But each time you think you know where the story is going, it goes somewhere else -- somewhere more intriguing, darker, deadlier. Right up to the end. Fascinating characters, great story, well told. Totally loved it.
The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
Brutal, terrifying, I couldn't put it down. 24 teens are chosen at random for the Hunger Games. Dropped in the wilderness, it's "kill or be killed", as the whole nation watches on TV. There can be only one winner. I loved this book!.
Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
Jacqueline Kelly
Texas, 1899, and 11-year-old Callie Tate discovers the natural world around her family's ranch. Blessed/cursed with 6 brothers, and resisting the domestic expectations of girls at that time, she finds a friend and ally in her cantankerous grandfather. Waiting for the wizards, dragons, or vampires to enter? No, it's a great story without them. You go, girl!!
River of Doubt
Candice Millard
A true account of Theodore Roosevelt's exploration of the previously uncharted, rapid-choked Rio da Duvida in the Amazon Basin. His challenge of the unknown dangers of the Amazon region -- hostile natives, poisonous snakes, disease, insects -- is a more exciting story than most adventure novels. Great intro to the Amazon rainforest eco-system, too.
Everyday Survival
Laurence Gonzales
This a terrific book. The author explores how a "vacation state of mind" can lead intelligent people to do such stupid, often fatal things. An immensely enjoyable journey into human behavior.
An Inconvenient Truth
Al Gore
A captivating primer on the imminent consequences of global warming. Weaving dramatic "before-and-after" satellite images and photos with exhaustive scientific data, Al Gore makes a compelling case for a US-led assault on CO2 emissions & global warming. A riveting read.
Game of Shadows
Mark Faidaru-Wada & Lance Williams
A fascinating. and disturbing, inside look at a seamier side of competitive sports. A must-read for every serious sports fan, Game of Shadows is an immensely readable documentary on the rampant use of steroids and other performance-enhancing substances at every level of competitive sports. Game of Shadows will make you look at your favorite teams and athletes through newly-t(a)inted lenses.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
Doreen Cronin
Farmer Brown and his cows are at an impasse! Using an old typewriter found in the barn, the cows relay their demands for electric blankets for themselves and the chickens. "No blankets? No milk or eggs!" With the duck as messenger, the two sides negotiate a deal, but who gets the last laugh? The reader! Fun and funny from start to finish, and a Caldecott Honor Book to boot, Click, Clack, Moo is a "keeper" for the home library.
Evening Thoughts
Thomas Berry
Offers a fascinating historical perspective on The Philosophical causes, including religion & law, of our current global eco-crisis, as well as a "peaceful way forward for our Earth community." Berry's mantra is "Paz Gaia" -- Peace of Earth & all living beings. The question is: Are we willing to make the necessary sacrifices to bring this about? I loved this book. (Helpful hint: Keep a dictionary handy.)
This page last updated March 22, 2010