Staff Book Picks for March 2010

Bone Fire
by Mark Spragg

If you read and loved An Unfinished Life, you're going to be so pleased—in Paul Harvey's words—to hear the rest of the story. Griff and her grandfather Einar have made a life for themselves in Ishawood, but reality is rearing its ugly head. Einar is beginning to fail physically, Griff is torn about leaving him to return to college, and Jean is drinking too much and fears that her husband is deceiving her. And then there are McEban and Kenneth, Crane, Helen, and Paul. The characters are so solidly drawn and the writing is so lovely that it is a treat to be invited back into their lives.
—Laura

The Crazy School
by Cornelia Read

Narrated by snarky, tough Madeline Dare, The Crazy School is a gritty, no-holds-barred mystery. After two students are murdered in what first appears to be a double suicide, Madeline is accused of the crime. Not being the kind to sit around and do nothing, Madeline investigates and unravels the mystery herself.
—Teresa

Await Your Reply
by Dan Chaon

The story begins with three strangers who are each beginning a journey. Their individual quests become complicated by the question of identity. This is a great story of interesting people.
—Linda

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
by Helen Simonson

Major Pettigrew is adjusting—has adjusted, he would tell you—to life in Edgecombe St. Mary, to his quiet life of retirement, without his beloved wife, and to his disappointment with their only child. He values his quiet, his privacy, his sense of dignity, and, above all, to the fine pair of guns left to him and to his brother by their father. He has more adjustments to make, however, some painful and some liberating. You'll love watching the Major lose a little of his starch and gain a little humanity.
—Laura

The Locavore's Handbook: The Busy Person's Guide to Eating Local on a Budget
by Leda Meredith

This handbook is chock-full of helpful information on sourcing local food, foraging, and growing your own. I like the nifty chart of which fruits and veggies are in season at what time of year. The author also explains the importance of supporting local farmers and how eating local is healthier and can be cheaper than buying from grocery stores.
—Teresa

Death of a Valentine
by M. C. Beaton

Death of a Valentine is the newest Hamish MacBeth mystery. The unambitious police sergeant and his new assistant have set a wedding date, but they are in the midst of a murder inquiry. As usual, this is great fun.
—Linda

The Crossing Places
by Elly Griffiths

Set in the remote saltmarshes of Norfolk, Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson and archeology professor Ruth Galloway are knee deep in a series of mysteries ancient and modern. Vivid descriptions of the desolate countryside add an effective backdrop to the story of girls missing, bodies found, anonymous taunts, and an interesting cast of characters, with a judicious seasoning of personalities and quirks.
—Laura

The First Rule
by Robert Crais

In this story of family and loyalty, Joe Pike seeks to find and punish the killer of Frank Meyer and his entire family. Frank was one of Pike's "men" in their mercenary days, but he may have become a target of the Russian mafia through illegal activities. There are twists and turns and action aplenty.
—Linda

Burning Bright
by Ron Rash

Ron Rash's new collection of stories spans from the last days of the Civil War to the present day. Set against the backdrop of Southern Appalachia, the stories show the harsh reality of life in the area across the 150-year time period. I most enjoyed "Dead Confederates" and the title story, "Burning Bright."
—Teresa

For Children

Baby & Kindergarten

That Cat Can't Stay
by Thad Krasnesky & David Parkins

Dad doesn't like cats, so the cat-loving members of the family have to trick him into letting one stray cat stay. Well, one turns into five and soon they have taken over everything, including Dad's favorite chair. This is my new favorite kids' book!
—Teresa

Elementary

Rumblewick's Diary: My Unwilling Witch Gets a Makeover
by Hiawyn Oram

Rumblewick is Haggy Aggy's right-hand cat. It is his job to shape her into the best witch she can be, only Aggy prefers pink to black, dresses to broomsticks, and is on her way to get a makeover. What's an unwilling witch's cat to do?
—Teresa

Middle School

I Am Spartapuss
by Robin Price

This is the diary of slave cat Spartapuss in a Roman empire ruled entirely by cats. There are lots of cat puns and characters like Catligula, Clawdius, Mewlia, Cleocatra, and the cleverest of all, Russell the crow. I dare you to read it and not laugh.
—Teresa

Teen

Split
by Swati Avasthi

Amid all its snarkery and teen drama, Split is among the best fictional accounts I've ever read of the lingering effects of child abuse and domestic violence. Its characters are all sweethearts, suspicious cynics, and very human. One of the things I like most is the emphasis that violence is a choice-committing and perpetuating violence, refraining from violence, these are human choices. The difficult choices the characters make within their limitations are what matter.
—Kimberly