Jennifer Parmelee Childs Recommends:

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

This engrossing work of historical fiction is full of intrigue, with just the right splash of romance. As a fan of the HBO series Rome, I was thrilled that this novel began right where the show left off. With the fate of Cleopatra and Marc Antony's three children orphaned by their suicide. Told from the point of view of their daughter, Kleopatra Selene, readers are whisked into the dangerous world of Ancient Rome as the children are paraded through the streets as curiosities and then forced to live among those responsible for their parents' deaths, never knowing when they might outlive their usefulness to Augustus. While I had read quite a bit about Cleopatra, I knew next to nothing about this next chapter in the story, so the novel kept me guessing. Of special interest to librarians is the contribution Kleopatra Selene made to the library world. In addition readers looking for fiction that they can learn from, this is a great offering for young adult readers and the perfect novel to suggest to your book groups.

978-0-307-40912-6 | $25.00/$29.95C | Crown | HC | September 2009

Erica McDonald Recommends:

Lady Vernon and Her Daughter by Jane Rubino and Caitlen Rubino-Bradway

The fact that I am an Austenite, while not “a truth universally acknowledged,” is certainly known in certain circles of society, albeit friends, family, and coworkers. And yet, despite taking an entire class devoted to Austen, I was not familiar with her epistolary novella Lady Susan. The original Lady Susan was written during the same period in which Austen produced Elinor and Marianne. Like Lady Susan it focused on the economic and romantic plights of two heroines displaced when the family home passes to an unworthy heir, but while Elinor and Marianne was revised and happily expanded to become Sense and Sensibility, Lady Susan was abandoned. Until now. Thirteen of the letters from that novel are incorporated in Lady Vernon and Her Daughter. The authors have invoked Austen’s distinctive style and voice, transporting me immediately and merrily into the world of Austen-esque trials and tribulations, culminating with a perfect Austen ending: Lady Susan and her daughter both marry men who not only bring them happiness, but property and money as well.

978-0-307-46166-7 | $24.99/$29.99C | Crown | HC | October 2009

Marcia Purcell Recommends:

That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo

Richard Russo is one of the authors that could write cough medicine adverts and I'd read them. We all have certain authors that we're drawn to—each of you could probably name three or four immediately. I was fortunate to hear Russo speak at BEA and he was his usual charming self, relating to the delight of the audience how That Old Cape Magic was supposed to be a short story—and then grew to be a novella—and then totally took on a life of its own and became a wonderfully amusing novel (my commentary, not his). This is the story of a marriage, told mostly from the point of view of the husband, Jack Griffin, whose life has been shaped by his parent's marriage and their choice of the best spot to vacation in the world—Cape Cod. There are scenes that make you laugh aloud, followed by scenes of acute heartbreak. In short, another triumph for Russo, but I have my fingers crossed should a movie follow. The casting would be very tricky! Enjoy.

978-0-375-41496-1 | $25.95/$32.00C | Knopf | HC | August 2009

Marie Kent Recommends:

Sweeping Up Glass by Carolyn Wall

Previously published in hardcover by a smaller publishing house, this Library Journal award winner is like a great find in a little cluttered, unknown bookshop. Since reading the galley, I’ve been talking it up and passing it along in hopes that it will become the “little book that could.” Set in the mountains of Pope County, Kentucky, this is the story of Olivia Harker Cross, a woman driven by pride and legacy – the legacy of her father, her land and the wolves that inhabit it, and a charming town whose members have wonderful names like Wing and Love Alice. But this is more than just her story – it is a narrative of mystery, justice, family and race set in a world where the color lines are still solidly drawn. Reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird, Sweeping Up Glass is a surefire classic-in-the-making and a great selection for young adults and book groups. Ms. Wall has penned a true gem.

978-0-385-34303-9 | $14.00/$16.50C | Dell | TR | August 2009

David Eicke Recommends:

The Fables Series by Bill Willingham

Some may call it “sacrilege” or worse when Prince Charming seduces a young diner waitress while Big Bad Wolf, Flycatcher, Jack (of beanstalk fame), and Snow White investigate the bloody murder of Rose Red. Or “weird” when Beauty and Beast go through marriage counseling. Or “sick” when we find out that Cinderella’s now using her body for purposes of espionage. But me: I think these stories are getting a long-deserved revival. Bill Willingham’s successful series takes all of the characters we know from the oldest stories (and a lot of characters we don’t know!) and puts them in a corner of New York City called “Fabletown.” And now there’s murder, sex, and war to go along with the love and bravery! A good comparison is "Shrek," but it’s a few steps further into the Adult section. I think much of the joy in reading this series comes from its audacity and its impudence. Kind of like the joy one gets from writing in library books.

Fables Deluxe Edition Vol. 1: Legends in Exile and Animal Farm
978-1-4012-2427-1 | $29.99/$37.99C | Vertigo | HC | October

 

Staff Picks Archive:

Summer 2009

Spring 2009

Fall 2008