M/BARTHOLOMEW
Bartholomew, NancyStand By Your Man2001, 226p.

Beautician turned Country music singer Maggie Reid’s life is complicated. Her ex-husband is missing. There is a gun wielding private investigator hiding out in her home, and she doesn’t know what’s going on with hunky Detective Marshall Weathers. Everyone is looking for her ex, including the “red neck mafia.” Maggie doesn’t know how, but she is determined to get to him first. Sharon Lawrence (Children’s)

M/BEATON
Beaton, M.C.Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death1992, 201p.

This is an amusing cozy British Village Mystery. Agatha Raisin turns sleuth after being accused of poisoning the judge of the Village Quiche Competition. Louanne Mitchell (Literature)

F/BREWER
Brewer, GeneK-Pax1995, 231p.

A patient at the Manhattan Psychiatric Institute claims to have arrived on Earth on a beam of light, from the planet K-Pax. His outlook and his description of life on K-Pax affect the lives of both staff and patients alike at the hospital. One day he announces he will be going back and can only take one person with him. Is he really from K-Pax? You decide. Pam Scheibenreif (Circulation)

F/CHEVALIER
Chevalier, TracyGirl With a Pearl Earring1999, 233p.

Historical details of 17th century Holland and art merge in this mesmerizing story of Griet, a sixteen-year-old Dutch girl, who became a maid in the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer. She soon attracts the painter’s attention and becomes the subject of one of his paintings. Sheila Guenzer (Literature)

F/CHIAVERINI
Chiaverini, JenniferThe Cross-Country Quilters: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel2000, 367p.

Five women go to a quilters’ retreat and share their life stories. It is a great, heartwarming story. Vern Papacek (Circulation)

M/CHRISTIE
Christie, AgathaSleeping Murder1976, 242p.

In Miss Marple’s last case, she meets a young couple from New Zealand who are determined to solve an eighteen-year-old murder. It kept me guessing until the end. Sharon Yurgil (Reference)

IN/F/CLOWES
Clowes, DanielGhost World1997, 80p.

Rebecca and Enid always knew high school stunk; but now that it’s over, what should they be doing with their lives? Two teens seek a path and a way to make adulthood make sense. Clowes puts a friendship under his microscope, and at times, the results made me squirm. Amanda Miller (Children’s)

M/COBAN
Coben, HarlanTell No One2001, 339p.

Although his wife was murdered eight years ago, David Beck is still in mourning over her death and unable to get on with his life. He is stunned to receive a cryptic e-mail message that could only have come from her. A great, suspenseful read. I couldn’t put it down. Lisa Bobis (Reference)

F/CRONIN
Cronin, JustinMary and O’Neil2001, 243p.

Cronin’s first novel intertwines eight stories that focus on pivotal moments in the lives of O’Neil and Mary, some before they meet and marry, and others afterwards. Using exquisite prose, Cronin explores choices made and the consequences that result. This is an amazing book! The minute I finished, I wanted to read it again. JoAnn Zeich (Administration)

F/DE BERNIÈRES
De Bernières, LouisCorelli’s Mandolin1994, 437p.

An interesting tale full of fascinating, colorful characters, humor and romance. During World War II, Captain Corelli is in command of the Italian soldiers who occupy the home of Dr. Iannis on the Greek Island of Cephallonia. Corelli wins the heart of Pelagia, Dr. Iannis’s daughter, and then must rely on the Iannis’ help to escape from Cephallonia when it falls under German control. Colleen Morrison (Children’s)

F/DELINSKY
Delinsky, BarbaraFor My Daughters1994, 290p.

A mother mysteriously summons her three daughters to the family’s summer home. When Mom is late in arriving, the daughters are forced to deal with each other’s past and present lives. Julie Runge (Children’s)

F/DICKINSON
Dickinson, CharlesThe Widows’ Adventures1989, 381p.

Two widowed sisters, one blind, one a beer-a-holic, take a road trip from Chicago to California. Annie Jagielski (Administration)

F/DUNN
Dunn, CarolaLavender Lady1983, 201p.

A Regency England romance worth reading a second time. A light-hearted, unusual story about Hester Godrics’ family. You’ll enjoy many laughs throughout this novel. Virginia Koczkowski (Circulation)

F/DUNN
Dunn, MarkElla Minnow Pea: A Progressively Lipogrammatic Epistolary Fable2001, 205p.

A whimsical story told in letters, about an island nation that is losing its alphabet one letter at a time. Christopher Bowen (Administration)

F/DUNN
Dunn, MarkElla Minnow Pea: A Progressively Lipogrammatic Epistolary Fable2001, 205p.

Say the title aloud and you will get the idea of how much fun this quirky tale can be. Ella Minnow Pea is a political and social satire, which looks at what happens when an extremely intelligent society loses its ability to communicate. The story is told through the correspondence of the title character and her family as letters of the alphabet are banned from use. Ted Waltmire (Administration)


M/FLUKE
Fluke, JoanneChocolate Chip Cookie Murder2000, 312p.

Hannah Swensen returns home to frosty Lake Eden, Minnesota, opens the Cookie Jar Bakery, and finds the killer of the Cozy Cow Dairy’s delivery man. Well-developed, mostly likeable secondary characters, a great sense of place, and wonderful recipes! Carol Yarmolich (Literature)

M/FLUKE
Fluke, JoanneStrawberry Shortcake Murder2001, 296p.

Hannah turns detective again! This is another delicious Hannah Swensen Mystery. This time Hannah is a judge at a dessert bake-off, when a fellow judge is found dead. There are seven great recipes throughout the book. (I recommend the Strawberry Shortcake on page 14–17) Nadine Walsh (Circulation)

M/GEORGE
George, AnneMurder Boogies with Elvis2001, 243p.

Anne George writes delightful “gentle” mysteries that make me laugh out loud. Her detectives are two southern sisters who, in their “mature” years, find themselves embroiled in one adventure after another. I love this book for its wonderful characters Aunt Pat and Aunt Sister, southern belles with a twist, a cadre of Elvis impersonators and a horde of flaky in-laws to be. It doesn’t get better than this. Pat Markert (Circulation)

F/GIBBONS
Gibbons, StellaCold Comfort Farm1932/1996, 233p.

Having grown up in a farming community, I found this tale of a ramshakle English farm and its “Pollyanna-like” savior, hysterical. This book reads like James Herriot on laughing gas. Judy Aulik (Reference)

F/GRINER
Griner, PaulCollectors1999, 174p.

When Jean Duprez meets Steven at her cousin’s wedding, there is a strange attraction. They then proceed to a lovely day of sailing which ends with Steven slamming her hand in the taxi door—an accident? After Jean engineers a chance encounter with him at a flea market, she finally begins to realize that he might have something special in mind for her. A short, but very intense, psychological novel about people and relationships. Lynn McCullagh (Literature)

F/GRIPPANDO
Grippando, JamesUnder Cover of Darkness2000, 399p.

A gripping novel centered around the disappearance of Beth Wheatley, wife of a corporate executive who vanishes suddenly leaving her husband and daughter in shock. Andie Henning, a local FBI agent, is assigned to the case and it soon becomes apparent that Beth may have left voluntarily. Twists and turns keep the reader guessing till the surprising finish. Sheila Guenzer (Literature)

F/HARRIS
Harris, JoanneFive Quarters of the Orange2001, 307p.

Framboise Simon returns quietly to the village Les Laveuses, on the banks of the River Loire, to restore her childhood home, and open a small creperie. While sorting through her mother’s legacy, a scrapbook of recipes, Framboise sifts through the secrets and events of one summer during the German occupation, searching for insight into a summer that ended in tragedy. Terri Williams (Literature)

M/HART
Hart, Carolyn G.Death on Demand1987, 213p.

This is the first book in a series of mysteries about Annie Laurance, proprietress of the “best mystery bookstore this side of Atlanta,” and her charming fiancé, Max. Together they solve murders on a posh island community off the South Carolina coast. This series goes light on the murders and heavy on the witty dialogue, quirky characters and references to mysteries and mystery authors. Sara Pemberton (Children’s)

F/HARUF
Haruf, KentPlainsong1999, 301p.

An interesting story combining different individuals into a “family” relationship. The story revolves around two bachelor brothers and their tender loving care of a pregnant teenager. It is a book that is easy to read in one long night. Rita Regis (Administration)

SF/FHERBERT
Herbert, FrankDune1965, 517p.

An epic tale, vividly written. On the surface it is science fiction at its best, and it dives deep into issues that are timeless. A story of government, religion, even ecology, this book shows how a religion can evolve and people can be moved by prophecy. A must read! Ben Vilimek (Literature)

F/HOWARD
Howard, LindaMr. Perfect2000, 343p.

Four friends compile a list of the qualities of a perfect man. It’s just a joke—until someone makes it deadly serious. Fast moving romantic suspense, with funny believable characters. Lorel Trout (Circulation)

F/ILES
Greg IlesThe Quiet Game1999, 433p.

After losing his beloved wife to cancer, Penn Cage, prosecutor turned author, retreats to his family home in Natchez with his young daughter. He will not find peace until he solves a 30-year-old murder and confronts ghosts from his past. A sympathetic hero and an involving plot ensure that you won’t put the book down until the last page. Marty Krause (Reference)

F/KING
King, StephenThe Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon1999, 224p.

Nine-year-old Trisha, hiking the Appalachian Trail with her mom and brother, lags behind—and is promptly lost. Alone with only her Walkman radio, she scavenges for food, trudges through swamps, flees an unknown and frightening beast, and gains comfort from listening to Boston Red Sox baseball and the exploits of her favorite player, Tom Gordon, who, in a sense, keeps her company on this coming-of-age survival adventure. Joyce Saricks (Literature)

F/KINGSOLVER
Kingsolver, BarbaraThe Poisonwood Bible1998, 546p.

In 1959, preacher Nathan Price takes his wife Orleanna and four daughters to a remote village in the Belgian Congo to spread “The Word.” The family finds themselves unprepared to deal with the primitive living conditions, the natives’ hostility towards Nathan’s message of salvation, and the political upheaval as the country fights for independence from Belgium. Told in alternate chapters from the point of view of Orleanna and her daughters, it shows unique perspectives of their experiences during their years in the Congo. Marianne Trautvetter (Literature)


F/KINGSOLVER
Kingsolver, BarbaraProdigal Summer2000, 444p.

Wildlife biologist Deanna Wolfe has returned home to Southern Appalachia in order to work in the national forest on Zebulon Mountain. In the valley below, Lusa Landowski is struggling to keep the family farm afloat. During the course of one summer their stories are interwoven with those of their neighbors to come to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion at novels end. Barbara Kingsolver’s love for the environment and great ability to evoke a sense of time and place add a rich dimension to this very readable novel. Susan Hanson (Reference)

F/KOKORIS
Kokoris, JimThe Rich Part of Life2001, 327p.

When 11-year-old Teddy Pappas’ father wins the lottery on the anniversary of his mother’s death, the family’s life changes forever. Soon, Great Aunt Bess comes from Milwaukee to help out the family, as does Teddy’s Uncle Frank, who produces cheap vampire movies in Hollywood. What ensues is a quirky and touching story about a family’s search for itself. Lora Bruggeman (Literature)

F/KOKORIS
Kokoris, JimThe Rich Part of Life2001, 327p.

Through the eyes of 11-year-old Teddy, we get to know and love the colorful Pappas family members, who find each other through the unlikely event of winning the Lottery. Wonderful characterizations of a quirky family made me laugh, while I felt for their struggles to relate. Jamie Bukovic (Administration)

F/LOWELL
Lowell, ElizabethMoving Target2001, 453p.

Elizabeth Lowell’s stories of romantic suspense span the continents and include details and insights into the exotic worlds of diamonds, ancient jade, Baltic amber, exotic pearls and imperial rubies. In Moving Target, she combines the arts of illuminated manuscripts and weaving with a hint of mysticism. Melody Danley (Administration)

F/MILLER
Miller, SueThe World Below2001, 275p.

Cleaning out the family home, Cath Hubbard finds her grandmother’s diary, written in 1919 while in a tuberculosis sanitarium. Cath revises her view of family history after learning the truth of her grandparents’ marriage and life together. Lisa Bobis (Reference)

M/PARETSKY
Paretsky, SaraTotal Recall2001, 414p.

V.I. Warshawski, while working on a case for a poor family cheated out of their life insurance, is sucked into a whirlpool of international crime that stretches back to the atrocities of Nazi Germany; and she uncovers a truth that almost destroys Lotty Herschel, her oldest friend. Jan Knudsen (Circulation)

F/PICOULET
Picoult, JodiePlain Truth2000, 405p.

A dead infant is found in an Amish barn, and the 18-year-old, unmarried daughter of the Amish farmer is accused of taking the child’s life after the birth. Ellie Hathaway, a disillusioned big city lawyer, comes to the Amish community in Pennsylvania to defend Katie, the accused. Very thought-provoking. Justice is not always black and white. Nancy Poch (Circulation)

F/RAY
Ray, JeanneJulie and Romeo2000, 227p.

Members of the Cacciamani and Roseman families, rival florists, have hated each other for years, although no one can quite remember why. Sparks fly between the families’ grown children when their parents, Romeo Cacciamani and Julie Roseman, fall in love in this humorous, romantic story. Sue O’Brien (Literature)

YA/F ROWLING
Rowling, J.K.Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire2000, 734p.

The Fourth in the Harry Potter series, it is also the best. The plot revolves around the Triwizard Tournament, a competition between Harry’s school, Hogwarts, and two other schools. Each school is allowed one contestant, so, how (and why) is Harry selected to be the fourth contestant? What’s wonderful about a Harry Potter book is of course, the humor, incredible detail about the magical world, and the way Rowling weaves themes such as the triumph of good over evil into the story. See also J/F/ROWLING. Bonnie Reid (Reference)

F/SPENCER
Spencer, LaVyrleSmall Town Girl1997, 364p.

A small town girl comes home after becoming famous and falls in love all over again. A gentle family-style love story. Daksha Mistry (Circulation)

F/SMITH
Smith, BettyA Tree Grows in Brooklyn1943, 420p.

This is a coming of age story about a little girl, Francie, living in the Brooklyn slums in the early 1900s. This story goes far beyond an entertaining narrative. It evokes an emotional response deep within one’s own humanity. I feel lucky to have read it. Bevin Brouillet (Reference)

F/SOUEIF
Soueif, AhdafThe Map of Love1999, 529p.

Through the discovery of her grandmother’s letters and diaries, New York journalist Isabel finds a branch of her family she never knew she had. Alternating between present day and the turn of the century, this involving family saga/romance offers insights into both historic and modern day Egypt. Janet Cole (Reference)

M/WALTERS
Walters, MinetteThe Shape of Snakes2001, 371p.

An engrossing psychological suspense story told by someone the reader only knows as M, who twenty years before witnessed a neighbor killed in a supposed car accident. Haunted by Annie’s death, M has attempted over the years to piece together what actually happened and is now confronting the neighbors she believes were also witnesses. Some graphic descriptions of violence. Anya Fiorelli (Technical Services)

F/WELLS
Wells, RebeccaDivine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood1996. 356p.

Explores the relationship between a mother and daughter and moves back and forth through time. Interesting because it is set in Louisiana with the backdrop of southern culture versus a daughter who has moved away and must come to terms with her past. Carole Zoeller (Reference)