This long, layered novel leaves the reader haunted by the love stories it tells, the beautiful drama of medicine and countless surgical procedures, the tastes, smells and sounds of Addis Ababa and Ethiopia and the Bronx in New York, and the flawed and noble characters whose lives are revealed. It is, simply, a wonderful book that every one of us has read and loved, and it comes with our collective highest recommendation!

Here is another novel so good that is just about impossible to put down! The three women of this story, set in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962, and simply good company. They are smart, lively, decent people, and it is a pleasure to spend the hours of reading this book in their company. Two of them are black servants in the town, one is white, a new grad of Ole' Miss with a yen to write. The narrative of what their lives are like and how they intersect will stay in your mind long after the last page is finished.

Russo's new book takes us to the familiar territory of Cape Cod and the Coast of Maine and into the familiar terrain of the most important relationships of our lives. The book both begins and ends with a wedding. The year between those two celebrations is filled with life changes and guided by a thoughtful exploration of the past. Russo is a storyteller of uncanny wisdom and unexpected, laugh-out-loud humor.

This rich, lushly told drama of friendship and family is set within the context of Charleston, South Carolina. From the banks of the Ashley River to the gardens of gracious old neighborhoods, the essence of that fine old southern city flavors every page of this sprawling novel. From 1969 to 1989, we follow the intertwined and dramatic lives of a devoted band of friends from high school to middle age.

Trapped in World War II Leningrad, Lev is a gawky teenager who tells his tale with wry humor. It is an enormously appealling story of a strange quest for fresh eggs amidst a starving city under siege. Lev meets Kolya in the frightening darkness of a prison cell, where the two tentatively connect in a joint determination to survive. When they are randomly given a chance for reprieve and set out on a quixotic journey, their relationship deepens to form a touching, odd couple friendship as they navigate the violent, unpredictable landscape of communist partisans, Nazis occupiers and the Red Army.

This is a beautiful novel. As in Bel Canto and her other books, Patchett writes of lives that become real, nuanced and genuine. This story takes place mostly over the course of one long day and evolves from the consequences of an accident on a snowy street in Boston. Through the lives of this small collection of people, Patchett explores the meaning of family and love and the responsibility that connects us to community and even to country.

This is a book that is hard to put down! It opens amidst the rubble of Sarajevo in 1996, when a rare books expert begins to examine a newly discovered illuminated text. As she delicately probes this beautiful relic, the dramatic stories of the book's past owners are revealed, along with fascinating historical details of their times.

Though independent of Robinson's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Gilead, this is a parallel story, set in the same small Iowa town, now in the household of Reverend Robert Boughton. Glory returns to care for her dying father, and soon the prodigal Jack returns as well. With language so beautiful it begs to be read alond, Robinson tells a story of love and healing.

Howard Frank Mosher writes in a comment on this book that the young horse whisperer Martha Lessen is the most memorable character to come out of the west since Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call of Lonesome Dove. That is high praise indeed! In the winter of 1917, Martha Lessen sets out to earn a living 'gentling' horses in eastern Oregon. With most of the young men off to war, she is able to find the work she craves. This quietly profound and beautiful novel is written with a deep understanding of place and people and most of all, of horses.

Sixty seven year old Trond Sander moves from the city to a remote, riverside cabin, where his life is simple and content. He is surrounded by a hard, beautiful natural world that speaks to his sense of longing. Then one night, when he is out walking, he sees a strange figure in the dark, and he is plunged back into the turbulence and grief of his youth. This spare and beautifully written Norwegian novel is a deeply affecting story.

While this has our vote for Bad Title of the Year, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society also has our vote as one of the most enjoyable books we've read in a while! This is an intelligent, well researched novel about life on the Isle of Guernsey under German occupation during World War II. The story unfolds through the letters of an English novelist who stumbles on an account of the occupation. In desperate need of a new plot, she visits the island hoping to find the makings of a novel. She finds all of that, as well as a cast of hardy, complex characters who fast become real friends. Told with charm and wit, this book is simply a pleasure to read.

When's the last time you read a book set in Thailand? This fascinating novel begins when an American expat encounters an imprisoned American anthropologist. Determined to unravel the truth of her story, he follows her trail into the remote hill country of the Dyalo tribes. Berlinski manages to balance this exotic setting with a good deal of anthropological information and a nuanced story that ultimately reveals the mystery of a complex and difficult life.

Can't Cook But Doesn't Bite is the headline of the help wanted ad that changes the lives of a good many folks in Marias Coulee, Montana in the fall of 1909. Doig describes the landscape of that prairie West with deep pleasure and familiarity. He creates an enticing story of family, community and a one room school house peopled by a host of irresistible characters.

This long, deep novel pulls you effortlessly into its layered story of the Sawtelle family and their special dog breeding farm in rural Wisconsin. The details of dog rearing and training are fascinating, but are soon overshadowed by a growing sense of foreboding as the family's son, Edgar, who is mute, struggles to understand and act against the menace that threatens his family.

This richly atmospheric literary thriller will keep you guessing to the end! As the new year begins, there are odd and unsettling incidents at the elite St. Oswald's School for boys. Before long, a wicked game of 'chess' evolves between a beloved classics teacher nearing retirement and his unknown, formidable opponent who has a bitter grudge and a master strategy planned to the final, deadly move.

This begins a mystery series unlike any other. Dr. Siri Paiboun is an unlikely and very appealing hero. Against his wishes, Siri becomes the National Coroner of Laos under the new communist regime in 1975. Untrained and unsuited for the position, nonetheless he and his staff grow to embrace their roles and to solve the mysteries they encounter with the same droll wit and mordant humor with which they face all the deprivations and bureaucratic absurdity of life under communism.

This intelligent, engrossing Swedish novel is an international bestseller, and now one here in the US, as well. At the center of the story is Lisbeth Salander, a brilliantly portrayed young computer genius who is awkward, wise, ruthless and vulnerable. A death 40 years ago, financial intrigue, a crusading journalist, a complex family and a tender relationship drive this fascinating story. In addition, the places and geography of Sweden add interesting detail (and kept this reader balancing an atlas on her lap underneath the book!)

Commander Dalgliesh and his team are called to Dorset to investigate the death of a journalist in a private clinic there. The grace and beauty of the building, once a private estate, and the lovely setting make murder seem unlikely . . . until the second death. James' restrained writing, complex plot, and the touch of love in the air make this surely one of her best novels. At age 88, it may, sadly, be James' last.

Publisher's Weekly captures the essence of this very funny tale as it is told by its mild-mannered narrator, Norman de Ratour. Sly and spicy from start to finish, this unexpected hybrid blends academic spoofery, cannibalism and a murder mystery, serving it up with a just-right balance of innocence, subtle malevolence and cheeky irony.

Gemma James's neighbor pulls her into the complex web of a mystery that began when a priceless heirloom disappeared in World War II. As Gemma and her partner, Duncan Kincaid, move through the intriguing world of London's wealthy, they connect links from the war, from 1952 and the present. As always, the pleasure in Crombie's book is not only in the well plotted mystery and fine writing, but in the human relationships of the story.

Don Wright was left with strangers on a New York farm at the age of 8, travelled alone across the Atlantic to post war Berlin at 12, rode vaquero in the wilds of Mexico at 15, piloted the U-2 'spy plane' before he was 30, and, as he recounts in this fascinating autobiography, had a few adventures in between all that!

The subtitle to this is A Guide to Succession Planning for your Cottage, Cabin, Camp or Vacation Home, and that aptly summarizes the contents. This is a well organized, easy to read and understand guide to issues that face many families in our beautiful area, and it offers a creative method to solving a situation that all too often becomes hurtful and contentious.

Here is an absolute gem of a book! First pubished in 1988, this collection of highly opinionated personal essays on cooking and life remains an all time favorite, and it is a book that should be reread periodicially. Colwin's common sense in the kitchen, her refreshing humor and lively stories will send you back into the kitchen refreshed and challenged. Be sure to try her gingerbread recipes!

Crawford makes an interesting case for "manual competence". This skilled, hands-on labor of manufacturing and repairing is in danger of being lost to the current computer driven "knowledge revolution". He further points out that the work of builders and mechanics is secure work, that it cannot be outsourced or rendered obsolete and that such productive work engenders pride in our communities.

The authors of Halsey's Typhoon provide another fascinating and dramatic piece of military history. It was -33°F in the brutal winter of 1950, when F Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines was ordered to hold a critical pass in the Chosin Reservoir. When finally reinforced by other Marine units six days later, 75% of the company were casualties and their young commander would receive the Medal of Honor.

Hackman and Pride, both of the Concord Monitor collaborated to make this impressive series of interviews with veterans, their families and civilians of World War II who live here in New Hampshrie. These are intensely personal stories of men and women whose lives were irrevokably altered. The telling of their memories reduces that massive global conflict to an intimate, individual scale and in doing so gives today's reader a broader, deeper understanding of both World War II and of war itself.

Lincoln is much in the public consciousness these days, and noted biographer Fred Kaplan provides thoughtful insight into the president's intellect. Lincoln was our last president who actually crafted his own speeches and writings, and it is fascinating to trace the major influences on his thoughts, language and character.

Among the many new and older books we have on our 16th president is this little gem. McPherson joined the cascade of information that celebrated Lincoln's 200th birthday with this brief biography, of only 65 pages of text. In the introduction, McPherson states his goal to capture "the essential events and meaning of Lincoln's life without oversimplification or overgeneralization." He succeeds admirably. This is historical writing at its best.

This is Donald's first book since he was named 14th Poet Laureate of the United States in 2006. Early in life, he made the intriguing discovery that poetry is "secret, dangerous, wicked, and delicious." This lively, richly told memoir explores how the many places, experiences, and friendships of his life were shaped by his love of poetry. We have a limited number of first edition, autographed copies.

Local rider, writer and railroad historian, Charles Martin combined his extraordinary knowledge of New Hampshire's old railroad beds (and the trains that used to run them) with meticulous maps, photos and descriptions to create the best possible outdoor guide. Whatever the season, these Rail Trails, make getting out doors fun and interesting.

The inspiring story of Three Cups of Tea has been rewritten in a paperback edition for children third grade and up! When Greg Mortenson's life was saved by the people of a remote village in Pakistan, he returned to them with materials to build a school. So began one of the great philanthropic efforts of our time. This new young reader's edition includes maps, a glossary, Who's Who, a timeline, lots of photographs both in color and black and white, and a long interview with Greg's twelve year old daughter, Amira.

Once in a while, it is a pleasure to rediscover an old favorite! Elspeth Huxley's eloquent recollection of growing up as a European on a small farm in Kenya during the early years of the Twentieth Century is full of innocence and wonder and the joy of discovery. Once you've finished the book, enjoy the superb Masterpiece Theater video!

This young adult novel is a rollicking, grand adventure! It opens in 1939 on a Channel Island off the coast of England, where Nick, Kate and their parents live in an old lighthouse. From the opening scene of Nick battling his trusty sailboat alone through a storm, the action is intense with spies, Nazis, U-boats, a red parrot, a treasure chest, odd strangers - and time travel to Lord Nelson's fleet.

This is the first of a twelve part series for middle school (and adult!) readers, and it is one of our all time favorite books to recommend. These are wonderful stories filled with the realistic adventures of the four Walker children and their friends as they explore England by sailboat, raft and foot. These are great books to read aloud and to share as a family!

Strega Nona (and her pasta pot!) return in this FABULOUS pop-up edition. Tomie worked with the masters of pop-up engineering, Robert Sabuda and his team, to bring the beloved story of Strega Nona to new heights of artistic expression. Strega Nona's wise and generous spirit have enchanted generations of children. Now children of all ages will be captivated by her story and by the amazing doors, slides, spills and pop-ups that bring Strega Nona, her friends and family to life!

Colby-Sawyer Professor David Elliott's newest young adult book has the movie rights optioned by Fox! Jeremy Cabbage is an orphan stuck at Harpwitch's Home for Mean Dogs, Ugly Cats, and 'Strey' Children, where the dogs are treated better than the kids. Jeremy and his buddy, Polly, are separated from one another, but determined to reunite and find a better life. Their journeys and adventures make this an outlandish, comic and wonderful tale.

With beautiful illustrations and a lovely story, Christmas Farm is likely to become a tradition in your family. Wilma and her young neighbor, Parker, order and plant 62 doz. Balsam seedlings on her back hill. Through the years and in all seasons, they nurture the trees until they are ready to bring Christmas to homes near and far.

It will come as no surprise that Big Anthony does not exactly follow Strega Nona's instructions about planting a vegetable garden! The consequences of his good hearted efforts will make you laugh - and maybe learn a lesson, as well! Tomie's vibrant, deeply colored illustrations add special pleasure to this delightful story. Tomie dedicated Strega Nona's Harvest to our good friends at Springledge Farm, our wonderful, local farmstand. You can check out Springledge (and maybe order some locally made New Hampshire Maple Syrup or a fresh Christmas wreath) at springledgefarm.com. ($16.99)