The Imperfectionists

The Imperfectionists
by Tom Rachman

This novel, set in Rome, tells about a struggling international newspaper. Each chapter focuses on a different employee of the paper: the accountant, publisher, copy editor, obituary writer and more. The author does a good job of getting into the heads of his characters, and he captures the quirkiness and eccentricities of the individuals. Each story has its own flavor and rhythm, some are dry and humorous - others poignant and disturbing.

The Imperfectionists is very enjoyable to read. It's short, sharp, and leaves you wanting more. Highly recommended!

- Kathy

The Maiden Heist

The Maiden Heist
DVD

A very funny story about three art museum security guards who have spent many years at the museum. When word gets out that the collection will be moved, they can’t bear the thought of losing their favorite pieces. They come up with a plan to save their beloved masterpieces and so starts a funny romp with this all-star cast. This is a very entertaining movie well worth watching.

- Dixie

Think Twice

Think Twice
by Lisa Scottoline

I have enjoyed the work of Lisa Scottoline many times in the past but with this story I was very surprised by the dark aspect in the beginning. The main character falls victim to her twin sister's evil, and she has a very hard fight as a result.

There were moments in the story that I didn't think that I would continue, it was just too intense. I'm glad I stuck with it, because it turned out to be a great book.

- Beckie

Wedding Season

Wedding Season
by Katie Fforde

Sarah is a wedding planner, Elsa designs fabulous wedding gowns, and Bron is a talented hair dresser and occasionally creates cakes. They are so busy planning other weddings, the three friends do not have much time for a love life of their own.

Sarah is asked to plan the wedding for a famous actress, Carrie Condy. Unfortunately for Sarah, Carrie and Sarah’s sister pick the same date for their weddings – two months away. The three friends meet and decide they can handle both weddings. In the meantime, Sarah’s sister wants a fairy tale wedding but the budget is limited; and, Carrie wants a fairy tale wedding including the church, and one is not available. The three friends make it happen for both brides but not without chaos and problems, this includes their personal lives as well.

Katie Fford is a gifted writer and can bring out the comedy in any given situation. I even enjoy reading her Acknowledgments!

- Rose

Girl in Translation

Girl in Translation
by Jean Kwok

Eleven-year-old Kimberly Chang and her mother emigrate from Hong Kong to the US. They don’t know the language or the culture and owe a great debt to the relative who brought them here. Their new life includes a squalid Brooklyn apartment with no heat, and hard labor in a Chinatown sweatshop.

Kim is an excellent student and knows that her education will be their way out of poverty. She is a student by day and sweatshop worker on evenings and weekends. With a foot in both worlds, Kim learns the language and the culture. But she is still a girl and has to experience peer pressure, teen angst and first love.

A moving story about immigration, triumph and heartbreak. I highly recommend it.

- Dixie