Year of Wonders

Year of Wonders
by Geraldine Brooks

Geraldine Brooks' Year of Wonders is some of the best historical fiction I've read in a long while. It describes the events that take place in a small English village in the 17th century during an outbreak of the plague. Told through the eyes of 18-year-old Anna Frith in the language of the time as she struggles to survive, a year of tragedy becomes instead annus mirabilis, or a "year of wonders". It is a compelling and honest look at human nature. Brooks is an extremely talented writer, and I look forward to reading more of her work.

- Lynn

Wedding Belles

Wedding Belles
by Haywood Smith

This story is about five southern women, all friends since high school, who support each other through life's ups and downs. Out of the blue, one daughter announces her engagement but her choice of fiance is a shocker to all. It's going to take a lot of southern charm (and these five women have it) to get through the planning of this wedding and other problems that crop up along the way.

I enjoyed the author's wit and wisdom and her ability to weave the past into the present in such a way that the reader does not lose interest. Looking forward to reading the author's other books.

- Rose

On My Journey Now: Looking at African-American History through the Spirituals

On My Journey Now: Looking at African-American History through the Spirituals

by Nikki Giovanni (juvenile book)

Author and poet Nikki Giovanni has always loved the spirituals and has visited various slave ports in Africa, trying to learn as much as she can about the people brought to our shores as slaves. In this book, she talks to American young people about the first Africans in America - what their lives were like and why the spirituals were so important and evolved the way they did. This is a touching narrative that made me want to learn more.

-Linda

Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf

Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf
by Jennifer L. Holm

Did you realize your refrigerator can tell a story? This is a story about seventh grade Ginny told through the use of 'stuff' such as notes on the refrigerator, memos, to do lists, school passes etc. From the frustrations of hair turned pink to the discovery of a new talent, the well designed book touchingly chronicles a year of middle school in a refreshing and totally different manner.
-Sue

Sleeping Arrangements

Sleeping Arrangements
by Madeleine Wickham

This book was so different than anything I've experienced lately. Funny and lighthearted, it is set in a Spanish villa. Two families, who don't know each other at all, end up there at the same time with no warning from the the villa's owner.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be entertained. Delightful.

-Beckie

Collateral Damage

Collateral Damage
by Fern Michaels

Fern Michaels' Collateral Damage is fifth in the series of the Sisterhood: Rules of the Game. Collateral Damage is the continuing saga of seven women vigilantes and how they bring about truth and justice. We cannot forget Charles who is head of the operation and presents the "projects" to the group. The current project is a trap to catch the vigilantes but these young women caught on quickly and just in the nick of time. Now it is time for payback!

- Rose