The Book Thief

The Book Thief
by Marcus Zusak

It isn't often that the Ladies of the Book Club (meeting: second Thursday of each month, 1:30, Burton Library) agree so completely on a selection. The Book Thief inspired us to such a conclusion. Told from Death's point of view it is a story of a young girl growing up inside Nazi Germany during World War II. It is an usual perspective. One that generated much discussion in our group. This book is sure to become a modern classic. It is both poetic and thought provoking. We give it 5 out of 5 coffee cups!

Twilight

Twilight series
by Stephenie Meyer

This series is geared toward the young adult, but has proven to be appealing to adults as well. There are four books in this series, starting with Twilight, followed by New Moon, Eclipse, and finally Breaking Dawn.

The saga begins with Isabella (Bella) Swan, a mature beyond her years 17-year-old who has come to live with her dad in Forks, Washington. She doesn't expect to like the dreary little town compared to sunny Phoenix, but things change after she meets mysterious (and incredibly handsome) Edward Cullen. They are undeniably drawn to each other and Bella can't help but be intrigued by him. As she gets closer to Edward and her feelings for him deepen, she finds out the truth, which he and his family have been hiding for years. As a result of her discovery, her life will be forever changed.

At first, I was not interested in reading what I though was simply a teenage love story, but the extreme popularity of this saga piqued my curiosity. This series does have bite, with a well thought out plot that is out of the ordinary. If you're looking for something a little different, try this series; it doesn't disappoint.

- Patti

Shelter Me

Shelter Me
by Juliette Fay

Shelter Me is the story of a young widow's year of loss, heartbreak, and healing. Fay brings the impact of sudden single-motherhood to life with humor and skill. Shelter Me is Juliette Fay's first novel, one I would consider a success, and I'm looking forward to more from her in the future.

- Lynn

The Anteater of Death

The Anteater of Death
by Betty Webb

This is the first book in the Gunn Zoo Mystery Series.

A dead body turns up in the enclosure with Lucy, the giant anteater. Anteaters can do a lot of damage, but did Lucy commit murder? Theodora "Teddy" Bentley, the zookeeper, has to find the real murderer before Lucy gets deported. Then another dead body turns up. Teddy searches for clues amid monkeys, wolves, and a cast of interesting characters. An enjoyable read.

- Dixie

The Emperors of Chocolate: Inside the Secret World of Hershey & Mars

The Emperors of Chocolate: Inside the Secret World of Hershey & Mars
by Joel Glenn Brenner

Join the author as she is the first reporter ever allowed through the chocolate gates of both Hershey and Mars companies and as she exposes the secretive and mysterious world of chocolate. Joel relates stories of industrial spies and paranoid executives, legends about the mystical powers of chocolate, and tales of corporate competitiveness between these two chocolate emperors that put the cola wars to shame. Did you realize that the Mars family is one of the wealthiest in the world, or that the Hershey profits support the world's richest orphanage? Grab some M & M's (from Mars) or some Hershey Kisses (from Hershey), or both, check out this book, and read on! It's a sweet blend of business and history!

- Ann

The Laws of Harmony

The Laws of Harmony
by Judith Ryan Hendricks

The Laws of Harmony is the latest book from the author of Bread Alone and The Baker's Apprentice. When Sunny Cooper's fiance is killed in an accident, she discovers that he wasn't who she thought he was. Sunny decides she needs to escape, and sells everything. She ends up in the Pacific Northwest, where she attempts to rebuild her life.

Judith Ryan Hendricks' descriptions of people and places are once again beautifully done. I enjoyed this book and hope to see a sequel.

- Lynn