The Cazalets

The Cazalets
DVD - TV Series

The story evolves around the Cazalet siblings Hugh, Edward, Rupert and Rachel. Rachel is considered a spinster and still lives with their parents. The brothers have families of their own and the responsibility of running the family business.

England is on the brink of war with Germany so the Cazalets retreat to the family’s country estate. While Edward’s family is in the country, he takes full advantage of the situation and continues having affairs. His wife doesn’t have a clue but his daughter knows. Hugh loves his family and is very happily married but tragedy strikes. Rupert’s first wife died and he remarried. His son and daughter despise their stepmother. And . . . Rachel loves another woman!

The Cazalets is an excellent Masterpiece Theater family saga.

- Rose

Provenance

Provenance

by Laney Salisbury & Aly Sujo

This is the story of a con man who scammed the art world in the 1990's. It is a very well done true - crime story, an enjoyable read that sheds a lot of light on the world of fine art. This nonfiction book reads like fiction and is a real page turner. The story of John Drewe, the man behind the scam is extraordinary. His swindle resulted in over 200 forged paintings being verified by authorities as real, and many of them sold at auctions for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Very interesting and well written, it is a wonderful book that I could not put down.

- Kathy

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much

The Man who Loved Books too much
by Allison Hoover Bartlett

John Gilkey is an accomplished book thief - he has stolen over $100,000 worth of rare first editions. Ken Sanders is a Salt Lake City book dealer who makes it his mission to catch John in the act. Allison Hoover Bartlett interviews both of the men extensively to learn all about the rare book market.

It was interesting following Allison as she learned what drove both men - their shared passion for rare books. She evens follows John on a book heist to see how its done. I recommend this book for its insight into literary obsession.

-Holly

Viola in Reel Life

Viola in Reel Life
by Adriana Trigiani

This is Trigiani's first novel for young people. I enjoyed both the story and her writing. Viola, a Brooklyn born and raised teen, ends up in boarding school in the middle of nowhere Indiana for a year while her parents are out of the country. It is the story of Viola's coping and growing, both in her film-making and in her friendship-making. I would be curious to know what teens think of this novel. I thought the girls were a bit emotionally mature for high school freshmen but what do I know? I need some teens to read this book and tell me what they think.

-Linda