The Sudoku Murder : a Katie McDonald mystery by Shelley Freydont Find this book in our catalog
Here’s another recommendation from a Winter Reader:
“I enjoyed The Sudoku Murder because I’m a Sudoku fan and [the book] was exciting and clever. On one page you’re laughing, the next will send chills down your spine. The characters are endearing. Sudoku fan or not, this book has something for everyone.”
The Runaway Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini Find this book in our catalog
One reader in our Winter Reading Program really liked The Runaway Quilt and also The Sugar Camp Quilt, both by Jennifer Chiaverini, and had this to say:
“These books precede “The Lost Quilter” by Jennifer Chiaverini… The Civil War and the issue of slavery has always interested me, so the historical detail made these books enjoyable reads. Now I need to read more of Jennifer Chiaverini’s books!”
You will have noticed that I have been posting (without mentioning any names) some of the comments our readers gave us on their Winter Reading logs. Thank you all for taking the time to share your thoughts and enthusiasm about your reading! I have been putting some of the longer reviews on this blog. I have also been posting lists of people’s starred favorites on our New Releases and Booklists page. Click here for the current list.
One Winter reader wrote on her book log, “I really enjoy Margaret Truman Mystery books.”
Here is one she read this winter: Murder on the Potomac Find this book in our catalog
This is what it says in our catalog: “The San Diego Union Law professor Mac has unflagging passion for two things in his life: his wife Annabel and the majestic Potomac River. When Mac discovers a weed-shrouded body in the latter, the former gets edgy. Lovely Annabel, owner of a flourishing Georgetown art gallery, must not only endure her husband’s obsession with another killing, but she must believe Mac when he says that a stunning female former student is one of the only people who can help him. They discover that the corpse was once the confidante of a wealthy Washingtonian, which leads to the Scarlet Sin Society, a theatrical group that – perilously – reenacts historical murders. And soon, the only thing that matters more to Mac than solving this serpentine case is preventing Annabel’s untimely death.”
Here’s another reader recommendation: Lonestar Secrets (Find this book in our catalog)
“If you like books that really move – Colleen Coble – Lonestar Secrets – hits the ground running and doesn’t stop till the last page. I can’t wait to read the other books in that series.”
This is what one reader wrote on her book log about her favorite inspirational fiction author.
“For inspirational fiction I would recommend any of Tamera Alexander’s work. Her characters and settings are so well developed – a lot of depth. Wonderful story lines that will speak to your heart and things you may be facing in today’s world – even thogh her stories are set over 100 years ago. Great Reading.”
Finalists for the National Book Critics Circle 2009 awards may be found
here.
The winner will be announced at the NBCC’s awards ceremony Friday, March 12, in New York City.
The winner of the NBCC’s Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award is
Joyce Carol Oates.
The Faith of a Writer : life, craft, art (Find this book in our catalog)
is Joyce Carol Oates’ biographical book on the art and craft of writing published in 2003. It provides valuable insight into her inspiration and her method. Having written in a number of genres — prose, poetry, personal and critical essays, as well as plays — Oates is “an artist ideally suited to answer essential questions about what makes a story striking, a novel come alive, a writer an artist as well as a craftsman. In The Faith of a Writer, Oates discusses the subjects most important to the narrative craft, touching on topics such as inspiration, memory, self-criticism, and “the unique power of the unconscious.” On a more personal note, she speaks of childhood inspirations, offers advice to young writers, and discusses the wildly varying states of mind of a writer at work.” (catalog notes)
On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah Find this book in our catalog
This book was one reader’s favorite book this winter. Here’s what she had to say about it. See if it’s something that you might like also:
“On Mystic Lake is a story of a girl (Annie Colewater) who was raised near the Pacific Northwest rain forest. In college she met and fell in love with Blake. A hard-driving lawyer, he became wealthy. In spite of the lovely house, the wonderful life, he wandered. During a trial separation the wife went home to her father’s home and renewed friendships, esp. with the one boy she had loved. His wife had killed herself and left him with a small daughter. This tragedy has changed him and shattered his daughter.”
I certainly am intrigued by this, and am looking forward to reading On Mystic Lake to find out if Annie can find happiness by opening her heart to two people so changed by grief. (Editor)
In an online reader:
