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1. The
Secret Life of Bees
By Sue Monk Kidd
"The Secret Life of Bees is a wonderfully sensuous read. Book groups
will be intrigued as relationships are explored in the context of religion,
family, and race. I will share this book with all the people I care about."
-- Genny Lord, Browsing Bison Books, Deer Lodge, MT
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2. The
Life of Pi
By Yann Martel
"While 16-year-old Pi is emigrating to North America, the ship on which
he is a passenger goes down at sea, and he ends up in a lifeboat with
a 450-pound Bengal tiger. This is a story of survival, introspection,
and adventure, told with insight and humor. There is a lot to talk about
in this book, so hold on and enjoy!" -- Clyde Holloway, So Many Books...,
Vancouver, WA
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3. The
Da Vinci Code
By Dan Brown
"This thriller about secret religious societies is the quintessential
book club choice. It fascinates with its subject matter; it informs with
its in-depth research; and, perhaps best of all, it's the book everyone
is already talking about. No one fails to have a passionate reaction,
and therein lies the secret to a great book club discussion!" -- Jill
Miner, Saturn Booksellers, Gaylord, MI
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4. Atonement
By Ian McEwan
"A beautifully crafted novel of love and war. Topics of childhood and
class -- as well as guilt and forgiveness -- span the years from 1935
to the turn of the 21st century, and offer many opportunities for discussion.
This novel was a Man Booker Prize finalist and winner of the National
Book Critics Circle Award." -- Elizabeth Merritt, Titcomb's Bookshop,
East Sandwich, MA
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5. Don't
Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood
By Alexandra Fuller
"Reading groups will find much to discuss in Fuller's gritty memoir of
growing up white during the Rhodesian civil war. The book segues from
the horrific to the comic and back again, as booze, guns, and the land
defined her parents' hardscrabble existence in Africa." -- Mary Kay
Watson, Sister Wolf Books, Park Rapids, MN
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6. Bel
Canto
By Ann Patchett
"In Bel Canto, a ratty group of terrorists holds hostage an opera
singer and a group of dignitaries in a South American country. Patchett
brings humor and sympathy to all the characters, and, by this poignant
story's end, reading groups will feel compassion for all the characters."
-- David Cheezem, Fireside Books, Palmer, AK
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7. Middlesex
By Jeffrey Eugenides
"More than a novel about a girl who becomes a man, Middlesex is
the story of an American century. It offers everything a book group needs:
little-known history that broadens our minds; many complex characters
who provoke animated debate; and gender issues that take us into contemporary
politics." -- Marian Nielsen, Orinda Books, Orinda, CA
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8. Three
Junes
By Julia Glass
"Glass has created a novel full of wisdom and interesting observations
on life. The author is adept at intertwining and examining the lives of
the various characters, their loves, and their relationships. There's
a lot to digest in this great book club selection." -- Marianne Kitchell,
Madison Park Books, Seattle, WA
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9. The
No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
By Alexander McCall Smith
"When the middle-aged Botswanan Mma Ramotswe inherits some money, she
renovates an office, borrows a typewriter, and hires a secretary. What
more do you need to open The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency? This
is the first in a series of surprising, insightful, and charming mysteries
that book groups love to discuss." -- Amy Rosenfield, Joseph-Beth Booksellers,
Cleveland, OH
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10. Peace
Like a River
By Leif Enger
"A truly remarkable debut novel about a father raising his three children
in 1960s Minnesota. I recommend it for everyone, but especially book groups,
because the book -- with its focus on family, love, miracles, and faith
-- offers so much to discuss and share. A definite must-read." -- Pat
Olbert, Forget Me Not Books, Spring Green, WI
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The
Poisonwood Bible
By Barbara Kingsolver
"A fascinating novel for book groups about the politics and culture of
the Belgian Congo in the late 1950s. The story is told by the wife and
four daughters of Nathan Price, an evangelical Baptist missionary, as
their family is transformed during three decades in postcolonial Africa."
-- Wilfried and Lilo Eder, Fort Ashby Books, Fort Ashby, WV
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Prodigal
Summer
By Barbara Kingsolver
"It's easy to slip into the heart of Appalachia with one of our most gifted
writers. Kingsolver's knowledge of the region makes for an absorbing read,
and her talent for character development provokes deep discussion about
our connection to nature and each other." -- Beth Henkes, University
Book Store, Bellevue, WA
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Small
Wonder: Essays
By Barbara Kingsolver
"On subjects ranging from genetic engineering to what it means to be an
American post-9/11, Kingsolver's thought-provoking essays are a call to
attention regarding things of our world both big and small -- yet her
relaxed style will make book groups feel as if they are sitting at Kingsolver's
kitchen table." -- Derf Maitland, The Reader's Café, Hanover, PA
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The
Blind Assassin
By Margaret Atwood
"This is a family saga filled with secrets and lies, an exotic science
fiction novel written by clandestine lovers, and, best of all, an account
of the day-to-day musings of the narrator, Iris, a complicated woman in
her twilight years. Why do I think it would be good for reading groups?
Because if I recommend it to a customer who has already read it, the chances
are we form an immediate bond." -- Paula Foley, Cover to Cover Booksellers,
San Francisco, CA
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The
Elegant Gathering of White Snows
By Kris Radish
"Both men and women will find many discussion topics in this novel about
eight women and their joyous friendship. The women revel in the freedom
to walk outside the door and leave responsibility behind for a time, and
exemplify the way in which sharing a burden with another can lighten that
burden's load." -- Susan Wasson, Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM
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Miss
Garnet's Angel
By Sally Vickers
"Julia Garnet, retired teacher and spinster, travels to Venice for her
first extended stay away from England. In Venice, Miss Garnet has a spiritual
and emotional journey that causes her to see her life and the lives of
her new friends in an entirely different light. Our reading group read
this book more than a year ago, and it still comes up in our monthly book
discussions." -- Fred Powell, Main Street Books, Frostburg, MD
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I
Don't Know How She Does It
By Allison Pearson
"Every mom will relate to Kate -- even if you aren't a world-traveling
bonds trader, you're still balancing job, kids, husband, and maybe a minute
or two for yourself. With a sharp British tone, Pearson melds the poignancy
and frustrations of Kate's life with hilarious episodes. You'll laugh
and cry, and love knowing Kate!" -- Cheryl McKeon, Third Place Books,
Lake Forest Park, WA
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The
Last Girls
By Lee Smith
"More than 30 years ago, five college roommates traveled, on a lark, down
the Mississippi on a makeshift raft. Now, four of them make the trip on
a cruise ship, reunited to scatter the ashes of Baby, their wild, beautiful,
complicated friend. The reader grows to care about these friends and their
choices, which offer rich topics for discussion." -- Ellen Davis, Dragonwings
Bookstore, Waupaca, WI
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Mrs.
Kimble
By Jennifer Haigh
"I love to begin a book without first reading the jacket copy...especially
one like this, where I managed to get well into the book before realizing
exactly what was going on. The character of each of the three Mrs. Kimbles
is beautifully developed -- and through these women, we learn about Mr.
Kimble. What a great book club book!" -- Liz Murphy, Learned Owl Book
Shop, Hudson, OH
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Pope
Joan
By Donna Cross
"The Catholic Church denies (and/or has covered up) the existence of Pope
Joan, so this book is a work of literary historical fiction. Whether or
not you believe her story, you'll be enthralled by Pope Joan. It's all
here: war, romance, Vatican intrigue, politics, and a shocking ending.
Rich in discussion topics, Pope Joan continues to be a perennial favorite
of our book clubs." -- Kate Larson, Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA
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The
Red Tent
By Anita Diamant
"The Red Tent offers something for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
History, Bible lore, relationships between women, and interactions among
family are all presented in a story that explores the strong role women
played in ancient times. A powerful and moving book." -- Susan Danner,
Danner's Books & Coffee Shop, Muncie, IN
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The
Virgin Blue
By Tracy Chevalier
"The Virgin Blue features two story lines -- one set in the present
and one in the 16th century -- that are intricately interwoven in terms
of relationships, omens, dreams, and memories. As in her earlier books,
Chevalier expresses interest in the special difficulties and issues faced
by women, and here she also makes note of cultural differences. Add in
a centuries-old crime, and the book comes alive for discussion." -- Blanchette
W. Bailey, Baileywick Books, New Milford, CT
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The
Hemingway Book Club of Kosovo
By Paula Huntley
"A remarkable journal of the author's eight months spent volunteering
as an English teacher in Kosovo. Huntley offers a sympathetic, loving
look at victims of war without demonizing those who wage it. Book groups
will be intrigued by this real-life account of an experience that revealed
the similarities and differences between two different cultures and countries,
and reminds us of the importance of human connections." -- Linda Rolcyznski,
Lindon Bookstore, Enumclaw, WA
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Nickel
and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America
By Barbara Ehrenreich
"I struggle to find the words to describe this book -- sad and frustrating
are the two that come to mind most often. This is the true story of the
people who serve us our food in restaurants, clean our houses, and even
help take care of our elderly parents. Book groups will grapple with the
fact that these are jobs that have to be done -- but can anyone really
afford to do them?" -- Stacey Carr, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon,
WA
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Reading
Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books
By Azar Nafisi
"This memoir about secretly teaching Western literature to a small group
of young women in revolutionary Iran is structured around the novels studied;
each section reveals both the transformative powers of literature and
the tragic consequences of repression. The author's experience of two
cultures colliding provides a wealth of ideas for reading groups to explore."
-- Tripp Ryder, Carleton College Bookstore, Northfield, MN
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The
Dive from Clausen's Pier
By Ann Packer
"This book has so many layers to unpeel for discussion. The ethical and
moral dilemmas that face this young couple and their families as they
deal with personal tragedy will generate animated discussions for book
groups." -- Patti McCall, Queen Anne Avenue Books, Ltd., Seattle, WA
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Everything
is Illuminated
By Jonathan Safran Foer
"Everything Is Illuminated turns humor on its head. It begins as
a light story of a young Jewish-American traveling to the Ukraine to find
the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis. However, the novel
grows from laugh-out-loud to very serious as history is revealed in a
fantastical, magical-realism sort of way. The characters will stay with
book groups for weeks afterwards." -- Deb Wehmeier, Garden District
Book Shop, New Orleans, LA
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The
Lovely Bones
By Alice Sebold
"Teenage Susie Salmon, speaking from heaven, will mesmerize readers and
enthrall on every page. It is also the strength of her voice that elicits
conversations within book groups about the use of voice in the novel."
-- Karen Shelnutt, Chapter 11, Marietta, GA
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The
Song Reader
By Lisa Tucker
"The premise alone of The Song Reader -- that the snippets of tunes
playing in one's head are windows into one's wounded psyche -- will prompt
as many hours of discussion as there are book club members. A multi-layered
work that will resonate with readers from young adults on up." -- Nancy
Colalillo, Tome on the Range Books, Las Vegas, NM
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The
Time Traveler's Wife
By Audrey Niffenegger
"This is an engaging love story chronicled like no other. Due to a genetic
disorder, Henry DeTamble finds himself spontaneously displaced in time
to different moments in his past and future, many of which involve the
love of his life, Clare Abshire. Book groups will discover the connections
between these two soul mates in the same way they do themselves -- through
a patchwork of scenes, eras, and settings that ultimately connects into
one poignant history." -- Tom Heywood, The Babbling Book, Haines, AK
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White
Teeth
By Zadie Smith
"Reading groups will not be disappointed by this brilliant debut from
a young writer with an uncanny knack for dialogue and description. Cockney
Archie and Bengali Samad become lifelong friends after serving together
in World War II, and the tragicomic tale of their families weaves themes
of fate, free will, race, religion, and assimilation into plot lines involving
mutant mice, radical vegetarians, and more." -- Carla Jimenez, Inkwood
Books, Tampa, FL
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Blue
Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before
By Tony Horwitz
"Horwitz vividly recounts the three epic voyages of Captain James Cook
and confirms his place as one of the greatest navigators in maritime history.
In retracing many of the journeys while working as a crewman aboard a
replica of Cook's vessel, Horwitz uses his reporting skills, insight,
and humor to explore the enigma of the man and the conflicted legacy he
left." -- Tripp Ryder, Carleton College Bookstore, Northfield, MN
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The
Crimson Petal and the White
By Michel Faber
"With the scope of a sprawling Dickens or Eliot novel, Faber's bawdy masterpiece
has everything a great novel should: penetrating social commentary, fabulously
drawn characters, and an immensely compelling and tragic plot. There's
plenty of grist for any book group's mill." -- Will Peters, Annie Bloom's
Books, Portland, OR
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The
Piano Tuner
By Daniel Mason
"Mason's sensitive writing details images of colonial Burma and the British
Empire of the late 1800s. He translates a simple story of duty, love,
and companionship into a fascinating account that merges history, music,
geography, and colonial politics." -- Charlie Peterson, Books by the
Way, Vashon, WA
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Spies
By Michael Frayn
"Stephen Wheatley finds himself compelled to return to his childhood home,
and to disturbing memories of a long-forgotten summer in wartime London,
50 years before. As the story unfolds, reading groups will see how Frayn
demonstrates that things -- and people -- are not always what they seem."
-- Robin Buckingham, Lindon Bookstore, Enumclaw, WA
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The
Story of Lucy Gault
By William Trevor
"Nine-year-old Lucy Gault goes missing the very morning her family must
leave behind their beloved home in Ireland. Under the threat of violence
from Irish nationalists, the Gaults have made the bitter decision to leave
the country, with devastating consequences. There's much to discuss in
this quiet and poignant story of lives forever changed by misunderstanding
and guilt, and bolstered by the power of love and forgiveness." -- Kristine
Kaufman, The Snow Goose Bookstore, Stanwood, WA
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Year
of Wonders
By Geraldine Brooks
"An itinerant tailor brings plague -- on a bolt of cloth -- to a rural
English village in the year 1666. In a few months, the village is decimated.
Should the villagers flee, or close themselves off from the world until
the plague abates? Superstition, panic, complex feelings, and great personal
courage make this lyrical novel a title that will provide fuel for book
group discussion." -- Valerie Ryan, Cannon Beach Book Company, Cannon
Beach, OR
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Balzac
and the Little Chinese Seamstress
By Dai Sijie
"An amazing narrative about the secret power of literature in the lives
of two young Chinese boys who are exiled to a remote mountain village.
This is a story as finely detailed as the garments sewn by the little
Chinese seamstress with whom the boys fall in love." -- Heather Folan,
Bristol Books, Inc., Wilmington, NC
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Embers
By Sandor Marai
"Originally published in Hungary in 1942, this rediscovered gem is suspenseful
and compelling. You'll want to discuss the three characters' relationships
with one another, and the very nature of memory, friendship, and love."
-- Joe Battaglia, Towne Center Books, Pleasanton, CA
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The
Namesake
By Jhumpa Lahiri
"A moving and poignant portrait of a family in search of self-acceptance
and cultural identity from an author who is a master at depicting the
immigrant experience. No detail is too small, no character undefined.
The result is a book you can't put down, and reading groups of all ages,
genders, and backgrounds will find much to discuss." -- Hester Jeswald,
Sarasota News & Books, Sarasota, FL
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Cry,
the Beloved Country
By Alan Paton
"After rereading this book, a favorite of ours in the 1960s, it was reassuring
to find that it still rang clear and true, tragic and hopeful. With beautifully
written language and a love of country and kin, a gentle, loving man deals
with personal and cultural racial injustices and tragedies in South Africa
with poignant dignity." -- Lynn Heiser and Barbara Siepker, The Cottage
Book Shop, Glen Arbor, MI
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Disgrace
By J.M. Coetzee
"Disgrace, written by Nobel Prize-winning South African writer
J.M. Coetzee, explores the nature of relationships -- husband to wife,
father to daughter, man and his country, in violence and peace. Disgrace
will grace reading groups with a memorable literary experience." -- Fred
Powell, Main Street Books, Frostburg, MD
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East
of Eden
By John Steinbeck
"This is classic Steinbeck: It's Genesis set in the first half of 20th
century California farm country. A tale we all know we should read, but
probably haven't -- and a good candidate for a book group." -- Carolyn
Chin, Books on First, Dixon, IL
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To
Kill a Mockingbird
By Harper Lee
"One of the best-loved stories of all time, this novel has an edge that
cuts through to the heart and teaches us an astonishing number of useful
truths about growing up, about life in the deep South, and about standing
up for what is right among all who think it 'wrong.'" -- Karla Gundlach,
Snickernoodle Kids, Reno, NV
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Blessings
By Anna Quindlen
"This is one of the titles we most often recommend to reading groups.
A tiny baby, abandoned on matriarch Lydia Blessing's estate, opens hearts
long closed to love. An unlikely group of damaged souls comes together
to form the village that will strengthen them all." -- Bobbie McCormick
and Dinah Price, The Twig Book Shop, San Antonio, TX
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Caramelo
By Sandra Cisneros
"Sandra Cisneros writes wonderfully about families. The characters bloom
with life, and the inner workings of the fictional Reyes family are dramatic
and lively. Lots to discuss here!" -- Martha Wales, Bear Pond Books of
Montpelier, Montpelier, VT
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Child
of My Heart
By Alice McDermott
"McDermott's skill in bringing the reader into the world of a Long Island
teenager over the course of one summer shines on every page. This novel's
examination of friendship, family, love, and loss will appeal to reading
groups -- and the character of Theresa will find a place in every reader's
heart." -- Duff Bruce, The Open Book, Greenville, SC
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The
Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed
America
By Erik Larson
"This is a thrilling look at Chicago during the 1893 World's Fair told
via two storylines: the building of the fair and the story of a vicious
serial killer who preys on the young women who attend the event. Reading
groups will enjoy both the juxtaposition of the two stories and the fascinating
look at a place in time told from such different points of view." -- Sue
Boucher, Lake Forest Book Store, Lake Forest, IL
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House
of Sand and Fog
By Andre Dubus III
"The complications and tragedies engendered by a dispute over home ownership
are magnified by the combatants' vastly different cultural backgrounds.
Trying to understand how the cultures affect the behavior of the individuals,
trying to grasp how people's lives can quickly spiral downward, and trying
to plumb the tragedies that inevitably result will spur fascinating discussions."
-- Susan Wasson, Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM
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The
Human Stain
By Philip Roth
"The Human Stain is a fascinating and powerful novel about an educated
man who has lived his life guarding a surprising secret. This entertaining
and rewarding book lends itself to discussion of race, culture, and relationships."
-- Anita Isser, Bloomsbury Books, Ashland, OR
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The
Little Friend
By Donna Tartt
"A heartbreaking account of a precocious young girl who, while on the
trail of her brother's killer, embarks on a journey of self-discovery
as well. This thrilling whodunit is infused with wisdom and humor, and
has all the earmarks of a book club book, simply because it has everything:
a coming-of-age, murder, mystery, and fascinating family dynamics. How
can you go wrong?" -- Heather Sussman, Chapter 11, Roswell, GA
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The
Master Butchers Singing Club
By Louise Erdrich
"This is an emotionally rich novel about German immigrants and their neighbors
in Argus, North Dakota. Book groups will especially enjoy discussing this
story, because the moral complexity of the characters set against the
backdrop of small-town life leaves the reader with much to think about."
-- Lanora Hurley, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Mequon, WI
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Plain
Truth
By Jodi Picoult
"A collision of culture and faith provides controversy -- and much to
discuss -- in this book, which examines the murder of a newborn child
and the resulting trial. In this intricate story, Picoult treats us to
a richly written narrative of scandal, courtroom drama, and Amish life."
-- Debra Goldenberg, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
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Population:
485: Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time
By Michael Perry
"Population: 485 is a story of place -- a smart, fascinating look
at life in a rural small town. Volunteer EMT Perry takes the reader from
sorrow to laughter, from a fire call to the origins of the fire department,
and from life to death. Because he is from the small town he writes about,
he tells his story with an authenticity that resonates with readers and
may prompt them to take a closer look at the people in their own communities."
-- Carol Dunn, Northwind Book & Fiber, Spooner, WI
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Seabiscuit
By Laura Hillenbrand
"This is an exciting, interesting, and well-written account of a charismatic
horse. There are several areas for lively discussion: horse racing, the
Depression, character development, and the inevitable comparisons between
the book and the movie." -- Else Petersen, The Cottage Book Shop, Glen
Arbor, MI
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Empire
Falls
By Richard Russo
"Richard Russo's big novel about a small town is full of his typically
well-drawn characters, who seem like people you already know. Miles Roby,
a short-order cook, faces many dilemmas that are both real and discussable.
Told with humor and drama, this book draws a detailed picture of American
life and personal conflict." -- Debra Goldenberg, Oregon State University,
Corvallis, OR
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The
Miracle Life of Edgar Mint
By Brady Udall
"From the moment the mailman runs over his head, this kid grabs your attention
and your heart and doesn't let go. Edgar takes everything that life has
to throw at him, teaches us about good and evil, and, in the end, finds
his own place in the world. Is he admirable, pathetic, or a bit twisted?
You decide." -- Barb Bassett, The Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN
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Mystic
River
By Dennis Lehane
"Mystic River is not a light read, nor even a book you must read
in one devouring gulp (although you may not be able to resist it), but
it is a story you will chew over and over and over. An urban crime novel
of surpassing darkness, it can stand as a Notable Book, a fiction of its
time and place like, say, Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby or the
Dostoevsky novel it more nearly resembles. An amazing work and a great
choice for book groups." -- Barbara Peters, The Poisoned Pen, Scottsdale,
AZ
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Under
the Tuscan Sun
By Frances Mayes
"This enchanting novel is a great escape -- if you've ever dreamed of
going to Italy, this is the book for you. Filled with vivid details of
Tuscany, the book will prompt conversations about lifestyle, house renovations,
cooking, and travel." -- Lee Musgjerd, Lee's Book Emporium, Glasgow,
MT
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The
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
By Mark Haddon
"An exceptionally bright but socially inept 15-year-old is accused of
killing the neighbor's dog. He decides to investigate the crime. The novel
delves into the minds of autistic children and will lead to frank discussion
about how others view the world, and the author's interesting choices
regarding plot and characters will keep the conversation lively and interesting."
-- Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
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The
Eyre Affair
By Jasper Fforde
"Imagine being able to jump inside your favorite book and watch the plot
unfold before your eyes. In The Eyre Affair, heroine Thursday Next
finds herself in all sorts of trouble in her work and love life. Reading
groups will enjoy this funny, fast-paced -- even dizzying, at times --
story of time travel and adventure." -- Jennifer Roberts, Wind & Tide
Bookshop, Oak Harbor, WA
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The
Sparrow
By Mary Doria Russell
"When music emanates from a distant planet, a gifted linguist and a not-so-spiritual
Jesuit priest assemble a crew for a space expedition. This novel will
consistently intrigue devotees of science fiction, as well as those who
don't usually read books in this genre because of the way in which it
addresses both spiritual questions, and the unintended consequences of
exploring new worlds." -- Cammie Mannino, Halfway Down the Stairs,
Rochester, MI
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Wicked:
The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
By Gregory Maguire
"Maguire tells the familiar story of The Wizard of Oz from the
point of view of the Wicked Witch of the West. In the process, he gives
us a fascinating look at being an outsider and the nature of good and
evil, and reminds us that the winner of any given conflict is the one
who gets to tell the story." -- Peggy Hailey, BookPeople, Austin, TX
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Girl
With a Pearl Earring
By Tracy Chevalier
"Chevalier eloquently captures the essence of an artist and his time,
with reflections on class and culture in 1660s Holland. I gained a new
appreciation for art and history after reading this beautifully written
and evocative novel based on the relationship between Vermeer and a serving
girl." -- Carrie Sutherland, JW Beecroft Books & Coffee, Superior,
WI
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Headlong
By Michael Frayn
"Martin Clay -- a philosopher who will follow any siren song that takes
him away from the book he is supposed to be writing -- believes that he
has discovered an authentic Bruegel painting stuck in a dusty corner of
a neighboring country squire's chilly manse. Can he acquire it, and convince
his art-historian wife that the painting is what he thinks it is? A wonderfully
discussable meditation on obsession, self-deception, and the lore and
lure of great art." -- Valerie Ryan, Cannon Beach Book Company, Cannon
Beach, OR
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The
Passion of Artemisia
By Susan Vreeland
"A vibrant tale of 18th century patriarchal society and its effects on
the life of a brilliant female artist. This book will prompt thought-provoking
conversation, and will surely relate to readers' personal experiences."
-- Karen Dallett, Books & Beyond, Heber City, UT
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Breaking
Clean
By Judy Blunt
"Blunt grew up a third-generation homesteader on an isolated family ranch
in Montana, a place where men were men and women knew their place. Though
she ultimately walked out on her ranch-wife life, Blunt pays homage to
her past. Readers will be left with a sense of awe, not only for a giant
land and the wind that strips it raw, but also for one woman's humble
and brave act of breaking free." -- Judy Klein, Chapter One Book Store,
Hamilton, MT
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The
Power of the Dog
By Thomas Savage
"This is the story of one family's internal hierarchy on an isolated ranch,
where the struggle to eke out some kind of happiness leads ultimately
to murder. The actual and metaphorical landscapes Savage describes are
rich enough to keep any book group discussion lively. Every reader will
see something different in the story." -- RoseMarie London, Chickering
Bookstore, Laramie, WY
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Red
Water
By Judith Freeman
"Red Water is the story of the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre in southern
Utah, told by three of the wives of John Lee, the man who was blamed for
the slaughter. The women's characters vividly come to life, and their
personalities shine through and make this an exciting read and a great
discussion book." -- Catherine Jordan, Orinda Books, Orinda, CA
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Under
the Banner of Heaven
By Jon Krakauer
"In addition to the true story of the Mormon brothers who murdered their
sister-in-law and her baby in God's name, Krakauer discusses the history
of the Mormon Church and its numerous fundamentalist spin-offs. This book
will provide ample fodder for discussion, because the book highlights
both the good and bad sides of the mainstream Mormon Church." -- Gary
D. Robson, Red Lodge Books, Red Lodge, MT
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Crow
Lake
By Mary Lawson
"An elegant, well-paced tale of a family striving to manage its responsibilities
in the face of monumental tragedy. The complex emotions of fear, anger,
and guilt are explored through the eyes of the Morrison children. This
debut novel is a worthy candidate for book group discussions." -- Rebecca
Willow, Parkplace Books, Kirkland, WA
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Unless
By Carol Shields
"Shields' story of a daughter who decides to leave behind life as she
knows it and take up begging on a Toronto street corner explores the ways
this decision affects the woman's family. This book also explores what
we fear most: loss, be it of innocence, of health, of a child, of life
itself. Ideal for book groups." -- Lynne Shotton Reed, Misty Valley
Books, Chester, VT
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Running
With Scissors: A Memoir
By Augusten Burroughs
"Burrough's story will bring you to your knees, whether laughing or crying
at the extremes of his childhood. A discussion of this book will surely
be lively and heartfelt … and will go on all night." -- Martha Wales,
Bear Pond Books of Montpelier, Montpelier, VT
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