BookSense.com

March 2005


	1. March: A Novel By Geraldine Brooks "The war experiences of the March girls' absent father in Alcott's Little Women form the storyline of this powerful historical novel set during the Civil War. This is a timely book about the catastrophe of war, even for a just cause." -- Sandi Torkildson, A Room of One's Own Feminist Bookstore, Madison, WI

	Articles of War: A Novel By Nick Arvin "Heck, an Iowa farm boy, experiences the invasion of Europe in WWII as a slow-motion train wreck, brief moments of normalcy suspended in unending stretches of chaos and fear, all while waiting for that final crash. Articles of War is a staggering accomplishment, at once both beautiful and horrifying, ultimately deeply moving and unforgettable." -- Russ Harvey, Cody's Books, Berkeley, CA

	The Illuminator By Brenda Rickman Vantrease "In this special first novel, Brenda Rickman Vantrease has created wonderfully believable characters, some admirable, others much less so. Set in 14th century England, the novel tells the story of a talented book illuminator, who is working for both the Church and -- in secret -- for John Wycliffe, who holds the radical idea that the Bible should be translated into English. Thoroughly enjoyable." -- Akankha Perkins, The Sun of the Heart Bookstore, Bridgewater, V

	Ireland: A Novel By Frank Delaney "Ireland is a great way to learn Irish history while enjoying the suspense of a good novel. Delaney writes in the manner of a traditional Irish storyteller. I was mesmerized by his tales." -- Jane Laclergue, Fireside Bookstore, Olympia, WA

	Before the Frost: A Linda Wallander Mystery By Henning Mankell "Henning Mankell can not write a bad book! Kurt Wallander has thrilled us for nine books, now it is time for his daughter to become the star of a new series. But will her rookie mistakes cost her job, or her life?" -- Barbara Theroux, Fact & Fiction, Missoula, MT

	The Glass Castle: A Memoir By Jeannette Walls "You will not be able to put this great memoir down. This account of Walls' finding herself, and defining herself, within the bizarre framework of her family is a beautiful story written without blame, just pure love. A rich, honest, and funny saga that is full of very real characters -- a loving tribute to family." -- Andra Tracy, Out Word Bound, Indianapolis, IN

	Lunchonette: A Memoir By Steven Sorrentino "This funny and touching memoir of Steven Sorrentino's returning home to run his father's luncheonette reads like a novel. (And I can almost guarantee you won't forget Dolores, the salty-tongued waitress.) At the heart of the story is Sorrentino's love for his father, a man, who despite suffering one medical setback after another, never complains and always springs back. The author tells his story with such grace, humor, and sincerity that the lessons he learns from his father come across as truly inspirational." -- Vincent Desjardins, The Snow Goose Bookstore, Stanwood, WA

	Most Wanted: A Novel of Suspense By Michele Martinez "There is something for everyone in this story of a young prosecutor struggling to solve a brutal high-society murder -- evil, innocence, sex, romance, violence, adventure, mystery, and imagination. An engrossing story." -- Elaine Leider, Best of Times Bookstore, Red Wing, MN

	Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith By Anne Lamott "I can't tell if Anne Lamott is a humorous spiritual writer or a spiritual humor writer, but she always makes me laugh and always makes me think." -- Terry Lucas, The Open Book, Greenville, SC

	Speak Softly, She Can Hear: A Novel By Pam Lewis "This is the compelling story of a teenager who makes a colossal error in judgment. Believing she is at fault for a tragic death, her life changes in an instant. This is a real page-turner with very well-developed characters." -- Susan Whittaker, Viewpoint of Columbus, Columbus, IN

	Drive Like Hell: A Novel By Dallas Hudgens "Luke Fulmer's family fits anyone's definition of dysfunctional. His brother is in jail, his father has run off and started another family, and his mother spends her free time at a local bar. This is a hysterically funny look at growing up poor, southern, and maladjusted -- a wise and compassionate look at a family's love for each other." -- Barbara Hoagland, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

	Fat Girl: A True Story By Judith Moore "Fat Girl reads as if the author has made a pact with herself not to lie, ever. Not in the tiniest exaggeration or cover-up. This is a plain, jaw-dropping, true story about what it's like to be Judith Moore, what it's like to be fat, and what it's like for her heart to beat underneath." -- Joan Barberich, Food for Thought Books, Amherst, MA

	Holy Tango of Literature by Francis Heaney "In Holy Tango of Literature (this is an anagram of 'anthology'), Francis Heaney has written poems in the style of famous poets, and each bears a title that is an anagram of the poet's name. This is the perfect gift for the English teacher or poet on your list!" -- Eric Robbins, Apple Valley Books, Winthrop, ME

	Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith By Martha Beck "Martha Beck -- an excellent writer -- tells the story of her decision to leave the Mormon church with surprising humor, strength, wit, and honesty." -- Jean Ann Robinson, Full Circle Bookstore, Oklahoma City, OK

	Season of the Snake: A Novel By Claire Davis "This story of an herpetologist and her mysterious husband is brilliantly written! Davis' wonderfully descriptive style conveys the Idaho setting and the emotions of her characters, as they move from perfectly normal lives, toward something tragic, then horrible." -- Rita Ryan, Armchair Books, Pendleton, OR

	Tamburlaine Must Die By Louise Welsh "In 1593 London, a murderer has taken the name of one of Christopher Marlowe's most famous creations, and to save his own neck Marlowe must track him down in only a few days. Great stuff!" -- Anna Cloninger, The Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA

	Cast of Shadows: A Novel By Kevin Guilfoile "This story of a grief-stricken doctor who uses the DNA of his daughter's murderer in a diabolical experiment to find the killer will delight any reader who enjoys edgy, psychological thrillers." -- Steve Shapiro, Rainy Day Books, Fairway, KS

	The Face of a Naked Lady: An Omaha Family Mystery By Michael Rips "Rips' story begins as a quest to understand a secret part of his father's life, but this is not a typical angst-driven memoir. The story is full of gossip about the history of Omaha, bawdy stories that make you laugh out loud, and some of the most outrageous characters you could ever meet. But Rips is also challenging us to engage in 'a dialogue with the mysterious and unknown.' I can't praise this book enough." -- Ann Carlson, Harborwalk Books, Georgetown, SC

	Missing Persons By Stephen White "Stephen White does a superb job of creating psychological suspense. A Boulder, Colorado, therapist has died mysteriously, and a missing young patient may help psychologist Alan Gregory uncover some answers." -- Colleen Marion, The Bookies Bookstore, Denver, CO

	Pinkerton's Sister By Peter Rushforth "This book takes place in the mind of Alice, a 35-year-old unmarried woman living in New York at the turn of the century. An embarrassment to her family, she is a voracious and perceptive reader and critic. The book is full of references to her reading as she observes her world with rage, self-knowledge, and wry humor. The writing just flows." -- Deb Wehmeier, Garden District Book Shop, New Orleans, LA


	Aloft By Chang-rae Lee "The need to connect on the ground and in the air escapes our narrator, and he is left to fly solo looking over-and overlooking-the lives and loves he has left behind. Jerry Battle is, sadly, alone, adrift, and indeed aloft. This is Chang-rae Lee's most touching and humorous book yet."-Fern Jaffe, Paperbacks Plus, Bronx, NY

	Fires In The Dark By Louise Doughty "The fate of the Gypsies under Hitler's rule is brought to light in this excellent novel. Drawn partly from her own family history, Doughty tells the story of a Romany family first forced to abandon their nomadic lifestyle, then imprisoned in a Moravian labor camp, and, finally, sent to Auschwitz-all except 15-year-old Emil who must decide for himself what his future will be."-Laura Hansen, Bookin' It, Little Falls, MN

	The Keeners By Maura D. Shaw "What a great St. Patrick's Day read. Shaw has written a lovely book that takes you from the blighted fields of Ireland during the Potato Famine to the Irish experience in New York during the Civil War. Her characters are engaging; her scenes are vivid. It makes you want to be Irish!" -Pamela Headrick, A Thirsty Mind, Lakeway, TX

	Little Children By Tom Perrotta "The lives of the parents of young children are tangled by failed dreams, love and sex, and a possible child molester who has moved to their cozy suburb. Perrotta brings to life the world of some rather unappealing characters, and successfully humanizes them. Not for everybody, but, for those special readers, the results are absorbing, vividly rendered, beautifully written, and, often, hilarious."-Daniel Goldin, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Milwaukee, WI

	Lone Star Rising: The Texas Ranger Trilogy By Elmer Kelton "Three of Kelton's novels are collected in one volume. The trilogy tells the story of Rusty Shannon, a boy who is rescued from the Comanche and, eventually, joins the Texas Rangers. Kelton is one of the best writers of Westerns going. He fuses plot, character, and historical detail into a seamless, eminently readable whole."-Peggy Hailey, BookPeople, Austin, TX

	Mr. Lucky: A Novel of High Stakes By James Swain "Swain's latest is another of his funny, intricate, and fascinating books with the beloved Tony Valentine, gambling expert and sleuth. This time, most of the action takes place in Slippery Rock, North Carolina, as Tony tries to determine how Ricky Smith became known as Mr. Lucky, after surviving a five-story fall from a Las Vegas hotel and, then, beginning a stunning winning streak." -Susan Wasson, Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM

	Nam-A-Rama By Phillip Jennings "A completely ribald and hilarious look at the makings of a war from the inside out. Who could not be fascinated by a 'CIA Pizza Delivery Person to the White House'? Written by an ex-marine, this novel packs a huge punch of satire and fun!"-Diane Gressman, Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI

	A Rare and Curious Gift By Pauline Holdstock "This novel, loosely based on the life of 17th century Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi, is full of gifts both rare and curious, but the rarest and most curious is Holdstock's gift of language, which is poetic without pretension." -Paul Barnes, Posman Books @ Grand Central, New York, NY

	The Swallows of Kabul By Yasmina Khadra, John Cullen (Trans.) "Yasmina Khadra is the nom de plume of Mohammed Moulessehoul, a 36-year Algerian military veteran. His novel, never less than searing in its depiction of Afghanistan withering under the repressive Taliban regime, traces the lives of two couples struggling against despair and madness. Brilliant language makes the imagery of souls reduced to husks all the more devastating."-Kathleen McKeague, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

	A Very Private Gentleman By Martin Booth "A subtle, stylish, and extremely well-crafted work of intrigue disguised as fiction. Martin Booth's latest is right on the money."-Geoffrey Jennings, Rainy Day Books, Fairway, KS

	The White League By Thomas Zigal "Paul Blanchard, a prominent businessman with a secret to hide, is confronted by a fraternity brother who knows Blanchard's secret and who will reveal it unless he helps him become governor. Capturing the atmosphere of New Orleans, Zigal's novel is truly an engaging read."-Rob Stahl, Colgate Bookstore, Hamilton, NY


	Bleachy Hair Honky Bitch: Tales from a Bad Neighboorhood By Hollis Gillespie "The, ahem, title comes from an incident in which Hollis Gillespie was yelled at by a potential neighbor while house hunting in a bad neighborhood. Which is essentially what the book is about: the search for a safe haven in what passes for the ongoing storm otherwise known as Gillespie's life. This writing comes straight from the heart."-Gina Webb, Tall Tales Book Shop, Atlanta, GA

	Ghosts in the Garden: Reflections on Memory, Identity and Meaning By David Moats "Kephart writes of her reflections as she takes time out each week to assess past, present, and future in midlife. A lovely book that I found relaxing to read."-Laurie Benner, Reader's Choice Bookstore, Centerville, OH

	In Fond Rememberance of Me By Sherill Tippins "A wonderful, touching memoir of the author's time among the Inuit, translating their 'Noah stories,' and the friendship he struck with a woman who was translating the same stories into Japanese. This is a book full of friendship, life, and myth combined in a most appealing way."-Mike Tyler, Tyler & Tyler Booksellers, North Little Rock, AR

	Ponzi's Scheme: The True Story of a Financial Legend By Mitchell Zuckoff "Ponzi's Scheme reminds us that Ponzi was, in fact, a real person, whose mischief created a new word and whose figurative descendants still prey on the eager and gullible."-Randy Smith, Destinations Booksellers, New Albany, IN

	Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood By Koren Zailckas "Zailckas relates her compelling story of binge drinking and eventual sobriety without self-pity, detailing the social discomfort that only left her when she drank and the many social pressures that kept her from realizing she had a problem."-Carol Schneck, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI

	Working Fire: The Making of a Fireman By Zac Unger "This is a book for anyone with friends or relatives in fire service, for anyone interested in how a firefighter is trained or how life is lived in a firehouse. It is the story of one individual, from a novice at a fire school to an experienced and dedicated fire fighter. I learned lots from a dedicated firefighter in this memoir." -Dorothy Dickerson, Books & More, Albion, MI

	The Magdalen Martyrs By Ken Bruen "When a local thug hires Jack Taylor to track down a woman, the question becomes whether Jack will be able to dodge the bullets flying around his head. The drama is not without humor, which makes it the fun read it is." -Virginia Hobson Hicks, Books on the Bluff, Townsend, GA

	Playing With Fire By Peter Robinson "In Playing With Fire, Inspector Alan Banks and D.I. Annie Cabbot must investigate a series of seemingly unrelated arson/murders. I am awed by Robinson's skill at crafting suspenseful, believable stories and characters."-Maret Orliss, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

	Year of the Hyenas: A Novel of Murder in Ancient Egypt By Brad Geagley "The murder of a priestess in ancient Egypt starts the chain of events that leads investigator Semerkhet through the tombs of dead Pharaohs into the villages of the tomb makers and through the dark alleys of the beggars and thieves of Egypt. The author promises this is only the first in a series of mysteries set in ancient times. Let's hope he keeps his promise."-Barbara Hoagland, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

	The Deadly Dance: An Agatha Raisin Mystery By M.C. Beaton "Agatha Raisin is like a female Hercule Poirot-the same total indifference to people's feelings, yet you like her, you laugh, and, then, you get caught up in the case and hold your breath! I like Agatha, brassiness and all."-Cris Walrath, Browsing Bison Books, Deer Lodge, MT

	A Question of Blood: An Inspector Rebus Novel By Ian Rankin "I am amazed that each new Ian Rankin title is better than the last, and A Question of Blood is no exception. In this well-crafted mystery about murders at a Scottish boarding school, Inspector John Rebus adds a complexity to the story that will have fans eagerly awaiting the next one."-Sue Richardson, Maine Coast Book Shop, Inc., Damariscotta, ME