Staff Picks

Mesmerizing and original, The Mists of Avalon is a retelling of the Arthurian legend told from the perspective of the female characters. Morgaine is the Druid priestess, determined to preserve the old Goddess centered beliefs. Gwenhywfar is Arthur’s queen, and she is equally determined that Britain will embrace the relatively new practice of Christianity. The women are nearly polar opposites and yet they experience similar joys and sorrows – and ultimately gain respect for and understanding of each other. Details of ancient religious practices, lush pictures of the natural world, and beautifully drawn portraits of daily life will keep you fascinated. This novel was groundbreaking when it was first published, and it is no less fresh and readable today.

Set in 1950’s London, The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets features a cast of quirky characters including a charming heroine poised at the cusp of life and love. Eva Rice understands how to create a lush and stylish world, and her graceful style and ironic wit make this novel reminiscent of Nancy Mitford’s “love” novels or Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle. Thoroughly engaging and highly recommended.

Michael Gruber writes out of the ordinary thrillers that explore questions of faith, reality, and love. In this book, the first in his spectacular Miami trilogy, Gruber reveals the power of a woman’s love…for a child. The protagonist, the wonderfully named and beautifully drawn, Jane Doe, becomes Luz’s adoptive mother through an odd combination of accident and need and never once does the reader doubt that the woman and the child weren’t destined to find each other. Jane’s story parallels and intersects with that of Jimmy Paz, a Miami homicide detective up to his ears and, seemingly out of his depth, investigating a bizarre series of murders which point to ancient rituals employed by a sinister and elusive power. Jimmy’s relationship with his own mother is the stage for a battle of wills tightly woven with the deepest loyalty and affection. Gruber writes a taut, effective story peopled by complex characters, and he pulls it all together by showing us how a heart cracked open by love can shine a light in the darkest places and give one the strength to survive even in the face of events that defy logic. Highly recommended.

A terrific collection of short fiction from a very talented new writer, 20th Century Ghosts is so fresh and original that you will find that you can put it down…in order to marvel at how good it is. From the deliciously creepy Best New Horror, to the poignant Pop Art, to the cryptic and fascinating My Father’s Mask -- each story opens up a new window into the human mind and heart. Joe Hill, author of the wonderful novel Heart-Shaped Box, is a writer to watch and gets my vote as one of the best new voices out there today.

Spellbinding, charming, enchanting… these words don’t go far enough in conveying the delights of this wonderful debut novel. Set in a small southern town, Garden Spells tells the story of sisters, Claire and Sydney, estranged for years now brought back together in their childhood home where each discovers her own magic and where they find a way into each other’s heart. Bascom, North Carolina has its own magic, every bit as wondrous and true as the South American town created by Garcia Marquez in 100 Years of Solitude or the world the Toni Morrison shows us in Song of Solomon. Fascinating plant lore, an apple tree with a will of its own, and the absolute best first kiss ever make this beguiling novel one that I could not put down and will insist that all my friends read. Highly recommended and, hands down, the best book I’ve read in 2007.

I love Michael Gruber's Miami trilogy but this book, the second, is my favorite. Gruber writes supernatural thrillers that carry a philosophical depth unusual to the genre. His books deal with questions of faith and the power of love to crack open the human heart and make us whole. The heroine of Valley of Bones is nothing short of a brilliantly created character and not someone you will soon forget. Highly recommended and, by the way, you don't have to read Tropic of Night, the first book in the trilogy before you read this one, although it too is a terrific read as is the third and final book, Night of the Jaguar.

Cooking with Fernet Branca is a darkly hilarious comedy of manners that features two of the most amusing unreliable narrators you’ll ever meet. This novel makes fun of just about everything -- wealthy expatriates, the publishing and film industries, gourmet pretensions, UFO’s, and boy bands -- to name just a few. The recipes will make you laugh while shuddering. (Otter in Lobster Sauce! Garlic Ice Cream!) If you’re looking for a fun read, with a witty edge, then this is the book for you.