Gale Free Library
Recommended Reading
June 2011
Classics
The Last of the Mohicans
James Fennimore Cooper
Bleak House
Charles Dickens
Sister Carrie
Theodore Dreiser
Daisy Miller
Henry James
House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
Fiction
Caleb's Crossing
Brooks, Geraldine
Crossing between cultures, Brooks once again delivers a masterful novel.
This one is based on sketchy knowedge of the first Native American to
graduate from Harvard College. A riveting read.
The Reservoir
Thompson, John Milliken
Based on a true story, The Reservoir centers on a passionate love triangle
composed of two very different brothers and one young, naive girl hiding
a secret. Lust, love, and betrayal! (On shelf June 21)
American Masculine
Ray, Shaun
Think Hemingway or Jim Harrison. If you like stories of Western angst and
the results of hard living you will enjoy this collection.
My Dear I Wanted to Tell You
Young, Louisa
A well-written historical novel that centers on the effects of war for those
who go and those who stay behind. A memorable protagonist.
Mystery
Good Neighbors
Jahn, Ryan David
A gripping novel based on the real-life murder of Kitty Genovese. Jahn
creates a balance between before and after the crime. A solid book with
an authentic "Sixties" feel.
The Hypnotist
Kepler, Lars
Another winner from the Swedes. A psychological thriller that keeps moving
at a brisk pace. Great international fare. Lovers of Stieg Larsson will enjoy this.
Non-Fiction
The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris
McCullough, David
From the 1830s to the 1900s hundreds of extraordinarily talented Americans migrated
to Paris. McCullough shows how these great talents were changed by
the City of Lights and how they, in their turn, changed America. Highly recommended.
A Singular Woman: The Untold Story of Barack Obama's Mother
Scott, Janny
"Little is known about Stanley Ann Dunham, the fiercely independent woman who
raised him, the person he credits for, as he says, 'what is best in me.' Here is the
missing piece of the story." (Amazon.com)
In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin
Larson, Erik
"A vivid portrait of Berlin during the first years of Hitler's reign, brought to life through
the stories of two people: William E. Dodd, who in 1933 became America's first
ambassador to Hitler's regime, and his scandalously carefree daughter, Martha."
(Amazon.com)
Young Adults
Bumped
McCafferty, Megan
Reminiscent of Margaret Atwood's famous Handmaid's Tale, this book explores the
moral and ethical dilemmas of infertility in a dystopian society.
Subway Girl
Converse, P.J.
A troubled young girl finds a different life in Hong Kong. Written with striking
directness, this novel takes on large issues.
This Girl is Different
Johnson, J.J.
A homeschooled young girl attends conventional school for the first time and
discovers a new self.
Children
Pig Kahuna
Sattler, Jennifer
Ages 4 - 8
Fergus loves the seashore but is afraid to go in the water. While collecting treasures
along the beach he and his baby brother find a surf board. Can Fergus find his
courage?
True (--Sort of)
Hannigan, Katherine
Ages 9-12
For most of her 11 years Delly finds trouble without looking. With the help of her
younger brother and a strange silent friend she discovers the power of
words - how they hurt and how they heal. You will love Delly.
Elizabeth I, the People's Queen
Hollihan, Kerrie Logan
Ages 9-12
Shakespearean England is brought to life in this book that includes 21 activities along
with an authoritative biography. The book helps children "develop an understanding
of the Reformation, Shakespearean England, and how Elizabeth’s 45-year reign set
the stage for the English Renaissance." (Amazon.com)
For links to previous lists of recommended reading, click here.
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