Reviewed by: Wendy
Dark Inheritance By: W. Micheal Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear
"Enjoyed this very much. A good contemporary thriller that makes us question choices man makes in 'the name of science'."


Reviewed by: Wendy
One Thousand White Women By: Jim Fergus
"I loved this book!! I actually felt transported in time. His writing was
amazing and to think he wrote this from a female’s perspective!!! An historical work of fiction that’s a must read."

Reviewed by: Kat
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
"This book is one of the strongest, most powerful books I’ve read in years. Foer creates such a unique and moving voice in young Oskar Schell. It is a story about a journey, but also deeply about how the past pushes its way into our lives. The characters are quirky, passionate, and connected to each other in truly novel and ingenious ways. Foer takes a look at two of the most tragic periods of our history, and creates a tale that is desperately tragic, hysterically funny, and ultimately inspiring."

Movie Review by: Kat
"'Juno' now playing in Essex, Williston, and South Burlington
One of the most refreshing, playful, and charming movies I’ve seen in a while. “Juno” is the story of a 16-year-old who gets pregnant by her best friend and decides to give the baby up for adoption. The performances are menacingly right-on, and these comic actors prove their timing both in one-line deliveries and emotional climactic scenes. The humor is fresh and new, challenging assumptions and expectations. I would go see this movie again and again."

Reviewed by: Kat
Life of Pi: a novel by Yann Martel
"A beautiful pairing of religion/spirituality and animal instinct, Life of Pi follows a young boy through his discovery of religion(s), his exploration of his spiritual self, and his surprise, forced encounter with a 450-lb Bengal tiger. This is a story of survival, belief (true and suspended). With an ending that will leave you questioning long after you have turned the last pages, and language that makes to want to travel to India, Canada, and to eat spicy food, this novel is extremely worth delving into."

Reviewed by: Penny
The Zookeeper’s Wife : A War Story by Diane Ackerman Call #: 940.53 ACK
"Polish Christians Jan and Antonina Zabinski were managers of the Warsaw Zoo and horrified by the brutality shown the Jewish people by the Nazi. Combining Jan’s skills with subterfuge, bravery and hiding in plain sight and Antonina’s exquisite sensitivity with animals and people they were able to save the lives of over 300 people. Antonina’s diaries and other historical sources are used to make the Zabinski’s war experience come to life. Shows tremendous kindness and cruelty; book that I found breathtaking."

Reviewed by: Penny
Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon Fiction
"A true and humorous adventure tale set in 950AD featuring a huge clever African Amran and his wispy physician best friend Zelickman who are snookered into escort this “pain in the neck” royal prince from whom uncle has usurped a throne. Their journey doesn’t turn out at all like it was supposed to with many a close call and brilliant repartee. A fun, fun well written historical romp."

Reviewed by: Penny
Trepass: A Novel by Valerie Martin Fiction
"Chloe and Brendan Dane are doing well, she’s working on a new illustrated edition of Wuthering Heights and he has a sabbatical to write a history of the Crusades. To disturb their peace is their son’s intelligent, seductive and confident Croatian refugee girlfriend Salome Drago and the poacher shooting on their property. Mistrust alienates Chloe from her tolerant husband and lovelorn son. You will want to know what Salome’s secrets are how the families are “sorted out”. Shimmering prose."