28: Stories of AIDS in Africa
by Stephanie Nolen

Find this book in our catalog.

Chosen By: Elizabeth in the Western Maryland Room

Why She Picked It: Twenty-eight is significant because each story in this “formidable book of record” (as Bono expresses it on the back cover) represents one million Africans living with AIDS today.  From a long-range truck driver in East Africa, to orphaned children in Ethiopia, to the wife of a mine worker in South Africa, Nolen puts a familiar face on the AIDS epidemic.  Nolen’s stories are compelling because she took six years to gather information, spending significant periods of time with each of her subjects.  Her factual, journalistic style, which includes intimate details and photos, makes this book a joy to read despite the unfathomable sadness reported.

More...

And Only to Deceive: A Novel of Suspense
by Tasha Alexander

Find this book in our catalog.

Chosen By: Abigail in Children's

Why She Picked It: Lady Emily Ashton, a Victorian lady, is not overly upset by the death of her husband, Philip, the Viscount Ashton.  After all, she hardly even knew him.  However, she discovers that his death may not have been as innocent as it appeared.  As she breaks free from traditional Victorian values, Emily investigates her husband’s death, immerses herself in all things Greek, and juggles two potential suitors.  Read about more of Emily’s adventures in the sequels A Poisoned Season and A Fatal Waltz.

More...

1st to Die
by James Patterson

Find this book in our catalog.

Chosen By: Lisa in Administration

Why She Picked It: As with all of James Patterson’s work, this series is worth the read, especially if you like a good crime drama.  Even though the eighth in the series has just come out, you don’t have to read them in the order they were written to keep abreast of the characters and their rolls and relationships to each other.  However, if you’re like me, you’ll want to start at the beginning.  You won’t be disappointed!  Titles in the series are: 1^st to Die, 2^nd Chance, 3^rd Degree, 4^th of July, The 5^th Horseman, The 6^th Target, 7^th Heaven, and The 8^th Confession.

More...

First Family
by David Baldacci

Find this book in our catalog.

Chosen By: Marcy in Technical Processing

Why She Picked It: I just read First Family by David Baldacci.  This is the first Baldacci novel I have read.  He is a very popular author, and I now I understand why.  The book begins at Camp David, and this location drew my interest.  This novel uses two characters, Michelle Maxwell and Sean King, that Baldacci has used in other books, so naturally, I am now trying to read all of the others in this series.  Sean and Michelle are former Secret Service agents, and both have an interesting back story.  I highly recommend this book if you love action-packed thrillers.

More...

Battle Fleet: Adventures of a Young Sailor
by Paul Dowswell

Find this book in our catalog.

Chosen By: Naomi in WMRL

Why She Picked It: Having escaped death in Australia, Sam Winchall is at last bound for home. But his frightening adventures at sea are not over.  On the journey back to England he faces pirates, a terrible storm and an ever-increasing desire to be done with the life of a sailor. With realistic details about sea life and gruesome descriptions of battles and skirmishes among the crew, this epic tale is a grand naval adventure.  Powder Monkey was also a gripping story of the high seas.  Prison Ship is about survival and justice.  The author’s descriptions make one feel as if they are on the same ship.

 More...

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti: A Memoir
by Giulia Melucci

Find this book in our catalog.

Chosen By: Shannon in Adult Reference

Why She Picked It: As soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to read it.  The review that followed only underlined that necessity.  I’ve recently come to particularly enjoy time in the kitchen, exploring different recipes and using new and exciting ingredients to make dishes that satisfy the palate and the senses. Guilia Melucci’s book, I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti delivers an amusing and relatable tale about the loves in her life and the way she remembers them through the meals she prepared for them.  Interspersed throughout the pages are recipes with names like “Italian Grilled Cheese for Teenage WASPs,” “First Date Butterflies” and “Ineffectual Eggplant Parmigiana.”  Melucci weaves a tale of love found and lost, but the one constant is the love of food.  A quick, entertaining read that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys time in the kitchen!

More...