Sharon

My reading interests are very eclectic. I enjoy reading children's picture books (especially during weeks when time is a premium) and young adult books (when I have a bit more time). I try to balance my selections with a good mystery or family relationship book. I tend to stay away from fantasy and science fiction, although I have been known to delve into a Stephen King every now and then.

The Imperfectionists (Hardcover)

By Tom Rachman

$25.00

ISBN-13: 9780385343664
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: The Dial Press, 04/01/2010

Gradual demise of a newspaper in Italy written & owned by Americans.

Each chapter is an actual headline and a story about a newspaper staffer.

The stories are sad, funny, human, ironic and ultilmately beautifully written. CFO, Abbey Pinnola's plane trip from Rome to Atlanta explains precisely what travel coma feels like.

Christopher Buckley read this book twice!

The Dreamer (Hardcover)

By Pam Munoz Ryan, Peter Sis (Illustrator)

$17.99

ISBN-13: 9780439269704
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Scholastic Press, 04/01/2010

The Dreamers is the story of the early life of Pablo Neruda, the greatest South American poet of the 20th century. I would recommend this book to a strong ten year old reader and older readers- anyone who loves words and poetry.

The location is Chile in the early 1900's. Neruda's father is cruel; he refusers to allow him to read or write his poetry. He sees this as a sign of weakness.

Wonderful imagery, through provoking questions and Peter Sus' illustrations, evoke Neruda's painful life and survival. Selections of Neruda's poems are in the index.

I'm not sure whether to shelve the book in poetry, biography or art. Ask one of the staff to help you locate this ultimately uplifting story.