Staff Recommendation: Homer & Langley

Not only is this novel about an intriguing subject—the mysterious and eccentric Collyer brothers—but Doctorow moves beyond the historical and mythological accounts of these infamous hermits to unearth, with dignity and compassion, their more intimate, hidden lives. He brings you in among their occasional relationships as well as the detritus of their lives.

Homer & Langley by E.L. Doctorow
Reviewed by Alyssa

Staff Recommendation: Her Fearful Symmetry

The author of The Time Traveler's Wife returns with another riveting novel about the endurance of love: a ghost story, set in and around Highgate Cemetery, that is both romantic and eerie. Elspeth’s death and afterlife unite a cast of intriguing, troubled characters: her former lover; her estranged twin sister's twin daughters; and a crossword-puzzle creator.

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Reviewed by Alyssa

Staff Recommendation: Will I Ever Be Good Enough?

It is magical to come across the right book at the right time, because you can see that transformation is on its way. The abandonment and/or engulfment of narcissistic mothers leaves deep scars on their daughters, and as Dr. McBride relates in this book, such scars remain for a long time and permeates every single aspect of the daughters life, without their knowledge of it. And yet, this book is not about victims. It is about empowering.

Will I Ever Be Good Enough? by Karyl McBride
Reviewed by Helena Bolduc

Staff Recommendation: The Flying Carpet of Small Miracles

This true story of Hala Jaber, a Lebanese reporter in Iraq, casts light into the darkest corners of a world where even hope struggles. Hala, suddenly faced with the lives of two orphan girls, is left holding the weight of their futures. As time runs out, she must learn to accept the Iraqi people's pain as her own. Powerful, and brutally honest, Jaber's story should be read by all.


The Flying Carpet of Small Miracles by Hala Jaber
Reviewed by Mari

Staff Recommendation: Animals Make Us Human

Temple Grandin is autistic and processes information in much the same way as animals. From this unique standpoint, and with an impressive back round in animal science and activism, Grandin's book show us how we can best interact with animals if we understand the emotions that motivate them. A must-read author for animal lovers!

Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin
Reviewed by Cesa

Staff Recommendation: Farmer John's Cookbook

Peterson is the owner of the Angelic Organics CSA farm outside of Chicago. This goldmine of a cookbook has information on seasonal veggies and plenty of delicious recipes. Unlike ordinary cookbooks, Peterson peppers his pages with everything from nutritional advice to funny things he's recently overheard around town. This book is the ultimate resource for the locavore cook.


Farmer John's Cookbook: The Real Dirt on Vegetables by Farmer John Peterson
Reviewed by Jennifer R.

Staff Recommendation: What Was She Thinking?

Barbara, a matronly history teacher, leads an unremarkable life until Sheba, the beautiful and interesting new art teacher, chooses Barbara as a confidante. Barbara journals about their relationship in excruciating detail. When it comes to light that Sheba is having an affair with a 15-year-old student, Barbara's diary becomes a telling portrait of both women.

What Was She Thinking? by Zoe Heller
Reviewed by Jennifer R.