Sage Singer is a baker who likes to keep to herself, even more so since the accident that left her face severely scarred. In a grief support group she meets Josef, a man in his nineties who recently lost his wife. On the surface Sage and Josef have nothing in common, yet they become friends. When Josef reveals a secret about his past to Sage and asks for her help he puts her in the middle of a moral dilemma. As Sage struggles with Josef’s secret, she must also confront her own secrets and past. The Storyteller is an incredibly written novel that explores the issue of good and evil. What makes someone good or bad? Is it a choice or are we born one way or the other?

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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As usual Kimberla Lawson Roby has given us a real read on everyday life. I read this book quickly and enjoyed it; it’s a real page turner. The plot is engaging and each character has enough flaws and skeletons to keep the story interesting. Denise and Derrek have what appears to be the perfect marriage with everything good going for them. However looks can be deceiving. Once they start doing drugs and hiding it from each other their problems spiral out of control. They almost lost everything until Mackenzie, their daughter, gets involved. Can Denise and Derrick save their perfect marriage? I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a great story!

Reviewed by Tina C., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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Oates’ dark novel opens with a religious fanatic pushing her youngest daughter into a riverside mud flat in the Adirondacks--leaving her there to die. The abused, malnourished 3-year-old is rescued and placed in a foster home where she is rescued again by a Quaker couple seeking a replacement for their deceased daughter. “Mudgirl” Jedina becomes Meredith Ruth Neukirchen, thrives in Carthage, NY, and achieves academic success culminating in her appointment as the first woman president of an Ivy League University. But, her haunting childhood, professional concerns, and toxic relationships take their toll. M.R. Neukirchen lapses into instability and the line between the real and the surreal becomes “muddy.” A challenging yet mesmerizing read.

Reviewed by Susanne W., Steele Creek Branch

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Readers of this incredible, beautifully-written first novel are faced from the outset with happily conflicting responses: whether to devour avidly, turning pages rapidly, or to slow down and savor the glory of its unforgettably poetic language and vision. Set in Washington State at the start of the 20th Century, it is about what is and what can be the true meaning of family. A single isolated orchardist provides shelter and protection for two runaway girls, changing his own life profoundly in often stumbling but always sweetly well-meaning attempts to give them a chance at a life free from tragedy and violence.

Reviewed by Jim B., Main Library

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Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan is trying to track down the serial killer who is attacking and burning young women as they walk home late at night in London. Though Maeve is a capable and competent detective, she is constantly harassed by her male colleagues for being female and Irish. This creates a very rocky working environment and she is constantly struggling to prove herself. Her personal life is really no better because she’s moved in with her banker boyfriend, Ian, and the relationship is clearly not working. Despite all of this negativity, Maeve remains professional and vigorously investigates each murder even when the fifth murder has her investigating family, friends and ex-colleagues. This is a great crime fiction read!

Reviewed by Barbara C., Morrison Regional

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