Spiegelman’s parents survive the Holocaust and are reunited in the second half of this iconic masterpiece. Given the outcome, its subtitle seems odd . . . but not for long. Layer upon layer of doubt, fatigue, and tragic irony mount as Spiegelman struggles to continue in spite of what appears to him to be failure of his cartoon format. Indeed, how does one tell such a story? How can the diminutive nature of the characters represent the enormity of the Holocaust? And how does one extract the story from a cantankerous old man who wants nothing more than to forget.

Reviewed by James B., Main Library

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Similar to the infamous Casey Anthony trial, Blood Money`s Jack Swyteck is the attorney for Sidney Bennett. Sidney has been charged with murdering her daughter, Emily, and is on trial for her life. The prosecution has painted a not so likeable image of Sidney because she`s been photographed drinking, dancing and showing absolutely no sorrow while others are frantically searching for Emily. Was she a party girl who felt her lifestyle was being cramped by her daughter? Could she have murdered Emily because of this? Good questions! Unfortunately, Emily`s body is not found for three years and a cause of death cannot be determined. Public opinion says `guilty,` but the verdict comes back as `not guilty.` This one`s a good read!

Reviewed by Barbara C., Morrison Regional

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During the battle for Guadalcanal, Coxswain Samuel Roberts maneuvered his craft to provide cover from Japanese fire for Marines escaping from an ambush. In so doing he was killed by enemy fire. Roberts would be awarded the Navy Cross for his actions and eventually have three US Navy ships named for him. The first Samuel B. Roberts, a destroyer escort, would leave its own heroic legacy two years later in the Battle off Samar. Charged with guarding the landing forces during the invasion of the Leyte in the Philippines, Roberts and other similar ships would find themselves facing a force of Japanese Battleships and Heavy Cruisers. John Wukovits takes us on that last heroic charge of the of the outgunned Roberts which ends in its fiery demise

Reviewed by John C., Main Library

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As you age are you able to step out of your comfort zone and familiar life to risk finding a different and even better life? Berg captures the true heart of women. Cecilia, a grieving older women, has lost her best friend and is dealing with her lose. She sells her house and takes time off from her job, after getting a postcard from a man from her past. She packs her bags and heads out on a road trip to visit her long lost love. Three of her close friends decide to tag along. One friend wants to connect with a daughter, one looks for a new cooking career, while another wants to visit an ex-husband. All the women are forever changed by the side trips along the way. Tapestry of Fortunes is a celebration of finding miracles in ordinary life.

Reviewed by Gay Ann L., Independence Regional

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In Cherbourg, France, Brit Tess Collins abruptly leaves her dead-end domestic service position and hurries to the port where a large ship bound for America offers hope for a better life. Plucky Tess is an aspiring seamstress and she lucks out by being hired right there on the dock by a wealthy renowned designer who needs a maid. Lady Lucile Duff Gordon doubts Tess’s abilities as her maid but she is impressed by the stitches on her handmade outfit. And so, the Duff Gordons along with new maid board their “ship of dreams” to America -- the Titanic. Author Alcott, aka Patricia O’Brien, avoids the unsinkable hype by focusing on the survivors and the government inquiries. Survivor Tess must make a crucial decision in the grim aftermath.

Reviewed by Susanne W., Steele Creek Branch

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Before beginning Best Kept Secret I would strongly recommend reading Only Time Will Tell and Sins of the Father. With the will settled for the Barrington title and fortune and Emma and Harry Clifton married, thus begins the third Archer book about these families. Emma sets out to find the baby girl left in her father’s office when he was murdered. Giles Barrington thinks he has found the woman he loves while everyone else detests her. Elizabeth Barrington dies causing a rift between the siblings. Sebastian finds trouble when he thinks he’s lost his parent’s dream. When enemies from the past and present surface machinations develop on many levels. The plot moves swiftly with many unexpected twists and turns characteristic of Archer. The last sentence evokes a gasp and leaves a heart-wrenching cliffhanger that ensures a fourth in the series.

Reviewed by Sheila C., Steele Creek Branch

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Who knew there were Jewish Pirates? I always associated the early New World with Spain and Portugal and the Catholic Church, or England and the Protestants, not Jews. The Inquisition created a huge population of `conversos`, Jews who pretended to be Catholic to prevent being tortured. `Everyone` knew it was a pretense. Some of them left for the New World, islands. They hoped that distance would allow them some religious freedom. The New World had gold, slaves and trade goods that were bought, sold and stolen. The Jews provided manpower and trade knowledge. Read about the gold mines, privateers and lots about the islands we now go to on vacation.

Reviewed by Thea J., South County Regional

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Ann Patchett's novel, Run, is set in Boston during a 24 hour period that changes the Doyle family forever. The author drew me in from the first page with her rich character development. Although the issues of being a multi-racial family in a privileged environment is explored and contrasted against the challenges of the less privileged, these issues were not the focus of the story. Rather, the author's message is more about how a family relearns how to love and support one another after the core of the family is lost and how to open themselves up to someone unexpected who needs them. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Marcy F., South County Regional

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Reading and traveling, two of life`s greatest pleasures. Travel blogger Terri Smith claims the best of all worlds is combining reading and travel, but smart to plan ahead and travel with fellow bibliophiles. Visit the setting of your favorite novel or the birthplace of an author. Arrange a book club trip around your current month`s title selection. Not sure where to go first? Try Smith`s Off the Beaten Page, a literary travel guide with practical advice, reading lists and detailed itineraries for 15 favorite literary destinations. Visit Boston with Dennis Lahane`s Mystic River, or explore New Orleans with Anne Rice`s Vampire Chronicles. Armistead Maupin is an excellent tour guide to seeing the sights of San Francisco. So grab your favorite book, and get packing!

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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Ursula Todd was born in February 1910, but she dies before she is able to take her first breath. On that same February night, Ursula is born again and lives. Thus begins Ursula’s life as she dies, but is born again and able to alter her life. Each death brings the reader back to the beginning wondering what will change during this current lifetime; subtle changes to Ursula’s life can make all the difference. What will happen to Ursula in the end? Read the book and find out! This novel is not something that can be easily forgotten. Atkinson’s book will stay with you as you realize that one small decision can alter the rest of your life.

Reviewed by Maeve C., University City Regional

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