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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All around the world, children are kidnapped and forced to do terrible things, all in the name of something they don’t believe in, or understand. Jacob is a fourteen year-old boy living in Uganda; he is smart and attends an all-boys school with his friends. One night, he and his friends are kidnapped and forced to act as rebel soldiers. Can Jacob kill like he is supposed to? He must decide between death or survival, but can he live with his actions later? If he escapes, what will happen when he gets home? The art work is very moving, as is this fictional story that is similar to tales of children from around the globe who are abducted and forced into rebel armies.

Reviewed by Maeve C., University City Regional

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