Olive Kitteridge (2008)

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout is a collection of short stories, at least some of which have been previously published, that weave Olive's story with those of others living in a small coastal town in Maine. These poignant and compelling glimpses give an inside view of both the despair and hope that touches all of us and we can recognize ourselves in these insightful tales.

Easy to read, these stories will stay with you. One quote I had to write down was a wonderful way of explaining a parent's love for their children, "Each of his sons had been his favorite child."

This is a very special book. I recommend it highly.

Go With Me (2008)

Castle Freeman Jr. has written a Vermont gothic with characters who speak like they are in an Elmore Leonard novel. Suspense and black humor result in a story of justice prevailing. You'll read this novella in one sitting.

Mistress of the Art of Death Part II

Described as 'CSI meets Canterbury Tales', this twelfth century tale has interesting characters, facts, and a great plot. The fact that the criminal investigator is a woman adds to the intensity of the story. The only negative for me personally is my discomfort with children and torture and pure evil. Actually Arianna Franklin handles these aspects as well as could be expected allowing me to continue with this page turner until the very end.

Mistress of the Art of Death (2007)

Two of my favorite reader-librarians encouraged me to read Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death so that is my next pick. I'm not usually drawn to stories set in medieval times but I am assured that this book is a fantastic read.

Ariana Franklin is the pseudonym of a well-known writer of historical fiction. She lives in the UK with her husband, the film critic and broadcaster Barry Norman. Ariana’s first novel, City of Shadows, was a Booksense pick in Fall 2006.

Trauma (2008)

Apparently author Patrick McGrath is known for his 'unreliable' narrators and the 'toxic' environments he creates. Although McGrath is British, Trauma is set in New York City and concerns the life of Charlie Weir, a Manhattan psychiatrist, whose life is not what he would like it to be. Alienation and emotional distance make for a disturbing story.

Aftermath of Dreaming

What a treat to hear author Delaune Michel, who is also an actress, read her work! I just finished The Aftermath of Dreaming (2006) and loved everything about it.

Her newest book The Safety of Secrets is being published May 27, 2008 in trade paperback.

This is an author to watch!