Season’s Readings 2009 From the Staff of the Francis A. Drexel Library at Saint Joseph’s University

Marjorie Rathbone The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows A quirky, but charming cast of characters comes alive in this novel comprised entirely of letters which begin in 1946 when an author receives correspondence from citizens of the Channel Island of Guernsey detailing their experiences under Nazi occupation. Loved by everyone I’ve lent it to!

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell Esme is finally released from a psychiatric hospital in Edinburgh after being locked away for over 60 years. The acts of family malice and betrayal that led to her institutionalization are gradually revealed throughout the book and come to a conclusion that leaves the reader pondering – was she or wasn’t she?

Evelyn Minick Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry 100 year old Roseanne McNulty languishes in a mental institution and shares two wildly different versions of her life. Which one is true?

Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski A noted American anthropologist is serving 50 years in a Thai jail for murder. A journalist is obsessed with her story and takes readers on a spellbinding ride through exotic cultures and the practice of anthropology.

Mary Martinson Shanghai Girls by Lisa See This novel follows the life of two sisters, May and Pearl, from their early years in cosmopolitan 1930s Shanghai to a later escape from the war‐torn city. The escape includes a move to Los Angeles via detention on Angel's Island (the Ellis Island of the West).

Spiritual Literacy by Frederic & Mary Ann Brussat A valuable and eclectic collection of spiritual inspiration that spans time, religions, philosophers and writers.

Naomi Cohen Hippocrates' Shadow: Secrets from the House of Medicine by David H. Newman A physician reports on surprising research concerning the efficacy of some commonly accepted medical practices. An insightful contribution to the ongoing debate about health care reform.

Nation by Terry Pratchett A mix of adventure, anthropology and alternate history combine with Pratchett's trademark humor in this delightful coming‐of‐age story.

Sara Franks Content by Cory Doctorow http://craphound.com/content/ Doctorow reviews the ins and outs of copyright in a series of essays aimed at revealing the perversity and futility of intellectual property management in the new, evolving atmosphere of information exchange and ownership. Practicing what he preaches, Doctorow has made his entire book available for free online.

Martha VanAuken The Christmas Cookie Club: A Novel by Ann Pearlman

Anne Krakow Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby Hornby once again combines pop culture and messy relationships in this novel about a cult musician and the former girlfriend of one of his biggest fans.

Christopher Dixon True Compass: A Memoir Edward M. Kennedy The late senator from Massachusetts looks back on his life.

Breathing the Fire: Fighting to Report‐‐ and Survive‐‐The War in Iraq by Kimberly Dozier A CBS News reporter faces the journalistic challenges of covering the war in Iraq and being seriously wounded in a terrorist attack.

Marian Courtney Michael Symon's Live to Cook: Recipes and Techniques to Rock Your Kitchen by Michael Symon and Michael Ruhlman Symon, an Iron Chef and restaurateur, relates his story through a collection of diverse ethnic food recipes. Accompanied by full color photos, makes a nice gift for foodies: experienced and beginners alike.

Michael Brooks Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of U.S. Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan by Doug Stanton An account of the first US soldiers to engage the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan in 2001.

How to Get Ideas by Jack Foster A humorous account of how to get ideas when you don't have any idea how to get one.

Catherine Collins The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann In 1925, British explorer Percy Fawcett entered the Amazon Rainforest in hopes of locating the fabled city of El and was never heard from again. The New Yorker's David Grann retraces Fawcett’s journey in an effort to solve one of the 20th century’s great mysteries.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke One part Neil Gaiman, one part David Foster Wallace, this tale of dueling gentlemen magicians in the 19th century attempting to bring magic back to England includes alternate histories, extensive footnoting, and Victorian manners, making it a very entertaining and intelligent read.

Sarah Bolce God Grew Tired of Us: A Memoir by John Bul Dau Bul Dau recounts his life's journey from harrowing experiences as a Lost Boy of Sudan through adjustment to life in the United States.

Linda Kubala Girl with a Pearl Earring by In this work of historical fiction, Chevalier depicts the creation of the famous by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. The rich descriptions of life in , in the 17th century add to the main story line of the relationship between the painter and his subject.