Chris’s Picks
Quest by Kathleen Benner Duble
Kathleen Duble, an Andover Bookstore favorite, has written another fantastic book! Quest is the suspenseful tale of the last voyage of explorer Henry Hudson. The story of Hudson’s search for the fabled Northwest Passage is filled with drama, bravery, and intrigue. In Duble’s capable hands, the story becomes even more compelling. She employs four characters, four distinct voices, to tell the tale: members of Hudson’s family and crew, as well as the elegant yet conniving daughter of a nobleman. Duble’s writing is, as always, lovely. Not a single word is wasted in her vivid telling. Her seamless use of four narrators adds clarity and impact to a memorable book! Excited readers will be curious to learn more about Hudson and his voyage after finishing Ms. Duble’s outstanding book. Kathi’s recent books, The Sacrifice and Hearts of Iron, are also favorites of our staff and customers.
Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America by Eric Jay Dolin
A recent Boston Globe article quoted a prediction calling Eric Jay Dolin, “a serious historical writer with a storytelling gift, and the potential to become the next David McCullough, Philbrick, or David Halberstam.” I agree. Leviathan is a fantastic book! Dolin contends that the history of whaling is, in fact, the history of the America. His sprawling tale is broad in scope, but filled with wonderful detail that brings this dangerous quest, and its brave practitioners to life. He ably demonstrates the economic, political, and social importance of whaling to the growth of the US. Dolin’s command of such a sweeping topic is impressive, but his fluid narrative style is what makes this book great.
The Life of Meaning edited by Bob Abernathy & William Bole
Publishers Weekly called this wonderful book, "a rich feast of accumulated wisdom." Contributors, including Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu, Studs Terkel, and the Dalai Lama, share their reflections on faith, doubt, and the search for meaning in an often chaotic world. The result is an immensely readable, vastly important work about our relationships with others, and with God. William Bole is a resident of Andover.
The White Cascade: The Great Northern Railway Disaster by Gary Krist
In the early morning hours of March 1, 1910 two trains were knocked off the side of a mountain in the Pacific Northwest by an enormous avalanche. Fortunately, knowing how the story ends does not, in any way, lessen the impact of this book. Through Krist’s meticulous research and vivid writing, readers feel as if they too, are trapped in a rail car for days, experiencing an incredibly relentless snowfall. Tension builds as the weather worsens. Readers are introduced to many memorable characters, as well as given context on the difficulties of railroading in such an unforgiving region. This one’s tough to put down!
The Lessons of St. Francis by John Michael Talbot
This wonderful book is filled with gentle wisdom, presented in a warm and engaging fashion. Talbot combines biographical bits from St. Francis’s life with reasonable and plausible ways to apply these spiritual truths and principles to daily life. In addition, Talbot — a former professional musician turned brother, provides fascinating examples from his own journey. Fans of Pastor Warren’s Purpose-Driven Life may find similar inspiration here. This book is truly ecumenical, offering valuable insight for many.
The Bones of the Earth by Howard Mansfield
Howard Mansfield’s recent collection of New England essays is a wonderful gem! Newly published in paperback, even the look and feel of this volume are elegant. Mansfield is a writer of remarkable skill. In a series of musings about our connections to the land, readers consider cemeteries, stone bridges and walls, even strip malls as artifacts of our collective history. One reviewer states, “(Mansfield) is humane, witty, bright-minded, and rigorously intelligent.” I agree; I bet that you will too. This one’s a treat!
The Houdini Box by Brian Selznick
Are you a parent, teacher, or librarian looking for the perfect book to read to your middle grade listeners? Here it is! Selznick’s first book is magical — and great fun to share. The playful, mysterious story has an ending that will make you cheer! Selznick’s magnificent artwork combines with a wonderful tale to create an unforgettable reading treat! Enjoy and share!
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Selznick’s first book, The Houdini Box, blew me away! It remains an all-time favorite. Years and books later, I am dazzled yet again by the unique talents of this gifted artist. Hugo Cabret is unlike any book you’ve ever read — or seen! An intriguing story about an orphan living in the bowels of a Paris train station unfolds dramatically in both words and pictures. More than mere decoration, Selznick’s art is a key element of the story. Imagine, if you will, the seamless blending of a book with a motion picture. This book, wonderful and unusual, is Selznick’s masterpiece. Enjoy!!
American Bloomsbury: Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau: Their Lives, Their Loves, Their Work by Susan Cheever
Susan Cheever’s new work is a gem! Her jaunt through 19th century Concord is both entertaining and informative. One doesn’t need to be an English or history expert to enjoy this examination of the intersecting lives (and loves) of some of America’s greatest thinkers and writers. Cheever’s writing is sure and humorous; her fondness for her subjects is obvious. Short chapters move the book along at a brisk pace. You’ll love it!
The Sacrifice by Kathleen Duble
Many books have been written about the witchcraft hysteria that gripped the Massachusetts colony at the end of the seventeenth century. Three hundred years later, we remain spellbound by the horrific incidents. Kathleen Duble’s latest work is an outstanding addition to the Salem canon. The Sacrifice tells the story of an accused family rather than the customary tales of the deluded young “victims.” Abigail Faulkner and her family are appealing characters that are rapidly swept along by events beyond their control. Duble skillfully portrays the terrifying conditions in the Salem Town jail - in contrast to the glorious New England countryside just outside the jail’s imposing walls. The book’s conclusion (suggested by the title) is compelling reading, but the Author’s Note, which concludes the book, will amaze readers. The Sacrifice is based on actual events from Duble’s family history.
Car Trouble by Jeanne DuPrau
Just after graduating from high school Duff Pringle is offered a dream job at a high-tech firm in California. Duff sets off from Virginia in his “new” used car. With only six days to reach his destination, his road trip offers some unexpected detours. Young adult readers will cheer Duff on. He is a likable and memorable character. Car Trouble is DuPrau’s third book. The author of the popular City of Ember and People of Sparks again proves that she is a writer to watch!
The Serpent Came To Gloucester by M.T. Anderson
A strikingly beautiful, original picture book that readers of all ages can enjoy. Using a nugget of folklore from Cape Ann Massachusetts as a beginning, Anderson has crafted a haunting narrative poem that recounts the arrival, in 1817, of a sea serpent off Gloucester’s rocky coast. By focusing on the townspeople’s reaction to the “monster’s” arrival, the author shares a sharp observation about human nature. The lyrical tale is strengthened by beautiful paintings that are reminiscent of 19th century nautical art. M.T. Anderson will be at the bookstore on Sunday, June 26th.
Lunch Money by Andrew Clements
Another winning school story by this favorite author! Middle grade readers (Gr. 4 –7) will be caught up in Greg’s quest to become rich . . . really, truly wealthy! Greg has the perfect plan for a moneymaking business at school. He has carefully organized each detail. Which will be the greater obstacle to Greg’s success: competition from rival Maura, or a principal who is determined to shut him down? Clements's trademark insight and humor are present in his latest book.
Blood Red Horse by K. M. Grant
A memorable work of historical fiction, set in the 1190’s during the Crusades of Richard the Lionhearted. Grant successfully brings the era of knights and castles to life. The tale weaves the themes of bravery, loyalty, and love into a compelling story that includes suspense and subplots. The author explains the religious and historical background of the Crusades within the story’s context. Finally, Grant has created Hosanna, the most memorable horse to gallop from the pages of a book since Black Beauty. The book is probably best suited for readers in grades 6 and up.
American Brutus: J. W. Booth and the Lincoln Conspiracies by Michael Kauffman
This is quite possibly the best book ever written on Lincoln’s assassination. It is compelling nonfiction that reads like a novel! Kauffman dispels years of myth and misunderstanding through his meticulously researched writing. Booth did not, for instance, break his leg in his jump to the stage, but rather when the horse fell during his frantic escape to Maryland. You will love this book; you will learn from reading it!
