Book Sketches

The Enchanted Hour: the miraculous power of reading aloud in the age of distraction

Tue, 01/22/2019 - 10:35am -- JGranatino

Clinical studies demonstrate that reading aloud to children stimulates brain development, literacy, vocabulary, and social-emotional skills; however, research also indicates that too much passive “screen time” leads to underdevelopment of higher-order brain networks. Reading together offers an opportunity for strengthening parent/child bonds, for discussion, and for transmission of values.

The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg

Mon, 01/14/2019 - 3:06pm -- JGranatino

Ninety-six-year old Doris has kept a red address book given to her by her father, and throughout her life she has recorded the names of all her friends, family and lovers. The book is now old and tattered and has nearly every name crossed off as she outlives them. Jenny, her grand-niece in America, Skypes with her every week and is her only family now.

Tin Man by Sarah Winman

Fri, 01/04/2019 - 1:36pm -- BHanley

Sarah Winman creates a heartbreaker in just over 200 pages with her latest work, Tin Man. It follows the story of two men, Ellis and Michael, with an intense bond, forged in their teenage years, who are met with the unyielding complexities of adulthood. The story is told in three parts and is largely set in the 1990s and earlier: first from Ellis’ perspective, which lovingly meanders between the present and the past. Then, from the perspective of Michael through his journaling.

Vox by Christina Dalcher

Mon, 12/03/2018 - 4:06pm -- JGranatino

Imagine an America in which women have been limited to speaking only 100 hundred words per day; otherwise the “bracelet” counter sends a jolt of electricity strong enough to scar. Even female children are subjected to this in a male-dominated society ruled by a crazed pastor and his flock, known as “The Pure”. Dr.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

Tue, 11/20/2018 - 10:11am -- JGranatino

Hugh McElroy has been called to negotiate a hostage situation at a local women’s reproductive health clinic where shots have already been fired. A SWAT team is ready to storm the gates, but Hugh has a particular reason for not wanting to chance any more casualties…his daughter is inside. The shooter has a “divine” purpose for murder relating to his own daughter’s decision to abort her pregnancy.

The Collector's Apprentice by B.A. Shapiro

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 3:14pm -- JGranatino

In the summer of 1922, young Paulien Mertens is alone and on the run after her fiancé, George Everard, has run off with millions invested in a bogus business venture. Believing she had knowledge of his schemes, her family has cut ties with her and she is in fear of being arrested. Her background and expertise in Post-Impressionist art will get her a position in an art gallery, but she will have to reinvent herself to disguise her past.

I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 11:50am -- JGranatino

Ella Longfield is traveling on a train bound to London and observes two teenage girls board, and soon they are seated with two young men carrying black garbage bags. She overhears the men flirting with the girls as well as their admission that they just got released from prison. Ella becomes concerned for the girls' welfare and considers alerting the police or even trying to figure out how to contact their families in this small community.

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