Olive Kitteridge written by Elizabeth Strout is a just a plain old-fashioned winner, not to mention a Pulitzer Prize winner. An odd collection of slices of life involving coastal Maine resident, Olive and others crossing her path, this work is not quite a novel, nor short story collection. These are loosely-linked tales introducing ornery, abrasive Olive and her surroundings. As Olive’s self-awareness and empathy develop within these tales, so do the reader’s. Anger, loss, cruelty and, finally, insight are in the mix with Strout’s masterful Olive - one unforgettable character.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, a lengthy feast, equivalent to a multi-course meal is Dave Wroblewski's debut novel. The writing is poetic; the tragic story is both a coming-of-age tale and a grand saga. A work of fiction for those who really want to sink their teeth into an ambitious, accomplished story, this big-hearted book features dogs, a mute boy, adventure and mystery: it is one you won't want to miss.
Amazing Audiobooks
Three audiobooks that are terrific
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, read by Christopher Evan Walch -a unforgettable tale told by Enzo, the family dog and his efforts to preserve his human family.
Zeitoun written by Dave Eggers, narrated by Firdous Bamji, is the unbelievable true life depiction of what happened to one New Orleans resident who tried to lessen Hurricane Katrina’s destruction.
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, narrated by the author – the eye-opening study of how of major changes in our society develop suddenly, causing “social epidedemics"
Distinctive DVDs
Exceptional Entertainment
Very worthwhile DVDs - “Rachel Getting Married” is the dramatic tale of a troubled young woman, tormented by personal demons, on the eve of her sister’s idyllic wedding; “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is the powerful memoir of Jean Dominique Bauby, whose paralyzed body can only employ his left eye to “blink” out his memoir. “Frozen River” is the fictional tale of two mothers living near a Mohawk reservation, who are faced with desperate circumstances.