Title: The Invisible Ones

Author: Stef Penney

Publisher: Penguin, 2012

Summary/Review: I have waited a long time for the Stef Penney, the author of Tenderness of the Wolves, to come out with a new book and finally it is here! The Invisible Ones did not disappoint in any way. When we open the book we meet Ray, a troubled private investigator, who is in the hospital with paralysis, and no memory of what brought him there. Ray had been hired by a gypsy family looking for their daughter who disappeared seven years ago; they came to Ray because they knew his father had been raised a Romany and they only trust their own. The other voice in this story is JJ the 14 year old nephew of the missing daughter. JJ’s family has been through much tragedy and discourse and JJ is trying to navigate between the gypsy world and the outside world. Their stories overlap and as they come close to solving the disappearance of the daughter more questions than answers are raised. Penney is a gifted storyteller, she was a former screenwriter, and she has great skill in her descriptions of people and places. This is a compelling story and a good mystery and a fascinating look into the gypsy world.

If you like this, try this: Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

Who will like this? Fans of books that take place in England and mystery fans.

Recommended by: Claudia, Technical Services Librarian

Visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check availability of this book and place a hold!

Title: Stolen Prey

Author: John Sanford

Publisher: Penguin, May 2012

Review/Summary: I came across John Sanford years ago when looking for my favorite type of fiction about Cops and Detectives and Thugs. Twenty-two books later, featuring detective Lucas Davenport, Mr. Sanford still knows how to write a great story filled with an intense plot and lots of different angles taking place.

Lucas Davenport is a Minneapolis Cop who is tough with that peculiar sense of humor that makes him so likeable. In Sanford’s latest Prey book the opening sees Lucas getting robbed at an ATM, breaking his wrist in the confrontation as well as wounding his ego a tad. The two thugs, man and big burly woman, get away but Lucas is determined to find the two punks who robbed him. It leads to some very smelly horse manure as his puts another cop, Virgil Flowers, on the case.

In the meantime he’s called into a case of an entire family being murdered. A husband, wife, kids, pets – dead. It’s horrible. As the investigation heats up computer geeks, a bank, and some trigger happy Mexicans become central to finding out the truth about what happened.

Lucas Davenport is older and mellower in this story and as usual sidesteps the rules whenever necessary but you won’t be disappointed with the action and the conclusion.

 Who will like this?: Someone looking for an exciting criminal thriller. Fans of Sanford, who have read the other Lucas Davenport books.

 If you like this, try this: This book is a part of a collection of books featuring Lucas Davenport, including “Chosen Prey”, “Broken Prey”, and “Hidden Prey”. If you liked this one, you may want to check out the others. This one is #22, so you’ll have a lot of choices!

If you like this author’s style and would like to try out some similar authors, try Michael Connelly or Jeffrey Deaver. If you’re looking for an international crime author, Stieg Larsson (“Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) may be a good choice.

Recommended by: Nancy, Branch Librarian

If this looks like something you’d be interested in, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to place a hold or see if it’s available right now! [Link will open in a new window]

Title:  Gold

Author:  Chris Cleave

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster, 2012

Summary/Review: This wonderful new novel from the author of Little Bee arrives just in time for the summer Olympics and should definitely be put on your
list of great summer reads.  Zoe Castle and Kate Meadows are stars in the world of professional cycling, and each are trying their personal best to make it to the 2012 games in London.  When their coach, Tom Voss, learns of a change in the rules that will allow only one of them to compete in the Olympics, he knows that no matter what happens, one of his cyclists will be destroyed.  In the years that Zoe and Kate have known each other, their lives have become intertwined in a very complicated way.   Cleave has done a terrific job of revealing their stories in between exciting racing sequences that demonstrate how physically and emotionally debilitating intense physical training can be.  Everyone we meet in
“Gold” is in the grips of a battle; whether it is 8-year old Sophie, Kate and Jack Argall’s daughter, who is fighting leukemia; Coach Tom, who must come to terms with his own failed athletic career and his love for his two athletes; or Kate and Zoe with their constant fight to compete and survive in sports, love and life.  This is such an intense novel and it is so emotionally satisfying.   It will be one of the best books you read this summer!

Who will like this?: Those who are excited for the Olympics, and want to get warmed up.  Anyone looking for an intense book that deals with sports, friendships, and the human
spirit.

If you like this, try this: If you liked the author’s style, try his other- “Little Bee” or “Incendiary”.

If you’re more interested in the cycling aspect, Lance Armstrong has a number of biographies including “It’s not About the Bike” and “Every Second Counts”.   Tim Moore’s book “French Revolutions” shines a more humorous light on the topic.

Recommended by: Mary, Reference Librarian

Visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to see if this book is available, or to place a hold!  [Link will open in a new window]

Title: Game of Thrones, Volume One: The Graphic Novel

Author/Illustrator: Daniel Abraham/Tommy Patterson

Publisher: Random House, 2012

Summary/Review: How many times can an original work be successfully adapted? In the case of George R. R. Martin’s sprawling (and still continuing) epic, A Song of Ice and Fire, the answer seems to be at least twice: First into a popular, Emmy-nominated HBO series and now as a planned series of graphic novels. If you saw the show and are intrigued by Martin’s medieval fantasy world or have heard about it and are intrigued but don’t feel like you have the time to read the massive books, this graphic novel adaptation would be a great choice for you.

Daniel Abraham does a great job of adapting the book into the graphic novel format while preserving Martin’s signature point of view writing style. Patterson is a skilled illustrator who has woven his own distinct style into each full-color panel. Like the TV show, the creators have chosen key scenes to tell the story and manage to pull it off without sacrificing too much detail. This is not a novelization of the HBO series: It features scenes omitted from the show and presents others in a way that more closely matches Martin’s work in its intensity, brutality and mature content.

This graphic novel tells about half the story of the first book and another volume is planned for later in the year. And while I would recommend reading Martin’s books first – yes: all 3000 pages and counting – this graphic novel is the next best thing.

Who will like this?: Fans of the TV or book series might be interested in giving this different take a try. Those who enjoy graphic novels, who aren’t afraid of some intense content.

If you like this, try this: If you are interested in the content, try out Martin’s other books, if you have the time to devote to them.

If you are interested in getting into more graphic novels, “Watchmen” by Alan Moore, “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi, and “Maus” by Art Spiegelman might be a good place to start. These are popular staples of the genre.

If you’re interested in the fantasy/science fiction aspect, some other great books in that genre are J.R.R Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”/”Lord of the Rings” series. For younger readers, “Harry Potter” by J.K Rowling.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

You can visit the Fairfield Public Catalog to check availability, or to place a hold on this book! [Link will open in a new window]

Title: Hush Now Don’t You Cry

Author: Rhys Bowen

Publisher: Minotaur Books, 2012

Summary/Review: Whether you have followed private detective Molly Murphy from the beginning of her series, or whether she is new to you, this latest installment is a fun change of scenery. It is the the spring of 1904 and  Molly heads to Newport with her new husband, police detective Daniel Sullivan, to attempt a honeymoon. They are quickly embroiled in another murder mystery and when her husband comes down with pneumonia and is stuck in bed, it is up to Molly to piece together all of the secrets that led up to murder.  Taking Molly and Daniel out of turn-of-the-century New York City is a good twist, and seeing Newport as it was in its heyday is a fun commentary on how the other half lived.

Who will like this? Anyone who likes a good mystery or a historical fiction; this is a great mix of both.

If you like this, try this: Others in the same series. Rhys Bowen also writes the Constable Evans series, set in Wales, and the Lady Georgiana mysteries, set in London in the 1930’s.

Recommended by: Linda Q., Circulation staff

If you’d like to try this book out, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to see if it’s available and place a hold! [link will open in a new window]

Title: What Alice Forgot

Author: Liane Moriarty

Publisher: Berkley Trade; Reprint edition (April 24, 2012)

Summary/Review: This book has similarities to Sophie Kinsella’s novel “Remember Me?” However, What Alice Forgot has a much deeper, more powerful story line.

Alice wakes up on the floor of a gym unaware of how she got there. She soon realizes that she fell off her bike and hit her head hard during spin class. She is rushed off to the hospital by the paramedics not recognizing the people calling out to her. Alice becomes even more confused when the doctor insists it is a different year from the one she believes it to be. What Alice refuses to accept is that she has lost the last ten years of her life as a result of falling off the bike and bumping her head. She begins to realize that her life has gone through many serious changes in the last ten years. She no longer seems to have a best friend, she and her sister Elizabeth have grown apart and, worst of all, she and her husband have split up. They are in the middle of a nasty custody battle over their three children. Alice does not even remember having three children. She only remembers being barely pregnant with their first child.

Alice becomes desperate to find her way back to reality. Her anguish and anxiety worsens when she discovers that she does not like the person she became during her ten year lapse of time. She really is not a nice person at all. She was argumentative and uptight most of the time. As she learns about herself, Alice begins to realize why her marriage has disintegrated.

This book portrays Alice with a strong character. You will enjoy learning about the mystery of Alice’s past and why she is so determined to form a future for herself and her family.

Who will like this book?: People who like thought-provoking books with humor and a few of life’s lessons.

If you liked this, try this: “Here, Home, Hope” by Kaira Rouda; “Three Wishes”: A Novel by Liane Moriarty; “Sister”: A Novel by Rosamund Lupton; “The Story of Beautiful Girl” by Rachel Simon

Recommended by: Beverly D., Branch Circulation Coordinator

If this looks like a book you would be interested in, check the Fairfield Public Library catalog for availability and to place a hold! [link will open in a new window]

Title: Nick of Time – - An Adventure Through Time

Author: Ted Bell

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, 2008

Summary/Review: This is a swashbuckling adventure with dual plot lines weaving time travel back to the 1805, pirates, WWII, espionage, family values, and love of country into an action-packed story.

Set in England in 1939, World War II and Nazi invasion are threatening the peace of Nick McIver’s homeland. When Nick discovers an old sea chest and the Tempus Machina ( built by Leonardo DaVinci), he is pulled into a dangerous mission which will affect the course of England’s history.

This engaging and suspenseful book is for the stouthearted!!!

Who will like this book?: Fans of historical fiction or fantasy. Children who are ready to go on an adventure

If you like this, try this: This is book 1 of a series. The second in the series is “Time Pirate”, which came out in 2010. “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson is a class action/adventure book. “Harry Potter” is a more modern take on action and adventure.

For those interested in the time travel aspect, “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle is a great choice, and a classic. “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry is another historical fiction book which deals with some of the same topics. For older readers, “Book Thief” by Markus Zusak might be a good choice, though the topic is more difficult.

Recommended by: Diane Pagnozzi, Fairfield Woods Children’s Department

If this looks like something you or your child would like to read, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check availability and place a hold! [Link will open in a new window]

Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Publisher: Penguin, 2012

Summary: With patrons of all ages catching on to The Hunger Games, more and more ‘grown-ups’ are realizing that the world of young adult fiction is full of engaging stories, even for those who prefer to read ‘serious literature.’ Whether you are a long-time fan of teen books or just now discovering them, here is a tip: John Green just might be the best author writing for young people today. All of his previous books (including Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines and Paper Towns) have been breathtaking achievements and his latest is no exception. Hazel was diagnosed with terminal cancer as a preteen but thanks to the intervention of an experimental drug regimen, she has survived against steep odds. But she has no illusions that her luck will last: She will never be cancer-free. Smart but listless, Hazel’s favorite thing to do is to reread An Imperial Affliction, an esoteric (and seemingly unfinished) book by an author who has dropped off the face of the Earth. At her cancer-kid support group, she meets Augustus Wheeler. And everything changes.

It sounds like the recipe for a sappy movie-of-the-week, but this story gets right to the heart of the matter: What kind of life should you build for yourself if you are on borrowed time? Like all of Green’s characters, these teens are not shallow caricatures of moody adolescence. They are clear-eyed, funny, soulful and above all, real. The Fault in Our Stars features young people forced to confront the big questions long before they should have had to and like the very best teen literature, it allows the characters to find the answers for themselves. Romantic and brutally honest at the same time, this book is not to be missed.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Does this look like a book you’re interested in? Visit the Fairfield Public Library Catalog to check availability and place a hold

Title: Wonder

Author: R.J. Palacio

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Review/Summary: Auggie was born with a facial deformity, so he was homeschooled through years of surgeries and recoveries. Now, he is starting fifth grade and if you thought middle school was hard, then this is a testament to true friendship, understanding and kindness. This uplifting story made me laugh out loud, cry and wonder at his strength and resiliency. He is plucky and funny, vulnerable and charming. His family are so natural, real and supportive. This first novel by author Palacio addresses the insecurities of school-aged children and should be a must read for children grades five and up, as well as their parents, as it encourages discussion about love, support, and judging people on their appearance. And yes,” everyone deserves a standing ovation, at least once in their lives.”

Who will like this book?: Those who don’t shy away from reading about difficult, real-life, touching scenarios. Anyone who has ever felt judged, misunderstood, or who just wants to read about someone who is “different”.

If you like this, try this: If you liked Palacio’s writing style, be on the lookout for more from him- since this debut novel has created a huge amount of buzz, we hope he’ll be back with more soon.

If you’re interested in the subject matter of bullying, try “The Chocolate War” by Robert Cormier (also a teen book) or “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult- one for slightly older teens, as it’s more graphic. For littler ones looking for an introduction on the subject, “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes is a good place to start.

For those who are interested in reading about other people with “differences”, this sensitive matter can be introduced with books such as “Rules” (Autism) by Cynthia Lord or “Out of my Mind” by Sharon Draper (Cerebral Palsy). However, the subject of severe facial deformities in young adult/older children’s books is relatively rare, so this book may have opened the door for more fiction pertaining to the subject.

Recommended by: Cindy B. Children’s Librarian

If this looks like a book you or your young adult/child would like to try out, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to see if it’s available and place a hold!

Title: Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs

Author: Molly Harper

Publisher: Pocket Star, 2009

Summary/Review: This year brought Fairfield a light winter and an early spring, so I am channeling summer and diving into some good beach reads!

When Jane Jameson is unjustly fired from her position as the town’s Children’s Librarian, she heads off to the local pub. After a few rounds, she stumbles home only to be accidently mistaken for a deer, shot, and left for dead in a field. But, then a good-looking vampire – a group who has recently gone public thanks to a federal lawsuit – finds her and offers to turn her. She accepts the offer and three days later wakes up to find her world changed. Welcoming Jane to this new life is a gift basket from the Newly Undead Welcoming Committee, as well as, a cute and mysterious sire, Gabriel.

When someone starts framing Jane for a series of murders in her small town of Moon Hollow, Jane sets out to prove she’s still the nice girl she has always been. This book is the first in a series about Jane Jameson and her supernatural friends, but very normal family.

Written with humor (and a few jokes only a Children’s Librarian would understand), Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs is great for those readers who enjoy a little paranormal romance in their lives.

Who Will Like This Book: Fans of the Sookie Stackhouse series, Nora Roberts fans, and adult readers of the Twilight saga.

If You Like This, Try This: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon,  Sign of the Seven Trilogy by Nora Roberts,  The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley,  Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Recommended by: Mary Sorhus, Head of Children’s Services

Does this look like your kind of book?  Visit the Fairfield Public Library Catalog to check if it’s available and/or place a hold!