Title: State of Wonder

Author: Ann Patchett

Publisher: New York : Harper, 2011.

Review/Summary: Dr Marina Singh isn’t one for adventure. She hasn’t even left Minnesota much until she is sent to the Amazon to delve into the mysterious details of the death of her lab partner, Anders Eckman. After working as research scientists at the Vogel pharmaceutical company for seven years Eckman was asked to go check on another scientist’s miracle drug project in Brazil. He never returns. Now Marina is compelled to follow and she finds herself on an unpredictable journey of discovery. Facing sweltering heat, terrifying wildlife and obstructive natives Marina finally locates the camp where Eckman was last seen. There she is reluctantly greeted by a transformative figure from her past and Marina struggles to learn what really happened to Eckman and what exactly they are all doing in this Amazonian rainforest. A multi-layered, subtly rendered and thrilling read.

Who Will Like This: Patchett fans. Patient mystery readers.

If you like this, try this: Bel Canto, also by Patchett. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.

Recommended by: Jen, Children’s Assistant

Does this look like something you’d like to try? Check out the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check availability or place a hold!

Title: When She Woke

Author: Hillary Jordan

Publisher: Algonquin Books, 2011

Summary/Review:In the not-so-distant future, only the most dangerous criminals serve their sentences behind bars. All others are made to serve their time on the outside, living among the rest of society but with one big difference. In order to readily identify them as criminals, they are injected with a virus to change the color of their skin. Most of these “Chromes” are Yellows, serving short sentences for misdemeanors. Child molesters are Blues but they don’t fare so well out in society so they are rarely seen. Hannah Payne is a Red. She has been convicted of killing her unborn child. Dangers to Hannah and those like her come in many forms. Religious fanatics and vigilantes have them in their sights. How will she ever survive her 16 year sentence?

More than a modern “Scarlet Letter”, this is a very thought provoking and riveting story. Full of controversial topics, I’m sure it will lead to some interesting conversations. Adding to the disturbing nature of “When She Woke” is the realization that we can see glimpses of the fanaticism portrayed in this story just by watching CNN.

Recommended by: Sue B, Circulation Coordinator

A second look: If Margaret Atwood had written The Scarlet Letter, it would read like this book.  This is a slightly futuristic story where the Religious Right has taken over so that, for instance, abortion is legally considered murder.  Not only that, viruses have been developed that produce changes in skin color.  Yellow for misdemeanor, blue for child molester, red for murderer – a clever solution to prison overcrowding. Criminals are released into society to fend for themselves in a world that can see what you’ve done.

Our heroine woke to find herself chromed red after being convicted of murdering her unborn child.  She keeps her lover’s name a secret, protecting this powerful and well-respected man.  She soon discovers that life on the outside is fraught with danger – even from those who claim they will protect her.

Recommended by: Lauren, Reference Assistant

Who Might Like This?: Fans of dystopian novels, science fiction.

If you liked this, try this: If you’d like to read more Hillary Jordan, try out her incredibly popular “Mudbound”.  If you’re interested in dystopian novels, “1984″ by George Orwell or “Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood are two classics.  For younger readers, “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins or “The Giver” by Lois Lowry both depict dystopias. If you liked the book overall, check out “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne or one of the many other books based off this classic.

Does this look like a book you’d like to read? Visit our catalog here, where you can check availability and place a hold. [Link will open in a new window]

Title: The Cat’s Table

Author: Michael Ondaatje

Publisher: Knopf, New York: 2011

Summary: I must confess I am thoroughly besotted with Mr. Ondaatje’s writing and romanticism.  Years ago I am came across his first book “Coming Through Slaughter” (House of Anansi, 1976) about the jazz musician Buddy Bolden who lived a very short and troubled life. The language was like a river of torment and beauty structured like the flow of jazz with long riffs, then the staccatos of short blasts and then more complexity as Bolden descends into madness. This was Ondaatje’s first novel and he deservedly won the Books in Canada First Novel Award.  That is when I first caught the Ondaatje bug. The next time I was overwhelmed by his writing is when I read The English Patient – before I saw the lush movie. Once again feel in deep, deep love.  His other books have not been as richly satisfying and I was thinking of ending our love affair. “The Cat’s Table” came out just in time for me to give him one more chance. And voila the sentiments have been renewed.

This book is an exotic “Harriet the Spy” tale set aboard a ship traveling from Sri Lanka to England.  The protagonist is an 11-year old boy who is seated at the lowliest table on the ship complete with a set of eccentric personalities several with big secrets he is compelled to try to reveal. The boy records what he sees on the journey and Ondaatje is a master at capturing the feelings and curiosities of this young explorer. He writes:   “Sleep is a prison for a boy who has friends to meet.” This tale is surely semi auto-biographical as the author is a native of Sri Lanka who emigrated to Canada where he now lives. There is a wistfulness about the telling as if the author remembers his young days longing to return to that time of innocence (or as the author puts it:  “naked with innocence”) while standing on the precipice of maturity.  He begins to discover basic truths:  “What is interesting and important happens where there is no power.  Nothing much of lasting value ever happens at the head table, held together by familiar rhetoric.” When I come across beautiful passages in any book I am compelled to read them aloud and hear the beauty and rhythm of the words. So many times when reading this book I stopped, reread the passage, and then read it aloud again. Bravo Michael Ondaatje.

Recommended by: Karen, Town Librarian

A second look:  When on a ship voyage, the most desirable place to be seated for dinners is the Captain’s Table. The most socially connected sit there. Those considered to be the least significant are seated at table # 76 –the “cat’s table”– as far away both physically and socially as one can be seated from the Captain. In 1950, this is precisely where 11 year old Michael is seated: aboard the Oronsay, traveling from Sri Lanka to London to be reunited with his mother. Michael, who is the novel’s  arrator, though by himself, is quick to make friends with two boys making the same voyage: asthmatic Ramadhin and the rambunctious trouble-maker, Cassius.

For 21 days, unfettered for the most part by adult authority, daring and unsupervised, they explore the ship and roam the decks looking seeking adventure, hiding in  lifeboats to spy on the guests, and strive to learn the secrets of others, like the shackeled prisoner who is escorted at night on the deck. The boys quickly realize that their insignificance means they are “invisible to officials such as the purser and
the head steward, and the captain.”

“Sleep is a prison for a boy  who has friends to meet…We could not wait to continue exploring this universe.” One adventure, in particular, took place on a wild rainy night
with dangerous and heaving waves — when Cassious and Michael know they must
observe and experience a “catastrophe” first hand (the storm) , so they have Ramadhin strap them to the deck and nearly drown!

Each day, the boys rejoin their interesting and eccentric adult dinner companions, also seated at the “cat’s table”. Each person at the cat’s table had interesting reasons for being on board, even if it was unspoken or, as yet, undiscovered by the boys.

“…those at the Captain’s Table were constantly toasting one another’s significance. That was a small lesson I learned on the journey. What is interesting and important happens mostly in secret, in places where there is no power.”

Later in the book, Michael realizes that for years he never thought about that voyage until he reaches a point in his life where he realizes the impact that the trip had on him and his ship-board friends.

I would recommend this book to anybody! But, if you really enjoy stories about boys, such as Boy’s Life, by Robert McCammon, or some of Stephen King’s fiction that centers on the life of boys, this is the book for you.

Recommended by: Susan Z, Reference Librarian

Who will like this book: Those who enjoy reading literature, especially those books that take you to far-away places. Those who aren’t intimidated by a murky reality or magical realism.

If you like this, try this: The Sense of an Ending, by Julian Barnes, which also offers a multi-layered account of memories

If this looks like a book you’d like to read, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to place a hold or check availability!

Title: The Art of Fielding – A Novel

Author: Chad Harbach

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2011

Summary/Review: The Art of Fielding is definitely “not just about baseball”. Although it centers around the baseball games, it is the characters who take center field. It was easy to identify with the hardships each character goes through, knowing that the outcome of one situation leads to another. The book revolves around five main characters: Henry Skrimshander, who lives and breathes baseball; Mike Schwartz, the team captain who befriends and pushes Henry to his limits; Owen Dunne, Henry’s roommate, who provides insight and support to those around him; Guert Affenlight, the college president, who shows that it is never too late to change and become the person you are supposed to be; and Pella Affenlight, Guert’s daughter, who overcomes her own personal issues trying to find her life’s path.

Overall, I found The Art of Fielding to be interesting read with some unexpected turns. I felt that the characters and storylines are something readers can relate to.

Who will like this book?: People who are interested in sports, but more interested in the people involved in them.

 If you liked this, try this: If you’re interested in learning more about baseball, check out “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game” by Michael Lewis, which goes into (sometimes shady) economics of the Oakland A’s, or “The Boys of Summer” by Roger Kahn, a non-fiction book about the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Also, try “Accidental Sportswriter” by Robert Lipsyte.

If you liked Char Harbach’s writing style, this is his debut novel- but he’s been compared to Jeffrey Eugenides (author of “Middlesex”), and Justin Torres (“We the Animals”).

Recommended by: Sharyn, Circulation Staff

Does this look like a book you’d like to read? Visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to place a hold or check availability!

Title: Wingshooters

Author:  Nina Revoyr

Publisher: Akashic Books, 2011

Review/Summary: “Wingshooters” is grim reminder that hatred and bigotry have no place in a civilized world.

Michelle LeBeau, the nine year old daughter of a white American father and Japanese mother, has come to live with her American grandparents in Deerhorn, Wisconsin. It’s the early 1970’s and Deerhorn has remained virtually unchanged for the past 30 years. Michelle, or “Mike”, as her grandfather likes to call her, is the first non-Caucasian person many residents have ever seen. No one is very happy that she has come to live in their town. Mike’s grandfather, Charlie, who is well respected in town, is torn between his love for his granddaughter and the shame of his son’s marriage. Michelle is tormented and bullied by her schoolmates but finds comfort spending time outside with her dog Brett. When an African American couple comes to live and work in town, Michelle sees just how ignorant, bigoted and hateful her neighbors, and her grandfather, really are.

This is a powerful, brutal and disturbing story that will leave you shaking your head at the senseless violence and utter disregard for life portrayed within its pages. A great choice for book clubs, this wonderfully written novel will linger in your thoughts well after the last page is turned.

Who will like this book?: Someone who is not afraid to read about the realistically devastating effects of racism.  Someone looking for a more literary read, focused on complex family bonds and historical events.
If you like this, try this: If you’re looking for more books dealing with racism in general, check out “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, or “A River Runs Through it”, a short story by Norman Maclean.  If you’re more interested in the Japanese American historical fiction, try “Snow Falling on Cedars” by David Guterson or “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford. Nina Revoyr also has a few other books, titled “Necessary Hunger” and “Southland”.

Recommended by: Sue B, circulation coordinator

If this looks like something you’d like to read, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog where you can check if its available and place a hold!

Title: Caleb’s Crossing

Author: Geraldine Brooks

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Inc. September 2011

Review/Summary: Caleb’s Crossing is a wonderfully written historical fiction novel based on the first Native American to graduate Harvard College in 1665. The story is told through the voice of Bethia Mayfield, the daughter of a minister dedicated to spreading the Christian word among the Wampanoag tribe. Denied a formal education, Bethia improves her mind by secretly listening to her brother’s lessons and teachings of her father. At 12-years-old, Bethia meets Caleb, a young tribesman and the two form a secret friendship. Bethia teaches Caleb the English language, which becomes the foundation enabling him to further his education, and Caleb provides her with an understanding of his people, which helps her in dealing with natives.

Christian and tribal beliefs are challenged, along with the ability to cross over from one culture to another. After many hardships and tragedies, Caleb’s and Bethia’s characters remain strong, determined, and inspirational. Caleb’s Crossing provokes much discussion and is an excellent choice for book clubs.

Who will like this book?: Readers of historical fiction who like to be transported to another area.  Those who want to know more about Native Americans and the colonial era.

If you like this, try this: If you like the way Geraldine Brooks writes, you can check out her other historical fiction books, including “People of the Book”, or “Year of Wonders”.  If the subject matter interested you, try “Mayflower”, by Nathaniel Philbrick as a prelude to the events depicted in “Caleb’s Crossing”.  Or, try some other authors famous for historical fiction like Ken Follett, Charles Frazier, or Diana Gabaldon.

Recommended by: Sharyn, Circulation staff

If this looks like a book you’d like to read, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check its availability and/or place a hold!

Title: Call After Midnight

Author: Tess Gerritsen

Publisher: Severn House, 2011

Summary: The book begins with a phone call at midnight, newlywed Kate Fountaine thinks it’s her husband of two months, Geoffrey. When she answers the call-not quite awake- it isn’t her husband: it’s the U.S. State Department. They are calling to tell her that her husband was killed in a fire in the hotel where he was staying in London. She is then asked to come in and answer a few questions. It is soon discovered that the body had a bullet in the head and now she is told he was murdered. She will not accept this and heads to London for answers; there she discovers Geoffrey isn’t the man she thought he was -in fact, he was leading a double life. He has a wife in London and they are both spies. The story takes off from there. It is very fast paced and has a few twists and turns along the way.

Who would like this book: Anyone who enjoys mysteries, a little romance and espionage.  

If you like this, try this: Anything else by Tess Gerritsen- she has written a number of books.  If you like the crime fiction aspect, Lisa Gardner, Karin Slaughter, and Robert Ludlum also write similar crime fiction. If you’re looking for something a little more gritty, try the Stieg Larsson series (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo…). If you’re more into espionage, try Alan Furst, who blends mystery, spies, thrills with an international twist.

Recommended By: Virginia, Circulation Dept.

If this looks like a book you’re interested in, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check the availability and place a hold!

Title: The Snow Child

Author:  Eowyn Ivey

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, February 2012

Review/Summary: The year is 1920 and homesteaders Jack and Mabel are struggling to make a new life in Wolverine, Alaska. It’s been 10 years since their only child was stillborn but their attempt to leave the pain behind them has failed. Two years ago, at Mabel’s urging, the couple fled the constant reminders of their loss and Mabel’s overwhelming feelings of failure. Farming in Alaska, however, turned out to be more difficult than the brochures let on. Jack and Mabel’s isolation from the world has slowly developed into their emotional isolation from each other. Now, as both near 50, they must make a decision. Do they stay or do they go?

   In a rare moment of playfulness, during the first snowfall of the season, Jack and Mabel see the beauty of the land and the reason they so wanted to stay. The two build a small snow child, a girl with yellow grass for hair and adorned with a scarf, mittens, and wild cranberry juice to redden her lips. The next morning, Jack thinks he sees a small girl running through the woods and soon discovers that all that is left of their snow child is a small pile of snow. Could this child in the woods really be their snow child come to life, just like the snow maiden in one of Mabel’s favorite childhood fairy tales?

   “The Snow Child” is an enchanting story of hope, loss, and love. Rich in details of the Alaskan wilderness and with characters so fully imagined, you will feel as if you are right there with Mabel and Jack, watching as their story unfolds. This debut novel should be on everyone’s “to read” list.

Who will like this?: Fans of modern-day fairy tales, anyone looking to get lost in the dreamy Alaskan wilderness for a few hours.  Fans of magical realism.

If you like this, try this: The original “Snow Child” fairy tale. If you’re interested in the Alaskan wilderness, try “Into the Wild” (Krakauer) or “Call of the Wild” (London).  If you’re looking for more modern fairy tales, try “The Book of Lost Things” (Connolly).  For younger readers, try “The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairy Land in a Ship of her own Making” (Valente) or “Tale Dark and Grimm” (Gidwitz).

Recommended by: Sue, Circulation Coordinator

If this looks like a book you’d enjoy reading, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to see if it’s available and/or place a hold!

Title:    Chocolate Covered Murder

Author:    Leslie Meier

Publisher:    Kensington Publishing Corp. NY,  2012

Summary:  Lucy Stone is at it again in the tiny New England town of Tinker Cove, Maine. A town where everyone knows everybody. It’s the middle of a frigid winter and the economy can use a real boost.  Who would vacation in Maine at this time of year? The Chamber of Commerce is promoting a Valentine’s Day theme, “Love Is Best on The Coast” in an effort to draw Tourists to town.  And what is Valentine’s Day without chocolate.    Competing for “Best Candy on the Coast” award is the long standing winner, Fern’s Famous Fudge up against the new upscale arrival to Tinker Cove, Chanticleer Chocolates.  Lucy Stone is a small Town Mom, trying to raise a Family, and make ends meet by working part time as a reporter at the weekly newspaper, the Pennysaver.  One of her first assignments is to interview the handsome owner of the new chocolate shop.  She also meets the Chanticleer’s Manager, who has more on her mind than boxing up fancy chocolates. And it seems the male population of Tinker Cove find her just as enticing as the chocolates on display.    Lucy always manages to stumble upon a dead body and find herself in the middle of a police murder investigation. This book is no exception. Is there a killer on the loose in this quiet town?  Could it be one of the locals?  Even though Lucy has been warned to stay away from the official police investigation, she can’t help herself and starts doing her own snooping.  This is an enjoyable read.  As you read this book and the others in the series, you become part of this small community and get to know the residents.  They are charming and funny, and quirky in their own way.  It is small Town America at its best.

Keep your chocolates nearby as you read this one.  It is mouthwatering delicious!

Who Will Like this?    Anyone following the Lucy Stone Mystery Series by Leslie Meier.  There are 16 books in this series.  Those who enjoy a cozy mystery.

If you like this, try this:  Joanne Fluke, Diane Mott Davidson, Livia J. Washburn, Isis Crawford, Laura Childs, Kaitlyn Dunnett

Recommended by:  Laura, Library Associate

Does this sound delectably irresistible? Visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check availability and place a hold!

Title:  The Litigators

Author:  John Grisham

Publisher:  Doubleday, New York 2011

Summary:  If you love reading John Grisham, this one will not disappoint. Why would a Lawyer working for a large prestigious Law Firm billing Clients at $500.00 per hour suddenly find himself working as a Street Lawyer making $600.00 per month?  As a young Lawyer with a very promising career, David Zinc finds himself burnt out from working 80+ hours per week.  One day he gets off the elevator and can’t bring himself to go to his Office.  He dives (literally) back into the elevator, walks out of the firm and goes on a drunken bender.  He lands on the doorstep of a two man law firm where they spend their days chasing ambulances, handling quickie divorces and bickering over what little money they do have.  They like to refer to themselves as a “boutique law firm”.  These two guys keep waiting for their big break.  When David wakes up the next day after his drinking binge, he is unemployed and not sure what to do.  He finds himself going back to the two partners at Finley & Figg where he tests the waters as a street lawyer.  He quickly realizes these two have never really practiced law and are clueless on how a real Law Office should operate.  But David is happy.  He has a new lease on life, he is working normal hours and spending time with his wife and enjoying himself for the first time in years.  When the 3 Lawyers are suddenly faced with their first big case, they quickly realize they are in way over their head.  Wally is looking for the quick buck and a fast settlement since he has never been inside the courtroom to try a case.  Oscar who wants to appear as the professional lawyer wants nothing to do with the case until he learns of the potential for a very large settlement. He has never stepped in a courtroom to try a case. David gets pulled into the mess by the bumbling partners. The three Lawyers are preparing to take on a big drug company with the claim that one of their drugs on the market is unsafe and has resulted in numerous deaths.  The drug company hires the best legal defense team, which happens to be David’s previous employer, the very impressive Law Firm that he walked away from.  Since the three Lawyers believe this case will settle out of court, they do nothing to prepare for a trial.  The big drug company, on the other hand, knows this law firm lacks any courtroom experience and can’t wait to go to trial to clear their name. What goes on behind the scenes has as much to do with what goes on in the courtroom, and how money can manipulate the system. This book moves along at a fast and entertaining pace.  David shows us that there is more to life than the big money at a big law firm.

I have not read a book by John Grisham in a long time, but this one really grabbed my interest.

Who Will Like this?    Fans of John Grisham – he has written 23 books.   Anyone who likes  legal thrillers  and courtroom drama.

If you like this, try this:  James Grippando, David Rosenfelt, Perri O’Shaughnessy, David Rosenfelt

Recommended by:  Laura, Technical Services Assistant

For more informaton about the book and to place a hold, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog!