Tag Archives: Family

The Book of Joe

Title: The Book of Joe

Author: Jonathan Tropper

Summary: Who says you can’t go home again? In “The Book of Joe”, Joe Goffman does just that. Joe returns to his hometown of Bush Falls, CT to see his father who has suffered a serious stroke, but Joe was very busy while he was away. He wrote a best selling novel that was recently made into a movie. Unfortunately, the novel was based on Joe’s life during his senior year in high school, and many residents of his small hometown were not portrayed very favorably.

Some signs that the residents are not too happy with his book? The wife of the high school basketball coach dumps a milkshake in his lap, copies of his novel are strewn across the lawn of his childhood home, and threats of bodily harm are made by the “high school bully”. Joe must must reconnect with the people of Bush Falls that he left behind and come to terms with the actual events of that fateful senior year.

Who will like this book?:Anyone who likes a fun, fast paced read. References to Fairfield, CT including the Stratfield Road area and the Duchess Restaurant make this a fun read for anyone who knows the area.

If you like this, try this:Jonathan Tropper has a written a new novel titled How to Talk to a Widower.

Recommended by: Sue, Circulation Coordinator

Alexander and the Wonderful, Excellent, Terrific Ninety Days

Title: Alexander and the Wonderful, Excellent, Terrific Ninety Days

Author: Judith Viorst

Summary: Do you remember the classic children’s book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day? Well, Alexander is grown up and has three children of his own, five, three and four months. Their Washington, D.C. house is undergoing renovation, so Grandma (Judith Viorst) invites them to stay for 90 days. “Don’t judge, advise, or criticize” and “accept who they are” becomes her mantra.

An empty nest home with wine velvet upholstery becomes the playpen for an active family. This is a delightful and witty quick read – only 113 pages.

Who will like this book?: Although mothers of any age would enjoy this book, it would especially ring true for grandmothers. Grandfathers might enjoy it also.

Recommended by: Sandy, Technical Services

The Lottery

Title: The Lottery

Author: Patricia Wood

Summary: If you are looking for a sure winner, don’t buy a lottery ticket, but check out Patricia Wood’s debut novel. She draws on her own personal experiences with a dad who won the Washington State lottery and a family member who had Down’s syndrome.

Perry L. Crandall, the narrator, has an IQ of 76 but as he says, he is not retarded, just slow. His wise-cracking grandmother taught him everything he needs to know to survive. When she dies, leaving him an “orphan” at 31 year-old, that family that had abandoned proceed to swindle him out of his house. Imagine what happens they learn he has won 12 million dollars…You will be charmed by Perry’s sweet and often funny personality, and root for him to outwit his thieving ‘new-found’ family.

Who will like this book? All readers from high school to 100 who love light, feel-good novels.

Recommended by: Sandy, Technical Services