This dense little book draws on art history and anthropology to paint a picture of the evolution of things but ultimately transcends that project. In the end the book is more about the communication and repetition of physical things as the embodiment of ideas, and objects of art as vessels for concepts, communicated and mutated through time. In the course of about 119 pages this takes the reader through Hubler's insights into humanity, a journey that's not only fascinating but fun. Ted   posted Mar 2, 2013 at 9:16AM

This book will show you how to manage your time in order to focus on what you do best and what is most important to you. There really are enough hours in the week to accomplish everything. Jill   posted Feb 27, 2013 at 5:12PM

A son looks back to when his mother was diagnosed with and treated for pancreatic cancer. During the course of her treatments they find comfort and commonality in books, the ones they both loved, the ones they disagreed over and what the books taught them about life. His mother, Mary Anne Schwalbe was a fascinating woman who grew up privileged but early on developed a deep concern for the welfare of the rest of the world and worked in refugee camps in some of the poorest, most violent ridden places in the world. The founding director of the women’s refugee commission and once a director of admissions for Harvard and Radcliffe, she grew up in and raised her children in New England and New York in a world of books, the ballet, museums and travel (including travel to refugee camps). A touching, lively story of a mother and son relationship, and a fascinating life that remained so even after being confronted by cancer. Rachel   posted Feb 27, 2013 at 12:12PM

Home schooled Augie reluctantly goes into 5th grade at Beecher Prep. He and his classmates, initially frightened and repulsed by his horrible facial deformity, have a memorable year, described by several characters. Readers will experience a gamut of emotions, tears to laughter to admiration to empathy. You’ll never avoid looking directly at anyone again. A 2013 ALSC Notable book. Gretchen   posted Feb 21, 2013 at 3:10PM

Why in the world would a young British couple want to raise a family in 1970s Rhodesia (Zimbabwe)? Even a brutal civil war didn't deter them. This incredibly honest memoir chronicles the fall of colonial privilege, although the Fullers fight to the end. Their determination not to leave Africa means teaching their daughters to carry Uzis while struggling to make a successful farm. Perhaps most incredible is how the author depicts her parents, warts and all - and what a lot of warts!! With clear-eyed detachment it is Beautifully written. Good for fans of Out of Africa and the Poisonwood Bible.   posted Feb 21, 2013 at 11:20AM

SPOILER ALERT!!! Don't waste your time and money on the forthcoming "Hitchcock" production. Instead, read Donald Spoto's "The Dark Side of Genius: the Life of Alfred Hitchcock". A master of biography, Mr. Spoto wrote a detailed but readable account of Hitchcock's life and work, not an easy task because his subject was intensely private and known to offer fanciful or varying biographical vignettes to the curious. Throughout the book the focus is on Mr. Hitchcock's oeuvre and the influences tht helped to shape "the Master of Suspense". Mary Kay   posted Feb 16, 2013 at 2:46PM

Nick and Helena are cousins who grew up spending their summers together at the families' lakeside estate. Although they are different in almost every way, dark and fair, rich and poor, seductive and naive, they are very close. Their lives cross, collide and intersect over the years as they start families of their own. With tight plotting, memorable characters,a unique narrative structure and compelling story, this literary thriller keeps readers guessing until the very end. Bethany   posted Feb 12, 2013 at 9:57AM

Great story that taught me something about life as a slave on a southern plantation. This story was about a young girl and her apprenticeship with a healer, who used plants and wisdom passed down from her ancestors. An amazing story of the strength of family bonds that supersedes the hardships of life. Julie   posted Feb 11, 2013 at 5:25PM

If you have studied Shakespeare you might enjoy this story about 3 adult sisters who come home to help with their sick mother. Their father, a college prof, had schooled them in Shakespeare's plays their whole lives. Phrases from the plays are in all their conversations which is "weird"! The relationship between the sisters has been strained for years, but they try to come together for their parents sake. Julie   posted Feb 11, 2013 at 5:15PM

This teaches a good lesson to school aged kids on: people are not always as they appear to be. Give everyone a chance to become your friend. They may need one. Do not judge on appearances. Denise   posted Feb 6, 2013 at 9:14AM