Theodore Roosevelt and the Assassin: Madness, Vengeance, and the Campaign of 1912 by Gerard Helferich

Age Level: Adult

Format: Book

In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt had his eyes set on a third presidential term. As the candidate on the Progressive Party or Bull-Moose Party ticket, Roosevelt planned to tour the entire country, making speeches and promoting the ideals and values of the Progressive Party. John Schrank, a New Yorker from Bavaria, felt no one should seek a third term as President. Schrank decided he must assassinate Roosevelt to teach Americans that no third term seeker should be allowed in the United States. Helferich follows these two individuals as their paths converge in September and October 1912, leading to the assassination attempt on October 14, 1912, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  

I knew very little about this assassination attempt prior to reading this book. Overall, I found the book to be informative, well-written and truly fascinating. Helferich has crafted a well-flowing nonfiction narrative that grabbed my interest and should grab the interest of anyone interested in presidential histories, political histories, and/or United States histories. Each chapter reflects another day or another week on the campaign trail and follows the movements of Roosevelt and Schrank in this time frame; this construction makes readers feel like they are part of the journey. Photographs scattered throughout the book add to the narrative, allowing readers to see people and places as they are discussed in the narrative. A list of sources and a bibliography appear at the end of the book.

Incidentally, anyone who enjoyed Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard and would like to read a similar title should check out this book.

Reviewed by Jessica

Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell Jr.

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Heiress Huguette Clark passed away in 2011 at age 104, leaving millions of dollars in real estate, art collections and money to staff, friends and caregivers, including her nurse and doctor. In her last will, Clark cut out her relatives, leaving the descendants of her father W.A. Clark's first marriage with nothing. Astonished by her will, nineteen of her relatives contested it; news outlets have reported on this over the past couple of years. At the time of this biography's publication, a settlement had not been reached, though the status of that has changed within the past couple of weeks, with the relatives overturning the last will. However, during this battle between Huguette's lawyers and caregivers and family members, much of Huguette's life came to light for the first time in decades. Dedman and Clark Newell Jr tell Huguette's story in this biography, using letters, phone conversations, family and friend reminiscences and other documents to construct Huguette's life.

Upon the death of her older sister, father and mother, Huguette locked herself away in her Fifth Avenue apartment for a few decades, refusing to leave her home and to see anyone. She held conversations through doors and spoke on the phone with others - she initiated the phone conversation. She did not visit her family's retreat in Santa Barbara, California, nor did she set foot in a chateau she purchased in Connecticut, letting both remain vacant. She spent the last twenty years of her life in a hospital, receiving care and support from nurses and doctors. In turn for their care, Huguette showered them with gifts. She gave gifts to old friends and their families. She purchased art pieces and dolls with her fortune. In all, she spent millions and millions on collections and on others.

This is truly a remarkable story. I was completely mesmerized by Huguette's story. Prior to reading this book, I had not heard of W.A. Clark or Huguette Clark; needless to say, I had not recognized the Clark name as one connected with copper mining in the western United States. Dedman and Clark Newell Jr present Huguette's life in a flowing storyline (incidentally, Clark Newell Jr. is related to Huguette but was not one of the nineteen contesting the will). Huguette's generosity stretched across the world, though she did not always want credit, desiring her privacy and anonymity more than anything else. The images scattered throughout the biography add to the narrative, providing a visual picture of people, places and objects discussed in the biography. The extensive list of documents in the bibliography show the amount of research Dedman and Clark Newell Jr. undertook to tell Huguette's side of the story.

Those who enjoy reading biographies, who like to learn more about the Gilded Age or the wealthy at the turn of the 20th century, or simply like to read about the rich and famous, should check out this biography.

Reviewed by Jessica

Fever by Mary Beth Keane

Age Level: Adult

Format: Book

American history enthusiasts and/or medical history readers may know about the case of Typhoid Mary. Mary Mallon, a woman who emigrated from Ireland and was a cook in New York City at the turn of the 20^th century, was identified as a healthy carrier for typhoid. The Department of Health felt Mary transferred the disease through her cooking and isolated her on North Brother Island. She later left the Island, after promising not to cook for anyone again, only to return to isolation five years later for breaking her promise. While many others in the country were identified as healthy carriers, Mary was the only one assigned to isolation for the rest of her life. 

In this fictional account of Mary Mallon’s life, Keane brings Mary’s point of view to light. Keane portrays Mary as a woman who does not understand the charges against her and cannot begin to fathom how someone as healthy as she is can cause so much sickness and death. Mary blames Dr. George Soper, the man responsible for connecting Mary to the typhoid breakouts, for the destruction of her life. 

I enjoy reading fictionalized accounts of historical events; if written well, these accounts help present a different perspective of the historical event and make me want to read more about the event. Fever fits this description perfectly. Keane does a fascinating job creating a sympathetic look at Mary Mallon. Prior to reading Fever, I knew some of the basic facts about Typhoid Mary and the case against her. I now want to read more about the case. Keane spent a number of years researching the case, and her character development of Mary, as well as the other vibrant characters that jump off the page, show this effort. Any fan of history should read this book.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In 1990, two men broke into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, and stole thirteen art pieces. The thieves were never caught, and the paintings were never recovered.

Nearly twenty-five years later, struggling young artist Claire Roth agrees to paint a forgery of a Degas painting in exchange for a one-woman show at a local prestigious art gallery. This is an opportunity for her to regain status in the art world, a world that has named her "The Great Pretender," thanks to an ill-conceived idea of hers three years prior to the novel's opening. When she sees the Degas painting, it pains her to realize that this is one of the thirteen stolen from the Gardner Museum. With her career on the line, she continues to work on the forgery, only to discover that this stolen painting may have some secrets of its own. Told in the first person by Claire, with flashbacks to three years prior and letter excerpts from Isabella Stewart Gardner to her niece Amelia, Shapiro's narrative is based on the real unsolved Gardner Museum art heist.

This novel is perfect for art enthusiasts and for history lovers. Shapiro weaves the facts and the fictional storyline very well, creating a very interesting and hard-to-put-down novel. Shapiro shares her extensive research with readers by describing the techniques forgers use to make authentic-looking paintings. As for Claire, Shapiro creates a character who has made regrettable choices in the past, knows the dangers of her current path, but yet sees this as the only way to rectifying her reputation. Claire also refuses to back down on the search for the truth, even if her investigation leads to danger. Overall, The Art Forger is a fast-paced read that may just make the reader look twice at a painting the next time he or she visits an art museum.

Reviewed by Jessica

Seward: Lincoln's Indispensable Man by Walter Stahr

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

William H. Seward is perhaps best known for his purchase of Alaska from the Russian empire, nicknamed "Seward's Folly." He also served as President Lincoln's Secretary of State and was nearly assassinated by Lewis Powell, a John Wilkes Booth associate. In the first Seward biography in decades, Stahr uses manuscripts, articles and other sources to present Seward as a fascinating, powerful man who helped shape events in American history.

This is a perfect biography for Civil War buffs, political enthusiasts and history fans. Stahr paints a vivid, engaging picture of Seward the man. Seward comes alive for readers, thanks to Stahr's research and his easy-flowing writing style. Stahr shows Seward clearly was a controversial figure in his time, and yet, was deeply loved and admired by countless people. His stance on slavery detracted many supporters; his advice on matters in the Lincoln administration led many critics to feel (incorrectly) that he was the true power in the White House (which led to his assassination attempt). Overall, Stahr has written an extremely enjoyable biography about one of the nineteenth century's most interesting American politicians.

Stahr uses footnotes for his source citations and includes an extensive index in the biography. There are two maps included as well that detail Seward's New York and Seward's 1860 campaign. Photographs of Seward and his family also appear.

I highly recommend this biography!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Taker by Alma Katsu

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

**This is book one in the Taker trilogy**

While working the midnight shift at a rural Maine hospital, Dr. Luke Findley encounters Lanore McIlvrae, a young woman suspected of murdering a man in the woods.  As Luke attempts to tend to Lanore (Lanny), Lanny begins to tell a strange tale about her past.  As a young girl in the nineteenth century, Lanny fell in love with the son of the town's founder.  Her efforts to keep the two of them together forever envelops them in dangerous peril and a lifetime of changes.  Two centuries later, she turns to Luke for help; Luke finds himself so enthralled by her that he will do anything to help her, even if it means changing his own life forever.

Though at times the narrative did drag a bit, overall, I was captivated by the book and its premise.  Katsu's writing style had me hooked from page one, and I had to keep reading to find out what happened next to the characters.  Sympathy I did not have for most of the characters, as their own selfish reasons led them to their predicaments, but their flaws made the storyline.  And, the twists at the end have made me anxious to read the second book in the trilogy, The Reckoning.

It is rather hard to classify  The Taker into one genre - it contains elements of the paranormal, romance, historical fiction, fantasy and thriller.  Readers who enjoy any of these elements may want to read this book.  Some of the scenes are graphic, so readers who do not enjoy these type of scenes may want to pass on this book.

Reviewed by Jessica

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In the latest from Sophie Kinsella, Poppy Wyatt has a problem: she lost her engagement ring, a ring that belongs to her fiance’s family.  To make matters worse, someone steals her cell phone.  While panicking, she happens to see a cell phone in a trash can.  Out of desperation, she takes the cell phone and claims it as her own.  She soon learns that the cell phone’s owner used to work for businessman Sam Roxton, and he is not very happy that Poppy has laid claim to the company’s cell phone.  Poppy and Sam work out a temporary agreement in regards to the phone use, which leads to impossible situations involving the two of them.  As the novel progresses, Poppy learns a lot about herself and the people around her and becomes to see her life in a different way.

Once again, Kinsella writes a hilarious, light book perfect for a vacation read or a weekend escape from reality.  I started reading Kinsella years ago, with her Shopaholic series; she is one of my go-to authors for something quick and fun to read.  The characters come to life, and I can envision the whole scene playing out while I read.  For I’ve Got Your Number, there were times I laughed out loud – Poppy gets herself into some pretty funny situations.  Chick lit lovers should try out this one.

And, for those who cannot get enough of Sophie Kinsella: she also writes under the name Madeleine Wickham.  These books are just as fun to read!

Reviewed by Jessica   

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book


**This is the first book in the Outlander series**

In the year 1945, Claire Randall and her husband Frank take a second honeymoon in the Scottish highlands. One day, while exploring the countryside alone, Claire finds a henge of rocks. Upon touching one of the boulders, Claire is transported back in time to the year 1743 and meets James Fraser, a member of the MacKenzie clan. Claire also meets British Captain Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall, Frank's ancestor, who has a personal vendetta against James. Amid the danger and violence Claire faces, a deep attraction to James forms, which complicates her thoughts about her life in 1945. When opportunity to return to 1945 occurs, Claire must decide between the passion she feels in the 17th century and the life she's known in the 20th century.

I picked this up years ago upon the recommendation of a patron. Simply put, I love this book and have devoured all the books in the series. Part romance, part historical fiction, with a dash of science fiction...this book appeals to readers of basically any genre. But, don't let the romance descriptive deter you from trying this - people I know who despise romance novels cannot believe how much they enjoyed reading this book and the series.

Despite the over 600 pages in length, Outlander is a fast read. Gabaldon has an amazing storytelling gift that brings the readers into the story right from page one. The characters come to life and are well developed. Gabaldon's extensive research is evident in the descriptions of the 17th century and the conflicts of that era between the Scottish clans and the British. Before the reader knows it, he/she has finished the book. But be prepared - have the next in the series, Dragonfly in Amber, ready to read or go through withdrawal.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Deception at Lyme by Carrie Bebris

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy travel to the seaside village of Lyme in this sixth installment of the Mr. and Mrs. Darcy series for some rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, they stumble upon a mystery and a murder; a Mrs. Clay is found lying at the base of the Cobb, and her fall precipitates the birth of her child. Mrs. Clay dies from her injuries, leaving the child in care of an uncaring father and in the middle of an inheritance dispute. Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy receive the effects of Mr. Darcy's late cousin, who died in a naval battle and discover another mystery to solve. With the help of characters from Jane Austen's Persuasion, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy hope to solve the mysteries and murder before more tragedy strikes Lyme.

Bebris does a remarkable job adapting Austen's characters into a mystery novel. One can easily picture Mr. Darcy and his wife Elizabeth (Bennett) solving murders. Each book in the series focuses on one of Austen's novels, bringing those characters in contact with Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and creating new relationships among Austen's characters.

I enjoy reading this series and sincerely hope Bebris continues Mr. and Mrs. Darcy's adventures. There are so many Austen adaptations that fail to capture the spirit of Austen's characters; Bebris really maintains each character's personality in her novels. Austenites should find much to appreciate in this series. Historical mystery readers will also enjoy this series.

While the story line does allude to prior cases, readers who do not mind reading a series out of order can easily pick up this sixth installment and enjoy.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Fiona Finnegan, an eighteen year old living in East London in 1888, dreams of one day having her own shop with the love of her life and best friend, Joe Bristow. She has a loving family, who work hard to get a meal on the table. When tragedy strikes and shatters her world, Fiona flees to New York to begin a new life. Spanning ten years, this first book of a trilogy follows Fiona's climb on the social ladder to one of the most respected people in the tea trade. However, she does not forget her roots in East London and the circumstances that led her to New York. She learns she must confront her past in order to move on with her future.

I had wanted to read this series for awhile...I had read Donnelly's A Northern Light, one of her young adult novels, several years ago and absolutely loved it. I was not disappointed with this novel either. The back cover of the novel compares this to epics such as A Woman of Substance and The Thornbirds. Those who enjoy the epic historical fiction and romances of John Jakes and Ken Follett will also enjoy this series. The 700+ pages may seem a bit daunting, but I simply lost track of time while reading and devoured the pages. Fiona's passions and desires make her come alive. The fictional characters' interactions with real historical figures and events help to cement the novel in the past. Donnelly sets the book in an exciting and dangerous time - 1888 East London saw the Jack the Ripper slayings, and Donnelly also takes readers to New York City and into the heart of big business and revolutionary changes, like a subterranean railway system. The Tea Rose is a truly entertaining novel.

I am anxious to pick up the next in the series, The Winter Rose.

Reviewed by Jessica

A Thousand Bones by PJ Parrish

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Yes, I do have reading glasses, and my bifocals, of course, but I save them for driving and reading the newspaper. Thanks to the Large Print Collection that the young folks who manage the Adams County Library System maintain, we Baby Boomers and our elders have a great collection of easy-on-aging-eye fodder from which to choose. As a volunteer at the Harbaugh~Thomas Branch I regularly snatch up the best looking items that come across my check–in-desk. Last week I found a gem, especially for this Michigan born and bred boomer girl. As a matter of fact, I think I read it before, but one of the advantages of aging is the pleasure of discovering old things to be new again!

A Thousand Bones by P.J. Parish took me back to my Michigan home and the many summer days I spent enjoying the Water Winter Wonderlands; from boonies on the beach to the west of Western Michigan University during my school days at Kalamazoo and thirty five years of family camping around the Lower and Upper Peninsulas.

If you have never spent time around northern Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, you will be eager to plan your next summer vacation in this scenic historic region before you read the first clue in a string of tragic murders that occur in the vicinity of Charlevoix, Petoskey, Mackinac Island and the Great Sleeping Bear Dunes.

PJ Parrish has described the best of the northern lower peninsula, Lake Michigan culture, flora and fauna, and especially its cooling summer breezes and freezing crystal winters.

Curl up by the fireplace this winter with this picturesque mystery then call your travel agent to plan next summer’s vacation near Petoskey. Neither will disappoint!

Reviewed by Gail

The Story of Charlotte’s Web: E.B. White’s Eccentric Life in Nature and The Birth of an American Classic by Michael Sims

Age Level: Adult

Format: Book

Did you know Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web was inspired by a real spider?
Sims tells the story behind the children’s classic, chronicling the life of White up through the publication of the novel. From an early age, White always felt he related better to animals than to human. Shy and suffering from anxiety, White loved nature and enjoyed being with animals and learning about the world around him. White’s favorite authors, such as Don Marquis, depicted animals and insects with human characteristics. As Sims demonstrates, White uses these influences, along with his love of nature and the spider web discovery, to create the story of Charlotte and Wilbur.

Anyone who enjoyed Charlotte’s Web should take a look at this book, as well as those who enjoy reading about children’s literature. Sims does an amazing job telling White’s story, from early childhood through his experience at The New Yorker, to his beloved farm in Maine and his publication successes. I like reading “behind-the-scenes” books, and this book proved to be a delightful look at E.B. White and Charlotte’s Web. Sims’ research brings to life White and his inspirations.

I think it may be time to read Charlotte’s Web again...

Reviewed by Jessica

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Ten strangers venture to an island for a few fun days with their mysterious host. At dinner on the first evening, instead of meeting their host, they listen to an audio recording of their host accusing each of them of murder. Horrified by their host’s words, the guests begin to tell the stories of their pasts. With no way to get off the island or to contact the mainland, the guests are completely cut off from the outside world. Then, one by one, the guests start to die...

And Then There Were None is my favorite Christie mystery and has garnered praise over the years as Christie’s best mystery. I have read several Christie mysteries over the years, and this one still stands out in my mind for its cleverness and its interestingly constructed premise. It was very hard for me to put down the book! Full of suspense, Christie’s novel makes the reader feel the panic of the strangers, knowing that there is a killer loose on the island and that they have the inability to leave or to contact help. The twists and turns throughout the novel will keep the reader guessing until the very end. Christie writes an epilogue to tie up all loose ends, including the killer’s motives for the deaths (very beneficial for me the first time I read this).

Those who love the body in a locked room scenario will want to try this book. Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple fans, and of course mystery lovers, should give this a try!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Meaning of Night: A Confession by Michael Cox

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

One evening, Edward Glyver murders a complete stranger. His reason: he had to make sure he could kill someone before attempting to kill his enemy, the poet Phoebus Rainsford Daunt. In order for the reader to understand his actions, Glyver tells his life story, from his days as a young boy in the English countryside to his current situation in London. He tells readers of his early friendship with Daunt and the resulting betrayal by Daunt that completely ruined Glyver’s life. Further life-changing events occur before the stranger’s murder, which sets Glyver on this path of ultimate revenge against Daunt.

Set in England during the 1800s, this novel is filled with desire, intrigue, romance and revenge. This is a 700 page novel, but it is well worth the read! While the ending is pretty predictable, I think it is still quite interesting to watch Glyver’s transformation into a cold-blooded killer. Those who like historical fiction will love the historic English setting; Cox acts as the editor in this book (editing the manuscript left behind by Glyver) and thus sprinkles historical anecdotes and references throughout the novel, allowing the reader to make historical connections to slang and other remarks made by Glyver. Those who love psychological thrillers or mysteries will also enjoy this novel. Glyver convinces himself he is in the right and refuses to listen to reason or turn away from his obsessions. In the end, he has to wonder if all of his actions were worth it.

Reviewed by Jessica

Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Trenton’s famous bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is back again, and this time, she’s dodging Grandma Bella’s “eye” curse, a dancing bear, a senior vampire, and a serial killer, who is burying his victims on bonds office property. Her personal life is just as messy: while trying to decide between the two men in her life, Stephanie’s mother throws a third guy into the mix. Add some wacky family and friends, and you have another hilarious adventure!

I have enjoyed reading each of the books in this series. Every time I think Evanovich simply cannot come up with another over-the-top scenario for Stephanie, she proves me wrong. Elements of mystery, romance and action are scattered throughout each book. Much like the other books in the series, Smokin’ Seventeen has some laugh-out-loud moments that will keep you chuckling long after you put down the book. They are fast reads, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon or a trip to the beach. If you prefer to listen to books on CD, the audiobook version of this and the others in the series are marvelous.

While you can pick up any of the books in the series and start reading, I highly recommend beginning with the first, One for the Money.

Reviewed by Jessica

Waking Giant: America in the Age of Jackson by David S Reynolds

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Reynolds takes a broad look at all aspects of American life from 1815-1848 in this nonfiction book. Arguing that America became truly rich culturally during this time period, Reynolds examines Andrew Jackson's influence in politics, as well as the changing attitudes of Americans that would result in religious, temperance and abolition movements, to name a few.

Readers of American history will enjoy this book. Reynolds provides a fine introduction into life in the beginning 19th century, so those who are curious about this era will also enjoy reading this. For me, this was a great way to re-think about things I had learned in history classes. Don't be intimidated by the book's length - it is over 400 pages long - despite it's size, the book flows quickly.

Waking Giant has re-piqued my interest in the Age of Jackson; I look forward to reading other books about Jackson and his influence on American history.

Reviewed by Jessica

My Korean Deli: Risking It All For a Convenience Store by Ben Ryder Howe

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In this quirky memoir, Ben Ryder Howe recounts his adventures co-owning a deli with his in-laws, Korean immigrants. One day, Howe’s wife Gab decides to honor her mother’s self-sacrifice by purchasing a store for her in Brooklyn. For Howe and his wife, this means using their savings and living with Howe’s in-laws. Howe can only begin to imagine what it takes to own a store, operate the store’s evening hours, and maintain his day job as a senior editor for The Paris Review.

Howe includes both funny anecdotes and serious reflections about his life during this time period. Anyone looking for just a dialogue about owning a deli will be in for a surprise, for Howe also discusses his day job and his relationship with his boss, the famous George Plimpton. The balance of funny and serious really adds to the book, in my opinion – the experience leaves him with a changed perception about himself and the world, while providing a bunch of fun memories. Plus, Howe discusses some Korean customs and traditions, which I found very interesting.

Readers of humorous memoirs will appreciate this book, as well as those who have ever wondered what it is like to own a convenience store. I enjoyed this!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Sherlockian by Graham Moore

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Alternating between present day and 1900, Moore gives readers a bit of a mystery. In the present day, the leading Sherlock Holmes expert has found the lost Arthur Conan Doyle 1900 diary and arrives at the annual Baker Street Irregulars meeting to present his findings. Only, he's murdered before he has a chance to tell his secret. And, the diary is missing from his hotel room. Recent Irregulars inductee Harold White, using his Sherlockian knowledge, decides he will discover the identity of the killer. Naturally, he gets more than he bargains for...

In 1900, Arthur Conan Doyle lives with an outraged public after he "killed off" Holmes in The Final Problem. However, he is soon drawn into a real life murder of a young woman, and he asks for assistance from his friend Bram Stoker (of Dracula fame). Doyle brings his character to life as he and Stoker follow clues to the killer's identity.

Lovers of Sherlock Holmes will enjoy this novel. Even those who love historical stories will enjoy this novel. Though I have not read any Sherlock Holmes mysteries (a situation I hope to change in the near future!), I am very glad I read The Sherlockian. Moore's writing style makes the book easy to read and follow the plot line in both centuries. With shortish chapters, he maintains the reader's interest from century to century.

The novel's mysteries may just have you thinking What Would Sherlock Do?

Reviewed by Jessica

97 Orchard: an Edible History of Five Immigrant Families in One New York Tenement by Jane Ziegelman

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Ziegelman transports readers to New York City around the turn of the twentieth century and introduces them to five ethnically unique families that lived at the 97 Orchard Street tenement - German, Irish, German Jewish, Russian Jewish and Italian. Ziegelman explores in this nonfiction history book the foods of each of these ethnic groups and provides basic insight into the daily and social lives of the immigrants, even including a description of life on Ellis Island for new arrivals and deportees. Recipes and photographs are scattered throughout the pages, connecting readers to the discussion.

This is not a culinary history of the individual families living at 97 Orchard Street per se; rather, it is a culinary history of immigrants much like these families living in the tenements of New York City. Some readers may be discouraged that more anecdotes of the individual families highlighted are not present in the narrative. However, I really enjoyed this book because Ziegelman, beginning with a brief background of each family, tours New York City markets, tenements, work places, restaurants and other food-related haunts of different immigrant groups. By the end, readers will gain a better appreciation for our culinary heritage. Well-written and well-researched, this is a very unique look at history and one that I highly recommend.

Reviewed by Jessica

A Desirable Residence by Madeleine Wickham

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Wickham, who writes the Shopaholic series under Sophie Kinsella, tells the story of how one house affects the lives of those around it. Liz and Jonathan Chambers recently purchased a tutorial college outside London. This is great for them, except for the mortgage that comes with the purchase. In order to have enough money for the tutorial college’s mortgage, they need to sell their current home. Listed with Witherstone’s Real Estate Agency, the house shows no promise of selling, though Marcus Witherstone knows the perfect couple who are interested in renting a house, Ginny and Piers Prentice. Ginny and Piers move into the house; Liz and Jonathan’s teenage daughter Alice becomes entranced with the new tenants. And, Liz develops a crush on Marcus, which turns into a bit more than simple flirtations. As the novel progresses, these characters find themselves in sticky and irreversible situations that may cost them more than their self-respect.

I enjoyed this novel. Perfect for a vacation and beach read, the novel reads quickly and is a great diversion from every day life. Wickham creates characters that really do not appear likable – most of the characters have a secret agenda, dreaming that their lives change for the better, creating richer lifestyles or higher levels of fame. I personally feel sorry for Jonathan, whose family seems to really detest him, though he is arguably the least attention seeking amongst them and the other characters.

Those who enjoy the Shopaholic series should try this novel. If you like light, fluffy reads, check this out.

Reviewed by Jessica