The Seine: The River that Made Paris
by Elaine Sciolino
The Seine: The River that made Paris (10/15/2019)
With a reporter's eye for detail, Sciolino takes the reader on an unforgettable tour through France by way of its main artery, the river Seine. She weaves a wonderful story interwoven with the towns and cities through which the river flows. From antiquity to the modern era, we learn about the history, geography, and people. The author intertwines the story of the river with the literature, art, music, and cinema that has made it so iconic. This book is part history, part human interest and part travelogue. A book that needs to be read from cover to cover and also serves as a travel guide when visiting France.
The Milk Lady of Bangalore: An Unexpected Adventure
by Shoba Narayan
And the real milk lady is ... (1/12/2018)
A well-researched, entertaining, and charming read that captures the melding of the old and new as the author delves into the significance of cows and milk in Indian religion and culture. The journalistic skills of the author are evident as she reports on her quest to buy a cow. Humor, sensitivity and respect run deep as Narayan explores her return to India and the friendship that ensues with the neighborhood milk lady. Filled with cultural, historic and scientific details that seamlessly blend with human relationships makes it an enticing read. A welcome addition to any library.
The Book That Matters Most: A Novel
by Ann Hood
Books and Friendship (7/8/2016)
Books and friends! What better combination to make for an enjoyable read. The story framed by a book discussion group, in which the choice of book reveals something about each one, just as much as their dialogue and interactions with each other. The main character, Ava's, selection of a beloved book from her childhood, captured my imagination as I was transported with her in searching for the book and the author. The search reveals love, loss, secrets unraveled, and the healing power of both friendship and books. A wonderful reminder that books are like people that turn up in your life when you most need them.
The Secrets of Mary Bowser
by Lois Leveen
The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen (4/24/2012)
Based on the true story of Mary Bower, born a slave and freed by her owner’s daughter, she returns to slavery to play a pivotal, albeit secret role in the Union victory. Lois Leveen’s story is a panoramic portrayal of a young African-American woman’s life set against the backdrop of the nineteenth century. The author effectively captures the tone and rhythms of the time in the dialogue and descriptions of people and places. Filled with historical facts, realistic characters, and an eye for social and cultural details, this book is a must read for those who enjoy historical fiction and spy novels. From a human perspective, this story illuminates Paul Dunbar’s poem, “We wear the mask”.
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