April 2023 - Staff Reading Suggestions
THE COVENANT OF WATER
by Abraham Verghese
(releases May 2, 2023)
More than 10 years after the release of Cutting for Stone, Abraham Verghese has again proven that he is a master storyteller. On its surface, Verghese gives us the history of 20th Century Southern India told through three generations of a family. But, as you lose yourself in these pages, you realize that this is a literary journey of epic proportions that few modern authors can create. A novel like The Covenant of Water is the reason we read.
-Laura S
THE WAGER: A TALE OF SHIPWRECK, MUTINY AND MURDER
by David Grann
David Grann takes us into the world of seafaring in the mid 1700’s when men were tasked with sailing around Cape Horn through the dreaded Drake Passage, and onward to capture Spanish treasure. Their physical and mental stamina was tested beyond what seems humanly possible, but many survived to tell very different accounts of their time at sea. A true and truly amazing story that's already been picked up by filmmakers Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese. 
-Beth and Morley
beyond that, the sea
by Laura Spence-Ash
Eleven year old Beatrice Thompson is sent from London during the Blitz to live with an upper class family in Boston. Over the next 5 years Bea becomes an integral part of her new family, establishing close relationships with the two brothers, William and Gerald. At the end of the war and following her father's death she reluctantly returns to London where she struggles to resume the life expected of her. Part love story, this well written novel is full of grace, heartache, forgiveness, loss and understanding.
-Lisa
ROMANTIC COMEDY
by Curtis Sittenfeld
A hilarious, sharply observed novel that begins in NYC on the set of a late-night comedy show. You will laugh out loud at Sittenfeld’s writing and the way she captures these characters and their insecurities. Not only do you get a deep dive into how the week preceding the Saturday live show unfolds, it’s an excellent view of the pandemic and how it plays out for Sally and Noah. This book has it all! An A+ for me
-Di
CARMEN AND GRACE
by Melissa Coss Aquino
You are thrown into the action of this book right away and learn the history of characters as you go. Two cousins abandoned by their mothers are raised as sisters and struggle to keep their heads above water until they are drawn into the world of selling drugs. The internal, familial, ethical and financial battles take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as these strong female characters navigate the world of drugs, money, security, personal honor and female power in a man’s world. 
-Martha
THE GOLDEN SPOON
by Jessa Maxwell
The Great Bake-Off meets The Only Murders in the Building in this multi POV debut novel. A quick, enjoyable read perfect for lovers of baking and murder mystery. A great book for a vacation!
-Martha
HELLO BEAUTIFUL
by Ann Napolitano 
Don’t be turned off by the description that I’ve read everywhere that this book is an homage to Little Women, it is, but that doesn’t drive this beautiful novel. The author handles family and sisterhood, mental health, love, loss and forgiveness in such a way that you will never forget the Padavanos' story. Set in Chicago, it hits every mark perfectly and is a must read! Excellent choice for book clubs, too.
-Di, Leeni and Staff
THE VIENNA WRITERS CIRCLE
by J. C. Maetis
Just when you think there cannot be an original, engaging story dealing with the plight of Jews in WWII comes JC Maetis’ partially biographical tale set in post Anschluss Austria, circa 1938. The book deals with the wide net the Nazis used to ensnare not only Jews, but gypsies, and Christians of partial Jewish heritage. The story is complex, with vivid, well drawn characters, skillfully weaving the threads of three separate but equally compelling narratives together. If you recommend this book to your WWII loving readers, you will have done them a favor.
-Susan
A FEVER IN THE HEARTLAND
By Timothy Egan
An excellently rendered, unsettling narrative of America at its worst. Starred reviews in PW and Kirkus. Reads like a thriller. A+
-Staff Favorite
BIRNAM WOOD
by Eleanor Catton
Booker winner Eleanor Catton captures our collective despair in a thriller about climate crisis. The title of the NYT’s review says it all: guerrilla gardeners meet billionaire doomsayer—hurly burly ensues.
-Kathy
THE DEVIL'S ELEMENT: PHOSPHORUS AND A WORLD OUT OF BALANCE
By Dan Egan
The story of the overreliance on phosphorus and its threat to the food system worldwide. Another eye-opening account that urges us to pay attention to a perilous environmental issue.
-Kathy
EARTH'S THE RIGHT PLACE FOR LOVE
by Elizabeth Berg
Small town Missouri in the 50’s is lovely and alive when looked at through the eyes of Arthur Moses (the Arthur from The Story of Arthur Truluv). I loved the depth of emotion in this "good for your soul story." A wonderful Mother's Day read.
-Molly
Address:
662 N. Western Avenue
Lake Forest IL 60045 
Phone: 847-234-4420