If you're in the mood for a good book but don't know where to begin looking, let our knowledgeable staff recommend some of their favorite titles. These books consist of current releases, classic titles, and undiscovered gems and are as diverse in their subject matter as our staff are eclectic in their tastes. The list is updated bi-monthly so you can rest-assured that you are being kept well-informed of our current reading trends.

	Fiction Staff Picks

Non-Fiction Staff Picks | Children's Staff Picks

Handpicked by Peter, Bookseller and teacher Specialties include biographies, politics, and sports
Sorta Like a Rock Star Matthew Quick Little, Brown©May 2010 $16.99 hardcover		This one is for all of the kids who live outside the edge of normal, all of the kids who have secrets behind what their faces show at school each day, all of the kids who have been picked on, and especially for all of the kids who when faced with the worst, offer up their best. This one is for all of you who are rock stars of hope, just like Amber Appleton the winning heroine of Matthew Quick's charmingly heartbreaking young adult novel Sorta Like a Rock Star. Long live Amber Appleton!

Handpicked by Peter, Bookseller and teacher Specialties include biographies, politics, and sports
Diamond Ruby Joseph Wallace Simon & Schuster©May 2010 $16.00 paperback		Rarely does a character come along who captures a reader's heart and does not let go past the last page of a book. Author Joseph Wallace has created such a character in Ruby Thomas: an intelligent, clever, caring, talented, seventeen-year-old girl who endures more in her young life than most will experience in a lifetime. Set in a fascinating era (New York in the 1920s) amidst real events and people, Wallace interweaves Ruby's story brilliantly with several other memorable characters in Diamond Ruby to create a fast-paced story that is hard to put down. Although Ruby's special talent is her fastball pitch, and baseball plays a central theme in the story, one not need be a fan to love this book. Wallace has hit it out of the park.

Handpicked by Cindi, Antiquarian Bookseller and Gardener Specialties include used books, local books, and Elvin tales
Instructions Neil Gaiman HarperCollins© April 2010 $14.99 hardcover		Instructions for fairy tales can be applied to the non-enchanted world too! A wonderful poem with charming illustrations. Not just a children's book. Good for 18 year old college freshman or 5 year olds going off to Kindergarten. A parting tale!

Handpicked by Magoo, Bookseller, radio DJ and werewolf Specialties include magazines, fiction, and young adult
Falcon Quinn and the Black Mirror Jennifer Finney Boylan HarperCollins© May 2010 $16.99 hardcover		This book is full of humor & suspense. I liked it much more than Harry Potter due to the evocative prose and illuminating details. The characters are like kids you might know, except for their propensity to turn into monsters. This is a fun-filled romp that also subtly shows the value of friendship and in allowing yourself to become the person you were meant to be. I will follow this series to the very end. If you loved The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, you will love it.

Handpicked by Heba, Bookseller and college student Specialties include fiction, young adult and childrens chapter books
Wolves Boys & Other Things That Might Kill Me Kristen Chandler Penguin© May 2010 $17.99 hardcover		Main character and narrator KJ Carson helps her dad give nature tours. Somewhere along the way, at her work and school, she falls for a boy and for the wolves. Great summer read. Fast-paced and easy. Full of nature for the nature and animal lovers.

Handpicked by Magoo, Bookseller, radio DJ and werewolf Specialties include magazines, fiction, and young adult
Await Your Reply Dan Chaon Random House© June 2010 $15.00 paperback		A missing brother, a charismatic high school teacher, a confused college drop-out are just a few of the characters shown in kaleidoscopic fragments filled with the tension & beauty in Dan Chaon's new novel, Await Your Reply. This book magestically weaves together many stories, and the closer you are to figuring out who dun it, the more excited, confused and agitated you will become. The who dun it intensifies and you not only wonder at the clever plot twists and turns, you will also forgo sleep.

Handpicked by Joyce, Bookseller, book group leader extraordinaire & parent Specialties include fiction, natural science, anthropology/sociology
I Thought You Were Dead Pete Nelson Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill© April 2010 $23.95 hardcover		Page one. Paul says, "I'm home." Stella, his dog says, "I thought you were dead." Now I am hooked on this book. This is a funny, sad, and engaging story of a man who is adrift in his own life, and a faithful, witty dog. The rapport they have is heartwarming and funny. With Stella's help Paul finds his way through his troubled times.

Handpicked by BJ, Bookseller and hospice caregiver Specialties include fiction, crafts, and health
Leaving Rock Harbor Rebecca Chace Simon & Schuster© June 2010 $25.00 hardcover		From the first chapter I was pulled into the southcoast of 1916 by the forceful character of Frances ("Frankie") Ross. An uncredible amount of research went into the telling of this compelling story, one that is sure to interest fans of local history. We see into the world of the textile mills, its workers and owners, and experience the Strike of 1928. I read this nearly non-stop to find out what happens to these intriguing characters by 1934. A riveting summer read!

Handpicked by Mimi, Children's Book Buyer, Manager and parent Specialties include children's, young adult and fiction
The Tower, The Zoo & The Tortoise Julia Stuart Random House© Aug. 2010 $24.95 hardcover		Balthazar Jones, Mrs. Cook (his 181 year old pet tortoise) and his wife live in the Tower of London, because he is a "Beefeater." It is a less than comfortable or cherry abode. Which strains his already troubled marriage. When the Queen decides that her menagerie of animals, all donated in good will by heads of state around the globe, should be returned to live at the Tower as they had centuries before, life becomes even more complicated for the already taxed Balthazar. This is a truly zany, yet delightful family story that oozes sweetness and charm. This is one of those unusual books that is worth buying in hardcover because you will surely lend it and read it over and over again.

Handpicked by Paige, Bookseller and graduate of UMASS-Dartmouth Specialties include fiction, art, and young adult
Anthropology of an American Girl Hilary Thayer Hamann Random House Publishing© May 2010 $26.00 hardcover		Anthropology of an American Girl, is the best novel I've read in a few years. The central character Evie, has so much depth and emotion that is felt and understood by the reader. Compared to a female Holden Caufield from Salinger's Catcher in the Rye, we follow this teen on her journey from innocence to adulthood. Although the story takes place in the late 40s and into the 80s, the conflicts and types of people one faces are still very much present today and relatable to the modern teen girl. Unlike a fluffy summer read there is philosophy intertwined within the story making it interesting as well as fulfilling. Yes, this is one huge book, and maybe a little intimidating; but what the reader can take away from Anthropology of an American Girl so worth reading that you will wish it never ends. Every once in a while we stumble upon books that change or influence our perspective. This is definitely one of those books, and I whole heartedly recommend it.

Handpicked by Heba, Bookseller and college student Specialties include fiction, young adult and childrens chapter books
My Sisters Keeper Jodi Picoult Simon & Schuster© Feb. 2005 $16.00 paperback		Anna, a test tube baby, was created to be exactly like her older sister, Kate, for the sole reason of being a perfect bone marrow match. A story of how a family leaves and deals with impossible difficulties. This is a great book. It is so sad, yet so suspenseful, making it hard to put down until the end. It is very inspirational and heartwrenching, and the story makes the reader question some life values.

Handpicked by Cindi, Antiquarian Bookseller and Gardener Specialties include used books, local books, and Elvin tales
Feed Mira Grant Orbit© May 2010 $9.99 paperback		In 2014 they have cured cancer and the common cold! But, their cures have created a virus that has either killed or made zombies out of most of the world's population. See what life is like in the USA of 20 years after and find out who started it all! A group of twenty something blogging reporter finds out!

Handpicked by Ken, Bookseller and model shipwright Specialties include local & maritime history, New England and bestsellers
Fever Dream Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child Grand Central Publishing© May 2010 $26.99 hardcover		The Agent Pendergast novels of Preston & Child are like a visit with an old friend- if that old friend happens to investigate murders. The aristocratic Special Agent from New Orleans has investigated many. But this case is closer to home than most- the decade-old case of his own wife's death in Africa. This is part of the unique approach of Fever Dream- it takes the mystery to Pendergast's own home turf in Louisiana. That, and an intriguing backdrop mystery involving the birds of John James Audubon. Pendergast, of course, has a double elephant folio in his library, and consults it to view one of Audubon's most iconic works, the Carolina Parakeet, an extinct bird with an important role in the death of Helen Pendergast. The investigation takes the reader from the plains of Africa to the bayous of the deep South, on the trail of an evil killer ready and willing to finish off the Pendergast family. Only the urbane FBI agent and his most unlikely partner yet stand in the way.

	Non-Fiction Staff Picks

Fiction Staff Picks | Children's Staff Picks

Handpicked by Magoo, Bookseller, radio DJ and werewolf Specialties include magazines, fiction, and young adult
Goat Song: A Seasonal Life, A Short History of Herding, and the Art of Making Cheese Brad Kessler Simon & Schuster© June 2010 $14.00 paperback		This is the most beautifully written book I have read in quite some times. Brad Kessler and his wife give up their bohemian Manhattan lifestyle to discover the art of raising goats and crafting goat cheese. I read an awful lot of what I call "foodie memoirs," autobiographies written by chefs, wine producers, bakers & the like. Most are written at an age which one would suspect is somewhat premature for writing ones' memoirs . Brad Kessler is another youngish memoirist; but he imparts historical information in a fascinating manner and his lyrical style makes the story dance from page to page. You won't be able to put this down! The best written non-fiction book I have read in YEARS!

	Children's Staff Picks

Non-Fiction Staff Picks | Fiction Staff Picks

Handpicked by Joyce, Bookseller, book group leader extraordinaire & parent Specialties include fiction, natural science, anthropology/sociology
Insect Detective Steve Voake Candlewick Press© Feb. 2010 $16.99 hardcover		Insects are a vital and necessary part of the natural world. Children can learn to appreciate them by observing them. This book describes the lives of several common insects and gives additional scientifc terms. The delicate and detailed illustrations are beautifully rendered. This is a great book to read with children. Then explore outdoors with your kids.

Handpicked by Magoo, Bookseller, radio DJ and werewolf Specialties include magazines, fiction, and young adult
Stand Straight Ella Kate Kate & M. Sarah Klise Penguin© May 2010 $16.99 hardcover		The true story of a real giant! Ella Kate was once a little girl. But when she was seven, she started to grow and grew rapidly. By the time she was all grown, she was eight feet tall. Though she only lived for forty years, she saw a lot of the world. I loved Ella Kate because she had a great attitude and adapted to whatever life threw at her. Ella Kate's spirit was indomitable and you'll find her optimisim contagious!

Handpicked by Mimi, Children's Book Buyer, Manager and parent Specialties include children's, young adult and fiction
A Sick Day for Amos McGee Philip Stead Roaring Brook Press© May 2010 $16.99 hardcover		Amos McGee is a very predictable fellow. Each day after his oatmeal and tea he rode the #5 bus at 6am to the city zoo where he always had a busy day. But, never to visit his friends.....Chess with the elephant, races with the tortoise, a story at sunset for the owl. One day when Amos doesn't appear at the zoo the animals wondered, then worried, then decided something had to be done. This lovely and gentle story of true and solid friendship is exquisitely illustrated by a first time book illustrator who uses woodblock printing and pencil. This book is so charming it really should not be missed and would have appeal for any age.

Handpicked by Paige, Bookseller & college student Specialties include fiction and young adult
Where the Sunrise Begins Douglas Wood Simon & Schuster© May 2010 $16.99 hardcover		Where Does the Sunrise Begin? is probably a question that every child and some adults still ask. This book not only does a wonderful job answering this question in particular, but provides the most beautiful visuals to go along with it. The way Wendy Popp (illustrator) uses color to capture the light and dawn is absolutely magnificent! This book not only holds a story, but holds magic as well, with its pictures come to life. Where the Sunrise Begins is an excellent bedtime story as it encourages us to think about the possibilities of tomorrow.

Handpicked by BJ, Bookseller and hospice caregiver Specialties include fiction, crafts, and health
Calder Game Blue Balliett Scholastic, Inc.© April 2010 $7.99 paperback		In this third adventure shared by friends Calder Petra & Tommy, wonder, art and history are also part of the story. They all introduce us to the art of Alexander Calder & Bansky, the town of Woodstock, England, and historic Blenheim Castle. We learn about sculpture & mobiles and how to solve problems. Do you have a good imagination? Let it take you to places you've never been before in this story of suspense! Fans of Chasing Vermeer & the Wright 3, rejoice!