Breath

Tim Winton

Farrar, Straus, Giroux 2008

Reviewed by Keith Darrock

With writing as raw as a drying reef and smooth as a peeling left point, Breath delivers on every level. Set in rugged Western Australia in the 1970's - two boys searching for adventure are taken under the wings of a legendary big wave surfer. What they tap into will change them forever. Breath is one ride you don't wanna miss.

The 19th Wife: A novel. David Ebershoff. Random House. New York. 2008

Reviewed by patron: Catherine Robinson

This is a well written "mystery" about polygamy in Utah. The story moves back and forth between Brigham Young's 19th wife and a modern day 19th wife. The story is especially insightful about the effect of polygamy on the men and the children as well as the women.

Summer Reading

Borderlines. Nevada Barr. G.P Putnum's Sons. 2009

Reviewed by patron: Kathleen Kenneweg

First, I love reading mysteries set in the National Parks, the ones I've visited and the ones that I have yet to discover. Second, I enjoy her lead character, Anna Pigeon, who solves the mysteries despite being surrounded by the inept gang of male park rangers. If you have ever worked at one of these parks you know what I mean!

Happy Fourth of July!

America America. Ethan Canin. Random House. 2008
Reviewed by Pauline Carter

Here are two books I got from "book club" table at Lynnwood library. America America by Ethan Canin is a Richard Russo type novel of politics and family life in a midwestern town. Named a 2008 "best books of the year" book by Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and other papers. John Updike liked it. I really enjoyed it. The next is Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris (2008)which I just started but looks great. A first novel by a woman who lived in Saudi Arabia and also a "best books" choice of Washington Post. It is a mystery set in Saudi Arabia so lots of interesting and new to me info about that country. Excellent writing in both.

Cris Wilson adds: If you don't have the time to read David McCullough's John Adams this week check out the HBO Miniseries starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney as the spirited Abigail. There is also an interview with David McCullough at his home and in his "writing shed." Port Townsend residents will love this feature.