Dark Places

Dark Places: A Novel, by Gillian Flynn; Shaye Areheart Books, 2009

Reviewed by a Patron

I recommend Gillian Flynn's latest novel Dark Places, a very well-written story that is as good as her first book, Sharp Objects. Out of financial desperation, the selfish, hardened main character, Libby, becomes involved with a strange secret society which forces her to reexamine a past family tragedy. The book is full of extremely unlikeable characters, and shows the fallibility of traumatic memory. Leonard Downie Jr.'s The Rules of the Game seems too close to the real machinations of U.S. politics to be an enjoyable read. This author is a former executive editor of the Washington Post, so he knows Washington D.C. intrigue firsthand. On a lighter note, Valerie Laken's Dream House was easy to read. This book is full of psychological intrigue surrounding a couple's purchase of a dilapidated house that only one of them wants, and the resulting, irrevocable changes in their lives.

Sex, Death & Oysters

Sex, Death & Oysters, by Robb Walsh; Counterpoint Publishing, 2007

Reviewed by Lauren Brown

Restaurant critic and author Robb Walsh presents Sex, Death & Oysters, a surprisingly enjoyable tour of oyster geography, history and culture. Walsh's five year quest for the perfect oyster takes him on far-flung culinary journeys through North America, Ireland, England and France. Lots of oyster facts, recipes and humor, as well as suggestions on the best beverages to accompany your meal. Ben Yagoda's intriguing nonfiction book, The Sound on the Page: Great Writers Talk About Style and Voice in Writing, is an eye-opening exploration of writing and choices, going beyond mechanical competence to the territory of Art. If you're looking for a good story to read for content (not style), try A Breath of Snow & Ashes, by Diana Gabaldon. This novel (also audiobook) is a part of an extensive saga, but it was enjoyable on it's own (after a bit of acclimation!)

The Glister

The Glister, by John Burnside; Nan A. Talese Publishing, 2009

Reviewed by Paul Rogland

I highly recommend reading The Glister, a very well-written "horror light" story set in the coastal village of Innertown. Burnside's engaging novel revolves around the mysterious disappearances of five teenagers, and the ensuing coverup. It is a cautionary tale that illustrates how greed and an indifference to suffering are the real horrors of modern life. Chuck Palahniuk's Pygmy is the story of young North Korean terrorists who are embedded in a small American town with plans to wreak havoc in the United States. Despite the subject matter, the book has humor and a strong undercurrent of timely truth. I also read As Time Goes By, by Abigail Trafford. This book takes a look at various types of relationships that retirement-age people have, and how they have been altered from traditional patterns. Of interest, but not recommended as an "engaging read".

The Seven Daughters of Eve

The Seven Daughters of Eve: The Science That Reveals Our Genetic Ancestry, by Bryan Sykes; W. W. Norton & Company, 2001

Reviewed by J. Anne Holman

Now here is a true scientific mystery, marvelously written by the man who did much of the original work on decoding mitochondrial DNA. The Seven Daughters of Eve describes how genetic evidence from all humans tested (so far) can be traced from seven major groups that originated from one woman. With a subject matter that could have been dry and dull, this book is well written and clearly explained, and the British humor kept me laughing. Gina Kolata's Flu is an exhausting review of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Kolata's journalistic background comes through the story in careful reporting of the names, title and qualifications of the people searching for the origins of this deadly illness. As a scientific report, it was very complete; as a flowing story, it began to drag. By midway, I'd had enough of The Flu, and the politics that surrounded it. As a change of pace, I read Broccoli and Other Tales of Food and Love. Here's yet another take on food, memories, longing, loneliness, and being lost in foreign lands. This story is blended together with words and images that held my attention and stirred my memories. Good, deep humor was generously sprinkled on top.