Remarkable Creatures

Remarkable Creatures, by Tracy Chevalier; Plume Publishing, 2010

Reviewed by Angela Tuuri

Remarkable Creatures recreates the true story of two women in the 1800's in Lyme Regis, England who make remarkable scientific finds. These two women--Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot, struggle to make inroads in the very male-dominated field of paleontology. Their fossil finds open the scientific minds to the world of the dinosaurs and the extinction of species, and establish the women's (eventually) esteemed position in that scientific field. If you are looking for a very enjoyable read that is set much closer to home, try the classic book The Egg and I. Set here on the Olympic Peninsula, author Betty McDonald tells the very funny, touching tale of 1920's newlyweds who persevere with hard work and a survivalist mentality. Sandra Dallas' book Whiter Than Snow shines because of the author's wonderful abilities as a storyteller with folktale qualities. I especially liked "Prayers For Sale".

Remember Me?

Remember Me?, by Sophie Kinsella; Dell Publishing, 2009

Reviewed by Tina Lakenes

Sophie Kinsella's heroine Lexie wakes up in a hospital bed and soon realizes that she has lost the past three years of her life in Remember Me?. Amnesia has robbed her of recent memories, but the 'new' things she discovers about herself--shiny new hair, pearly white teeth, ultra-toned body and fine manicure helps to soften the blow. She doesn't recognize herself, and her new life...including her handsome husband, or her posh loft apartment. Will she find her 'way back'? I stayed in the Kinsella mode with The Undomestic Goddess, the story of an overworked lawyer who makes an expensive error and loses her job. This former lawyer becomes a maid for a family, and decides she is happier not being overworked (in the legal profession) after all. I was intrigued by Kevin O'Brien's novel Last Victim. Twenty years after a group of teenagers caused the disappearance of a classmate, the ill-fated group is killed by hit men who make the murders look like suicide.

The History of White People

The History of White People, by Nell Irvin Painter; W.W. Norton & Company Publishing, 2011

Reviewed by Renee Bush

I love it when the study of history shows that a so-called universal truth that has been around forever turns out to really be quite new. Painter's latest book The History of White People examines the history of “whiteness” as a racial category and rhetorical weapon: who is considered to be “white,” who is not, what such distinctions mean, and how notions of whiteness have morphed over time in response to shifting demographics, aesthetic tastes, and political exigencies. The author focuses primarily on the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and how the concept of race based on skin color is largely an invention of the Victorian era. For a change of pace, try The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery, about Renee--the concierge of a "snooty-type" Parisian apartment building, who hides her brilliance under a frumpy exterior. My Stroke of Insight, by Jill Taylor, really "hits home" with me. I read this book right after my own mother suffered a stroke. When the author's analytical left brain is damaged, she learns that her here-and-now right brain has a lot to teach her.

The Knitting Circle

The Knitting Circle, by Ann Hood; W.W. Norton & Co. Publishing, 2008

Reviewed by Anne Ficarra

Here is one novel where I wasn't crazy about the chapter-by-chapter character format at first, but eventually appreciated it. Ficarra's The Knitting Circle is a book centered on coping with loss, friendship and yes, knitting. While mourning the death of her young daughter, Mary Baxter--the main character--learns to knit, and discovers that knitting soothes without distracting. The story is well-written and hangs together throughout, but I wish the author would have given more complete details of the knitting patterns. Another enjoyable read is After the Workshop, by John McNally. This funny story reminded me of John Irving's The Water-Method Man in the way the character describes what happened to him. The book includes cool quotations about and by writers on the art of writing. Now, I'm saving the best for last here--Birdology, by Sy Montgomery. I loved this book! Sy really kindled my interest and appreciation of birds. Her essays are engaging...I feel like I really know her. I was completely blown away by the intricacies of bird life, how smart they are, and how important they are to our environment.

The Greatest Game Ever Played

The Greatest Game Ever Played, by Mark Frost; Hyperion Publishers, 2005

Reviewed by Vivian Chapin

The Greatest Game Ever Played is a highly recommended story of Francis Ouimet, a former caddy who rose to become the first amateur to win the U.S. Open golf tournament--at age 20. Ouiment grew up poor, across the street from the "blue-blooded" country club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Despite his father's disapproval, Ouiment taught himself to play golf. Author Frost jumps between the story of Ouiment and British golf champion Harry Vardon, who came from a similar background, yet also rose to become a golfing great. Ouiment's and Vardon's golfing duel at the 1913 U.S. Open provides this book an exciting climax. Nancy Marie Brown's The Far Traveller is an intriguing story about Gudrid, a Viking woman who sailed from her homeland (Norway) to the far reaches of the West and the Middle East, hundreds of years before Columbus and other European voyagers did. Recent archaeological findings support this fascinating book. Also, try the Devil's Brood, by Sharon Kay Penman. This is a well-written novel of the last days of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their dysfunctional family.

Cutting for Stone

Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Verghese; Vintage Publishing, 2010

Reviewed by Macy Mullarky

I highly recommend Cutting for Stone, a complicated story of twin boys who live very different lives, but share a common heritage. This is a far-sweeping novel that moves from India to Ethiopia to an inner-city hospital in New York City over decades and generations. Sister Mary Joseph Praise, a devout young nun, leaves the south Indian state of Kerala in 1947 for a missionary post in Yemen. During the arduous sea voyage, she saves the life of an English doctor bound for Ethiopia, who becomes a key player in her destiny when they meet up again at Missing Hospital in Addis Ababa. Seven years later, Sister Praise dies giving birth to twin boys: Shiva and Marion, the latter narrating his own and his brothers story. I also recommend Hilary Spurling's nonfiction book Pearl Buck in China: Journey to the Good Earth, which is a fascinating accounting of Pearl Buck's life, with an emphasis on her early years. Buck had a harsh childhood which affected her future writings. Another great read is Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, by Helen Simonson. This is a charming story of a cross-cultural relationship between a middle-aged Englishman and a Pakistani woman.

Sanctuary

Sanctuary, by Beverly and David Lewis; Bethany House Publishers, 2007

Reviewed by Stephanie Boyles

Sanctuary is an exciting mystery/romance about the problem of keeping secrets, and how they can catch up to you. The Lewis' heroine, Melissa James, seeks sanctuary (rest and safety) in Amish country, dreading the secret that defines her life. Author Beverly Lewis (co-writing with her husband David) has tweaked her trademark style with a refreshing edge of suspense, plot twists, and has carefully sidestepped the 'fairy tale ending'. I recommend the book. Nicholas Sparks' True Believer, and his sequel At First Sight--are quite interesting, and in my opinion--should be read together. The story and main character reminded me of the lead character (Patrick Jane) on the TV show The Mentalist, using science and logic to disprove amazing claims. It tells of the journey of New York Jeremy, discovering love and what to believe in a small North Carolina town. Here's another recommendation in the "Sparks Mode"--Dear John is the story revolving around the young love between a girl and a soldier. Will their love survive (or not) the separation caused by 9/11, and his deployment during the Iraq War? Will she wait for him?

House As A Mirror of Self

House As A Mirror of Self, by Clare Cooper Marcus; Nicolas-Hays, Inc. Publishing, 2006

Reviewed by Jim Buckham

I recommend this enlightening examination of self through insights of our housing choices. Author Marcus presents an eye-opening study of peoples emotional ties to their houses, apartments, cottages, trailers and other types of dwellings. What, exactly, makes a house a home? House As A Mirror of Self includes many interviews of people in their domestic settings over a 10 year period. They show how their dwellings generally reflects their emotional ties with other people, and may even be substitutes for close or strained relationships--even unresolved issues from childhood. I will never look at a house in the same way! On the other hand, I found Anita Amirrezyani's Blood of Flowers was unfortunately disappointing. The time frame of the story was fascinating, but the story itself was otherwise lacking. If you are looking for fascinating insights to the past, present and future, try Wisdomkeepters: Meeting with Native Spritual Elders, by Steve Wall and Harvey Arden. It demonstrates how we mourn lost opportunities while retaining hope as we move forward.

Saltwater Taffy

Saltwater Taffy, by Eric Delabarre; Seven Publishing, 2011

Reviewed by Bob Gray

When I heard that the recently released book Saltwater Taffy by Eric Delabarre is about the adventures of young teenagers and takes place in Port Townsend, I quickly ordered four copies for our teenage grandchildren.

Much to my surprise, when I started reading the book to make sure that it was suitable for our grandchildren, I couldn’t put it down. It was terrific! It’s about teenage friends on a treasury hunt encountering unusual characters and fun locations in and around Port Townsend.

While the book is also described as containing poignant life lessons for the five young friends, I found that the lessons were wonderful reminders for readers of all ages.

I highly recommend this book for the young readers in our lives and if you can borrow it before they pass it around to all of their friends, you will also very much enjoy this treasure hunting adventure.

One last note, we are very fortunate that this book takes place in our wonderful hometown and that a film of the book will be made here in 2012. This should help attract many visitors to Port Townsend with great economic benefits. This book and film should add to Port Townsend’s wonderful literary as well as film history. It’s very exciting.

Family Album

Family Album, by Penelope Lively; Viking Adult Publishing, 2009

Reviewed by Sarah Fairbank

Penelope Lively's Family Album features a large, lively family with some secrets. The main character wants a blissful childhood for her six children--a real "old fashioned" family life. But there are cracks in the facade. The father is distant, and the mother has inexplicable emotional outbursts. All is not well. The now-grown children have tried their best to maintain the ''blissful" illusion--each at a cost--with lingering effects on their adult lives. I found this novel less convincing/compelling than many others the author has written. But the book's family was definitely amusing; with dysfunctional, interesting characters. The Sunday Philosophy Club, by Alexander McCall Smith, features Isabel Dalhousie, an editor for a philosophical magazine. Isabel writes long passages about ethics, death and suicide. There are four other fun characters, including a housekeeper, fox, a girlfriend/niece and a young man she has the hots for. I found the nonfiction book Derek Jarmen's Garden to be very beautiful and moving. This is the story of a young filmmaker/artist with AIDS who purchases a fisherman's cottage in Dungeness, Kent, in England--a location that has the least rainfall and the longest growing season in Britain. This journal is full of plant choices, garden images, and moving stories. It is a joy to read and learn from.