The Things That Keep Us Here: A Novel
by Carla Buckley
The Things That Keep Us Here (11/13/2009)
The story takes place during an Avian flu pandemic. Certainly a timely topic as we begin to cope with the H1N1. As we see the shortages appear and the loss of basic services due to a horrifying storm, we see a divorced couple co-parenting two daughters and forced to come together to make life and death decisions about who to help and who lives and who dies.
What the author does well is weave a spellbinding plot with well drawn characters that remind us of people we know and love. In doing so, she asks the reader--what would you choose in this situation? All the while knowing that all answers can be right and all answers can be wrong.
It was a fast and satisfying read.
Await Your Reply
by Dan Chaon
Who Are We if not our Data (7/15/2009)
In this chilling page-turner, Dan Chaon let's us follow three strangers Ryan, Lucy, and Miles on three adventures to identity. The first page of the book is a masterpiece, it grabs you by the throat and won't let you go until you've read the whole book.
This is a must read for mystery and suspense readers. Book clubs will find a wealth of discussion in the issues that Chaon's raises. For instance, who has the better life, the searcher or the searched for? Or, what exactly is the meaning of identity? Have you every wished you could wipe the slate clean, and take a mulligan?
Whether you're just reading for the thrill and the mystery or delving into the deeper questions, Await Your Reply, should be on the top of this year's reading list.
