Chapter 24 - The Bookseller's Tale

As the year winds down and Thanksgiving is in the air I think about all the wonderful books I've read this year and how grateful I am to have a job which includes reading and talking to others about books.

Many of the terrific books I've read have been recommended by others. Norma Smyka, my business partner, good friend, and a prolific reader in her own right, has recommended many books to me. Without her reading suggestions I may never have come to experience the storytelling of Chris Bohjalian, Sara Gruen, Karin Slaughter, or even Tess Gerritsen. Our customers have provided much fodder for my reading life as well. It is a joy to go to work and learn about another wonderful book someone has read and recommends.

Here are some of my favorite books recommended by others.

The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline - This book was recommended by Norma and is definitely one I pass on to others. Molly is aging out of the foster care system and after a brush with the authorities, she is assigned community service. Her service is to help an elderly woman clean out her attic. As Molly spends time with Vivian she learns about Vivian's past as an orphan shipped out to the Midwest on the orphan train. A great mix of history and fiction make for a terrific story.

The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey - This was a recommendation last summer by a customer and while science-fiction is generally not my "go-to" genre, it was a very compelling read. After an epidemic virus turns many into zombie-like, flesh eating creature, there appear to be children who have the virus but also the brains and motor skills of people who have not contracted the virus. Kept in cells and strapped in wheelchairs during classroom instruction, these children are being experimented on in hopes of finding a cure or vaccine. This is a good post-apocalyptic read!

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman - Another customer recommended book, this book details the life of Ove who is a curmudgeon. He has strict principles, routines, and understandings of what is correct and not. Introduce a cast of characters that cause him to rethink all that he believes and you get a great book.

At Home in the World by Tsh Oxenreider - One of the blogs I read regularly Modern Mrs. Darcy recommended this book by Tsh (pronounced Tish) Oxenreider. If you've ever thought you'd like to throw everything to the wind and travel the world well, Tsh has done it and, she took her husband and three children with her! A great armchair adventure especially as winter approaches and you need to get away.

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen - Another book (and series) recommended by Norma. This is the first of Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Iles series and it sucks you right in. This is one of the only series that I always keep up to date with.

Do you have any great books that you recommend? Let me know I am always interested in suggestions!