Where Memories Lie, by Deborah Crombie

This 12th Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid mystery, by Texan and Anglophile Crombie, reveals the links between Jewish war refugees from 1930’s Berlin, a murder in post World War II Britain and crimes in present day London. I enjoyed the audio book version narrated by Jenny Sterlin who uses her vocal skills to create each individual character.

RATING: * * * * Very, very good
Reviewed by: kh

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All My Patients Have Tales: Favorite Stories from a Vet’s Practice, by Jeff Wells, D.V.M.

Not quite James Herriot, but good stories from a Midwestern vet. If you love animals and enjoy reading about their quirks as well as their owners’ oddities, you will enjoy this book.

RATING: * * * A good read
Reviewed by: kh

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Strength in What Remains: A Journey of Remembrance and Forgiveness, by Tracy Kidder

This is the story of Deo who survived the hell of Burundi and Rwandi and found himself homeless in New York City.   A stunningly remarkable story of one person’s resilience and the people (good and bad) who changed his life.  A hopeful yet complex story–another wonderful book by Kidder.

RATING: * * * * * One of the best
Reviewed by: Nancy J.

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It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time: My Adventures in Life and Food, by Moira Hodgson

Restaurant critic for the “New York Observer,” Moira writes about her girlhood around the world. Her father was in the British diplomatic corps. From Egypt, Saigon and Berlin to New York City, there are recipes from each of her father’s postings, as well as stories about her family. She has also lived in or traveled to Mexico, Lapland and Morocco, among other places, and includes stories and meals consumed from each locale.

RATING: * * * A good read
Reviewed by: kh

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The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment, by A. J. Jacobs

Another funny book by Jacobs. Some chapters are reworked from his Esquire articles but each has food for thought. I especially enjoyed his account of computer dating on behalf of his children’s nanny and the chapter on outsourcing his everyday tasks to India.

RATING: * * * * Very, very good
Reviewed by: kh

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Count Magnus and Other Ghost Stories, by M. R. James

This is the perfect time of year for reading ghost stories, as the leaves change, the nights lengthen, and the temperature drops.   One of the best horror story writers I have ever read is an Englishman named M. R. James (1862-1936). Never heard of him?  Once you read his stories, you will never forget him. James slowly chills you to the freezing point and scares you till your skin prickles.  His stories well deserve being called classics. Many are anthologized in horror story collections here at the Newton Free Library. However, one story is nowhere near enough.  You need a book like this one where you can keep on reading.  A warning. They are best read when someone else is around and about.  You read them alone at your own risk.

RATING: * * * * * One of the best
Reviewed by: veagenlib

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The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World, by Jacqueline Novogratz

Imagine the experience of a high school student who donated a sweater to Goodwill and then eleven years later seeing a young boy wearing that same sweater in Africa?   This is a great memoir, but also an opportunity to learn about microfinance and the positive forms of helping those in need help themselves for the long-term.

RATING:  * * * * * One of the best
Reviewed by: Nancy J.

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Why is My Mother Getting a Tattoo?: And Other Questions I Wish I Never Had to Ask, by Jancee Dunn

If you need a good laugh and a break from the hectic pace of life, take the time to read this book about the dynamics (and surprises) of family life.  Entertaining and poignant plus a quick read.

RATING: * * * A good read
Reviewed by: Nancy J.

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Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success, by Dan Schawbel

The job market is changing almost as quickly as the Internet.  Look around you.  How many jobs in your field even existed five years ago?  How many will exist five years from now? In a market where the keyword is change, how do you create career continuity for yourself?

Another keyword that you should become familiar with is branding, not your company, but yourself.  Schawbel, an expert in this field (considered by some to be among its founding fathers) has written this book to not only explain the concept, but show in understandable steps, how your career can survive in thrive in this “brave new world” of Web 2.0. You learn to market yourself through establishing a presence on the web. You use the reputation you build to enhance your career. Take a look.  You won’t be sorry.

RATING: * * * * Very, very good
Reviewed by: veagenlib

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Shanghai Girls, by Lisa See

Beginning in 1937 and covering thirty years, this is the story of two sisters who were born in Shanghai, “the Paris of Asia”.  We learn about a privileged lifestyle of pre-World War II. When their father loses all his money through gambling, he marries off the sisters to the sons of his debtor. So begins their journey to America. They endure the invasion of the Japanese army, a stay on Angel Island and life in Chinatown/Los Angeles. The story focuses on their relationship and family life in Chinatown. Lisa See is the author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

I think there will be a sequel to this book given the way it ended.

Rating:  **** Very, very good
Reviewed by:  klm

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