Saucer by Stephen Coontz

Anyone who ever wondered about UFOs–this book answers the issue in a simple twist. A very funny and exciting thriller.

-Jim

Mission Accomplished or How We Won the War in Iraq by Christopher Cerf and Victor S. Navasky

This book is made up of lists of quotes from top government officials as well as media pundits concerning many different facets of the Iraq War (cost of the war, reception of U.S. troops by the Iraqis, looting of Iraq’s historical museums). Each fallacious quote is set against the truth, for example, a quote by Condoleeza Rice stating the Iraqis had 120,000 troops trained and read to take over security in the country when there were only 2000. It’s hard to believe the U.S. government just made one mistake after another compounding the entire event into the mess we still face today, and most likely will face for years to come.

-Dan

The Boy’s Tale by Margaret Frazer

The medieval history is clear and seems accurate. The references to the Catholic liturgy are comforting. The tone of the book sympathetic to human error and, although very independent, the detective, Sister Frevisse is devoted to her calling and obedient to her oder. Excellent plot.

-Gwen

The Goodbye Summer by Patricia Gaffney

A light drama about the unlikely connection between a 30-ish woman and residents of a convalescence home. Lots of interesting characters keep the story moving.

-Diane

I Have Fun Everywhere I Go by Mike Edison

It’s a rousing account of decadence and sleaze written from the perspective of someone who truly lived the high life in the last twenty years. it’s also an excellent perspective into the inner workings of magazines. A great read for aspiring journalists.

-Steve

The Prince of Darkness by P.C. Doherty

Prince Edward (the heir to the English throne) is under suspicion for the strange death of his former paramour, who’s been locked away in a convent. Hugh Corbet is sent to clear the prioress’s name and runs into a field of possible murderers, from the nuns themselves, to the parish priest, to the sinister Mssr. DeCraon–a French envoy and spy.

Overture to Death by Ngaio Marsh

New York Times says, “she’s better than Christie” — who is my favorite. I agree. The details of characters are more detailed; the clues are a little more subtle; the allusions to literature a little more. The detective , Chief Inspector Alleyn is very professional, sympathetic and analytical.

-Gwen

Odd Hours by Dean Koontz

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The fourth in the series (Odd Thomas Novels) and still a great character. Reads fast and keeps you wanting more…like a fifth book.

-Barb

Brainiac by Ken Jennings

JEOPARDY! followers know Ken as the 75-time winner. Ken’s experience changed his life from that of a bored, nerdy computer programmer to that of a happily fulfilled nerdy trivia/game writer. I read the book for JEOPARDY! info, but equally one can learn tons about trivia.

-Janice

A Long Way Gone by Kshmael Beah and Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza

In A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier (2007), Ishmael Beah tells his story of growing up in Sierra Leone during the civil war there, in the 1990’s, and his rescue by Unicef. (966.404 Beah)

Similarly, in Left to Tell (2006), Immaculee Ilibagiza tells her story of survival during the Rwandan holocaust in 1994 and the spiritual journey that fed her soul during the three months she spent hiding. (B Illibagiza)

-Deb