Thursday 13

13 of our (the library staff's) favorite books.

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I love the progression of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, how misunderstood they were at the beginning and by the end you can't help but to be in love with Mr. Darcy. Read it online Here.

2. Cape Refuge by Terri Blackstock. This book is a fast-paced suspenseful story with down-to-earth realistic characters that capture your heart. The story centers on the unexpected and brutal murder of Thelma and Wayne Owens on a family friendly island off the coast of Georgia. Visit the Author's website.

3. The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie. For years, the three orphaned Fortune sisters, each endowed with a different magical ability, have been on the run from their evil aunt Xan. Dee, the oldest, is their shape-shifting protector; sullen middle child Lizzie has transmutative abilities (her latest aim is turning straw into gold); and self-satisfied Mare can move things with her mind. Find more books by Jennifer Crusie at her website.

4. House by Ted Dekker. This book is a religious thriller that actually puts your brain to use. I was confused at some points, and yet completely enthralled by it the entire time I was reading it. It was difficult to put down and the ending was a killer. Visit his official site.

5. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. This masterful saga of life in twelfth century England is epic storytelling at its best. The author weaves a rich and colorful tapestry of people, places, and events surrounding the building of a magnificent cathedral in the medieval town of Kingsbridge. Find out when his sequel will finally be released here.

6. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Ten years in the making, this engaging work reveals why "Lincoln's road to success was longer, more tortuous, and far less likely" than the other men, and why, when opportunity beckoned, Lincoln was "the best prepared to answer the call." Find more information here.

7. The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and madness at the fair that changed America by Erik Larson. Larson parallels the building of the 1892 World’s Fair in Chicago with the story of H. H. Holmes, a doctor by profession, but a serial killer of young women at the fair. Want to discuss this book with friends? Find a reading guide.

8&9. The Chronicles of Narnia series, particularly The Last Battle and The Horse and His Boy by CS Lewis. Every once and a while, I have to read them again. They are my favorites because of two main reasons. First, they are wonderful stories that are fun to read. Second, the spiritual aspect of the stories are endearing to me. Learn more about the author at his website.

10. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
This book follows the intertwining lives of 4 very different people with a lot in common. Find more titles by this author.

11. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. This popular author's most recent book deals with a disturbing school shooting situation, but it's well worth reading and makes you think. The characters stay with you after you finish reading the book. Visit her official website for more titles by this author.

12. Diogenes Trilogy by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (Brimstone, Dance of Death & Book of the Dead). Follow Agent Pendergast, Vincent D'Agosta and Laura Hayward as they race to save the world from a madman. What is his plan? Agent Pendergast must reach into his forgotten past to find the answer. Visit the Preston/Child website for more information.

13. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White. This classic story of love and sacrifice for all ages. Find Word puzzles and more here.