Book Thief, by Markus Zusak is a haunting WWII tale, set in Germany, about a waif named Leisl who finds her solace in stolen books. Appearing as a character himself, Death narrates the story of this young girl and those she encounters in a memorable small town setting. Scenes of the horror of war are broken up by moments of tenderness and hope. An unforgettable read for teens and adults. (Paulette)

Service Included:  Four-Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter, by Phoebe Damrosch, is the story of the author’s experiences during her 18 months at Per Se restaurant in New York City.  Per Se is the creation of Thomas Keller, the master chef of the French Laundry restaurant in California.  The book is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fine dining.  Damrosch warns that it “is not a sepia-toned portrait of my grandmother in the kitchen making meatballs, samosas, congee, or empanadas.”  It is a satisfying, detailed memoir, and a guide to proper behavior in formal restaurants.  Dining tips include:  “There’s no need to say that you are allergic when you don’t like something.  Not only are allergies very serious, but you have every right to your personal taste.” However, “Control your limbs,” and “Do not touch your waiter.” (Sarah)

Welcome to the Wisdom of the World and Its Meaning for You, by Joan Chittister. The author arranges her book around various life questions, such as Why does my life feel so hectic?, What’s important in life? and What is happiness?.  She devotes a chapter to each question and each chapter contains spiritual insights and wisdom from one of five religious traditions.  These traditions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  This is the kind of book that can be read in small segments, but it is very powerful and thought provoking.  If you would like to grow spiritually, it’s a book for you. (Susan)
 

Night of Flames, by Douglas W. Jacobson. As the Germans invade Poland in 1939, a young couple finds themselves swept into the Resistance and fighting to survive.  The Elm Grove author of this fascinating novel drew inspiration from his own Belgian relatives and Polish ancestry to weave an exciting and highly informative story. (Nancy)

In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, by Michael Pollan  “Eat Food.  Not too much.  Mostly Plants.”  This may be the take-away quote from Michael Pollan’s latest book, but the book contains much information and many issues to consider.  He takes issue with food scientists, marketers, and journalists, all disseminating information on food for their benefit.  Food labels are false and misleading.  What we are offered on our supermarket shelves is not “real food”, but “food products”, void of nutritional value.  Pollan’s suggestions include paying more for high quality food, and buying less of it.  He offers that one might consider returning to a more traditional or regional diet of simple, well balanced meals consisting of food that one’s “great-great grandmother would recognize.”  A great read.  (Lori)

Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell “Drawing on cutting-edge neuroscience and psychology, the author shows how the difference between good and bad decision-making has nothing to do with how much information can be processed quickly, but on the few particular details on which people focus.”  Gladwell covers a fascinating array of topics including art fakes; office chairs; cola taste tests; predicting divorce; presidents; doctors and patients, and much more. I listened to the book on CD in my car and many times found myself just sitting in my driveway listening because I was so engaged and provoked. (Robert)