Booking Forward January 2020

American Dirt

by Jeanine Cummins

A story of migrants struggling to make it to the US to escape targeted cartel violence in Mexico. Should be required reading for all US citizens who have no empathy for those who give up everything they have for a chance to live in safety. The path to and across the border is dangerous, deadly, and demoralizing, and American Dirt provides a glimpse into that experience, with a mother’s love and determination overcoming all. Painful but necessary reading.

For fans of: 
The other Americans by Laila Lalami

Where We Come From by Oscar Casares

Dear Edward

by Ann Napolitano

Eddie gets on a plane with his parents, older brother, and more than a hundred strangers. Only Edward survives. In this story of finding yourself after losing everything, readers see the last few hours of a handful of lives, and the first few years of a life forced to move on without them.

For fans of: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Ask again, yes by Mary Beth Keane


In the Shadow of Vesuvius

by Alexander Tasha

History and mystery in one book. Lady Emily discovers a body among the ruins of Pompeii. When the police dismiss the case as the work of gangsters, Lady Emily and a team of and archaeologists are on the case. Soon her fate becomes tied to that of a woman from almost 2000 years before. Intriguing. Of course I want to read this!

For fans of: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Thomas & Charlotte Pitt mysteries by Anne Perry

Martha Stewart's Organizing: The Manual for Bringing Order to Your Life, Home & Routines

by Martha Stewart

Organize, purge, tidy, and simplify.

In her latest book, Martha Stewart offers helpful tips for organizing by room and by season. With guidance for continued success.

Ahh the life of Hygge, who wouldn't want to take a look at this book?

For fans of: Spark Joy by Marie Kondo

Remodelista: the organized home by Julie Carlson

The Contact Paradox 

by Keith Cooper

Cooper, editor and science writer at Astronomy Now, makes the case for seeking out extraterrestrial life. I’m expecting him to delve into whether aliens will have welcoming or malicious intentions towards humanity, their possible intellectual levels, and what types of physical forms they might take. But, more than anything, I’m intrigued by the technical aspects of how the search will continue going forward.

For fans of: Imagined Life by James Trefil

Exoplanets by Michael E. Summers

Imperfect Union 

by Steve Inskeep

John and Jessie Fremont explored and expanded the western half of the United States, and in doing so became national celebrities in the late 1800s. Through Jessie’s senator father, the couple gained access to both political and media exposure, culminating in John’s presidential nomination. I can’t wait to take a glimpse - through the eyes of these charismatic figures - into one the most important times in American history.

For fans of: Buffalo Bill's America by Louis S. Warren

John Brown, abolitionist by David S. Reynolds

When we were Vikings

by Andrew Macdonald

Zelda is like a lot of 21-year-old women. She enjoys spending time with friends and is trying to gain a sense of independence. She is also obsessed with Vikings and was born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. When her older brother, struggling to pay the bills and keep the family together, becomes involved with drug dealers, Zelda knows she must follow in the footsteps of her Viking heroes and save him whatever the cost.

For fans of: Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig

The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon

Heart of Junk

by Luke Geddes

The vendors at Wichita’s Heart of America Antique Mall are struggling to stay afloat and hope the upcoming visit from TV’s Pickin’ Fortunes will bring in more customers. When a young beauty pageant star goes missing, the show’s visit is placed on hold, and the mall owner calls on his rag-tag crew of colleagues to help find her. Can they get over their own problems long enough to be of any help?

For fans of: The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich

Where'd you go, Bernadette by Maria Semple