*** July 2011 Newsletter Pick ***

Not since reading Robinson Crusoe in front of my grandparents' fireplace as a child have I so thoroughly enjoyed a book of this genre. Jamrach's Menagerie is a high-adventure coming-of-age tale so beautifully written, it left me literally gasping and almost moved me to tears. The story begins in a working class, English coastal town at the turn of the last century -- not the most likely of places for a young boy to encounter a tiger loose on the street, let alone find himself being carried around in its mouth. This potentially tragic situation catapults the boy into a world of exotic wonders he had only dreamed about. Birch employs brutal, vivid imagery, yet balances it with insightful, emotional counterpoints. Battling demons, both real and imaginary, forever changes the characters and ultimately impacts their survival. The result is a riveting read from start to finish -- and one that lingers with you long after you have turned the last page.

*** October 2009 Newsletter Pick ***

I'll admit it, I go weak in the knees for a cocktail that looks as fabulous as it tastes, and this book is chock full of them. Over 60 recipes of well-known favorites as well as some contemporary gems including, 'The Vesper' - the original James Bond martini, 'The Bradshaw' - a sunset colored concoction created for the Sex in the City movie, and the beautifully layered 'Pousse Cafe'. Each recipe is described with campy, handwritten text accented with doodles and accompanied with a full page, color photo. The ingredients are easy to find and the drinks a snap to prepare. No fussing with a cocktail that takes longer to make than it does to drink. Happy hour, here I come!

"Kidnapping children is not a good idea. All the same, sometimes it has to be done." What can I say, I was hooked from the opening lines. Three sisters execute an outlandish plan for the good of all mankind. Written for young readers, but an enjoyable read for all ages.

The lifelong bond of a child and an elephant born on the same day. Keep the kleenex close.

Depression era story of the occupants of Abalone, AZ, whose small town daily routines are set aside when their curiosities are peaked by the arrival of Dr. Lao and his sideshow of mythical beasts. A simply told story with a philosophical underbelly. Don't neglect "The Catalogue (An explanation of the obvious which must be read to be appreciated)" at the end of the book, with its witty and blatant definitions.