The White Octopus Hotel
by Alexandra Bell
Del Rey/ PRH
This has everything, mystery, fantastical elements, romance, the horrors of war all in a story that you can't stop reading. Did I mention a moving tattoo? It is an excellent escape.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place: bookshop.org
by Arnaldur Indridason
Minotaur/Macmillan
The Quiet Mother is Indridason's latest in a long line of compelling mysteries. There is a fierce beauty to each of his stories - a wonderful humanity and a portrait of Iceland, the unique nature and history that will make you want to visit and at the very least to read all of these books. Jar City is the first of Indridason's wonderful books - a very good place to begin.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place: bookshop.org
The Roosevelt Brothers' Deadly Quest to Find the Mythical Giant Panda
by Nathalia Holt
Atria/One Signal Publishers/ S&S
This is an exciting adventure book but much more. It is a portrait of the Roosevelt brothers, Kermit and Ted, and several of the other men, Jack Young, Suydam Cutting and Herbert Stevens, who were with them on this dangerous quest for the giant panda. Most importantly, it shows how much these hunts cost the world. It is a conservationist manifesto, and a very good one.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place: bookshop.org
by Xenobe Purvis
Holt/Macmillan
It is 18th century England during a summer far too hot and dry for sanity. The five Mansfield sisters live with their grandfather in the town of Little Nettlebed, which has more than its fair share of problems and a need for a scapegoat or several.
This has been compared, reasonably, to The Crucible, but there is much love and compassion within this family. It is a quick but lasting read.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place: bookshop.org
Beer Hiking New England
by Carey Kish
now available
Dog Hiking New England
by Jill McMahon and Kristen Valenti
Pub. date April 14th
both books - Helvetiq/ IPG
There are people you forgot to give presents to this year. With any luck they like beer and live in New England. Dog lovers will have to wait until spring - but then, the dog will thank you for waiting for mud.
These are both beautiful books with lots of photos and clear directions. You won't want to give them away.
If you would like to know more about, or own these books, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place bookshop.org
