Jay Parini

Promised Land
Whether you agree with Parini’s choices or not, these essays provoke a healthy interest in many books and authors dealing with social, cultural and political movements in America. Besides the original 13, Parini suggests another 100 books that he believes changed America. This book is recommended for those Book Clubs and readers who would like to find readings with more substance than some of the latest Best Sellers.
–DB/Reference Emerita

John Elder Robison

Look Me in the Eye

A fascinating true account of the life of a gifted man living with Asperger’s.  Sad and sometimes very funny.  Teaches us to be more compassionate and understanding.

Sibylle, Dyer-Schererville

Carolyn Parkhurst

Lost and Found (2006)

Go inside the heads of contestants competing in an Amazing Race-style “reality” game show.  Parkhurst uses engaging characters and interesting background stories. Dramatic and humorous – an entertaining read.

Chris, Dyer-Schererville Branch

Laura Childs

Keepsake Crimes (2003)

Carmela Bertrand is the owner of “Memory Mine,” a small scrapbooking shop in New Orleans. Carmela finds herself unwillingly drawn into a murder investigation when her estranged husband becomes the lead suspect. Scrapbooking tips are included.”

Lee Harrington

Rex and the City: a Woman, a Man, and a Dysfunctional Dog by Lee Harrington (2006)
“Everybody’s talking about Marley and Me, but don’t overlook [this book]. It’s a very funny book about Lee and Ted living in New York…one day they decide to get a dog from an animal shelter…they end up with “Rex”, a dysfunctional, probably abused, but beautiful dog who tests them sorely. An excellent book for summer reading (or anytime, really).”