Ok, here it is! The totally subjective, "these are some great books I've read recently" list:How I Killed Pluto and Why it had it Coming by CalTech professor Mike Brown -- The story behind the 'death of pluto' as a planet, and a whole new appreciation for astronomy, written for those of us who are NOT CalTech professors!
Room by Emma Donoghue -- What happens when a little boy, raised in one room all his life, enters the wide world to help his mother escape their captor. A super well-written, on the edge of your seat read!
The Forgotten Garden, The House at Riverton, and The Distant Hours, all by Kate Morton -- I stop strangers, literally, to hand them these fabulous books. Luckily, I'm a librarian, so this isn't quite as wierd as it would be if I worked elsewhere!
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer -- Other people have told you this is a great book, but you are understandably put off by the wierd title and cutesy cover. Ignore both of these, and start reading. It really is that good!
The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua -- if you are a mother, had a mother, know a mother, or were in any way raised by a mother, you will find this fascinating. The story of a mother trying to raise her children in a traditional Chinese way amid American culture and expectations. Interesting, readable, and certain to make you re-examine your own childhood.
Now, comment back with your own recommendations! You know I'm always looking for a good book -- --mel
