Jane J's Staff Picks

A mesmerizing coming-of-age book set in the Adirondacks in 1906. Mattie has a dream and talent but has to overcome family tragedy, societal inertia, and distance to make it come true. I found this to be even more compelling than I Capture the Castle. Highly recommended for 13 and up!

This is the first title in a series of British mystical mysteries featuring Merrily Watkins, a woman Anglican priest with a second joy as a Deliverance Minister (read: Exorcist) for the bishopric of Hereford. Give the series' bucolic setting in a bucolic English village with the requisite number of eccentric characters, a reader might be forgiven for expecting a "cozy" if slightly spiritual, mystery. However, Merrily is forced into dealing with modern-day crime and contemporary issues facing her parishioners, her teenage daughter, and the current-day Church of England. Both fascinating and addicting, this series is unique and well crafted and thoroughly enjoyable.

This wonderfully illustrated true story is of Modoc, the great circus elephant and her life-long friend, Bram. Both born on the same day, they became best friends, fellow performers, and heroes until being separated by circumstances they couldn't control. A wonderful bedtime story, it weaves a spell of love, loss and reunion. Children of all ages will enjoy it!
Jane J.

A beautifully written knitting book designed to satisfy your need to knit and your desire to help. The patterns are carefully written and nicely photographed (no glitz). As well, there are descriptions of and addresses for various charitable organizations around the country and the world. A book for your library and your heart. Jane J.

An aging diplomat looks back over his life during the years leading up to World War II and the years immediately after. Meet Jeremy Burnham and his loves and losses. Visit fascist Venice and war tired Amsterdam and delve into the machinations of the British diplomatic relations. You will be caught up in the story here but stop and savor each word. Bhabra's cadence and imaging are delicious. A brilliant book that will have you sorrowing that there can be no more like it.

The Russian Concubine is a gripping story of love, loss and conflicting loyalties set in the turbulence of Russia and China in the 1920's and 1930's. Sixteen-year-old exile Lydia Ivanova struggles to survive despite class, race, and political tensions in Jungchow. This is Furnivall's first book and we certainly hope there will be more. A great vacation read!!
Jane J.

This is a moving tribute to the strength of the human spirit. Walls' parents were deeply disturbed and brilliant. Overcoming abject poverty and a nomadic existence, Walls and her siblings raised themselves and created successful, meaningful lives. The book grabs you from the first page and keeps you in wonderment throughout!
Jane J.

Ross King (Brunelleschi's Dome) has written another engrossing account of art history, focusing on the pivotal years from 1863 through 1874 when the course of painting changed from historical, conservative painting to modern impressionism. The contrasts caused riots and made enemies of many in the art world. The story revives a time when art was of the utmost importance in the lives of not only the artist but the common man. The CD is narrated wonderfully by Tristan Layton.
Jane J.

Lilly is back and in full flower-girl mode! Lilly's teacher, Mr. Slinger, is getting married and Lilly knows she is destined to be his flower girl. Love Lilly through her joy, disappointment and satisfaction! Need a shower gift? A wedding present? Lilly's Big Day is the answer.
Jane J.

Gods! Goddesses! Love! War! Betrayal! What more could a book provide? Delightful retelling of the Iliad for those of us who have trouble with Greek and translations. Inside Troy, under siege, Marpessa and Xanthe are teenage sisters who live all of the emotions and trauma surrounding them as the Trojans battle the Greeks. Even knowing how the main story ends, there are many, many stories to follow and enjoy! A great summer read!

Engrossing retelling of the horrific children's pogrom in Paris in 1942. The interwoven lives in this mystery-thriller bring home the personal tragedy of the holocaust. What is the nature of justice and for whom? And why are these questions visited upon the innocent? Are there innocents? A demanding mystery with questions far beyond its genre.

Move over Russell, here comes Sam and the rhyming sheep! And the wolf! Sam has ten sheep, or so he thinks. The problem is he falls asleep before he gets them all counted! So, who's the eleventh sheep??? The sheep know but Sam has a problem. Enjoy the marvelous illustrations and the wonderful rhymes. Perfect for reading aloud on a cold blustery night.
Jane J

Green living is (or should be) at the top of everyone's agenda these days. These little books will help with the social and environmental issues needed to get us there. Do you know the best cleaning products or the best vitamins? Stuff one (or both) in your own stocking!
Jane J.