Book of the Week #22

Communities & Consequences: The Unbalancing of New Hampshire's Human Ecology, & What We Can Do About It by Peter Francese and Lorraine Stuart Merrill (Peter Randall Publisher, 2008)

The goal of this book is "to foster a statewide conversation that will result in greater understanding and motivation to change -- to restore generational balance and social capital." (p. xv) In addition to the book there is a website and a film that are part of this conversation.

Chris Bohjalian in NH Tomorrow

Gibson's Bookstore will host a Booksigning/Meet & Greet on Wednesday, May 28, 4-5:30PM with Chris Bohjalian. His latest book, Skeletons at the Feast is based on an actual WWII diary, and it tells how in January, 1945, in the waning months of the Second World War, a small group of people begin the longest journey of their lives: an attempt to cross the remnants of the Third Reich, from Warsaw to the Rhine if necessary, to reach the British and American lines. It's a story of romance, of horrific war crimes, and of human perseverance in the face of dreadful odds.

1001 Books to Read Before You Die

The New York Times had a piece in it's Books feed today about a list of 1001 books to read before you die. The list assumes you will only read in English, and apparently that you ought to read all the works of some authors and none of the works of others. For example, there are a lot of Margaret Atwood novels on this list and not a single one by Bradbury. Like most book lists, this one has started an argument about the inclusions and the exclusions.
How many have you read? (I have not read as many of these as I would have thought, but if I hadn't read most of Orwell, Vonnegut, and Atwood my numbers would be even lower. Keep the Aspidistra Flying? Really?)
How many of the ones you have read would you keep on the list?
What novels are missing?

D.J. MacHale visiting Exeter

Time of Wonder in Exeter will host D.J. MacHale, author of Pendragon for a book signing on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 3pm.

Book of the Week #21

The Hills at Home: A Novel by Nancy Clark (Pantheon, 2003)

This is a funny, touching story of a New England family returning to its ancestral home where each member of the clan tries to sort out what they want from their lives. The maiden aunt who has always lived in the house (upon which everyone is now descending) is an especially wonderful character. Nancy Clark lives in Wilton, NH and will be signing her new book, July and August at Toadstool Books in Milford on Saturday, June 28.

Book of the Week #20

In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God by Gene Robinson (Church Publishing, 2008).

When Gene Robinson was elected Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003 it ignited a storm of controversy in the worldwide Anglican Communion involving homosexuality, the priesthood, and the future of the Communion. This book offers a portrait of Robinson, the faith that has informed his life, and the controversy that continues to rock his Church. Robinson will be signing his book at Gibson's on Wednesday, May 21.

Book of the Week #19

The Painted Drum by Louise Erdrich (Harper Collins, 2005)

Louise Erdrich was a member of the first co-ed class at Dartmouth (in 1972) and served as writer in residence there in 1981. This novel includes some of Erdrich's familiar Ojibwe characters, but the focus of the story is a woman running an estate business in New Hampshire.

"Late summer builds to a steamy and forgiving lushness in New Hampshire. There is the crushing scent of heated earth. The audible drinking of taproots of white pines. Maples sucking deep. Best, there is the threatful joy of
blackberries ... " (p. 77)

Louise Erdrich will be the guest May 14th on Writers on a New England Stage.

Dublin Nominees Chosen

The NH Dublin Committee has chosen its nominees for the 2009 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award:

• The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by Dinaw Mengestu



• Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer



• The Archivist’s Story by Travis Holland

The Dublin Award is an annual literary prize managed by Dublin City Libraries, on behalf of Dublin City Council (Dublin, Ireland, that is.) The award recognizes an outstanding novel written or translated into English. Libraries from all over the world -- including the NH State Library -- nominate books for the award. If you're looking for a good book to read, check out the Dublin "longlist" for 2008. If you want to get involved in choosing our nominee for the 2010 award contact the NH Dublin committee chair.

Jane Cleland Visiting NH

On Monday, May 12, 2008 at 7pm the New Durham Public Library and Fox Tale Books will
host mystery author Jane Cleland who will present "Killer Antiques."

Book of the Week #18

The Sabbathday River by Jean Hanff Korelitz (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1999).

When Naomi Ruth finds a dead child is in the river just outside the Upper Valley town of Goddard, NH the news travels fast and the events that follow force Naomi to confront how little she really understands about her town, her friends, and herself. This was Jean Hanff Korelitz's second novel and it was nominated for the 2001 IMPAC Dublin award.