Lynn's Picks

Lynn started out life on Long Island (NY) moving to Vermont in 1989.  She's been a secretary, computer network administrator and a librarian at a small public library.  She tends to read a lot of new fiction, but will read anything from juvenile DCF books to biographies. However, she never, ever reads gory mysteries....shudder!  Lynn lives in Pittsford with her husband, teenage son, one beloved dog and two amazing cats.  

The New York Times: Footsteps

Reviewed by: 
Lynn

Are you an armchair traveler?  Each story is written by someone who is walking in the footsteps of a famous author.  Pick and choose where you go with each essay and enjoy a true escape.


Fetch: How a Bad Dog Brought Me Home a Graphic Memoir, Nicole Georges

Reviewed by: 
Lynn
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Fetch: How a Bad Dog Brought Me Home By Nicole J. Georges Cover Image
$17.95
ISBN: 9780544577831
Availability: Not in stock. At Our Partner Warehouse: Usually Ships in 4-7 Days
Published: Harper Perennial - July 18th, 2017

It's difficult to capture the essence of this book in a few short sentences.  The story of Nicole and her dog Beija.  This is so much more than just another "I love my dog" memoir.  Abusive childhood leads to dysfunctional adult.  Dog does not save the adult, the adult saves herself.   By shear force of will (and for being responsible for an equally dysfunctional dog) Nicole learns how to live, love, and care for others, be it animal or human.  I was a bit emotionally devastated when I finished it. 


The War That Saved My Life, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Reviewed by: 
Lynn
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The War That Saved My Life By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9780147510488
Availability: Not in stock. At Our Partner Warehouse: Usually Ships in 4-7 Days
Published: Puffin Books - May 31st, 2016

A 2016 Newberry Honor book and a DCF 2016-2017 book and deservedly so.  This is the story of Ada, a ten year old WWII evacuee from London, her brother, Susan the woman who takes them in and Butter the Pony.  I literally read this book in 24 hours.  Ada is so likeable and damaged that you can't help but root for her to survive and thrive.  Look for the sequel "The War I Finally Won" to be released in October 2017.


Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple

Reviewed by: 
Lynn
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Today Will Be Different By Maria Semple Cover Image
$27.00
Email or call for price.
ISBN: 9780316403436
Published: Little, Brown and Company - October 4th, 2016

Eleanor Flood, the main character, decides one day to change the way she lives her life. Easy to think it, not so easy to carry through an entire day, let alone a week, a year, a life time. All day long things go awry with hilarious results. However, this is not a book that strives to be hilarious. You won't feel like the situations are forced; they could happen to anyone. It's simply the story of a day in middle aged woman's life. Her career is stalled, she wonders if she's neglecting her husband, is she spending enough time with her son, etc etc. Even as she makes hash out of her day, she learns from it as she goes - endearing you to this character, who is living her life the best way she can. LIFE IS MESSY! What grabbed me at the end of the book was the thought "Hey, that's my life!" (minus the childhood trauma), followed by "Are we present in our own life?".


The Poet's Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan

Reviewed by: 
Lynn
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The Poet's Dog By Patricia MacLachlan Cover Image
$14.99
ISBN: 9780062292629
Availability: Not in stock. At Our Partner Warehouse: Usually Ships in 4-7 Days
Published: Katherine Tegen Books - September 13th, 2016

A "poignant story" indeed!  I seem to gravitate towards books with dogs that love hugely, listen quietly, and dispense wise advice.  The Poet's Dog has all this and more.  A short, lyrical read with a very happy ending.  After you wipe the tears from your eyes, go hug your dog and tell him how much he means to you because he can understand everything you say to him.


Wish, by Barbara O'Connor

Reviewed by: 
Lynn
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Wish By Barbara O'Connor Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780374302733
Availability: Not in stock. At Our Partner Warehouse: Usually Ships in 4-7 Days
Published: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) - August 30th, 2016

A lovely book about an 11 year old girl who feels she has no control over her life so uses wishes to try to gain a semblance of control .  Due to a dysfunctional family life, Charlie had to go live with her aunt and uncle, whom she barely knows.  She now finds herself in a rural town living with strangers.  The book explores what it's like to try and fit in to a new town and family, all while not really understanding why you are there.  Charlie finds a stray dog and through wishes and persistence, she befriends him.  She also finds friendship with Howard and his family.   Having Wishbone by her side through all her struggles helps her to find love, a family and a home.


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