Tricia's Picks

Tricia is Phoenix Books Rutland's store manager and minority owner with her husband, Tom. She is a longtime community leader in Rutland, serving in a variety of roles focused on improving community life, from Rutland coordinator for Everybody Wins!, a reading and mentoring program, to serving on the boards of the Paramount Theatre and the Rutland Free Library.  Tricia's volunteer work has also supported organizations ranging from the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, RAFFL, to the Red Cross.  She also worked at Rutland Regional Medical Center for 17 years in finance and human resources. Tricia lives in Rutland with her husband Tom and their two cats.

A Tip for the Hangman by Allison Epstein

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Tricia
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A Tip for the Hangman: A Novel By Allison Epstein Cover Image
$17.00
ISBN: 9780593311349
Availability: Click Title to See Location Inventory
Published: Anchor - January 4th, 2022

It’s 1585 and Christopher Marlowe is in his final year at Cambridge.  Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster approaches him to spy on  Mary ex-Queen of Scots as she plots to seize the throne from Elizabeth.  Clever, witty, and funny,  the author leads us on a wild romp!


Pony by R.J. Palacio

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Tricia
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Pony By R. J. Palacio Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780553508116
Availability: Not in stock. At Our Partner Warehouse: Usually Ships in 4-7 Days
Published: Knopf Books for Young Readers - September 28th, 2021

It’s only January 2022 and this will probably be one of my top 10 books of the year.  It’s a middle-grade book that adults will love.  A News of the World for tweens that is as well written and engaging as that book was for adults.  Set in the mid-1800’s 12-year-old Silas embarks on a quest with his imaginary friend and Pony to rescue his father from the horsemen who absconded with him in a cloud of mystery.  An adventure sure to be everyone’s new favorite classic!


The River, Peter Heller

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Tricia
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The River: A novel By Peter Heller Cover Image
$25.95
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ISBN: 9780525521877
Published: Knopf - March 5th, 2019

Best friends from college set out on a river trip in the wilds of Northern Canada.  An act of violence leads to a game of cat and mouse with another camper, and as if that isn’t enough the wildfires are getting closer and closer to them.  Full of suspense, nature and a friendship put to the test this book will keep you turning the pages!


Mobituaries, Mo Rocca

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Tricia
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Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving By Mo Rocca Cover Image
$29.99
ISBN: 9781501197628
Availability: Not in stock. At Our Partner Warehouse: Usually Ships in 4-7 Days
Published: Simon & Schuster - November 5th, 2019

I love books where I keep saying to myself, “I didn’t know that!”.   What is the connection between Siamese twins Chang and Eng and Andy Griffith?  And Political Firsts Who Didn’t Make Your High School History Book. And The Graveyard Of Disappeared and Dead Sitcom Stars.  The death of Thomas Paine.  And so….much…history.  I love this book!


Magpie Murders, Anthony Horowitz

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Tricia
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Magpie Murders: A Novel By Anthony Horowitz Cover Image
$29.99
ISBN: 9780062645227
Availability: Not in stock. At Our Partner Warehouse: Usually Ships in 4-7 Days
Published: Harper - June 6th, 2017

This book offers a mystery novel within a mystery – two for the price of one.  One is set in the 1950s in a small English village.  The book’s editor in contemporary times becomes involved in a mystery surrounding the author.  There are many clever references to the masters of the mysteries – Conan Doyle, Christie, Wodehouse and others.  A gem for mystery lovers!


Forty Autumns, Nina Willner

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Tricia
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Forty Autumns: A Family's Story of Courage and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin Wall By Nina Willner Cover Image
$27.99
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ISBN: 9780062410313
Published: William Morrow - October 4th, 2016

The true story of a teenage girl who escapes to West Berlin and pays a steep price as she is separated from her family for more than 40 years.  We follow her and her family from 1945 to 2013.  A page-turning narrative of courage and resilience starting in Soviet-controlled East Germany and continuing through the fall of the wall.


Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly

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Tricia
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Lilac Girls: A Novel (Woolsey-Ferriday) By Martha Hall Kelly Cover Image
$17.00
ISBN: 9781101883082
Availability: Not in stock. At Our Partner Warehouse: Usually Ships in 4-7 Days
Published: Ballantine Books - February 28th, 2017

Three women.  World War II.  One from Poland, one from Germany, and one from Manhattan who works at the French Embassy. Much of the story is set in Ravensbruck at the only women’s-only concentration camp.  Heartbreaking, yet life affirming, the book is based on actual people and events.  For fans of The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See.   A story of loss, survival, and bravery.


A Higher Call, by Adam Makos

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Tricia
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A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II By Adam Makos, Larry Alexander Cover Image
$20.00
ISBN: 9780425255735
Availability: Not in stock. At Our Partner Warehouse: Usually Ships in 4-7 Days
Published: Dutton Caliber - May 6th, 2014

Adam Makos gives us the true story of two fighter pilots in WWII – one German and the other American. They are fighting on opposite sides of the war but have an encounter in the air that changes their lives forever. Brimming with courage, integrity, and true humanity – this story is one of a kind!


The Versions of Us, by Laura Barnett

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Tricia
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The Versions of Us By Laura Barnett Cover Image
$26.00
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ISBN: 9780544634244
Published: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - May 3rd, 2016

If you liked the movie Sliding Doors, you’ll love this book. What a difference a few seconds can make in our futures. Fall off your bike and accept assistance from someone – or not. Three different versions of Eva’s life unfold based on that one decision. Interesting characters and beautiful writing. I loved this book!


The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown

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Tricia
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The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics By Daniel James Brown Cover Image
$19.00
ISBN: 9780143125471
Availability: Click Title to See Location Inventory
Published: Penguin Books - May 27th, 2014

This true story about nine working-class boys who row their hearts out at the 1936 Berlin Olympics is page-turning at its best.  From the Depression to Adolf Hitler, each boy's personal journey to triumph comes alive. Reminiscent of Seabiscuit and Unbroken, hope, courage and persistence conquer all.


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