top of page
Marlene's Picks
 Beautifully written essays that will cradle your soul and reveal the incredible impact friendships can have in your life. |  Well written and well done story about a young climber that tries to unravel the mystery of her father's disappearance. She must use her climbing skills, smarts, and a willingness to accept help from her ex-boyfriend. |  A well-structured story that will strike at your heart when reading about Kit, a Cherokee girl that is taken from her home and the people she loves. She must plot a way to escape the religious boarding school she was sent to and the abuse that lies within. A very compelling story. |
|---|---|---|
 Really good historical fiction that will resonate with many readers. Our book club thoroughly enjoyed this book. |  Funny and disturbing, McCurdy's early entry to fame and the struggles she endured will haunt you. Her stage mother is someone you won't soon forget and her struggles with eating disorders are heart wrenching, yet, I couldn't put this biography down. |  The talent this hustler has is quite remarkable and his story, his revelations about the art industry, and the greed that permeates it, is worth the read. |
 From respected wife of a privateer to aiding and abetting a convicted pirate, Sarah's story is amazing. Well researched and well told. |  Really compelling and "addictive" read that will amaze you with his honesty, insights, regrets and excellent storytelling. Rather astonishing his addictions haven't made him pay the ultimate price. |  What is missing in our lives can be as revealing as all the stuff that is present in our lives. This well-crafted story examines expectations, regret, love and loss, all set in China during the cultural revolution. Beautiful, heart-breaking and will reside inside the reader's soul for a long time. |
 A great sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. I loved the continuation of the story, the characters, the history, and the words that Kim Michele Richardson puts to paper. A real gem. |  What seems like Paradise begins to unravel in this taunt thriller that will make you think twice about sailing off into the sunset. |  Three powerful, character driven stories, each involving the law...ahh, but so much more. Very satisfying. |
 Bittersweet story of friendship, loss and loving our dogs. |  Gripping, Timely, and Terrifying! |  When 12-year-old Esther goes missing, a small, dusty Australian town has many folks with secrets to hide. Her best friend Ronnie is determined to reveal the truth. Developed characters, a wonderful sense of place and writing that refuses the reader's ability to put the book down. |
 Bond takes the reader on the easy slide into Benzo addiction, the personal prices you pay, and the lifelong struggles to overcome addiction. Tightly written and hard to put down. |  "An adventure within reach, but still out of bounds. A great collection that reflect the reporter's skill and ease with telling stories "you didn't know you wanted to read." |  The scratchboard illustrations, the excellent writing, the twists and turns of the life of David Starr Jordan all combine to make this a wonderful gem of a book. Just like Pluto, fish don't exist anymore! What? |
 Michael Lewis is so gifted at telling a story about people: people that have an interesting and powerful impact in that story. This is a fascinating account of the time leading up to the pandemic and the players that sounded the alarm. |  She weaves her music throughout the book in a remarkable way and her written voice is almost as good as her singing voice. Almost, because her signing voice is one of the best there is. A well told autobiography. |  Polar Expedition gone very wrong for a team of explorers that must contend with being stuck in ice, scurvy, ambition, and isolating darkness that manifest in the souls of some. Interesting, well researched story. |
 Some books are like a nice warm cup of tea on a chilly morning. Anne Tyler writes from a place of comfort and ease and this story made me smile. |  Well-research and well-told incredible story about a family with 12 children, six of whom are diagnosed with schizophrenia. A family story interwoven with medical curiosity. |  An all female militia face off against ISIS in northern Syria and help win the war and earn the respect of the world. A powerfully told story that captures the leadership ability, the courage, and the determination of a group of women to gain control of their rights and futures. |
 Beautifully told historical novel set during the Iranian revolution. Very immersive, rich in history, unsettling at times, and unforgettable. |
bottom of page