Marlene's Picks
 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. |
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 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. |  Continued optimism from a man I so much admire. He deals with his adversity with such grace and wisdom and I enjoy every word he writes. |  An arranged marriage that begins in an unconventional way (the groom is absent) and continues to upend tradition and expectations. Although it takes place in Ghana, it's truths are universal and and a really enjoyable, well-written debut novel. |
 One of the best books I've read recently. Easily consumable and extremely well- written book that explores racism and the bonds between sisters. |  Some just out-wit, out-smart, out talk others, out perform, and some "sit quiet and refuse to be agreeable". Many just don't give into self-doubt and second-guessing and proceed through life with verve and conviction. I would have loved to met them all! Each little vignette is filled with wit and insight and such fun to read. |  Reminiscent of her first book, Black River, Hulse's followed up book, Eden Mine is again, another richly told story that has a reflective cadence, a very compelling story line, and characters that will reside inside your soul. An excellent read. |
 This story will fill your heart, raise your spirits, and make you laugh. Who knew that a memoir about the frustrating, yet lovable hi-jinks of Sherman and his friends could become a favorite book for me. It could be for you too! |  Some stories affect you on a molecular level and their impact on you changes your chemistry and leaves you looking at the world in a different and more compassionate way. American Dirt hits hard and fast and it's emotional heft is considerable. Loved it! |  A deeply satisfying historical novel that articulates the need for love, a sense of belonging, and learning to survive life when political upheaval overtakes your country. |
 How do we assess a stranger's character, honesty, and intent? Well, we get it wrong many times and Malcolm Gladwell fascinating research delves into why. |