Room by Emma Donoghue

I just finished Room (listed as one of the Top 10 Fiction works of 2010 by the New York Times)--same author as Slammerkin (which I had intended to order a few months ago but got stacked up, so postponed). It is an astonishing work and I stayed up until 1:30 ON A SCHOOL NIGHT reading to it's conclusion. Anita Shreve wrote "I loved Room....It's unlike anything I've ever read before." Another author wrote "Room is one of the most profoundly affecting books I've read in a long time. Jack moved me greatly. His voice, his story, his innocence, his love for Ma, combine to create something very unusual and, I think something very important. I read the book over two days desperate to know how their story would end...Room deserves to reach the widest possible audience." Author of The Hours wrote "Room is that rarest of entities, an entirely original work of art. I mean it as the highest possible praise when I tell you that I can't compare it to any other book." Can't wait to hear what you think!!!! -BT

Too Close to the Falls by Catherine Gildiner

Thanks, Sister Tillie! This is a fun memoir about a girl growing up in a small town in upstate New York in the 50's. Perhaps I could have related to her school experience a tad more if I'd attended Catholic schools, but I still loved reading of her adventures. Her family is unique (never eating any meals at home) and her friends are unforgettable (especially Roy). Great book! - June

I recently read Too Close To The Falls (thank you, BT) and loved, loved, loved that little shit. She reminded me so much of my growing up during that time. Now I just finished After The Falls, and was disappointed. Once again, I enjoyed reminiscing about those years (which was while we were all meeting each other, and SOME of us were still growing up, as I recall :), but I hated to see that innocence and self confidence slip away. Ah well, that's the bumps of life, I guess. I hear Blackie in there giggling at Too Close To The Falls, as I type. Very fun book (except the end).-Carit

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

I LOVED Little Bee. I loved the story development, I loved the characters, and I was really impressed that a male writer nailed female emotions the way he did. I think that's one of the best in a long time. - Carla