As the month and season change, so does the list of must-read books. This month's list includes lyrical storytelling from the Pacific Northwest, a thoughtful and romantic monster, an intriguing mystery set in 1686 Paris, distinct stories linked by a perplexing writing desk and a promising crime novel debut. Just enough to keep you happily reading all month long.
Mink River by Brian Boyle (Oct 1st) - "The fantasical blends with the natural elements in this original, postmodern, shimmering tapestry of smalltown life that profits from the oral traditions of the town's population of Native Americans and Irish immigrants. Those intrigued by the cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest will treasure every lyrical sentence." -
Publisher's WeeklyFrankenstein's Monster by Susan Heyboer O'Keefe (Oct. 5th) - "The eponymous monster of gothic horror rises once again in this well-wrought sequel to Mary Shelley's classic tale...O'Keefe credibly extrapolates the moods and thoughts of the monster from how Shelley first imagined them in one of the better recent treatments of the Frankenstein theme." -
Publisher's WeeklyGreat House by Nicole Krauss (Oct. 5th) - "This stunning work showcases Krauss's consistent talent. The novel consists of four stories divided among eight chapters, all touching on themes of loss and recovery, and anchored to a massive writing desk that resurfaces among numerous households, much to the bewilderment and existential tension of those in its orbit..." -
Publisher's Weekly (Starred Review)
The Rhetoric of Death by Judith Rock (Oct. 5th) - "Rock's superb historical debut opens with 28-year-old Charles du Luc arriving in 1686 Paris to serve as a teacher of rhetoric in a Jesuit school...With an experienced writer's ease, Rock incorporates details of the political issues of the day into a suspenseful story line." -
Publisher's Weekly (Starred Review)
Rogue Island by Bruce DeSilva (Oct. 12th) - "The serial torching of Mount Hope, a deteriorating Providence, R.I., neighborhood, sparks an investigative reporter's mission to smoke out the firebug in DeSilva's promising debut...A twist in the tale will keep reader's turning the pages until the bitter end." -
Publisher's Weekly
True crime fans will not want to miss Steven Walker's visit to the library on Mon., Oct. 25th at 7pm. His most recent work, Predator, hits close to home with the story of Timothy Krajcir. Read a helpful review of this book on the PCL Reference blog. Learn all about Walker by visiting his website, and find out even more about the author and the true crime cases he has profiled by attending his book discussion/signing at PCL on Oct. 25th. (Reservations requested, but not required - 610-398-1361 x13.)