A novel in words and pictures got rave reviews from a few staff members. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is a mystery for 9-12 year olds, but this Caldecott Medal winner is lauded by all ages who read it. The Caldecott is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the artist of the most distinguished picture book for children. Selznick was one of the Rabbit Hill Festival authors to appear at the Library.
Seeing the movie prompted some to read The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby. Both film & book have fans; this autobiographical story of a man whose only way to communicate is by blinking an eye is about his immobile body and his soaring spirit.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson is the current & popular Community Read choice of Fairfield. Readers report an interesting and inspiring account of one man’s quest to improve lives in Afghanistan & Pakistan.
The Maytrees by Annie Dillard received mixed reviews from staff. Some praised the nature writing, but disliked the characters. Others found the life and death story both engaging and atmospheric.
If you enjoy outdoors sculpture, or art assembled from nature, you will want to see the new book by Andy Goldsworthy. Enclosure is highly recommended, as are Goldsworthy’s previous books- especially Passage.
Jodi Picoult appears on everybody’s favorite list; Vanishing Acts was the book recommended this time. Walter Mosley is another favorite; his latest is Blonde Faith. Historical novels with positive staff reviews include: Vivaldi’s Virgins by Barbara Quick and Loving Frank by Nancy Horan.
The children’s book Eleven: a Mystery by Patricia Reilly Giff was enjoyed, as was The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. (It's not too late to come to some WestportREADS 2008 events!)
Richard Cohen’s Strong at the Broken Places: Voices of Illness, Chorus of Hope is an inspirational collection of true stories about those who are chronically ill. The author who suffers from multiple sclerosis is the husband of television’s Meredith Vieira.
The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World by NPR commentator Eric Weiner is a "breezy read" about how where we are makes us happy - or not. A different kind of travel book. Take a look at his entertaining website.