Sybil Suggests
Westporter Sybil Steinberg, contributing editor and former book review section editor for Publisher’s Weekly, compiles a list of her favorite new books every year and shares them with a standing-room-only crowd at the Library. Copies of the list are available at westportlibrary.org, or ask for one at the Reference Desk. You can also get this and other Library news by subscribing to our weekly e-newsletter (located in the top right corner of the homepage).
From Sybil:
Here are some good books that I’ve read since my "Sybil's List"
presentation in September 2012.
NOVELS
THE FORGIVEN view in catalog
Lawrence Osborne
A couple driving through the Moroccan desert kills a Berber man. Riveting psychological drama.
THE HEART BROKE IN view in catalog
James Meek
In eerie coincidence with the BBC scandal, a blatant sexual predator on underage girls gets away with his behavior.
SWEET TOOTH view in catalog
Ian McEwan
A spy story set in World War II. Not vintage McEwan, but a good read nonetheless.
THE DEVIL IN SILVERview in catalog
Victor La Valle
A man consigned in error to a mental institution in Queens battles the uncaring, overworked staff and constant sedation. Then he discovers a deadly mystery.
THE TWELVE TRIBES OF HATTIE view in catalog
Ayana Mathis Oprah’s latest choice. Unforgettable story of black family in Philadelphia, conditioned to accept life’s hard blows.
SHORT STORIES
THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER view in catalog
Junot Diaz
Prize-winning short stories, written in a Spanglish vernacular, profane yet touching.
BATTLEBORNview in catalog
Claire Vaye Watkins
Mesmerizing short stories set in Nevada. Each one is haunting.
DEAR LIFEview in catalog
Alice Munro Perfection.
The collection includes four “autobiographical” stories in which Munro looks back at her childhood.
NONFICTION
ELSEWHERE view in catalog
Richard Russo
A clue to Russo’s novels. His psychotic mother, feckless father and childhood in Gloversville.
PEOPLE WHO EAT DARKNESS view in catalog
Richard Perry
The death of a 21-year-old British woman in Tokyo, and the 10 year investigation.
ALL WE KNOW: THREE LIVES view in catalog
Lisa Cohen
The lives of three women who dared convention in the early 2oth century. Fascinating exploration of their sophisticated literary and artistic milieu, and their lesbian relationships.
DEARIE view in catalog
Bob Spitz
The life of Julia Child. A thorough and appealing evaluation of her career that revolutionized American cuisine.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS view in catalog
Robert Gottlieb
Charles Dickens had 10—maybe 11--children. He was a wonderful father when they were young but dictatorial and cruel as they grew to adulthood.
THE END OF YOUR LIFE BOOK CLUB view in catalog
Will Schwalbe
After his mother was diagnosed with cancer they discussed the books they read while she endured chemo. Their conversations led to a special intimacy.
Marta Campbell - Head of Collection Management
Tel: 203.291.4842 Email: mcampbell [at] westportlibrary [dot] org
