Our Staff Recommends

"This is one of the most gripping books I've read. In 1997, an amur tiger stalked a Russian poacher, obliterating him and his property, then began to target other hunters in the area. But this book is more than just a recounting of that attack - it's the history of human/tiger interactions. I was stunned to learn how intelligent these animals are, and terribly saddened to read about the destruction of their territory. This is a powerful, powerful book." Mary K. Naperville

"This novel is the opposite of gung-ho celebrations of war. Instead, it concentrates on the fear and pain experienced by those on the ground, fighting not only a determined and capable human enemy but the mud, diseases and exhaustion that are constant accompaniments. Matterhorn also reflects the political interference and racial tensions that were factors in the Vietnam War. This is an often difficult read but an emotional rendering of the human toll and futility of war." - Joe S. (Naperville)

"Henrietta Lacks is a hero. Too bad her incredible contribution to the world of science came posthumously. This fascinating true story of cells, privacy rights, tissue samples, research ethics, legalities and money- all stirred by one woman's immortal cancer cells- is not-put-downable."
- Candy (Naperville)

"Celeste the field mouse finds much more than a nest in a plantation house near New Orleans in the early 1800's. She becomes a secret assistant to non-other than John James Audubon, master naturalist and wildlife artist, and his youthful apprentice Joseph. Charmingly illustrated by. the author and and sweetly written with a warm read-aloud flavor, this middle reader novel will delight every member of your family."
- Gail (Naperville)

"This will be a wonderful book for book groups! What made Anya Whitcom so distant and cold to her two daughters? On his deathbed the beloved father of Meredith and Nina pleads with his wife Anya to tell her "fairy tale". Why? Anya agrees, and as her story develops, the reader learns so much about her life in Leningrad during the siege in WW II. Being part Russian, this one hit home. Enjoy!!!" - Carol (Naperville)

"Readers who want to feel an emotional connection to a particular book's characters will love Bloodroot. By the time I had finished this book, I had lived along with Myra, Byrdie, Laura and the rest of the Lamb/Odom family. I shared their tears and laughter; celebrated and mourned with them and agreed that Bloodroot Mountain may be one of the most beautiful places on the faces of the earth. Blodroot is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish the last page." - Kathleen (Downers Grove)

"Guess I've been waiting for a story about the enigmatic Joe Pike and here it is. This time it was Joe's turn to "run the show", with a bit of help from Elvis, of course. Opening with the brutal murder of one of Pike's former mercenaries and his family, First Rule finds Pike compelled to find the killers. Thus he becomes involved with a vicious Serbian gang, illegal arms deals, and an orphaned baby boy. Get the picture here? There is a side to Joe Pike not seen before. Enjoy!" - Carol (Naperville)

"The Privileges begins with an opening chapter so descriptive you feel you're attending the wedding of Cynthia and Adam Morey, a young bride and groom who, through offshore accounts and insider trading, become insanely wealthy gazillionaires. But clearly, their great wealth carries great weight as well. At times I was both sympathetic and incensed at their behavior (more the latter)...but definitely intrigued till the very last page."
- Candy (Naperville)