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Staff Picks Summer 2010
Abandon Ship!: the saga of the USS Indianapolis, the Navy’s greatest
sea disaster
by Richard Newcomb with introduction and afterword by Peter Maas
940.54 New
In 1945, the USS Indianapolis dropped its top secret cargo--several
components of the atomic bombs for Hiroshima and Nagasaki. From there
it headed forward to Guam, and was supposed to proceed to Leyte for
training. It never arrived. In fact, nobody even realized the ship was
missing until days after it was overdue in port.
Hundreds of sailors perished when the Indianapolis was torpedoed on a
common shipping route. Men who were not killed by the blasts drowned,
were attacked by sharks and barracuda, or died of exposure awaiting
rescue in the water.
Captain Charles B. McVay III was court-martialed for the loss of his
vessel, the only Naval commander ever to have been so charged during
wartime. In spite of the overwhelming support of his surviving crew
and a distinguished Navy career, the charge blackened McVay’s name.
Newcomb’s readable account takes us from the beginning of the voyage
to the bitter end. Another excellent book on this topic is Left for
Dead: a Young Man’s Search for Justice for the USS Indianapolis by
Pete Nelson. YA 940. Nel
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich Eva
Bumbling bounty Hunter Stephanie Plum is back with a new, very
funny mystery. Her boss , Vinnie is being held for ransom and it is up
to Stephanie and her partner Lulu to save him. Chaos mixes with a pet
alligator and hobbits and Janet Evanovich provides you with yet
another fun summer read!
Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook Coo
A warm, fun tale of a woman in search of herself and what she truly
wants in life. Torn between the father of her ten year old daughter
who left her seven years ago and a new romance, she must finally grow
up and make some decisions. From the author who brought us Must
Love Dogs.
Animal Farm by George Orwell Orw
George Orwell broaches the subject of power and corruption in
society. What would happen if animals took over the world ? Revisit
this great classic and how it resonates with so much of our past and
essentially our future as well.
Day of the Pelican
by Katherine Patterson J Pat
Deals with an Albanian family in Kosovo in 1998. After a great deal of
strife and losing their home, they were able to immigrate to America
and Vermont. Well worth reading.
Death Echo
by Elizabeth Lowell Low
A great mystery with plenty of intrigue. It deals with a particular
yacht which has been stolen and resold under a new name. Fast moving!
Sister of My Heart,
by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Div
Born on the same day and considering themselves sisters, Sudha and
Anju have spent their childhood doing everything together. However,
as they grow up, arranged marriages, family secrets and betrayals
threaten to weaken the bond they have always shared. Set in India,
Sister of My Heart explores the relationship of two young women
who would do anything and give up everything for each other. The
sequel, The Vine of Desire, although written in a slightly
different style, is just as good.
The Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes Key
This novel, told from the point of view of a benevolent spirit on a
mission, follows the lives of the residents of a Dublin, Ireland
apartment building. Although there are quite a few main characters,
each is well-developed and appealing. Fans of Marian Keyes will love
this new addition to her collection.
Half Broke Horses
by Jeanette Walls Wal
A family story of struggling to keep themselves afloat during the
Great Depression. Their ability to keep moving forward is inspiring
and sometimes heart wrenching. They overcome flood, drought, and
everything else the Old West can dish out. A personal tale touching on
love and despair. A great insight into times gone by.
Mistress Shakespeare
by Karen Harper Har
Any mystery in Old England is always a pleaser if you’re a historical
novel lover. Karen Harper weaves a great tale a hooks you from the
beginning. Her intrigue is catching, it keeps you reading and wanting
more. This is a good find on a unique subject.
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