New in Paperback - August 2011

Each month we will publish our picks among the books just becoming available in paperback. This month's selections range from the quirky ("Swamplandia!") to the futuristic ("Adam & Eve"). See something you'd like to read? Contact Marcia at Hattie's (912-554-8677) and she'll put one aside for you!

Adam & Eve

A Novel, by Sena Jeter Naslund

A story about "a futuristic Eden... powerfully told, incorporating romance adventure and suspense. Another orginial novel from a marvelous author." 

—Karen Briggs, Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI

Bury Your Dead
A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel,
by Louise Penny
”Engaging characters from previous books make their appearances, but it isn’t necessary to have read the others to totally enjoy this book. Heartily recommended for all lovers of good mysteries.”
—Ann Carlson, Harborwalk Books, Georgetown, SC

Let’s Take the Long Way Home
A Memoir of Friendship, 

by Gail Caldwell
”This is the heart-warming and heart-wrenching story of the author’s deep friendship with writer Caroline Knapp. An honest and unforgettable tribute to best friends.”
—Ellen Jarrett, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA

Moonlight Mile

A Kenzie and Gennaro Novel,

by Dennis Lehane

”Lehane is a master at exploring—yet not answering or resolving—difficult issues of morality and individual and social responsibility, all while giving the reader great dialogue, unexpected plot twists, and unforgettable characters. This is a sequel worthy of its predecessor.”

—Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

Swamplandia!

A Novel, by Karen Russell

"Located in the Florida Everglades, the Swamplandia island theme park is also home to the Bigtrees, a family of alligator wrestlers. When the mom and star of the show dies... Dad heads to the mainland to find investors, while his three teenagers are left to deal with their losses.”

—Michael Keefe, Annie Bloom’s Books, Portland, OR

Book Club Review - The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi Durrow

Looking for a light summer beach read? Skip, The Girl Who Fell From the Sky. But, if you want a thought-provoking drama with rich characters, story and imagery, then you just might want to read this first novel by Heidi Durrow. As the book begins, the main character, Rachel, is just eleven. She has gone to Portland, Oregon to live with a grandmother she hardly knows and she is self-consciously putting on the role of "new girl." We find out quickly that she has been orphaned by a terrible tragedy, she is biracial and the year is 1982. 

Rachel, like the author, has an African-American serviceman father and a Danish mother. Most of Rachel's early life was lived in Europe, so she is unprepared for the response to her racial identity in America. We learn with Rachel what it means to be biracial in America.

The story unfolds in narratives by the main characters; each chapter titled by the character relating their view of the story. Rachel's chapter's are told in first person and they were my favorite. I love the voice that Durrow gives Rachel. She is both a perceptive observer and a determined survivor. By the time she reaches high school, Rachel knows "how to answer the questions differently..., I'm black. I'm from Northeast Portland." Of course these are half truths and lies, but it is easier than trying to explain the complications of her heritage and situation.

The Girl Who Fell From the Sky may be a perfect book club book. Hattie's Third Thursday Book Club had a great time digging into the story and issues presented by the book. Not everyone loved the book as much as I did, but I most people felt that it was a worthwhile read. For me, the beauty of Durrow's language triumphed over the sadness of the story. 



Want to read it? Already read it? Leave a comment and get in on the discussion!