The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff
Release date: February 2008
The buzz for this book just keeps growing—I read it in manuscript form–that means loose pages–and loved it.
Lauren Groff is a writer to pay attention to as she has a grasp of language, dialogue and character that is so rare in a first time novelist. I love the weaving of the ancestors or possible ancestors into the story and there are real photographs throughout that add a sense of historical realism to this lovely novel. As each new character enters the story, it grows in depth and nuance. I am attached to The Lump, to her friendship with Clarissa, and to her quirky mother. I love her descriptions of the people and the setting in upstate NY and having been to Cooperstown in my youth with relatives who journey there annually to see the Baseball Museum, I can really picture the terrain. I have had a few laugh out loud times, many teary ones and loved the ending.
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These are books that I recently read that were nominated for October’s Book Sense Picks. I thought you might like to see some of my bookseller friend’s reviews. I got to meet Gordon Campbell in Denver last week and I am trying to get him to come for a signing at the store. His legal thriller was so much fun to read because he writes about Phoenix in the 70s and mentions eating at Durant’s, working in the Luhr’s Building and driving into Tempe and South Phoenix to take depositions. And, it’s a great piece of writing for a first time author. And, Gordon is extraordinarily kind, intelligent and witty.
SERVICE INCLUDED: Four-Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter, by Phoebe Damrosch (Morrow, $24.95, 9780061228148 / 0061228141) “If you love food, if you lust after a meal in a four-star restaurant, if you’ve wondered how the staff flawlessly serves you in fancy restaurants, read this book. Damrosch is funny, intelligent, and a great writer, and she will have you appreciating waiters, fine dining, and the whole aura of the restaurant business.” –Gayle Shanks, Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe, AZ
BRIDGE OF SIGHS, by Richard Russo (Knopf, $26.95, 9780375414954 / 0375414959) “Russo continues to slice out his own piece of Americana with this story of love, family, friendship, and identity. He is comfortably ensconced in small-town upstate New York, but the horizon expands to exotic Venice as the lives of two old friends inexorably merge after many years. This powerful, evocative novel expands Russo’s range and talent, and solidifies his position as a master.” –Bill Cusumano, Nicola’s Books, Ann Arbor, MI
MISSING WITNESS, by Gordon Campbell (Morrow, $24.95, 9780061337512 / 006133751X) “This debut legal thriller by trial lawyer Campbell deserves to be ranked with masterpieces of the craft. Vietnam-era Phoenix is the hardboiled backdrop for two trial lawyers who pursue a verdict with brilliance, zeal, and Machiavellian planning. It’s a riveting tale.” –Cathy Langer, Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, CO
——- August 2007 (a few snippets about books I read during my vacation)Bridge of Sighs
by Richard Russo
–much better than Empire Falls. A novel set in his usual upstate NY and in Venice. Russo is so great at dealing with family obligations that conflict with artistic aspirations. Once again, he draws characters who could be your family or neighbors. Rich, inventive, poignant, delightful.
Before I Die
by Jenny Downham
–this is a Young Adult title that touched my heart. A 16 year old with advanced leukemia decides there are ten things she wants to do before she dies including having sex, falling in love, and becoming famous. She succeeds with most of them.
Run
by Ann Patchett
Bel Canto is one of my favorite novels and I had high hopes for this one, too, and was a bit disappointed.
Living Your Unlived Life
by Robert Johnson
– my favorite Jungian therapist whose books I have read and re-read over the years, talks about the second half of life and helps us figure out what we haven’t done yet and want to do.
