Still Life, by Sarah Winman

Staff Pick

After Tin Man--one of my favourite books from the last decade--I eagerly anticipated Winman’s new novel. The advance copy of Still Life came to me during a moment of extreme emotional turmoil, and it did what amazing literature does: it gave me solace, and provided shelter and comfort. Winman's writing is absolutely brilliant; the way she builds her characters makes you feel like you’ve known them for ages, and their dialogue and banter are so inviting you almost feel a part of each discussion. The book opens against  the backdrop of World War II Tuscany. The young British soldier Ulysses meets the sixty-something English spinster Evelyn, and over the course of an evening they form a bond that will last a lifetime. As the narrative goes back and forth between post-war London and Tuscany--spanning decades--we follow the characters' lives and meet an array of others, all with different personalities that mesh perfectly; these are friends that become family. Winman's sensibility absolutely shines through this novel, engaging us with the warmth of the interactions, the what-if elements, the meaning of family, art, passion, broken hearts, friendships, and love, so much love…  

Still Life: A GMA Book Club Pick (A Novel) By Sarah Winman Cover Image
$27.00
ISBN: 9780593330753
Availability: Not On Our Shelves—Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: G.P. Putnam's Sons - November 2nd, 2021

A Slow Fire Burning, by Paula Hawkins

Staff Pick

A young man is murdered on a houseboat in London. Laura, a troubled young girl, was seen leaving the boat. But then there’s Miriam, a quite noisy neighbour with a secret or two. And then the victim's aunt Carla. All three women are linked to the dead man and to each other. Hawkins introduces these characters and their backstories slowly, establishing the various connections through well-paced alternating chapters--but as the picture fills in, readers realize not everything is as it seems. As the mystery builds, you'll feel like you're in the hands of an expert filmmaker--and A Slow Fire Burning is a perfect summer read in any season.

A Slow Fire Burning: A Novel By Paula Hawkins Cover Image
$28.00
ISBN: 9780735211230
Availability: Special Order—Subject to Availability
Published: Riverhead Books - August 31st, 2021

When We Were Young, by Richard Roper

Staff Pick

I loved this book! After Richard’s debut novel I was looking forward to reading the next one and was not disappointed. Theo and Joel are best of mates, but then--a girl, an accident, and the rift. Fast forward some fifteen years later, Theo is living with his parents, recovering from a breakup, and very much stuck in the past. Joel is a famous scriptwriter, still very much in love with his childhood sweetheart, but he now has a secret and feels the void left by the demise of his friendship with Theo. Determined to make things right, he proposes that Theo join him on a walk of all 184 miles of the Thames Path. A story of love and friendship--of "choices we make and chances we take"--this book will warm your heart and break it at the same time.

When We Were Young By Richard Roper Cover Image
$26.00
ISBN: 9780525539919
Availability: Special Order—Subject to Availability
Published: G.P. Putnam's Sons - July 20th, 2021

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