Kris' Staff Picks
"Forgotten towns in Pennsylvania dot our landscape. Drugs, petty crime, doubt, boredom, lack of empathy can be an undercurrent that eclipses those who do good, look out for their neighbors, are friendly and helpful. This book describes that very well all the while entwining three characters together in three unique storylines that will leave you with a satisfying end. A recovering drug user, a disfigured nurse, a stand up guy whose morals are challenged at every turn, all face their demons and move to ultimately appreciate the messiness of life. The supporting characters in this, a loyal wife, a dying teen, community neighbors are just as vivid and could easily stand on their own as those who we'd like to hear more about. Flawed people but I was rooting for them all!"
"What separates men from the boys? Vincent and William have very different stories. Or do they? Following along in a back and forth dialog from Vincent's year before college, his life as a dad with a son off to college, and William who misses out on college due to the Viet Nam war. The two lives collide on a worksite and stories are told of blood, sweat, tears, lessons and life takeaways that make this read so worthwhile. Cheer on all three men and cry for their friends. And when you close the book, thank a Vet."
"I loved this historical fiction story based on a true "slave jail" where the main character, Pheby is sent as punishment by a plantation owner's wife. The jail is one of the worst in Virginia and people who find themselves there are often sold or punished in the worst ways possible. Pheby gives birth to five of the Jailer's children thereby establishing herself as "Mistress of the Jail". The role is a contradiction and a way to survive since Pheby herself is half white, half African American. Heartbreaking, painful to read but so necessary in this time where racial tensions are so high. My heart broke, and I was cheering on those who made it to freedom in the Northeast. I felt so many emotions in this one!"
"Suspense takes you on a ride after the opening scene where one bad decision and violent attack will have you, the reader, also questioning who and what to believe. Wealth and down on your luck combines an undertone that might have you questioning what you might do.
Oliver is a liar. Nathan is a respected surgeon. Both desperate for different reasons. Enter in Kristian. What role does he play in this game of lies and deception."
"A page turning, stay up all night read that you think you have all figured out. Until you don’t! It is post-partum depression? Why cant Blythe bond iwht her daughter? Twisting and turning the mother/daughter relationship with a push and pull of suspense, this one will keep you guessing until the last page!"
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"Set in the halls of middle school and the cafeteria of high school with the angst of trying to fit in, and the change of friendships that were previously defined by neighborhoods and girlhood commonality, The Brittany’s reminded me of being adolescent, wanting to be liked and realizing things change though we don’t want them to. This will take us back to junior high and remind us of raising our own daughters in the 90’s. Universal and heartfelt, this was a great summer read!"
"Did you ever want to be in a rock band? Love and miss the 1970’s rock and roll? Get your cutoff jeans, leather flip flops and live vicariously in the studio with Billy, Daisy and the band as they create, love, hate, grow, hurt and deal with the thing called life. An easy read, a page turner and my top pick for summer 2019!
Good artists know how to leave an audience screaming for more. Taylor Reid Jenkins has done just that! Brava!!"
"Native American Indians with various stories all meeting together in one climactic scene. Memorable characters. Poverty, addiction, legends, superstitions in modern day California."
"A powerful message by a surprising voice. A unique perspective on the idea of urban sprawl. Ultimately, a tale of observation, survival and behavior."