“Peter and the Sword of Mercy” by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Youth Fiction; published 2009
This most recent book in the series of “Peter and the Starcatchers” tells the story of Peter Pan, before the story we all know and love. This time, Wendy is involved in saving England because the shadowy creatures who are after the starstuff have captured Wendy’s mother and father, as well as one of Peter’s original Lost Boys, James. Most of the action takes place underneath London, but there are trips to Neverland that will enchant all those who know the story written by another Barrie. Though this is the 4th book in the series, a reader can jump in at any point and enjoy the wild adventures of Peter and the Darling family.
Picked by: Marya Hunsinger
“The City and the City” by China Miéville
Fantasy; published 2009
Cynical cop Tyador Borlu is called to investigate a murder in Beszel, a nondescript town of Eastern Europe. Well, Beszel would be nondescript except that it occupies the same physical space as much more affluent Ul Qoma, forbidden to Beszel residents who have long been trained to “unsee” the other town in their midst. And the murdered woman is an Ul Qoma resident, which forces the case into the realm of Breach, the otherworldly force that polices the separation between the two cities. A wonderful marriage of hard-boiled detective novel with intriguing alternate reality.
Picked by: Mary Beth Hustoles
“Too Close to Home” by Linwood Barclay
Thriller; published 2008
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and it was a little better constructed that the first (“No Time for Goodbye”) with better character development. The main character, Jim Cutting, is an everyday kind of guy, trying to get along with his shaky marriage, insolent son, and fledging lawn care business. Then the neighbors are all slaughtered and all hell breaks loose. This was a good fast read while on the road with a lot of thrills and some good surprises at the end.
Picked by: Robin Beerbower
“The Financial Lives of the Poets” by Jess Walter
Fiction; published 2009
Matt Prior risked it all to launch a website offering financial tips and advice all in verse. Hey – it sounded like a good idea at the time. Now, he may lose his home, his family and possibly his mind if he doesn’t come up with a way to raise a pile of cash, quick. Walter describes the book as a look at the current financial crisis from the viewpoint of someone with their head hanging out the window as the car goes over the cliff. It’s hilarious, fast-paced, and strangely true.
Picked by: Sonja Somerville
