“The Condition” by Jennifer Haigh

General Fiction, published 2008

The condition in question is Turner’s syndrome. Gwen, it is understood sometime in the 1970s, will not grow past her pre-pubescent body. Told from the varied viewpoints of her family members, the book explores how – 20 years after the diagnosis – The Condition has affected her old-school New England family. It is an interesting and well-told story of family dynamics and would be a great bet for discussion groups.

Picked by: Robin Beerbower

“For Better, For Murder” by Lisa Bork

Mystery, published 2009

This new mystery series pits car dealership owner Jolene Asdale against her almost-ex-husband, a local deputy. There has been a murder in the town and unfortunately the evidence seems to keep stacking up against Jolene and her sister. Lots of interesting twists in the story and lots of suspense. A very good read.

Picked by: Edena Madding

“The Summer Kitchen” by Karen Weinreb

Fiction, published 2009

Nora Banks and her young boys are devastated when her husband Evan is taken off to jail for a white-collar crime. With the help of the boys' nanny Beatriz, and the wonderful baking and preserving Nora produces from her summer kitchen, the family comes back to a simpler lifestyle. People who are intrigued by how society works among the wealthy upper classes might like this book. I enjoyed it for the characters and their interaction with each other and with others in their neighborhood.

Picked by: Marcia Poehler

“How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live like Everyone Else” by Michael Gates Gill

Autobiography, published 2007

Michael Gates Gill lived a life of privilege until a surprise firing, a series of bad personal choices, and a brain tumor left him broke and scared. Then a casual job offer from a young Starbucks manager changed his life forever. This is a funny, insightful, and honest story of redemption and personal growth through service work. This autobiography will appeal to anyone who has ever worked a hard job or taken a wrong turn in life. (It's also a pretty good ad for Starbucks.)

Picked by: Betsy Romeo