Skipping Christmas (2001)

by John Grisham

Genre: Fiction

I always look forward to the holiday season, but there is always a wee tiny bit of stress involved.  Juggling family get-togethers, shopping lists, money flying out of the wallet… we’ve all been there!  So what would happen if we just decided to skip the whole thing: No presents, no decorations, no food, no cards, no spirit? 

You all may have seen the movie, “Christmas with the Kranks.”  It’s based on John Grisham’s hilarious novel, Skipping Christmas.  This book puts a satirical spin on the notion of skipping all the festivities that come with Christmas.

It’s short, so you can read it in a weekend on your couch, while you eat the fruitcake you got in the mail from Aunt Marge in front of your over-priced Christmas tree, by the light of the thousands of Christmas lights you have strung on your house that filter through your window.  Enjoy!

Sammy’s Hill (2004)

by Kristin Gore

Genre: Chick Lit

Maybe I’m stereotyping a bit, but I never would have imagined that the daughter of a politician could have me laughing hysterically!  Kristin Gore (Al’s daughter) brings Washington to life with her main character, Samantha (Sammy) Joyce.  Sammy is a young senatorial aid who is dedicated to bringing better health care to seniors.  She’s also a self-deprecating hypochondriac whose love life is a mess and who finds herself constantly in sticky Bridget Jones-esque situations.  She insists on having fish as pets, for example, though she can’t keep them alive.  She does have the flushing ceremony down pat, complete with the song “Octopus’s Garden” playing in the background as the fish are flushed to their watery graves.  Despite her quirks, as you delve into her personal and professional life, you find yourself becoming proud of the girl as she stands up for what’s right… no matter how much trouble it lands her in.

Gore’s debut novel is one of the funniest I’ve read in awhile; and, I’ve just discovered that the sequel, Sammy’s House, was released in July of this year. 

If you love comedy and politics, try these out, and let me know what you think.

Reservation Road (199

by John Burnham Schwartz

Genre: Fiction

We avid readers know that the book is always better than the movie, right?  Reservation Road hit the theaters this past weekend and looks like it will be a hit, with big names like Mark Ruffalo, Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly, and Elle Fanning (Dakota’s little sis).  So, naturally, you will want to read the book before you see the movie. 

The story is a definite tear jearker: One devoted father, Ethan Learner, is returning home from a music recital with his family.  They make a stop at a gas station on Reservation Road.  As they are returning to the car, another car comes out of nowhere; and in a terrible instant, a tragic accident takes the life of Dwight’s son, Lucas. 

Another devoted father, Dwight Arno, is returning home from a baseball game with his own son; as they head down Reservation Road, the fateful encounter with the Learner’s happens so quickly that Dwight’s son doesn’t even notice.  Dwight, however, can’t believe what’s happened as he speeds away.

As the investigation ensues and deepens, both fathers are haunted and obsessed by the tragedy… and both must make some incredibly tough decisions.

Schwartz’ story is tragic and poignant, and filled with unexpected twists.  Reserve your copy today!

Rain Village (2006)

by Carolyn Turgeon

Genre: Fiction

Review by Shawna Pershing, Youth Services Librarian

This first novel by Carolyn Turgeon chronicles the life of Tessa Riley.  Last child born to a poor Kansas farmer, Tessa is no more than four feet tall and unable to help with the heavy manual labor that is a part of farm life. The dullness of their lives is irrevocably changed when Mary Finn breezes into town and opens the library. Suddenly, farmers are reading Shakespeare on their tractors while their wives seek out Mary to have their fortunes told and get advice on their futures, lives and loves. 

Tessa’s life is forever changed when she finally meets Mary, learns to read, and eventually, takes a job helping in the library. Mary introduces Tessa to a new world and Tessa learns about the secret life Mary escaped from. A devastating event sets Tessa on a new path and the book chronicles her life and the influence Mary had on it.

Rain Village will take you along Tessa’s journey. Enjoy the ride!

When I Fall In Love (1999)

by Iris Rainer Dart

Genre:  Fiction

Okay. Now I’m not one for sappy romances, and the cover of this one suggests “weepy, cavity-inducing love story.” But the cover is somewhat deceptive; there is substance and grit to this story. Iris Rainer Dart’s When I Fall in Love explores not only themes of unconditional love, but also of sensitivity, tolerance, and cruelty.

Comedy writer Lily Benjamin has a thriving career, a handsome cardiologist fiancé, and a teenaged son who has ambitions to be a tennis star. Then, every parent’s worst nightmare happens—Lily’s son, Bryan, is shot and his spine is damaged beyond repair. He will never walk again. Lily struggles desperately to comfort her son, but seems to be going about it all wrong; Bryan does not respond to her.

Enter Charlie Roth: Lily’s new boss and legendary comedian, and who is horribly disfigured from cerebral palsy. Famous for his off-color humor and outrageous self deprecation, Roth is not one of Lily’s favorite people.

Strangely enough to Lily, Charlie’s insensitive and often cruel humor is the only thing Bryan responds to. Slowly, Bryan gains a new perspective of the world around him, and how he fits into it. And Lily, too, begins to see life—and Charlie—in a new light.

Sound like a tear-jerker?  It is.  Your gut will twist from the emotions and tragedy of the story, but you will also convulse with laughter as well, and fall in love with the character Charlie Roth.