Featured Books: March 2009

The Writing on My Forehead by Nafisa Haji

“You must take some time and fall in love with the characters of Nafisa Haji's debut novel about Saira Qader, a rebellious journalist and a Muslim-American of Indo-Pakistani descent, and her family members, each with their own hopes and dreams. This is a rich novel, full of joys and sorrows, laughter and tears, rebellion and tenderness.”
— Sina Herkelrath, Kepler's Books & Magazine, Menlo Park, CA

The Miracles of Prato by Laurie Lico Albanese & Laura Morowitz

“Based on the true story of Fra Filippo Lippi's love for a young nun (whom he immortalized as the Madonna in many of his greatest works), this novel is beautifully evocative of Renaissance Italy, and I found the descriptions of the process of Lippi's artistry to be insightful and enlightening. A wonderful book to take on a journey to Tuscany.”
— Jennie Turner-Collins, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH

The Kindly Ones by Jonathan Littell

“The Kindly Ones is as fierce and unrelenting as any novel in my recent experience. This account of a former SS officer can be brutal and disturbing, but there is no doubt the effect will be visceral and provocative. If you are looking for a 'good read,' skip it, but if you appreciate an author willing to risk going to the edge pick it up.”
— Bill Cusumano, Nicola's Books, Ann Arbor, MI

The Believers by Zoe Heller

“The Believers is a story is of a dysfunctional Jewish family, including a bizarre, demanding mother; an overweight daughter; and a drug-addicted son. Heller gives us an interesting, enjoyable journey, as the reader becomes a part of the day-to-day events in the lives of this family.”
— Lona Shields, Echo Books, Inc., Chester Springs

Fool by Christopher Moore

“Christopher Moore's take on Shakespeare's King Lear is full of sharp, snappy wit (as well as a bloody ghost, bodily fluids, bawdy humor, a bit of graphic violence, and a great deal of sex). In the end, it is rib-achingly hilarious.”
— Jackie Blem, Tattered Cover Bookstore, Denver, CO