The 2004 March/April Book Sense 76

1. GOOD GRIEF: A Novel, by Lolly Winston (Warner, $18, 0446533041) "Protagonist Sophie Stanton is only 36 when her husband dies, and she goes through all the stages of grief: She can't get out of bed, and then she gets angry, feels denial, and, eventually, opens up to friendship and a possible love. She is so human that you want to hug her, or call her up, or go out on the town with her. Winston has a wistful way of writing -- this novel kept my attention glued until the end." --Roberta Rubin, The Book Stall at Chestnut, Winnetka, IL Also a Time Warner Audio (1586216953, Abridged CD)

2. LOVE IN THE DRIEST SEASON: A Family Memoir, by Neely Tucker (Crown, $23.95, 0609609769) "Neely Tucker has covered some of the world's most horrific stories as a foreign correspondent, but his most riveting reporting is the story of how he and his wife adopted their Zimbabwean daughter, Chipo. The child's survival as an abandoned infant was no less miraculous than Tucker and his wife's approval as parents after years of governmental red tape, hostility, and prejudice." --Susan Wood Taylor, The Traveler, Bainbridge Island, WA Also a Random House Audio (0739310712, Abridged CD)

3. THE BIRTH OF VENUS: A Novel, by Sarah Dunant (Random House, $21.95, 1400060737) "The large scale of history -- filled with art, intrigue, and romance in late 15th century Florence -- comes into perfect focus in Sarah Dunant's compellingly written novel. Alessandra Cecchi dreams of being an artist and, so, is totally entranced when her father brings a mysterious young painter to their home to decorate the family chapel. This is a mesmerizing, sexy, and startling story with a heart-pounding pace that kept me turning pages late into the night." --Susan Avery, Ariel Booksellers, New Paltz, NY Also a Random House Audio (0739310534, Abridged CD)

4. THE SHADOW OF THE WIND, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (Penguin, $24.95, 1594200106) "Postwar Barcelona is the setting of this stunning novel about an enigmatic novelist, Julian Carax, and the bookseller's son who discovers his work in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books and subsequently becomes obsessed with uncovering the mystery surrounding the writer. The multilayered plot and exquisitely written characters will keep readers riveted. Haunting and beautiful, with a perfect plot for book-lovers." --Cathy Langer, Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, CO Also a Penguin Audio (0142800805, Unabridged CD)

5. BLUE SUBURBIA: Almost a Memoir, by Laurie Albanese (Perennial, $12.95 paper, 0060565632) "Laurie Albanese's collection of poetry hits every nerve -- childhood, marriage, parenthood, the loss of parents -- and it left me weeping with recognition, yet uplifted, that someone had so eloquently expressed what I feel. Readers will be compelled to share and discuss this book." --Cheryl McKeon, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

6. THE FOREST LOVER: A Novel, by Susan Vreeland (Viking, $24.95, 0670032670) "Set in British Columbia at the turn of the 20th century, Vreeland's latest novel once again allows us to enter the art-inspired world of another era. Vancouver-born painter Emily Carr has become known for her love of the natural world, and her pioneering efforts to preserve the primitive art of the indigenous cultures she loved. She should attract many new admirers with this fulfilling novel." --Connie Heppner, Full Circle Bookstore, Oklahoma City, OK Also a Penguin Audio (0142800457, Unabridged CD)

7. HOLY FOOLS: A Novel, by Joanne Harris (Morrow, $24.95, 0060559128) "Holy Fools takes place in a dilapidated convent on an island in France, where each of the sisters is hiding from secrets of the past. With all the sensuousness and mysticism of her earlier novel Chocolat, plus the tension and friction between church and science, Holy Fools makes an intoxicating tale of manipulation and revenge. Fabulous." --Megan O'Bryan, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA Also a Harper Audio (0060586249, Unabridg ed Cassette)

8. NAME ALL THE ANIMALS: A Memoir, by Alison Smith (Scribner, $24, 0743255224) "This extraordinary account of the way the author's family coped with the accidental death of her brother and her own secret homosexuality is gripping, unsentimental, and amazingly accomplished. If Smith is able to do this in a first book, I can't wait for the next." --Carole Horne, Harvard Book Store, Cambridge, MA Also an Audioworks Audio (0743535847, Abridged CD)

9. AN UNPARDONABLE CRIME: A Novel, by Andrew Taylor (Hyperion, $24.95, 1401301029) "This historical literary mystery set in early 19th century England revolves around a young Edgar Allan Poe. The story is dark and compelling, and I was absorbed from the beginning. It will really appeal to fans of An Instance of the Fingerposts and The Dante Club." --Eric Buscher, Posman Books @ Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY Also a Hyperion Audio (1401398022, Abridged Cassette)

10. THE BIG YEAR: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession, by Mark Obmascik (Free Press, $25, 0743245458) "Since Roger Tory Peterson, the ultimate quest for birders has been a Big Year: the annual record for the most bird species spotted. Journalist Obmascik chronicles the tribulations of three competitive birders during the 1998 Big Year competition and mixes in history, geography, nature, strategy sessions, and triumphs of character over adversity." --Daniel Goldin, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Milwaukee, WI Also a Random House Audio (0739302515, Abridged CD)

ALOFT, by Chang-rae Lee (Riverhead, $24.95, 1573222631) "In Aloft, Jerry Battle flies solo in his private plane while struggling to come to terms with his life, the needs of his elderly father, the needs of his children, and his own relationships with the living and the dead. A tremendously powerful and -- dare I say it -- heartwarming novel." --Carol Schneck, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, Okemos, MI Also a HighBridge Audio (1565118898, Unabridged CD)

THE ANNUNCIATION OF FRANCESCA DUNN, by Janis Hallowell (Morrow, $24.95, 0060559195) "Hallowell's novel is a delight to read from beginning to end. Her story -- about a young girl who affects others' lives in an unexpected way -- is mixed with tenderness as well as touches of insanity, humor, and sadness. I absolutely loved this book." --Susan Harrison, The Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, NC Also a HighBridge Audio (1565118634, Unabridged CD)

ANYTHING YOU SAY CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU: Stories, by Laurie Lynn Drummond (HarperCollins, $23.95, 0060561629) "Drummond is now an assistant English professor, but she was for eight years a uniformed police officer with the Baton Rouge City Police Department -- an experience that provides the raw material for these fine stories. Though fiction, these tales read like memoir, and are replete with remarkable immediacy and realism." --Tom Allen, Stacey's Bookstore, San Francisco, CA

AWAKE, by Elizabeth Graver (Holt, $23, 0805065393) "Ana, the novel's narrator, is the parent of a child with a rare genetic disease wherein sunlight can prove fatal. The story unfolds from one about a family with a sick child to a serious and moving exploration of identity, passion, freedom, and the implications of complacency -- as well as the pursuit of desire. This is a haunting work that lingers well after you finish it." --Tim Huggins, Newtonville Books, Newton, MA

BROTHER AND SISTER, by Joanna Trollope (Bloomsbury, $23.95, 1582344000) "This story of two adopted adults raised in the same family and seeking their separate birth-mothers is an insightful portrayal of middle-class English life. The characters' discoveries change their lives in surprising ways. Joann a Trollope has produced another winner." --Shirley Frank, Edmonds Bookshop, Edmonds, WA

THE CLOVIS INCIDENT, by Pari Noskin Taichert (University of New Mexico Press, $24.95, 0826331858) "The characters in The Clovis Incident are engaging and well drawn, and New Mexico itself is portrayed with affection and humor. Interesting and well-paced, it will keep you wanting to read 'just one more chapter.'" --Ardys Otterbacher, Tome on the Range Books, Las Vegas, NM

CONFINEMENT, by Carrie Brown (Algonquin, $24.95, 156512393X) "Arthur and his son Toby are rescued from 1946 London, spirited away by a wealthy couple; the two are the only survivors in their family. Although the horrors of the war are behind them, Arthur and Toby soon realize the dark secrets of their adoptive family carry burdens as well. Young Aggie, the family's only child, brings them true joy -- but her love leads to further loss and angst for Arthur. I am as haunted by Arthur as he is by his memories of the Austrian Holocaust." --Cheryl McKeon, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

COOKING FOR HARRY: A Low-Carbohydrate Novel, by Kay-Marie James (Shaye Areheart Books, $21, 1400045029) "When husband Harry decides to go on a diet, wife Francie takes over his kitchen duties. However, as his weight changes so does their marriage. This book is called a 'low-carbohydrate novel,' but it offers plenty of substantial, high-calorie delights." --Tara O'Donnell, Paperbacks Plus, Bronx, NY

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF CHARLIE ST. CLOUD, by Ben Sherwood (Bantam, $22.95, 0553802208) "Charlie St. Cloud is quiet and kind; he has scores of secrets and is devoted to his work at a local graveyard. Tess Carroll is bold and untamable and has sailed the world alone. This unlikely pair fall deeply in love, until a bizarre tragedy forces Charlie to face the most difficult decision of his life. This haunting, beautiful novel is a unique and tremendous read." --Hilary Emerson Lay, The Spirit of '76 Bookstore, Marblehead, MA

THE DEW BREAKER, by Edwidge Danticat (Knopf, $22.95, 1400041147) "In The Dew Breaker, Danticat presents a portrait of evil unlike anything I can remember. The horror and brutality of Haiti during the 1960s and '70s is seen through the eyes of a torturer and his victims, who come to find that he is living among them in the New York City of today. Edwidge Danticat has achieved what so many writers strive for, a novel that matters." --Mitchell Kaplan, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL Also a Recorded Books A udio (1402572018, Unabridged Cassette)

THE EPICURE'S LAMENT, by Kate Christensen (Doubleday, $23.95, 0767910303) "The thoroughly perverse and unlikable protagonist Hugo Whittier somehow seduces us with his angry, mordantly funny chronicle of pain, lust, literature, food, cigarettes, and unwelcome relatives. And, in spite of himself, he manages to move us." --Mary Benham and Calvin Crosby, Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA

FAITHFUL, by Davitt Sigerson (Doubleday/Nan A. Talese, $23.95, 0385510500) "Sigerson has written a dandy of a first novel. Under the cover of rather frequent and graphic sex scenes between the primary characters is a novel full of sharp-eyed observations about modern relationships, with all of their messy alliances and barriers. Sigerson's lean, unforgiving writing adds another layer of realism to the story." --Neil Rajala, Schuler Books & Music, Grand Rapids, MI

FIRES IN THE DARK, by Louise Doughty (HarperCollins, $24.95, 0060571225) "Not since D.M. Thomas' The White Hotel have I been so deeply affected by a book about the horrors of the Holocaust. This is a historically rich story of one gypsy family and the persecution they suffered before, during, and after the worst era in history. It is a story of strength and honor, tenacity and loss." --Cheryl A. Townsend, Cat's Impetuous Books, Kent, OH

HAVANA WORLD SERIES, by José Latour (Grove, $23, 0802117546) "A heart-pounding reconstruction of a war of misfits just before the revolutionary changes in Cuba. A first-rate crime novel peopled with the lowest of lowlife." --Virginia Hobson Hicks, Books on the Bluff, Townsend, GA

IBID: A Life, by Mark Dunn (MacAdam/Cage Publishing, $22, 1931561656) "Sparkling with wit, dazzling with brilliance, this is the wondrous new book from the author of Ella Minnow Pea and Welcome to Higby. Dunn does not mince words about discrimination, and he pokes fun at many people whose names and places in recent history are familiar -- but what he does best of all is entertain us with a clever story, endearing characters, an unusual format, and a whale of a good book." --Susan Wasson, Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM

INAMORATA, by Joseph Gangemi (Viking, $24.95, 0670032794) "There's much to like in this tale about possible spiritual mediums in 1920s Philadelphia: a subtle narrative flavored with real characters; an eccentric fictional cast; and a loving evocation of a period that, while only 80 years removed from today, seems eons away." --Barbara Peters, The Poisoned Pen, Scottsdale, AZ

IRA FOXGLOVE, by Thomas McMahon (Brook Street Press, $21.95, 0972429530) "This posthumously published novel tells the story of a talented inventor who embarks on an intriguing odyssey to reclaim his family. I expect we'll begin to see a demand for McMahon's earlier novels as readers discover this one." --Pete Dickerson, Fireside Bookstore, Forest City, NC

LITTLE CHILDREN, by Tom Perrotta (St. Martin's, $24.95, 0312315716) "An ambitious, dark, and comical novel about a group of suburban adults dealing with the delicate balance of romantic relationships plus the dramas of midlife, social boundaries, and parenthood. Perrotta's ear for inner dialogue left me amazed and, at times, in tears of laughter. This book will surely be regarded as one of the most well-written and entertaining novels of the year." --Tim Huggins, Newtonville Books, Newton, MA

LOVING CHE, by Ana Menéndez (Atlantic Monthly Press, $22, 0871139081) "Loving Che is an engrossing narrative that enraptures the reader as the layers of the story unfold. Sensuous and poignant, Menéndez's achievement reads like poetry." --Sara Kristof, Island Bookstore, Corolla, NC

LOVE MONKEY, by Kyle Smith (Morrow, $23.95, 0060574534) "Tom is a single New Yorker who freely admits to being the emotional equivalent of a 13-year-old boy, rather than the 32-year-old man he is. Enter Julia; she is the woman of Tom's dreams … but he may not be the man of hers. So, men, be prepared to find a little of yourself in Tom, and, women, be prepared to find out what they're really thinking. Love Monkey has much to offer readers of both genders." --Maret Orliss, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

MAGGIE DARLING: A Modern Romance, by James Howard Kunstler (Atlantic Monthly Press, $23, 0871139103) "One of the great commentators on American space and place writes a hysterical romance novel chock-full of mishaps seemingly never-ending. The theme is common, but Kunstler's writing is immaculate and draws a detailed and vivid portrait of the Maggie Darling character. This novel about wealth, power, sex and drugs, will keep you in stitches." --Carolyn Valtos, Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM

THE OUTSIDE WORLD, by Tova Mirvis (Knopf, $24, 1400041619) "This is the compelling story of Tzippy and Baruch (formerly Bryan), two young people who search for the perfect world within themselves and in their religion, while their hapless parents can only look on as the pair move s from engagement to marriage. Mirvis gives us a rare glimpse into the Orthodox Jewish world -- one full of tradition, joy, and abundance, but one that is ultimately closed to the outside world." --Mary Lee Delafield, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

PS, I LOVE YOU, by Cecelia Ahern (Hyperion, $21.95, 1401300901) "A first novel from a 22-year-old author, PS, I Love You is a page-turner. Gerry and Holly were the ideal couple, and life was just as Holly had planned -- that is, until Gerry must face serious illness. This is an amazing love story that I'm going to recommend to all my customers who love fiction." --Susie Weaver, Broad Street Books, Portsmouth, VA Also a Hyperion Audio (1401398456, Abridged CD)

THE SWALLOWS OF KABUL, by Yasmina Khadra (Doubleday/Nan A. Talese, $18.95, 0385510012) "A deeply moving story, set in Kabul, about four people whose lives are affected by the harshness of the Taliban government. Khadra's novel is powerful, and a definite must-read for anyone interested in current events." --Susan Harrison, The Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, NC

UNDER COTTONWOODS, by Stephen Grace (Lyons Press, $19.95, 1592281656) "This fantastic novel tells the story of two troubled young men and the friendship between them that grows as they fly fish on the rivers of Jackson, Wyoming. Grace knows how to tell a great story." --Jessica Mydland, The Book Shop, Sheridan, WY

A VERY PRIVATE GENTLEMAN, by Martin Booth (Thomas Dunne Books, $23.95, 0312309082) "A subtle, stylish, and extremely well-crafted work of intrigue disguised as fiction. Martin Booth's latest is right on the money." --Geoffrey Jennings, Rainy Day Books, Fairway, KS

WITH, by Donald Harington (Toby Press, $19.95, 1592640508) "Harington has always taken chances that many writers would not dare to, and the results are always heartfelt. I raced through this, his latest work -- again set in the fictional Ozark town of Stay More -- and I'm about to start it again, so I can savor it this time." --Pat Breen, Brunswick Bookland, Brunswick, ME

BAKING ILLUSTRATED: The Practical Kitchen Companion for the Home Baker With 350 Recipes You Can Trust, edited by Cook's Illustrated Magazine (America's Test Kitchen, $35, 0936184752) "This is a cookbook that offers great recipes and explains the science of baking, with brand-name ingredients (and how they differ) for cookies, muffins, pizzas, and breads -- glorious breads from around the world. And there's more! Drawings and photos throughout explain the good, the bad, and the worst results, and why." --Becky Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA

BOBBY FISCHER GOES TO WAR: How the Soviets Lost the Most Extraordinary Chess Match of All Time, by David Edmonds and John Eidinow (Ecco, $24.95, 0060510242) "Remember the early '70s, when the eyes of the world were glued to a particular chessboard? Unlikely as it seems now, the 'match of the century' in 1972 was considered a major event with political repercussions far beyond the ches s world. An engrossing book on a fascinating subject." --Lisa Moore, Twenty-Third Avenue Books, Portland, OR Also a Harper Audio (0060591900, Abridged Cassette)

BORDERLINES: A Memoir, by Caroline Kraus (Broadway, $23.95, 0767914031) "Sometimes, getting what you want is the worst thing that could happen. In this true story, San Francisco bookstore clerk Caroline Kraus desires a special friendship with a co-worker, the free-spirited and enchanting Jane. But Caroline, in fleeing the emotional void of her mother's death, is about to find something worse -- intimacy without boundaries. This book will take you on a dark, thrilling, and, eventually, triumphant ride." --Holly Chase Williams, Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, WA

BREAKING RANKS: Refusing to Serve in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, by Ronit Chacham (Other Press, $15 paper, 1590510992) "I was heartened, impressed, and generally blown away by Breaking Ranks, the account of nine Israeli Defense Force members who tell why they now refuse to serve in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Essential reading for anyone interested in the Middle East conflict." --Lynn Farquhar, Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, CO

CIVIL WARS: Gay Marriage in America, by David Moats (Harcourt, $25, 015101017X) "Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Moats has written a fascinating account of how democracy moves society forward. Not only does he introduce us to the many players in the debate over gay marriage and civil unions in Vermont, he also allows us to watch the democratic process unfold through town meetings, committee meetings, and public debate in the Vermont legislature. A remarkable account of history being made." --Joan Grenier, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA

GOAT: A Memoir, by Brad Land (Random House, $22.95, 1400060931) "Land writes with a brutal poignancy that is rare for any author, especially a young one. His narrative is hauntingly strong for someone who has experienced so much; his straightforward truth survives the brutality he has faced. I couldn't stop reading." --Daniel Elam, Branch's Chapel Hill Bookshop, Chapel Hill, NC Also a Recorded Books Audio (1402573677, Unabridged CD)

GOOD BOOKS LATELY: The One-Stop Resource for Book Groups and Other Greedy Readers, by Ellen Moore and Kira Stevens (Griffin, $13.95 paper, 0312309619) "Chock-full of great tips and advice, this helpful resource is a must-read for any book group member or leader wanting to enhance their reading/discussion experience. The stories, comments, recommendations (of what to read and what to avoid!) from book groups around the country are gems." --Maryjude Hoeffel, Bookin' It, Little Falls, MN

HARRIET TUBMAN: The Road to Freedom, by Catherine Clinton (Little, Brown, $27.95, 0316144924) "Tubman's achievements in the 1850s and 1860s are often overlooked because she did not write a memoir. Here, Clinton has pulled together many accounts of Tubman's exploits and has filled in the gaps with vivid detail on the abolition movement and the underground railroad. Tubman emerges as an incredibly brave woman whose skill and leadership brought hundreds of slaves to freedom and inspired thousands." --Duff Bruce, The Open Book, Greenville, SC

INSIDE HITLER'S BUNKER: The Last Days of the Third Reich, by Joachim Fest, Margot Dembo (Trans.) (FSG, $21, 0374135770) "The latest work by preeminent German historian Joachim Fest examines the collapse of Hitler's government and the devastation the increasingly frenzied dictator wrought upon his country, even as the Allied armies advanced from both the East and the West. With his usual attention to detail and a smooth, readable style, Fest delivers yet another excellent volume about the Third Reich." --Karen Keyte, Books Etc., Falmouth, ME

THE MIDNIGHT DISEASE: The Drive to Write, Writer's Block, and the Creative Brain, by Alice Weaver Flaherty (Houghton Mifflin, $24, 0618230653) "This is a writing book like no other. Flaherty, a clinical neurologist, was afflicted with a rare disorder that causes incessant, compulsive writing. Her book combines a poetic meditation on her experience and its opposite -- writer's block -- with a detailed discussion of the neurological functions underlying speaking, reading, and, ultimately, writing. The science is clear but demanding, and there are fascinating new ways of looking at things on almost every page." --Michael Rosenthal, Modern Times Bookstore, San Francisco, CA

NOTHING'S WRONG: A Man's Guide to Managing His Feelings, by David Kundtz (Conari, $14.95 paper, 1573249157) "In an age of feel-good books, Kundtz knows that many men must take a crucial first step -- knowing how to feel at all. His three-part approach to freeing men from entrenched stoicism is simple and workable, and his explanation of why we need to do it is compelling." --Eric Robbins, Apple Valley Books, Winthrop, ME

RAMBLIN' MAN: The Life and Times of Woody Guthrie, by Ed Cray (Norton, $29.95, 0393047598) "A fast read, an energetic read, a biography worth any reader who either loves Woody Guthrie's music or loves strong life stories." --Scott Wannberg, Dutton's Brentwood Books, Los Angeles, CA

RATS: Observations on the History and Habitat of the City's Most Unwanted Inhabitants, by Robert Sullivan (Bloomsbury, $23.95, 1582343853) "Who knew a book about one of nature's most reviled creatures could make such great bedside reading? I thoroughly enjoyed this historical chronicle of rodents in New York City. It's not only a history of rats, but it is also a social history of the city." --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

TO THE HEART OF THE NILE: Lady Florence Baker and the Exploration of Central Africa, by Pat Shipman (Morrow, $25.95, 0060505559) "I loved this book! Florence Szász was an amazing woman, and her life is an amazing story. An explorer with great courage, she accomplished things in the 1800s that women today would be acclaimed for doing. The author can really tell a great historical story." --Judith Werstell, Second Story Book Shop, Chappaqua, NY

WAITING FOR SNOW IN HAVANA: Confessions of a Cuban Boy, by Carlos Eire (Free Press, $14 paper, 0743246411) "This sparkles with the life of a wild 10-year-old boy. Eire and his friends pull the tails off lizards, ride on the backs of pesticide trucks, play with firecrackers as Castro comes to power, and wait to leave their island, their parents, and their childhoods behind. A great account of being a young boy." --Arsen Kashkashian, The Boulder Book Store, Boulder, CO

WE'RE JUST LIKE YOU, ONLY PRETTIER: Confessions of a Tarnished Southern Belle, by Celia Rivenbark (St. Martin's, $19.95, 0312312431) "I'm a Southern female of a certain age, and are we as described in Rivenbark's latest collection of wonderfully funny essays? Yes, we are!" --Gee Gee Rosell, Buxton Village Books, Buxton, NC

WORKING FIRE: The Making of an Accident al Fireman, by Zac Unger (Penguin, $24.95, 1594200017) "This balanced and well-crafted memoir tells, with style and wit, a gripping story about firefighting. When I finished Working Fire, I understood the strong bond among all emergency workers, and realized just how brave they are." --Andra Tracy, Out Word Bound, Indianapolis, IN

YOU ARE HERE: A Memoir of Arrival, by Wesley Gibson (Back Bay, $13.95 paper, 0316740845) "My new favorite neurotic is Wesley Gibson, who tells us his version of what really happens when you move to New York City to pursue your dreams. Moving, scary, and supremely, fabulously funny. If you flipped over Running With Scissors, this should be your next read." --Kelly Justice, The Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA

ALISON'S AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR MANUAL, by Brad Barkley (Griffin, $12.95, 0312325797) "Good old-fashioned stick-to-your-ribs (and in your mind) storytelling. How Alison (who has no knowledge of cars) restores a 1976 Corvette and, in the process, restores herself makes a great story. What she does with both the car and herself make for a great ending." --Mary Ann Steele, Mary Ann's Mostly Books, Benson, AZ

THE DANTE CLUB, by Matthew Pearl (Random House, $13.95, 0812971043) "Renowned writers Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and James Russell Lowell, as well as editor J.T. Fields, spring to vivid life as they band together to track down a serial killer who is terrorizing Boston through methods that mirror the punishments meted out to sinners within the circles of Dante's Inferno. Not to be missed!" --Dea Anne Martin, Chapter 11, Atlanta, GA

DEAREST DOROTHY, ARE WE THERE YET?, by Charlene Ann Baumbich (Penguin, $10.95, 0142003794) "Dorothy Jean Wetstra is an 87-year-old who lives life to the fullest and isn't about to slow down. Dearest Dorothy pulls you into the small town of Partonville, Illinois, which boasts all the charm and oddballs you could want. This book had me laughing, crying, and wishing for more." --Naphtali Francis, Fifth Avenue Book Center, El Centro, CA

PATTERN RECOGNITION, by William Gibson (Berkley, $14, 0425192938) "The future is now! This is a fast-paced and intriguing page-turner that will change how the reader views the world. Gibson displays an amazing gift for language with this story, which examines branding, technology, grief, relationships, logos, and what is hip. Truly memorable." --Doug Vander Sys, The Bookman, Grand Haven, MI

SET THIS HOUSE IN ORDER: A Romance of Souls, by Matt Ruff (Perennial, $14.95, 006095485X) "This novel -- which tells the story of a 29-year-old man with multiple personality disorder -- is one of the best books I've read recently. It's absolutely terrific." --Rachel Ray, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Lexington, KY

SHEILA LEVINE IS DEAD AND LIVING IN NEW YORK, by Gail Parent (Overlook Press, $13.95, 1585674710) "Sheila, who is 30, Jewish, and unmarried in New York has decided to end it all, despite the fact that 'suicide is so un-Jewish.' But before she does away with herself, she's going to write a novel-length note so that everyone will know why she did it. This hilarious, acerbic, and intelligent book absolutely should be known as the first in a much-loved genre. Before Bridget Jones, there was Sheila Levine." --Maret Orliss, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

THE SONG OF NAMES, by Norman Lebrecht (Anchor, $14, 1400034892) "This story of a missing violin prodigy and his friend is a book that grabs you and won't let go. It's witty, a great story, and is full of surprises. I'll never listen to a violin in the same way. I know we'll sell stacks and stacks to everyone who comes in for a great book." --Elaine Petrocelli, Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA

WHAT I LOVED, by Siri Hustvedt (Picador, $14, 0312421192) "Packed with provocative discussions of everything from modern art to Henry James' novels, this novel of a friendship both disturbs and enchants. In this first-person narrative of love, loss, betrayal, and psychopathology, Hustvedt stuns us with her insight and highly readable, evocative writing." --Liz Whaley, Water Street Books, Exeter, NH

BROTHERS IN ARMS, by Marcus Wynne (Forge, $25.95, 0765307820) "This is a flawlessly executed tale of suspense informed by a load of real-life experiences from an author who has been a special forces operative, diplomatic bodyguard, federal air marshal, close-combat instructor, emergency medical technician, respected counter-terrorism authority, a freelance writer, and a cook -- all factors that play well into this top-notch thriller about a planned terrorist attack upon American soil." --Joe Drabyak, Chester County Book & Music Company, West Chester, PA

CADILLAC BEACH, by Tim Dorsey (Morrow, $24.95, 0060520469) "Tim Dorsey makes Carl Hiaasen look sane. His books star the luminous Serge Storms, and murder has never been more hilarious. Dorsey's books will annoy the person sitting next to you, because you will not be able to stop laughing." --Kat Kinzer, Warwick's, La Jolla, CA

THE GUARDS, by Ken Bruen (Minotaur, $12.95 paper, 0312320272) "In The Guards, Bruen does a wonderful job establishing that black melancholy that we expect from anything Irish. Jack Taylor is a fully drawn, intriguing, and human character, and I hope we'll see more of him in future books." --Linda Dewberry, Whodunit? Books, Olympia, WA

HIGH COUNTRY, by Nevada Barr (Putnam, $24.95, 0399151443) "This book, set in Yosemite National Park, has all the elements sure to intrigue -- an exciting plot, interesting and somewhat frightening characters, and an amazing setting. Another winner from Nevada Barr." --Linda Vinstra, Great Northern Bookstore, Oscoda, MI Also a Brilliance Audio (1590866614, Abridged CD)

HOT PLASTIC, by Peter Craig (Hyperion, $13 paper, 1401300448) "Hot Plastic is hip, funny, painful, intriguing, and filled with dry wit. A very entertaining read." --Emery Pinter, Chapter 11, Atlanta, GA

LAND OF ECHOES: A Cree Black Novel, by Daniel Hecht (Bloomsbury, $24.95, 1582343934) "The high desert of New Mexico is home to a special school for gifted Navajo teens. One of them is a talented artist named Tommy, who has developed violent seizures of unexplained origins. The school's founder and principal, Julieta McCarty, wants to save him from harm. As the young man's condition deteriorates, Julieta turns to parapsychologist Cree Black as a last, desperate resort. Beautifully written, this is a mystery in many senses of the word. It is also a story about love, its heartbreaking consequences, and ultimate triumphs." --Barbara Douglas, Murder by the Book, Houston, TX

THE LAST GOODBYE, by Reed Arvin (HarperCollins, $23.95, 0060555513) "Jack Hammond, defense attorney for the lowest of the low Atlanta criminals, is haunted by the mistake that cost him his career in one of the most prestigious law firms in the city. When an old friend is found dead, an apparent suicide, Jack becomes involved in a quest to discover what really happened. It's a roller-coaster ride of a thriller, well written and intricate enough to keep the most jaded reader intrigued." --Barbara Hoagland, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT Also a Harper Audio (006059053X, Abridged Cassette)

A QUESTION OF BLOOD: An Inspector Rebus Novel, by Ian Rankin (Little, Brown, $22.95, 0316095648) "I am amazed that each new Ian Rankin is better than the last. A Question of Blood is no exception. In this well-crafted mystery, Inspector John Rebus adds a complexity to the story that will have fans eagerly awaiting the next one." --Sue Richardson, Maine Coast Book Shop, Inc., Damariscotta, ME Also a Brilliance Audio (1590864913, Abridged Cassette)

SHADOW MEN: A Max Freeman Novel, by Jonathon King (Dutton, $23.95, 052594 8074) "With an eclectic, intriguing cast of characters and the Everglades as a backdrop, this wonderful series should be around a long time. I'll be recommending it to our customers who like their detectives a bit gritty and down-to-earth!" --Susan Diffenderfer, Tall Tales Book Shop, Atlanta, GA Also a Brilliance Audio (1593553080, Unabridged CD)

SOUTHWESTERLY WIND: An Inspector Espinoza Mystery, by Luiz Alfredo Garcia-Roza (Holt, $22, 0805068910) "A young man comes to Inspector Espinoza and claims a psychic has predicted that he will commit a murder. Can Espinoza prevent it from happening? A clever mystery with great character development." --Beth Holloway, So Many Books..., Vancouver, WA

INVENTING MEMORY, by Anne Harris (Tor, $25.95, 0312865392) "Ancient goddesses, a Sumerian slave girl, and a modern woman all come to life in interweaving and overlapping tales in Harris' latest. Sure to be on the short list for the Tiptree Award." --Maryelizabeth Hart, Mysterious Galaxy Books, San Diego, CA

THE WELL OF LOST PLOTS: A Thursday Next Novel, by Jasper Fforde (Viking, $24.95, 0670032891) "Fforde has written Thursday Next's most entertaining adventure yet! The best parts of the previous two Thursday Next books -- The Eyre Affair and Lost in a Good Book -- followed the character's exploits within other books, so setting the entire novel in Book World is a real treat. I look forward to reading the next book in the series." --Mimi Barrett, Coffee Buy the Book, Roswell, GA Also a HighBridge Audio (1565118375, Abridged CD)

THE BEAUTIFUL: Collected Poems, by Michelle Tea (Manic D Press, $13.95 paper, 0916397890) "Whether Tea is writing memoir, fiction, essays, or poetry, I want to read all of it. The poems collected here are fiercely feminist and loving, and they fight battles against misogyny and exploitation of women and girls. Her voice is immediate and specific, and her language simultaneously soars and scrapes." --Pam Harcourt, Women & Children First, Chicago, IL