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Marianne exclaims, "Rarely has my book group given a book a unanimous thumbs up. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is that remarkable exception!
Winter, 1789 - Hollowell, Maine, a male entombed in ice is found in the Kennebec River! So, begins this story of Martha Ballard, midwife, based on events written in her diary where every birth, death and crime in her community were recorded. The murdered dead man along with a local judge, had also been accused of sexually assaulting the minister’s wife, Rebecca. Rebecca is determined that the judge must pay for his crime against her. No small feat in a time when women had no rights, many couldn’t read or write, or even appear in court without their husbands. Martha becomes the key witness authenticating Rebecca’s story, but her bravery places her and her family in great jeopardy. Terrific historical fiction!"
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Our intern, Merryn shares "Emily Austin’s new literary fiction novel Interesting Fact About Space follows a young woman, Enid, who is obsessed with true crime, has a phobia of bald men, and never seems to stick with a romantic relationship. After her father passes away, Enid is forced to spend time with her stepsisters with whom she has never really connected.
As Enid enters into a new relationship, she begins to suspect that someone is following her. The reader is quickly drawn into Enid’s paranoia and her story will have the reader at the edge of their seat. Austin explores grief and trauma in a nuanced manner with her unique writing style. This is a must read for literary fiction fans!"
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3) Westport
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Diane invites you to, "Step into the high stakes world of Westport by James Comey, where the affluent façade of this New York suburb is shattered, revealing a riveting tale of murder, deceit and legal intrigue. Nora Carlton, former federal prosecutor, has been accused of murdering her co-worker.
Comey unleashes a roller coaster of suspense in this legal thriller that thrusts Carlton into a nightmarish battle for her innocence.
The story takes place in Westport, CT and features landmark establishments: Westport Police Station, Greens Farms Academy and the Westport Diner. Comey’s second novel keeps the reader engaged in an investigation filled with speculation and innuendo, and his insider knowledge of law enforcement adds authenticity. A must read for enthusiasts of this genre."
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Brittany shares, "Anya Liftig’s Holler Rat is a remarkable read that captures her unique upbringing in two very different worlds. Her mother was raised in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky, while her father was upper-middle-class from Fairfield County. Anya’s childhood was split between Westport during the school year and summers in the Kentucky holler with her grandmother and extended family. This blend of cultures deeply influenced her, shaping the performance art for which he became known.
As someone who also transitioned from rural Kentucky to Connecticut, I relate to Anya’s story. Even without that personal connection, readers will be drawn to her family’s rich narrative and the impact of her upbringing on her life and art. Unlike other notable memoirs from this region, Anya celebrates her Kentucky roots, highlighting the strength and self-reliance of her family. Anya pulls no punches in this endlessly fascinating memoir."
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Kristen asks, "Did you know that humans are the only species to cry for emotional reasons? This uniquely human trait is the theme for the essay collection Sad Happens: A Celebration of Tears, edited by Brandon Stosuy and illustrated by Rose Lazar. The collection gives representation to crying in all forms and circumstances, with Phoebe Bridgers and Sloane Crosley sharing space with a middle school teacher and a zookeeper. Stories will hold different meanings to each reader, but the range spans from funny and outrageous to the profoundly heartbreaking (and often both at once). At its core, Sad Happens is an ode to connection and embracing what makes us human that will move stoics and crybabies alike."
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