Matthew Pearl's The Dante Club

Yes, this book was on the New York Times Bestseller list. Did it deserve to be on that list? My answer would be most definitely, yes. The Dante Club was Pearl's debut novel. Very cleverly written and would appeal to any mystery and/or murder-suspense fan. This was, overall, a very entertaining book - pulling in the historical aspect of the real Dante Club, a group of famous authors that included Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - and the chase for a gruesome serial killer loose in 19th Century Boston. What's more intriguing than a book than can so ambitiously mix together murder, mystery and a dose of history? I think that Pearl has done a good job of doing just that. He is a refreshing new addition to the mystery genre and even the historical fiction genre - and if that appeals to you I would highly recommend giving The Dante Club a shot.

~ Samantha C.

Belva Plain's Crossroads

I've been a fan of Belva Plain for as long as I can remember and, unlike some other prolific authors, I've found her recent works to be reads which are, for the most part, just as enjoyable as her older books. Crossroads is no exception. While the plot is not elaborate, the first few pages draw you into the lives of the characters. You get a wonderful sense of who they are and can relate to their disappointments, hopes and dreams. This is the story of two young women from different worlds and how their lives come to intersect.

If you're looking for a simple "grass is greener" tale, you'll enjoy Crossroads.

~Librarian Lisa

Keep Cozy with some Warm Reads

Our 4th Annual Warm Reads Event kicks-off today. Stop by the Library and pick up your registration box then start reading and reviewing. Review forms can be found in your registration box, at laglib.org or in the Library. Your book reviews are your raffle entries for fabulous prizes every 2 weeks and for the grand prize drawing on March 2. Don't forget to check your registration box for a lucky penguin!

Check back here as we'll be posting the submitted reviews so you can see which books others have enjoyed. We hope you'll add your comments to the postings,too. Who knows, you just may help someone discover a new favorite author.

Happy Reading!