A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Title: A Gentleman in Moscow

Author: Amor Towles

Genre: Historical Fiction

Looking for a deeply compelling read that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last? Consider A Gentleman in Moscow. You will follow the ins and outs, ups and downs, of the life of an aristocrat who is put under house arrest at his Moscow hotel at the beginning of the formation of the Soviet Union. What follows is the story of a man who thrives and lives a colorful and meaningful life in spite of his circumstances, or perhaps because of those same circumstances. Highly recommended if you enjoy historical fiction, following a longer life story, or if you enjoy Russian history.

- Elizabeth

Check out A Gentleman in Moscow @ the library.

Sting-Ray Afternoons by Steve Rushin

Title: Sting-Ray Afternoons

Author: Steve Rushin

Genre: Memoir, 1970s

The author is well known for his work for Sports Illustrated, and his humorous recollections of growing up in the 1970s is entertaining reading. Rushin grew up in the Midwest (first Chicago and then Minneapolis), and he is able to effectively convey his reminisces so that they resonate with anyone who was raised during that period in any part of the country. Nerf footballs, Fonzie, Pete Maravich, Evel Knievel, Red Owl grocery stores, vacations at the Wisconsin Dells, and of course the Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycle with the banana seat are only a few of the many symbols of the 70's that are covered.

Along the way, Rushin also describes - in amusing fashion - his Catholic upbringing as a middle child with four siblings. His stories about his middle class family with a salesman father and stay-at-home mother ring true for many who remember the era. Rushin's generational memoir is an enjoyable read that will take many back to a more innocent and less complicated time.

- Mike

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Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant

Title: Into the Drowning Deep

Author: Mira Grant

Genre: Science Fiction / Horror

A crew of scientists and filmmakers set sail aboard the Atargatis to produce a ‘mockumentary’ on what lurks in the deep sea. No one makes it back to land, the ship is lost, and all that remains of the voyage is gruesome footage of creatures that, up until now, have only existed in lore. 

Most think it’s a publicity stunt, an elaborate Hollywood hoax. Others become certain that mermaids are real.


Seven years later, a new team is assembled and ready to make their way back to the Mariana Trench to find out what really happened to the Atargatis, and if there really is something waiting in the water.

- Ashley

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Hit So Hard by Patty Schemel

Title: Hit So Hard

Author: Patty Schemel

Genre: Music Autobiography

Hit So Hard is a memoir of the drummer from the Grunge era, 90's band Hole that was fronted by Courtney Love. It's an interesting overview of the Seattle scene during that period, and the book takes the reader on an unapologetic ride through the excitement of the music being made as well as the darkness of drugs and excess. Along the way Schemel sheds light on the tragic deaths of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain (Love's husband) and Hole bassist Kristen Pfaff. Schemel herself struggled mightily with both addiction and her sexuality, and the portrait she paints of her drug dependency is harrowing. Throughout, the reader is left wondering how the author did not succumb to the same fate that befell Cobain and Pfaff. Her addiction led her to homelessness, memory blackouts, multiple attempts at rehabilitation, and Schemel's daily quest to satisfy her addiction. In the end, Hit So Hard is about survival. Schemel's story is a wild ride for readers - whether they are interested in the Grunge scene or not. Hit So Hard is a worthwhile read about a woman realizing her inner strength and using it to overcome her demons.

- Michael

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Wool by Hugh Howey

Title: Wool

Author: Hugh Howey

Genre: Science Fiction / Dystopian

Originally self-published on Amazon as a short novellette, Wool quickly became an internet sensation. Howey's fans urged him to write more, which led him to publish 4 additional short stories in quick succession throughout the next six months. This version of Wool is a compilation of these first 5 stories into a novel format and is the first book in the Silo trilogy.

Wool takes place in a future where an unknown catastrophe forced everyone to live underground in structures called silos. The top floor has a large video view of the outside world, and it's an ugly, beige wasteland. Stories of blue skies, green grass, and animals like elephants are considered children's fables. Anyone who expresses a desire to go outside has their wishes granted and is never heard from again. When Holston's wife Allison makes a discovery on the silo's computer system, she starts acting strange and says that she wants to go outside. Three years after she left, Holston thinks Allison was on to something and that there may be more to the outdoors than what they have been told...

- Sarah P.

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Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

Title: Annihilation

Author: Jeff VanderMeer

Genre: Science Fiction / Horror

A suspicious span of wilderness known as Area X has been growing, and a covert government agency is working hard to understand how. Participants of previous expeditions have all met grisly fates. Annihilation follows the twelfth expedition as its scientists try to uncover Area X’s secrets—and survive. 

For those that enjoy tense, atmospheric, genre-bending science fiction. Coming to the big screen on February 23, 2018.

- Ashley

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Please Be with Me: A Song for My Father, Duane Allman by Galadrielle Allman

Title: Please Be with Me: A Song for My Father, Duane Allman

Author: Galadrielle Allman

Genre: Biography

Please Be with Me: A Song for My Father, Duane Allman is more the story about a daughter's journey to know her father rather than a straight biography, and it's a fascinating journey. Galadrielle Allman was only 2 years old when her father, Duane Allman, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in October 1971. Duane Allman was 24 years old when he died, but the influence he's had on generations of guitarists is enduring. Along the way, the reader gets to know all about the legendary musician - warts and all. He struggled with drugs, wasn't the best husband or father, and always lived life on the edge. Galadrielle Allman also paints a picture of a man completely devoted to the guitar and fiercely protective and loyal to his friends, family and band mates. In an incredibly short span he worked with Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett as a session player, joined Eric Clapton as a member of Derek and the Dominoes - resulting in the classic album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs - and was the driving force behind the Allman Brothers Band. Sadly, he would not live to realize the impact that his talents had on the music world. The author visits with and interviews her father's associates (the title of the book is drawn from a song written by Scott Boyer who played with Allman), friends and family to gain a better perspective on who Duane Allman was. At the same time, Galadrielle Allman provides the reader with the story of her mother Donna, and struggles between loyalty and love she has for her and the mythical figure of the father she never knew. Ms. Allman does an excellent job of engaging the reader and shares her own frustrations with sorting out the relationship she never could realize. At times heartbreaking, and others redemptive, Please Be with Me: A Song for My Father, Duane Allman, is worthy of any reader interested in biographies and a daughter's genuine quest to know her late father.

- Mike

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