From last week's Book Sense bestseller lists, available at
BookSense.com, here are the recommended titles, which are also Book
Sense Picks:
Hardcover
Someone Knows My Name: A Novel by Lawrence Hill (Norton, $24.95,
9780393065787/0393065782). "This book is astonishing for its compelling
storyline: A young girl is stolen from her African homeland, enslaved
in America in the mid-1700s, freed by the British during the
Revolution, sent to Nova Scotia, returned to Sierra Leone, then brought
to England to testify in the efforts to abolish slavery. An exciting
introduction to a brilliant Canadian writer."--Willard Williams, The
Toadstool Bookshop, Peterborough, N.H.
Bless This Food: Ancient and Contemporary Graces From Around the World
by Adrian Butash (New World Library, $17, 9781577315919/157731591X).
"Not since Earth Prayers from Around the World have I seen such a
wonderful collection of graces. The words come from many traditions,
from cultures past and present, but they all find a way to say in
heartwarming language, 'For this meal, for this company, for our gifts,
thank you.'"--Eric Robbins, Apple Valley Books, Winthrop, Me.
Paperback
The Lost Sailors by Jean-Claude Izzo (Europa Editions, $14.95,
9781933372358/1933372354). "Three men aboard an impounded freighter
ponder their options and their life choices. Like a classic French
noir, this waterfront homage to Marseilles could have been written by
Joseph Conrad and Albert Camus--great characters, great writing!"--Nick
DiMartino, University Book Store, Seattle, Wash.
For Ages 9 to 12
The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex (Hyperion, $16.99,
9780786849000/0786849002). "Do not let the odd title put you off: This
unusual, funny, charming, funny, book features fantastic characters,
moving drama, and a plot that keeps you guessing. And did I mention
it's funny?"--Melissa Manlove, The Storyteller, Lafayette, Calif.
[Many thanks to Book Sense and the ABA!]