From last week's Book Sense bestseller lists, available at booksense.com, here are the recommended titles, which are also Book Sense Picks:
Hardcover
Matrimony by Joshua Henkin (Pantheon, $24.95,
9780375424359/0375424350). "Henkin has written a beautiful book about
20 years in the life of a married couple. He explores conflict,
ambition, and love in its purest form. Julian and Mia meet at college,
and Michigan and Iowa are backdrops to their love story. Henkin tests
the strength of family ties amid turmoil, and, at the end, leaves us
with hope for Mia and Julian."--Roberta Rubin, The Book Stall at
Chestnut Court, Winnetka, Ill.
The Art of Political Murder: Who Killed the Bishop? by Francisco Goldman
(Grove, $25, 9780802118288/0802118283). "In today's world of media
cover-ups and governmental irresponsibility, Goldman's investigation
into the murder of Bishop Juan Gerardi, a Guatemalan human rights
activist, will strike a powerful chord with readers. Goldman's
strengths as a journalist and novelist make for an appealing, poignant
story."--John M. Hugo, Andover Bookstore, Andover, Mass.
Paperback
The Thanksgiving Table: Recipes and Ideas to Create Your Own Holiday by Diane Morgan
(Chronicle, $19.95, 9780811855426/0811855422). "Since I was born on
Thanksgiving Day, this holiday has been special to me. I tell people
that having your birthday the week of Thanksgiving guarantees you'll
have at least one good meal near your birthday--and this is a great
book to help you do just that."--Caroline Stoufer, Buckskin
Booksellers, Ouray, Colo.
For Ages 4 to 8
The Apple Pie That Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Jonathan Bean
(S&S, $15.99, 9781416912408/1416912401). "My favorite picture book
of the year. The story describes what goes into the apple pie a father
bakes for his daughter: not just apples and pastry, but ingredients
that can't be measured, such as the sun that helped the tree grow, and
a parent's love. Rhythmic text and superb illustrations ensure that,
like the best apple pie recipes, this book deserves to be a
classic!"--Lori Kauffman, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, Mass.
[Many thanks to Book Sense and the ABA!]