> Granite State Readers Recommend

Merrimack, NH

Janet Angus [August 2006]

Library Director

Summer Crossing by Truman Capote. This is a lost book by the great Capote. It was published in 2005, but was written sometime around 1950.  It was a short book with characters that were interesting and the time period and differences in class were well-drawn. The manuscript was never submitted for publication during Capote's lifetime, but it was decided that it was worth printing at this time when so many people are interested in him and his work. I enjoyed the book.
The Housekeeper by Melanie Wallace. If you are looking for a light, romantic book for summer reading, this is not one you'll want to read. But if you want to read a beautiful, exquisite tale about death and loss and pain set in a harsh climate, this is an excellent choice. The book is a poetic tragedy that is extremely well written. When you reach the last page, the story will not easily leave your mind. I am now looking forward to reading her first book: Blue Horse Dreaming.

Janet Angus [July 2006]

Library Director

The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean. This excellent first novel combines two aspects of Marina's life. She was a young Russian woman who survived the Siege of Leningrad in 1941 while working at the Hermitage Museum. She is now an elderly woman living in Seattle and in the early stages of Alzheimer's. The book is a superb story of the Siege, a lesson in art history, and what it's like to grow old. The family relationships add greatly to this wonderful book.