The March 2005 Book Sense Picks

February 10, 2005

Here is the full listing of the March "Book Sense Picks," with booksellers' comments. Independent booksellers in the Book Sense program are receiving their Picks fliers in the February Red Box.

Book Sense sends many, many thanks to all the booksellers who contributed to this list, and to the upcoming Poetry Top Ten list.

The deadline for the Spring History Top Ten is Friday, February 11. The focus of the History list -- again compiled in association with The History Channel -- will be on President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the politics of his time. Booksellers are encouraged to nominate frontlist or backlist titles, in hardcover or paperback on either FDR or the key issues of the day, such as World War II, the Depression, or important social changes. The History Channel will be airing "FDR: A Presidency Revealed" in the spring. Watch BTW for more details.

To nominate titles for the Picks lists, just e-mail a few sentences about the title to dan@booksense.com, or use the convenient Web form at www.bookweb.org/read/6305.

1. March: A Novel, by Geraldine Brooks (Viking, $24.95, 0670033359) "The war experiences of the March girls' absent father in Alcott's Little Women form the storyline of this powerful historical novel set during the Civil War. This is a timely book about the catastrophe of war, even for a just cause." -- Sandi Torkildson, A Room of One's Own Feminist Bookstore, Madison, WI Also a Penguin Audio (Unabridged CD, 0142800929)

Articles of War: A Novel, by Nick Arvin (Doubleday, $17, 0385512775) "Heck, an Iowa farm boy, experiences the invasion of Europe in WWII as a slow-motion train wreck, brief moments of normalcy suspended in unending stretches of chaos and fear, all while waiting for that final crash. Articles of War is a staggering accomplishment, at once both beautiful and horrifying, ultimately deeply moving and unforgettable." -- Russ Harvey, Cody's Books, Berkeley, CA Also a Highbridge Audio (Unabridged CD, 1565119487)

The Illuminator, by Brenda Rickman Vantrease (St. Martin's, $24.95, 0312331916) "In this special first novel, Brenda Rickman Vantrease has created wonderfully believable characters, some admirable, others much less so. Set in 14th century England, the novel tells the story of a talented book illuminator, who is working for both the Church and -- in secret -- for John Wycliffe, who holds the radical idea that the Bible should be translated into English. Thoroughly enjoyable." -- Akankha Perkins, The Sun of the Heart Bookstore, Bridgewater, VT Also an Audio Renaissance (Abridged CD, 1593975961)

Ireland: A Novel, by Frank Delaney (HarperCollins, $26.95, 0060563486) "Ireland is a great way to learn Irish history while enjoying the suspense of a good novel. Delaney writes in the manner of a traditional Irish storyteller. I was mesmerized by his tales." -- Jane Laclergue, Fireside Bookstore, Olympia, WA

Before the Frost: A Linda Wallander Mystery, by Henning Mankell (New Press, $24.95, 1565848357) "Henning Mankell can not write a bad book! Kurt Wallander has thrilled us for nine books, now it is time for his daughter to become the star of a new series. But will her rookie mistakes cost her job, or her life?" -- Barbara Theroux, Fact & Fiction, Missoula, MT

The Glass Castle: A Memoir, by Jeannette Walls (Scribner, $25, 0743247531) "You will not be able to put this great memoir down. This account of Walls' finding herself, and defining herself, within the bizarre framework of her family is a beautiful story written without blame, just pure love. A rich, honest, and funny saga that is full of very real characters -- a loving tribute to family." -- Andra Tracy, Out Word Bound, Indianapolis, IN

Luncheonette: A Memoir, by Steven Sorrentino (Regan Books, $24.95, 0060728922) "This funny and touching memoir of Steven Sorrentino's returning home to run his father's luncheonette reads like a novel. (And I can almost guarantee you won't forget Dolores, the salty-tongued waitress.) At the heart of the story is Sorrentino's love for his father, a man, who despite suffering one medical setback after another, never complains and always springs back. The author tells his story with such grace, humor, and sincerity that the lessons he learns from his father come across as truly inspirational." -- Vincent Desjardins, The Snow Goose Bookstore, Stanwood, WA

Most Wanted: A Novel of Suspense, by Michele Martinez (Morrow, $23.95, 006072398X) "There is something for everyone in this story of a young prosecutor struggling to solve a brutal high-society murder -- evil, innocence, sex, romance, violence, adventure, mystery, and imagination. An engrossing story." -- Elaine Leider, Best of Times Bookstore, Red Wing, MN Also a HarperAudio (Abridged CD, 0060759690)

Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith, by Anne Lamott (Riverhead, $24.95, 1573222992) "I can't tell if Anne Lamott is a humorous spiritual writer or a spiritual humor writer, but she always makes me laugh and always makes me think." -- Terry Lucas, The Open Book, Greenville, SC Also a Penguin Audio (Unabridged CD, 0143057340)

Speak Softly, She Can Hear: A Novel, by Pam Lewis (Simon & Schuster, $23, 0743255399) "This is the compelling story of a teenager who makes a colossal error in judgment. Believing she is at fault for a tragic death, her life changes in an instant. This is a real page-turner with very well-developed characters." -- Susan Whittaker, Viewpoint of Columbus, Columbus, IN

Drive Like Hell: A Novel, by Dallas Hudgens (Scribner, $23, 0743251636) "Luke Fulmer's family fits anyone's definition of dysfunctional. His brother is in jail, his father has run off and started another family, and his mother spends her free time at a local bar. This is a hysterically funny look at growing up poor, southern, and maladjusted -- a wise and compassionate look at a family's love for each other." -- Barbara Hoagland, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

Fat Girl: A True Story, by Judith Moore (Hudson Street Press, $21.95, 1594630097) "Fat Girl reads as if the author has made a pact with herself not to lie, ever. Not in the tiniest exaggeration or cover-up. This is a plain, jaw-dropping, true story about what it's like to be Judith Moore, what it's like to be fat, and what it's like for her heart to beat underneath." -- Joan Barberich, Food for Thought Books, Amherst, MA

Holy Tango of Literature, by Francis Heaney (Emmis Books, $12.99 paper, 1578601592) "In Holy Tango of Literature (this is an anagram of 'anthology'), Francis Heaney has written poems in the style of famous poets, and each bears a title that is an anagram of the poet's name. This is the perfect gift for the English teacher or poet on your list!" -- Eric Robbins, Apple Valley Books, Winthrop, ME

Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith, by Martha Beck (Crown, $24.95, 0609609912) "Martha Beck -- an excellent writer --  tells the story of her decision to leave the Mormon church with surprising humor, strength, wit, and honesty." -- Jean Ann Robinson, Full Circle Bookstore, Oklahoma City, OK Also a Random House Audio (Abridged CD, 0739317806)

Season of the Snake: A Novel, by Claire Davis (St. Martin's, $23.95, 0312332823) "This story of an herpetologist and her mysterious husband is brilliantly written! Davis' wonderfully descriptive style conveys the Idaho setting and the emotions of her characters, as they move from perfectly normal lives, toward something tragic, then horrible." -- Rita Ryan, Armchair Books, Pendleton, OR Also a Blackstone Audio (Unabridged CD, 0786182490)

Tamburlaine Must Die, by Louise Welsh (Canongate, $18.95, 1841956252) "In 1593 London, a murderer has taken the name of one of Christopher Marlowe's most famous creations, and to save his own neck Marlowe must track him down in only a few days. Great stuff!" -- Anna Cloninger, The Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA

Cast of Shadows: A Novel, by Kevin Guilfoile (Knopf, $24.95, 1400043085) "This story of a grief-stricken doctor who uses the DNA of his daughter's murderer in a diabolical experiment to find the killer will delight any reader who enjoys edgy, psychological thrillers." -- Steve Shapiro, Rainy Day Books, Fairway, KS Also a Random House Audio (Abridged CD, 0739318268)

The Face of a Naked Lady: An Omaha Family Mystery, by Michael Rips (Houghton, $24, 0618273522) "Rips' story begins as a quest to understand a secret part of his father's life, but this is not a typical angst-driven memoir. The story is full of gossip about the history of Omaha, bawdy stories that make you laugh out loud, and some of the most outrageous characters you could ever meet. But Rips is also challenging us to engage in 'a dialogue with the mysterious and unknown.' I can't praise this book enough." -- Ann Carlson, Harborwalk Books, Georgetown, SC

Missing Persons, by Stephen White (Dutton, $25.95, 0525948597) "Stephen White does a superb job of creating psychological suspense. A Boulder, Colorado, therapist has died mysteriously, and a missing young patient may help psychologist Alan Gregory uncover some answers." -- Colleen Marion, The Bookies Bookstore, Denver, CO Also a Brilliance Audio (Abridged CD, 1593555644)

Pinkerton's Sister, by Peter Rushforth (MacAdam/Cage, $26, 1931561990) "This book takes place in the mind of Alice, a 35-year-old unmarried woman living in New York at the turn of the century. An embarrassment to her family, she is a voracious and perceptive reader and critic. The book is full of references to her reading as she observes her world with rage, self-knowledge, and wry humor. The writing just flows." -- Deb Wehmeier, Garden District Book Shop, New Orleans, LA

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