DCL Book Chat

As Zeke Pappas introduces his life to us, it appears he’s got it under control. He is director of GMHI, the Greater Midwest Humanities Initiative in Madison Wisconsin. He and his mother provide loving care for his two young nieces. But appearances are deceiving. As we began to see Zeke through the eyes of those around him, it is evident he’s on shaky ground. The tragedies of his life are catching up with him. He’s a young widower, his brother was killed in Iraq, and the Department of Departmental Compliance and Oversight is investigating GMHI. To add to the stress, Zeke must find a wife if he wants to keep custody of his nieces. Will it be the cute Starbucks barista who loves Zeke’s uncanny ability to guess the drink orders of perfect strangers, the attractive newly divorced neighbor, or the single mom who is his administrative assistant? Who knows, he’s always fantasized about Sophia Coppola, maybe she’ll come through for him. A kind evaluation would be that Zeke is overly optimistic, but totally clueless is closer to the truth. Will Zeke get it figured out? He takes us on a wild, funny, ironic and surprisingly tender ride and, in spite of how annoyingly obtuse he can be, you’ve got to root for him.

Marsha

Three adult sisters return home to straighten out their own lives and support their mother who is fighting cancer. The girls are not particularly close and their personalities strongly reflect their birth order so they tend to drive each other crazy.

This refreshingly unsentimental story of family dynamics is told with warmth and humor by promising new novelist Eleanor Brown who will be at the Highlands Ranch Library on June 30.

Marsha

Best-selling novelist Octavia Frost learns of her rock star son Milo’s arrest for the murder of his girlfriend on the Times Square news crawl. A family tragedy has driven them apart but Octavia rushes to California with the hope of exonerating Milo. Surprising information is revealed as she delves into events surrounding the murder and gets reacquainted with Milo and his circle.

Parkhurst gives a unique twist to the story by including excerpts from Octavia’s recently completed experimental work in which she has rewritten the endings to her novels. Excerpts from Octavia’s new work help drive the plot and reveal the emotions behind her personal and professional struggles.

This novel illustrates the ways family life can both damage and heal us, and the nuances of the mother-son relationship are beautifully explored.

Marsha

Prostitutes are being murdered in the parks of Berlin and female police inspector Armina Treffen is determined to find the sadistic killer. Set in 1930, this dark, intriguing novel reveals the dangerous atmosphere in Weimar Germany where information is bought and sold, unlikely alliances are made, and it is impossible to know who to trust.

Fans of The Girl with the Dragoon Tattoo might find this thriller a good read.

Marsha

Henry House’s upbringing is very unusual. He serves as a practice baby borrowed from a local orphanage to train home economics students. The young women in the program take turns acting as Henry’s primary mother under the watchful eye of Martha, the program’s no-nonsense director. Not surprisingly, as he grows up, Henry finds it difficult to have a fulfilling relationship with a woman. Confused by his circumstances, Henry retreats into muteness and is sent to a special school where he develops his artistic skills and his ability to seduce women. Next he heads west and finds a job suited to his artistic ability at the Disney studios. Henry is a complex character. While it is impossible not to feel some sympathy for him, his thoughtless treatment of the many women who seem helplessly attracted to him is appalling.

A unique story full of interesting characters, this novel also provides an entertaining and thought provoking look at the 50s and 60s in America and London.

-Marsha

When Jane Merkel steps off the train in Flagstaff Arizona in 1951 she has no idea that her quiet life is about to take a passionate turn. Introduced to the world of butterfly collecting, Jane quickly shows a talent for catching the insects and quickly becomes devoted to the hobby. Married to a much older man, Jane also finds unexpected feelings arise when she meets young park ranger Euell Wigglesworth. Arriving in Flagstaff with Jane are respected botanist, Elzada Clover and her former protégée Lois who have been summoned by the park superintendent to help solve a 13 year old murder mystery.

This cast of unique characters provides an entertaining story full of humor, mystery and self-discovery. The setting is an added bonus as Erhart, using her knowledge as river and hiking guide, makes us keenly aware of the beauty and wonder of the Grand Canyon.

-Marsha

On a hot July morning, twelve individuals set off on a guided raft trip down the Colorado River. From the outset, we wonder if the guides will be able to pull this disparate group together and complete a successful 12 day journey. Add to the mix, a stray dog found along the way and troubles multiply. The challenges found along the river reveal rifts and bonds among the travelers. Some show surprising reserves of courage and others learn humility, the hard way. Full of the beauty and excitement of a wild ride through the Grand Canyon, the story quickly involves the reader in the journey.

Meet Elisabeth Hyde at the Highlands Ranch Library on July 15 at 7 p.m.

Marsha

Iris, the postmistress in a small Massachusetts town, and Frankie, an ambitious journalist working for Edward R Murrow in London, experience World War II very differently. As fate weaves their stories together both are touched by their experiences in ways both harrowing and enriching.

This novel brings to life rich characters and illustrates the struggles faced by civilians in this country and in Europe during a crucial time in our shared history.

Marsha

When Harrison Shepherd’s mother leaves his father and takes him to her native Mexico, a new world opens up for Harrison. As a young man he is drawn into the fascinating lives of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, first as a cook and later as a secretary for their famous houseguest, Trotsky. Harrison’s innocent associations come back to haunt him when he returns to the U.S. and comes under investigation by the House Un-American Activities Committee. The elegantly written Lacuna is a must read for lovers of historical fiction.

Marsha

After the Civil War many settlers moved to Texas in search of a better life, including recently freed slave Britt Johnson and his family. When their homestead is raided by a band of Kiowa-Comanche while he is away gathering supplies, Britt must use grit, patience, and careful planning to negotiate the release his family. Paulette Jiles presents a fascinating picture of what life was like for settlers, scoundrels and Native Americans along the Red River during a pivotal period in American history in this fast paced adventure full of savagery, courage and love.

Marsha