Staff Comments: Luminous writing fills this fictional account of the historical events at Masada in 70 C.E. Told from the point of view of red-haired Yael, long shunned by her father because of her mother’s death in childbirth. Along the way she meets and befriends Revka, Shirah, and Aziza. These women band together to deal with forces both within and without the settlement intent on destroying them . Although primarily a celebration of women’s friendships, this title also examines romantic love, both obsessive and true. This is a very unique book written in a style that feels almost biblical.
5 - Wow! Loved it!
Book Description: In 70 CE, 900 Jews held out against armies of Romans on a mountain in Masada. According to an ancient historian, two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic event, Hoffman weaves a tale of four bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of whom has come to Masada by a different path. Book reviews and author notes Author’s Official Website Facebook
Staff Comments: I loved the comraderie between Tuesday and Capt. Montalvan. The author captures the essence of this dog so beautifully, it seems like you know him personally. The only difficult part of this book is hearing about the times Tuesday's heart is broken before he meets his soldier. Other than that, it is a terrific book.
Rating: 5 - Wow! Loved it!
Book Description: Tuesday has a personality that shines. I am not kidding when I say it is common for people to pull out their cell phones and take pictures of and with him. Tuesday is that kind of dog. And then, in passing, they notice me, the big man with the tight haircut. There is nothing about me--even the straight, stiff way I carry myself--that signals disabled. Until people notice the cane in my left hand, that is, and the way I lean on it every few steps. Then they realize my stiff walk and straight posture aren't just pride, and that Tuesday isn't just an ordinary dog. He walks directly beside me, for instance, so that my right leg always bisects his body. He nuzzles me when my breathing changes, and he moves immediately between me and the object--a cat, an overeager child, a suspiciously closed door--any time I feel apprehensive. Because beautiful, happy-go-lucky, favorite-of-the-neighborhood Tuesday isn't my pet; he's my service dog.
Staff Comments: The description that this book has been receiving in reviews - literary post-apocalyptic zombie novel - is apt. There are the action moments with the dead - but they are overridden by the characters, who are dealing with death, trauma, and the attempt to find hope It rises above the typical zombie adventure, because it’s looking at more than mere survival - but at what it means to be human. It is a more subtle “Walking Dead,” although that’s the closest zombie story I could compare it to. It allows you to really get under the skin of Mark Spitz (main character, his nickname has a backstory that I won’t spoil). He really is an everyman, and everything that happens to him feels very real, unlike in “Walking Dead” where things are often exaggerated for immediate drama. Be prepared for a narrative that moves about in time often. I found this added to the realism, but for some readers it may be difficult to follow. Will stick with me for a while, I think.
Staff Comments: Francesca, an art gallery owner, must revamp her life when her live-in boyfriend departs, and she wants to keep the house and her art gallery. She decides to take in roommates and creates a lot of excitement (good and bad) for her life. Readers should be aware there is sexual content, some bad language, and violence.
Rating: 5 - Wow! Loved it!
Book Description: Owner of a struggling art gallery and newly separated from her boyfriend, Francesca Thayer does the math and then the unimaginable. She puts out an advertisement for boarders, and soon her Greenwich Village house becomes a whole new world.
Staff Comments: This book made me laugh so hard I cried, even in public places. How one woman can find so much trouble in an everyday situation and then make it funny I don't know, but she does.
Rating: 5 - Wow! Loved it!
Book Description: A compilation of essays shares the author's humorous reflections on turning forty, laser hair removal, how her cat broke her nose, and the discovery of how her image suffered from driving a Prius.
