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It
might be dreary. It is likely windy and raw. But then again, it
might actually be a mild, sunny day. It seems that March is a fickle
month, dishing out any beast, lion, or lamb; we at Merritt Bookstore
Volume II are determined to wait it out. We’re buckling down
with a slew of good books ‘til spring shines again.
Jenne’s picks for snuggling down
on a nippy day will surely keep you well entertained. According
to Jenne, Seduction
of Water is "one of the most well-written mysteries I have
ever read. Taking place at a hotel in the Catskill Mountains, the
novel mentions places like Rhinebeck and the Metro-North train,
so it is very easy for us in the Hudson Valley area to imagine the
setting." Another of her faves these days is The
Feast of Love which she "originally read . . . for a college
literature class, and fell in love with it then and there."
Jenne would also suggest curling up on a chilly evening with Saul
and Patsy, also by Charles Baxter. Another book that might just
make you linger bed in bed on a cool morning is The
Book of Joe. Jenne "started this novel late Saturday evening
and woke up early Sunday morning (yes - early on a Sunday!) to finish
it. . .. . This is a great work of modern fiction and the perfect
book for anyone looking for a great read. "
Christy recommends getting comfy with
The
Amber Room, a novel based on the mysterious disappearance of
the amber room. Starting after the Allied bombing of Germany, author
Steve Berry starts his story off with the room’s disappearance
and winds the reader through a "big treasure hunt" with
an unfathomable twist at the end. How could an entire room forged
of amber (from walls to furniture) vanish? Read and find out one
author’s fantastic (though fictitious) theory. Another fiction
pick on Christy’s mid-winter list is Still
She Haunts Me: A Novel of Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell, a
novel based on the relationship between Lewis Carroll and the infamous
Alice. Meanwhile, Anne has been devouring the Alexander McCall Smith
series The
No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. It includes such arresting titles
as The
Kalahari Typing School for Men: More from the No. 1 Ladies' Detective
Agency, Morality
for Beautiful Girls, and Tears
of the Giraffe. You can also check out several at once in the
No.
1 Ladies' Detective Agency Boxed Set.
According to Heather, a book that’s
perfect for this changing season is Dreaming
Maples. "There’s no doubt that Columbia County writer
Claudia Ricci’s first novel has a firm and permanent spot
on my list of all time favorite books." Part of its charm is
the setting: a Vermont sugar maple forest. You’ll feel the
chill in the air, yet can’t escape the sweetness and warmth,
the syrup and, oh yes, spring. Another snuggle-worthy novel is Love,
the story of wealthy resort owner Bill Cosey. Really now, what warms
you to the core more than love? Better yet, listen to author Toni
Morrison read Love.
She has a gorgeous voice—low and sumptuous! Beside her bed,
in her backpack, and with Heather at all times these days is Apprentice
to the Flower Poet Z. This first novel by poet Debra Weinstein
depicts the literary world as Annabelle becomes apprentice to the
renowned poet Z. (Keep your eyes and ears peeled for an author signing
in the days to come!) No book list of Heather’s is complete
without mention of Mary Oliver. Lately she peruses two: New
and Selected Poems: Volume One and Why
I Wake Early. Don’t bother to ask her to decide between
the two. She will only quote from the poem Rabbit, "Scatterghost,
it can’t float away. And the rain, everybody’s brother,
won’t help. And the wind all these days flying like ten crazy
sisters everywhere can’t seem to do a thing."
Gwen works at the Millbrook store as
well as here at Merritt II, so don’t be surprised if you see
her both places. She’s a voracious reader, too, and happy
to tell share her favorite week of the month with you. Lately, The
Pearl Diver tops her list. It’s a compelling story about
a 19-year-old Japanese pearl diver who discovers she has a mild
case of leprosy, and she is sent to the island leprosarium on Nagashima.
In spite of all the controversy and fanfare over the book, Gwen
will still heartily recommend that ripping tale The
Da Vinci Code. It’ll get your heart pumping on any shivery
eve! Another good mid-winter read, especially if you’re itching
to take an armchair trip, is Land
of the Radioactive Midnight Sun: A Cheechako's First Year in Alaska
by local author Sean Michael Flynn. Last but not least, she’ll
also suggest The
Woman Who Knew Gandhi, "a very touching novel about types
of love, self discovery, friendships, and the evolution of a marriage
even after decades of being together. . . . Reading this book was
like sipping a warm cup of tea on a chilly day." Enough said.
We sure hope you’ve enjoyed reading
our mid-winter-slump-busting book picks! If perhaps these aren’t
quite what you’re looking for, check out what the Millbrook
staff is reading, stop in to either of our stores, or give us a
call. Don’t forget that we’re always glad to special
order just about anything! In the meantime, stay warm and keep faith
. . .. spring will be here soon! We promise!
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Brighten
up these dreary November days with a visit to Merritt! 
