Take a dash Richard Russo, mix in a splash of John Irving, and you've got smashing new debut that will keep you reading until the wee hours. This isn't really a book about baseball, it's about oh so much more than that. Passion, drive, decisions, fear, confidence, the sum of which brings you to the path you call your own life. Once you get started inhaling this book, you will savor the sensation of rounding the bases and heading for home as you reach the end. It's oh so sweet. But don'tw be surprised if you find yourself a little sad to say goodbye to these quirky characters.

Does every Fantasy story need to turn into a trilogy? That's the cynical bookseller in me making comments about the state of publishing, a voice which is quickly quieted by the reader in me who's quite happy, (read: overly excited) for an unexpected sequel to Grossman's original tale. If you're an adult fan who's missing Harry Potter, then book a trip to fantastic Fillory. I hear there's a third adventure on the way, and some of us are counting the minutes till we depart for that magical land again.

At some point, one would think, there would just be enough war stories. Hasn't every nuance of the awful effects of WWII already been explored time and time again? This is my line of reasoning when I pick up a new book that centers around this topic. But something in my stirred when I first started reading the story that intertwines the lives of Babe, Mimi and Grace. If you've ever tried to rationalize like I have, let me help you by saying No (there are still interesting facets of the past worth writing about) and then Yes! (you should read this lovely character-driven novel.)

Everything works here—design, layout, format and subject matter all come together to create a fabulous book for all ages. As I pored over these pages, I found it to be the perfect companion to the recently released book of O’Keefe’s letters, My Faraway One. Here’s hoping that this is the very bit of artistic inspiration you, or a young person in your life, has been seeking.

How does one keep a family safe during wartime? Is it possible to steel yourself against falling in love when life is at its bleakest? Fans of ‚The Guernsey Literary & PP Society will welcome the chance revisit the island and read Leroy's latest historical novel. I imagine a sunny day, a bit of shade from a nearby tree, drink in one hand, book in the other and all the time in the world. Don't be surprised if you look up from reading and wonder where you are, it's just that lovely.

The title of McNeal's latest work perfectly sets the tone for this haunting, evocative novel. As looking through water blurs the lines we perceive to be straight so does Judith view her own life, which has become soft around the edges and not quite as she thought it would be. The story jumps from the present day California to the Nebraska past, as she starts to contemplate how taking the path she hadn't intended could suddenly and sharply change her life's direction. Being called back home by her first love shows her what might have been, giving her a chance to revisit old decisions. Be prepared, reading this will put you in search of more McNeal.