My choice for October is And Thereby Hangs a Tale, written by Jeffrey Archer. I had never read anything written by Jeffrey Archer, and picked up this compilation of short stories on a whim. I am so glad I did! Many of the short stories are based on actual events that Mr. Archer had observed over the years. Since reading this adult novel, I now am ready to read something else by this author!
Robin/Spencer

I just finished Threading the Needle ( the Cobbled Court series) by Marie Bostwick last night. Even though I don’t quilt I Thoroughly enjoy her books. I wish that I could visit there and meet the women characters in the stories.
Barb/Byron Center

Set mainly in New Orleans, this page-turner takes the reader on an emotional journey as a husband and wife go through the heart-break of ending their marriage.
Theresa/Byron Center

I’d like to recommend Parrot and Olivier in America by Peter Carey. Olivier is a spoiled young French aristocrat whose parents send him to tour America when he threatens to dabble a bit too much in post-revolutionary politics. Parrott is the veteran of Australian penal colonies hired to accompany Olivier and keep him in line. Amazon describes them as a mid-nineteenth century Oscar and Felix.
Maggie/Plainfield

Despite the spooky title, this is a fun ghost tale for teens with a great cast and fast-paced plot.
Morgan/Walker

The Magician King by Lev Grossman is the adult version of Harry Potter and Narnia. A funny, dark and entertaining series.
Shaunna/Grandville

This one is a 2-thumbs up for anyone who’s “into” musicians’ lives. I’ll admit I didn’t recognize the name at first, but I had heard of his wife, the artist Maria Cooper Janis (daughter of Gary Cooper). As Janis describes his life in a lifetime context of music, he also describes synchronicities of his life to Chopin. I’ve often wondered about child-prodigies and Janis “suggests” his connections to Chopin in many unusual ways. Intriguing.
Laura/Plainfield

Recommended by Yuko/Service Center

Recommended by Barb/Byron Center

You might remember Blake Mycoskie from the TV show, The Amazing Race, or maybe you own a pair of TOMS. A vacation to Argentina inspired Mycoskie to start a shoe company that gives away a pair of shoes to a needy child for every shoe purchased. Read his book for your own inspiration to start something that both makes money and helps others.
Melissa/Service Center

Recommended by Matthew/Rockford

I recently read and loved Divergent, by Veronica Roth. If you liked The Hunger Games, you’ll love this. It has suspense, adventure, and romance – the perfect trifecta for a successful teen read.
Kris/Comstock Park

Recommended by Yuko/Service Center

This book has convinced me, hands-down, that I need to immediately get a tattoo to enhance my literary street cred.
Monica/Service Center

In a fairy tale, ala The Wizard of Oz, a girl named September is spirited away from her life in Omaha by the Green Wind to Fairlyand. The writing is lyrical, the beasts are mythical, and the adventures are fantastic! My favorite character was the encyclopedic Wyvern September befriends named A-L, whose father is a library.
Liz/Gaines Township