January 31st, 7:30 pm & February 3rd, 10:15 am: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (541 p., 2009). Fiction.
Twin brothers born from a secret love affair between an Indian nun and a British surgeon in Addis Ababa, Marion and Shiva Stone come of age in an Ethiopia on the brink of revolution, where their love for the same woman drives them apart.
February 28th, 7:30 pm & March 2nd, 10:15 am: Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns (391 p., 1984). Fiction.
In 1906 Georgia, 14-year-old Will Tweedy watches as Grandpa--fabled fighter, Confederate veteran, General Merchandise emporium owner--changes under the influence of his new bride.
March 27th, 7:30 pm & April 6th, 10:15 am:Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (374p., 2008). Fiction.
In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people from each of the twelve districts against one another, 16-year-old Katniss's skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.
April 24th, 7:30 pm & May 4th, 10:15 am: Butterfly Mosque by G. Willow Wilson (304 p., 2010). Non-fiction.
Documents the author's conversion from all-American atheist to Islam, a journey marked by her decision to relocate to Cairo, romance with a passionate young Egyptian, and her efforts to balance the virtues of both cultures.
Silicon Valley Reads 2012 Author G. Willow Wilson will visit on Saturday, August 28th at 2pm and 4pm
May 29th, 7:30 pm & June 1st, 10:15 am: Plainsong by Kent Haruff (301 p., 1999). Fiction.
Kent Haruf reveals a whole community as he interweaves the stories of a pregnant high school girl, a lonely teacher, a pair of boys abandoned by their mother, and a couple of crusty bachelor farmers. A stirring meditation on the true nature and necessity of family.
June 26th, 7:30 pm & July 6th, 10:15 am: Still Life by Louise Penny (312 p., 2006). Fiction.
Three Pines, an appealing community in Quebec, is shaken by the death of a beloved longtime village schoolteacher and unsung artist. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his team investigate.
July 31st, 7:30 pm & August 3rd, 10:15 am: The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse (286 p., 1938). Fiction.
When Bertie’s Aunt Dahlia hears that her husband is proposing to trade the services of their chef in exchange for an 18th century cow-creamer, she demands that Bertie and his manservant Jeeves sort things out.
August 28th, 7:30 pm & September 7th, 10:15 am: In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez (325 p., 1994). Fiction.
The butterflies are four smart and lovely Dominican sisters growing up during Trujillo's despotic regime.
September 25th, 7:30 pm & October 5th, 10:15 am: Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama (442 p., 1995). Non-fiction.
An honest, often poetic memoir about growing up biracial.
October 30th, 7:30 pm & November 2nd, 10:15 am: The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory (664 p., 2001). Fiction.
When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of 14, she catches the eye of Henry VIII. She soon realizes just how much she is a pawn in her family's ambitious plots as the king's interest begins to wane and she is forced to step aside for her sister, Anne.
November 27th, 7:30 pm & December 7th, 10:15 am: The Host by Stephenie Meyer (619 p., 2008). Fiction.
The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie Stryder's body didn't expect her to refuse to relinquish possession of her mind.
