Prospect Heights Public Library Staff Picks

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

Thinking of going green? How about eating foods grown locally? Author Barbara Kingsolver writes about her family's experiences as they vow to buy only food grown in their own neighborhood, or what they raise themselves. We have gotten so used to having every food always available, so what is it like to eat only what is available seasonally? Probably hard to do in Chicago, but it makes you want to pay more attention to what you eat, for your own health and the environment. A fascinating book that includes lots of information, recipes, and comments written by her family.

Gail Baar, Circulation

The Ghost

by Robert Harris
In this thriller by Robert Harris, recently retired charismatic British Prime Minister Adam Lang (read Tony Blair) has retreated to Martha's Vineyard to complete his memoirs after receiving a very large advance payment from his publisher. When Lang's friend and ghostwriter turns up dead, a new "ghost" is brought in to complete the project on a tight schedule. Worldy wise and irreverent, this ghost soon begins to discover contradictions in Lang's account of his life. When Lang is charged as a war criminal for abetting controversial U.S. antiterrorism activities, the ghost is caught up in a maelstrom of developments that threaten Lang's reputation, career, and even life. Written with today's headlines in mind, this novel will keep you reading right to its last words!

Bill McCully - Executive Director

Cactus Heart

by Jon Talton

Historian turned Sheriff's Deputy Dave Mapstone literally stumbles into a crime in Jon Talton's latest Arizona mystery entry. While chasing a fleeing suspect, Dave rushes into an old Phoenix warehouse where he discovers two children's corpses, the Yarnell twins kidnapped in the 1930s. As readers of Mapstone stories expect, this gruesome discovery leads Dave into an exploration of Arizona's past and present shady characters. His detective work always reveals some Phoenix history along with sundry dark deeds. Mapstone has been called "the kind of modern hero many readers dream of: intellectual but physical, tough but sensitive." Readers who enjoy this story will also want to read the 4 other Mapstone adventures by Talton.

Bill McCully - Executive Director