Book Sleuths

How to be Lost by Amanda Eyre Ward

Caroline, Madeline and Ellie Winters have no idea why their parents seem so miserable and distant; they only know that their lives are vastly different from those of their friends.   Led by fifteen-year-old Caroline, the girls plot an escape from the affluent but unhappy home.

But the fantasy turns tragic when five-year-old Ellie doesn't show up at the rendezvous and is never seen again.

Sixteen years later Caroline and her mother still scan crowds and photographs in desperate hope while Madeline demands closure.  Their rift widens when another photo bearing a striking resemblance to Ellie comes to light.

As Caroline’s facade of a life starts to fall apart, she embarks on a cross-country mission to track down the latest Ellie look-a-like.

Multiple points of view and deft, witty writing reveal the family secrets that explain Ellie’s disappearance.  Our Book Sleuths Book Club will discuss all the twists in this fascinating story on Tuesday, May 27th at 2 p.m. at the Post Road Library.

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist

Staff Pick

This title is misleading because it is a lot more than a story of a happy marriage. It is a collection of essays from Ann Patchett written between 1996 and 2012. She began her career as a writer of fiction and non-fiction short stories for magazines and newspapers.  At that point in her career she learned a lot about the writing process and shares her lessons throughout the essays. In addition, she talks about how she wrote her first novel while working as a waitress. Don’t try to convince Patchett there is such a thing as writer's block.  She will change your mind. But there is much more to this collection. You will learn a lot about the author from her stories about Divorce and Dogs. Have you ever considered taking a cross country trip in a Winnebago? Patchett did and has a lot to say on the subject. Do you know any police officers? Read her essay on trying out for the LAPD. You will learn what it takes to be an officer and be impressed with her perseverance.  Hearing about the author’s grandmother, teachers, failed marriage and puppy love makes me want to take a trip to Nashville to visit her bookstore. Yes, this author, dog and book lover co-owns an independent bookstore Parnassus in Nashville, Tennessee. Check out This is the Story of a Happy Marriage.

Colleen Serletti

Information Specialist

Staff Picks - Juvenile

Children are never too young to learn about the great works of art in our world.  Stone Giant by Jane Sutcliffe is about the Italian city of Florence and their frustrating 40 year ordeal to get a finished marble statue of David.  For an elementary student, this basic history of the statue and Michelangelo, the artist who finished it, will serve as an interesting art appreciation story that may interest them in learning more about art.  The illustrations are colorful and expressive.  The statue of David is portrayed accurately.  The scope of the work involved to complete the artwork may impress your child.

Kim Ottesen
Information Specialist - Youth Services