The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
$24.95 in hardcover
This book has been on all of the best-seller lists for months. It takes place in the deep south of the 1960s. The characters are as richly drawn, illustrating the very definite line between the young, white Junior League of the time and the black help. Stockett does an amazing job of telling the story of stalwart black women who were allowed to raise white children, but were not allowed to use the same bathroom as the family they worked for. I loved the characters of Eugenia “Skeeter” -- the white budding social activist -- and the maids Aibileen and Minny, as much as I came to dislike the character of Hilly -- the Junior League queen, who advocated treating her “help” as less than human. It's a surprising page turner. The booklists were right: Read it. It's a very engaging read.
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Junkyard Dogs: A Walt Longmire Mystery
by Craig Johnson
$25.95 in hardcover
The sixth book in the Walt Longmire series pleases again. When a severed thumb shows up, Walt gets embroiled in a dispute between land developers, a creepy ex-convict and an old man who gets dragged off of his roof and down the road because he’s attached to the bumper of a ’68 Toronado that's driven away (based on a true story). Johnson’s training in classical playwriting serves him well as he once again delivers dialogue that is far above average. The twists and turns in this mystery will keep you guessing. Appearances of the old and beloved characters of Henry Standing Bear and deputies Vic and Sancho are like visits from old friends. Don’t miss this latest installment.
Pints and Purls: Portable Projects for the Social Knitter
by Karida Collins and Libby Bruce
$17.99 in paperback
If you’re like me and cannot possibly go anywhere without your knitting, you’re gonna love this fun, slightly irreverent book. It has wonderful projects that are separated not only by knitter experience and expertise, but also by how many “adult beverages” you’ve had: You can find knitting love for the designated driver or for someone who has had four or more. Just pay attention to the recommended sober concentration for each project. Also included are drink recipes and knitting hints and tricks. Cheers!
A Dignity of Dragons: Collective Nouns for Magical Beasts
by Jacqueline K. Ogburn, Illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli
$17 in hardcover; children ages 4 to 8
Everyone knows that a group of lions is a pride, but what is a collection of unicorns? A “grace” of unicorns, of course. Ogburn has assigned nouns to a spectrum of creatures from mythology, folklore and fairy tales. Plus, there is a glossary of the creatures in the back of the book that identifies each creature and it’s culture of origin. The illustrations are colorful, yet muted, and beautifully done. Even the most menacing of creatures, such as the werewolf, is done age-appropriately, so as not to scare small readers. If you love mythical creatures and lovely art, this book is for you and your child. One small thing, though: Some of the mermaids and sirens are, well, topless, but tastefully so.
You Are My Wish
by Maryann Cusimano Love, Illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa
$16.99 in hardcover; children ages 4 to 8
I’d like a collective, “ahhhhh,” please, from all the grandmothers out there. What a delightful little book this is. From the author of “You Are My I Love You” comes an adorable bonding between grandmother bear and grandchild bear. Going through the pair’s lunch, tickle-time, fishing and cuddling up for a nap together, this heartwarming book shows the pure adoration between a grandparent and grandchild. The watercolor illustrations show the most adorable facial expressions you can imagine. All grandmas and grandchildren will love this book.
Lisa Craft, owner of Blue Heron Books and Espresso in Casper, is voracious reader and invites you in for a cup of your favorite beverage and a chat about your favorite books. www.blueheronwyoming.com.
