The Rice Mother by Rani Manicka

The matriarch of this family is Lakshmi, who grows up in Ceylon, and who marries at the age of 14 and moves to Malaysia. This story tells of the lives of her family members through several generations, and the hardships they faced, including World War II and the Japanese occupation. It had a surprising ending [...]

Casa Rossa by Francesca Marciano

I randomly chose this book, not sure if it would be good, and was very surprised at what a good novel it was. It is set in Italy and is about the Strada family and their home Casa Rossa. The story revolves around three extraordinary women and their lives. It spans from fleeing Nazi Germany, [...]

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Although I hesitated before reading this book, I loved reading about this true story of Elizabeth Gilbert. She suffered through a bad first marriage and a bad divorce, causing her to lose everything, and decided to travel to Italy, India, and Indonesia on a soul-searching trip. The things she learns are fascinating, and I can’t [...]

Woman Behind the New Deal: the Life of Frances Perkins by Kirstin Downey

Interesting read about a fascinating woman. She only gets a single sentence in the traditional history books but she was a devoted, selfless public servant. Cherry Hill Library Patron KM

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Page turner mystery–would make a good film. Cherry Hill Library Patron KM

The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman

Fascinating true story set in World War II Poland. Cherry Hill Library Patron KM