Elizabeth's Best

Lauren Groff has been one of my favorite authors since I was introduced to her debut novel, The Monsters of Templeton. That story was utterly original and more or less flawless in execution, so when I saw an Advance Reading Copy of Arcadia, I snatched it up. I’ve since devoured the story, and passed it along to family and friends. Arcadia is a dreamy, poignant, and gorgeous story of an upper New York State commune. Arcadia (the place), rises and falls, during the main character, Bit’s life from child to adult, just as Arcadia (the novel), pushes us through the years with dexterity and grace. This is a beautiful story, told in a beautiful way, and I encourage you to read it; it will move you immensely.  

— Elizabeth

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Just on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon lies a massive and infamously Impassable Wilderness, or, I.W., or, as the locals call it: Wildwood.

One afternoon, five crows abduct baby Mac, and our heroine Prue sets into the forest (with her friend Curtis eagerly tailing her,) to get him back. Prue is smart and strong, but life within the city of Portland has not quite prepared her or Curtis for the world they will find in the mysterious forest. There is a struggle within Wildwood for power and peace, between creatures familiar and mystical. Complimented by Carson Ellis' fabulous illustrations, this story unfolds as all good fairy tales should: with a little reality, a little magic, and a great adventure. I would recommend this book for all ages, especially those who recognize the author as the singer and songwriter for the band The Decemberists.

-- EAF

Although Colfer achieved vast popularity with his “Artemis Fowl” series, this Jersey noir is not for children. We follow Daniel McEvoy, ex-Irish military turned club bouncer, through the seemingly innocent streets of Cloisters, a town for those who want to get away from the hustle of New York City. But as we soon see, Cloisters has hustle of its own. Irish mobsters, a shady cosmetic surgeon, an upstairs neighbor whose lights aren’t all on (figuratively), and some really renegade cops are just some of the colorful and hilarious characters to be found. Perhaps best of all though, is our staunchly Irish hero Daniel; his inner monologues are elaborate and pitch perfect, varying from insightful humor to nostalgia and melancholy. If you want to be snatched up by a story and carried through twists and turns at breakneck speed by a middle-aged Irish man with a habit for getting into sticky situations, pick this up in August.

--EAF

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