TLC Staff Recommendations

Spring 2002

RIVER-HORSE: ACROSS AMERICA BY BOAT
By William Least Heat-Moon LP 917.304929

In his 22-foot boat “Nikawa” the author and his wise companion, Pilotis, set off from the Atlantic Ocean at Astoria, New York, to struggle more than 5000 watery miles across the continent’s rivers to the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon. Hardship and pleasure combine with intelligent and instructive storytelling, as we are pulled westward in this extraordinary chronicle. “Blue Highways” on water.
-Jean Bowman

THE MAGICIAN’S WIFE
By Brian Moore LP FIC

This well-written and suspenseful historical novel is set in mid-19^th century France. Henri, a magician who seeks the adoration of the Napoleonic Court, and his perceptive wife Emmeline are drawn into a plot to dupe the sheiks of Algeria with magic illusions to bring the country under French control. As Emmeline begins to understand the ways of the Moorish people and admire the sincerity of their beliefs she questions the consequences of their actions in this ancient land.
-Rose Soltani

HORSE HEAVEN
By Jane Smiley LP FIC

This sprawling novel is made up of several inter-related stories all dealing with horse racing. With a cast of perhaps 50 characters including several horses, one stands in awe of author Smiley’s depth and breadth of knowledge of horse racing as well as her virtuosity in storytelling.
-Ron Woods

A CONSPIRACY OF PAPER
By David Liss LP FIC

The early 18^th century saw the rise of the modern stock market and financial speculation on a grand scale. In this fun to read historical mystery we learn about this and other matters as we follow Jewish Benjamin Weaver, a sort of early private eye, as he attempts to untangle a daunting web of deception surrounding the mysterious death of his father.
-Ron Woods

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Last Updated: July 28, 2007