Impossible by Nancy Werlin

The women of Lucy’s family have been cursed for generations to bear a child by the age of eighteen and then go mad.  Can Lucy escape this fate?  Only if she can complete the three impossible tasks named in the song “Scarborough Fair.”  Using some clues left by her mother, and aided by family and friends, Lucy races the clock to do the impossible and save herself.  A captivating fairy tale for young and not so young adults.

Under the Dome by Stephen King

Using a recipe that never gets old, King takes an unassuming small town, adds a pinch of the supernatural, and cooks up some chaos!  When a mysterious, impenetrable dome comes down over Chester’s Mill, isolation and deteriorating conditions bring out both the best and worst in the town’s residents.

Feed by M.T. Anderson (audiobook)

In the future, corporations rule the world.  Each child has a chip implanted in the brain at birth, which allows instant access to the “feed.”  Tasks that used to require computers, such as internet browsing, email and chat, can now be performed using thoughts and the feed.  Of course, since corporations sponsor the feed, the user is constantly bombarded with commercials and purchasing suggestions based on thoughts he or she is having at the moment. This ease of access to information comes at an extremely high price, though few seem to realize it.

Dies the Fire by S. M. Stirling

What would you do if all technology suddenly stopped working?  How would you survive?  In this first of a series, everyone in the world has to find the answers to those questions.  Set in the Washington/Oregon area, this engrossing book follows several widely differing groups who find that, by banding together, they can survive.  Apocalyptic literature at its best.

Dewey’s Nine Lives by Vicki Myron

If you were touched by the original Dewey that told of the remarkable small-town cat in Spencer, Iowa, you’ll also love this heartwarming book containing a few more of Dewey’s adventures, as well as stories of other cats who made a profound difference in their humans’ lives.  Also find out the new direction that Vicki Myron’s life has taken.  Not to be missed by cat lovers.

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

When beautiful music reaches Earth from outer space, the Jesuits send a team to explore and make contact with the new world.  They mean no harm.  At first their interactions with the indigenous populations are positive and rewarding, but then it all goes horribly wrong.  A powerful novel of how cultural differences can lead to indescribable tragedy.  You will meet unforgettable characters who will touch your heart.  A profoundly moving novel that has crossover appeal for those who normally wouldn’t touch science fiction.

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

A delightful story about a widowed British major who unexpectedly finds his relationship with shopkeeper Mrs. Ali deepening when she comes to his aid following his brother’s death.  However, she is a foreigner. Can the village accept her?  This novel is filled with memorable characters, including the Major’s horrid sister-in-law, his self-centered son, and Mrs. Ali’s conflicted nephew.  Highly recommended.  The audio version is particularly well done.

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