An unlikely pairing.

Enid Shomer's exquisite debut,The Twelve Rooms of the Nile, is an intellectual adventure through mid-nineteenth-century Egypt as experienced by two dissimilar people sitting on the cusp of greatness, though neither one knows that. Prim, earnest Florence Nightingale yearns to do good works, but her gender and disapproving family constrain her exuberant curiosity. Gustave Flaubert, a devoted cynic, loses himself in debauchery while seeking literary inspiration. Both traveled up the Nile in 1850, although they probably never met in real life. From this grain of historical plausibility emerges a captivating story about close friendship and all the pleasures and complications of understanding another human being. As their parties follow a similar route, from the temples at Abu Simbel to Philae and other sites, they develop a tender bond, and they even take a daring overland trek together (with chaperones, of course). Their encounters with ancient monuments and the unfamiliar culture enhance their psychological journeys. Flo's awkward relationship with her unadventurous maid, as significant as hers with Gustave, authentically shows the limitations of her privileged Victorian background. The superb characterizations, poignant observations on the Egyptian religion, and depictions of the land's ethereal beauty all perfectly interwoven are rendered in memorable language that excites and enriches the mind (2010 Booklist)

Lost & Found

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens:  Annie O’Sullivan, a Vancouver realtor, is abducted and kept in a remote cabin for over a year. The story is told by Annie to her psychiatrist, following her escape. Interwoven in the story of her captivity are details of Annie’s life pre and post kidnapping. Parts of this novel are brutal, as expected, and can at times be sad and disturbing. It is very readable and the story is cleverly told. I thoroughly enjoyed the psychological suspense aspect of this book and would recommend it if you are not faint of heart. SG

Magic Marrakesh!

Do you watch HGTV? Do you love color and pattern? Take a vicarious trip to Marrakesh, Morocco with the book Marrakesh By Design,Decorating with All the Colors, Patterns, and Magic of Morocco.  Written by Maryam Montague who has a hotel in Marrakesh and a blog about living there, (MyMarrakesh.com) the book explores Moroccan style, decorating and where to find the sources for Moroccan style. There are many beautiful photographs of interiors and exteriors of houses and gardens in Morocco and explorations of Moroccan culture in tea, (mint tea, served sweetened in a glass.) pattern and color. Lovely! ML

Livin' in the D!

Say Nice Things about Detroit by Scott Lasser is a story about coming home. When David Halpert returns to the metro area to help care for his aging mother he is confronted with the death of a former girlfriend, Natalie and her half-brother, Dirk. In paying his respects to the family of the deceased he is re-introduced to Natalie’s younger sister and the twists and turns of life begin. For those who know the Motor City, many of the places mentioned will resurrect nostalgic memories. Hope is interwoven with the desperate plight of the city and its inhabitants. As the characters heal and grow they offer the reader much hope for the future. DB

Sewing, From Start to Finish

Having just inherited my first sewing machine, I'm antsy to get stitching -- the only problem is that I haven't a clue what I'm doing.  The Colette Sewing Handbook by Sarai Mitnick breaks down the basics in a fun, informative way.  From choosing the right fabric to demystifying the fitting process, Mitnick provides concise instructions and guidance, as well as some classic silhouettes from her Colette Patterns, her own line of sewing patterns.  I can't wait to get started!  HM

Dry and Dangerous

The Dry Grass of August,written by Anna Jean Mayhew takes place in August, 1954 in North Carolina. On a scorching hot day our narrator, thirteen-year old Jubie watts leaves for a vacation in Florida with her family. Dad is staying home but her mother is driving with her three siblings, and Mary the family maid. Because Mary is black, they have problems finding a place she can stay. She also can't use the same restrooms or even eat carryout food from the same bag!
Jubie love Mary who gives her the affection neither her distracted mother or her abusive dad can give her. After a tragedy happens we see the strength and character of Jubie. All their lives are changed. Beautifully written about race relations as well as family relationships,this is a great book. ML

Real Life Heroes

A Bolt From the Blue by Jennifer Woodlief is the true tale of a mountain climbing disaster and the daring rescue by the Jenny Lake Rangers of the Grand Teton National Park. At 13,000 feet, just a few hundred feet shy of summiting the Grand Teton, a group of 13 climbers had just decided to turn back when they were struck by lightning. What makes the story amazing is the massive rescue needed to help these people who were struck and scattered - some caught on ropes, some falling up to a hundred feet - before nightfall of the same day! Woodlief tells the story of the climb and the rescue and covers the history of the Jenny Lake Rangers and the Grand Teton National Park. You also learn a bit about lightning strikes and the study of storms. All in all a satisfying read. SG