The Rest of Us Just Live Here / Patrick Ness / 319 pages

You know who they are, those indie kids-- the ones who end up being The Chosen One when the supernatural happens, the ones who have the unique powers, the ones who pretty much save the world from the Ultimate Evil?

Well this is not their story.

This story focuses on (somewhat) ordinary kids who just want to graduate high school before it gets blown up.  Again.  Mikey wants to ask Henna out before her family goes to Africa and has a severe case of OCD.  Mel has to graduate a year late while coping with anorexia.  Jared keeps a lot of secrets from his friends, revealing to them only 1) he's gay, and 2) he's part-god (the God of Cats to be exact; cats love this guy).  Each chapter also begins with a short side story on the indie kids' battle against the Immortals, particularly focusing on a girl named Satchel, though there are other characters like Finn, Dylan, Finn, Kerouac, Finn, Wisconsin, Finn, Finn, and even a prince.  Oh, and not to mention Finn.

This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I must say: this was a witty, yet sad, yet heartwarming book all at the same time.  Every character faces a different conflict, both internal and external, while having to deal with the flaws he or she has, making them more realistic.  As the books tagline says, "Sometimes you have to find the extraordinary in the ordinary."

All the Missing Girls/ Megan Miranda/ 368 pages

All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda is a mystery story with a twist.  Nicolette Farrell has come home to Cooley Ridge, North Carolina, ten years after the disappearance of her friend Corine.  Recently engaged to lawyer, Everett, she packs up her belongings, sublets her apartment and drives home to help prepare her father's home for sale.  Her Dad has been moved to assisted living, his funds are almost gone, and he has sent her an odd letter about Corine.  Shortly after Nic arrives, a second girl disappears just as Corine.  Nic, her brother Daniel, and ex boyfriend Tyler work together to solve the mystery of the vanished girls.  The twist is that the book follows the story backward.  Once Nic arrives in Cooley Ridge the countdown begins with Day 15 and works backward to Day 1 and the final result.  Using this trick makes the story more compelling as more details fall into place to clarify what  has come before.

Standing in the Rainbow (Ballantine Reader's Circle Series #2) / Fannie Flagg / 493 pgs

My Brown Bag Book Discussion's August book is Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg. I read it a bit early, because I was in some sort of slump and couldn't figure out what else to read. I really enjoyed the story of a small fictional town in Missouri and some of its funniest, bravest, loveliest citizens. The book begins in 1946, just after the end of WWII and ends in the 1990s. You'll meet Dorothy, the hostess of one of the most listened to morning radio shows in the Midwest; her children, Bobby and Annalee; hairdresser Tot Whooten; the Oatman Family Singers; politician-in-the-making Hamm Sparks; blind songstress Beatrice Woods; and many fabulous other Missourians. Standing in the Rainbow is the second book in a trilogy, but do not let that keep you from reading the book out of order. I had never read a Fannie Flagg book before and had no trouble figuring out who the characters were. It seems the books are written a little out of order anyways. From what I read, the first book takes place solely in the 1970s.

Although I love this book and highly recommend it to anyone, I would remiss without pointing out the big inaccuracies that are in the book concerning Missouri geography, history, and politics. Twice, the Gateway Arch is mentioned as already existing despite it's only the 1940s and 1950s in the book. Missouri State University is mentioned even though that name was never used for a university until 2005. Also, it's stated in the book a couple of time that the governor appointed a lieutenant governor and an attorney general, when in reality, both of those positions have been elected positions since the 19th century.

Fannie Flagg is from Alabama and although her look at small town Missouri life was so good, she apparently didn't quite do enough internet research in 2002 to prevent making those mistakes in her book. If you're like me, you'll be almost tempted to let that keep you from enjoying the book. Don't make that mistake.

All Things Cease to Appear/ Elizabeth Brundage/ 399 pages

All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage opens with George walking to a neighbor's house after finding his wife, Catherine, murdered.  George is able to evade the local sheriff with the aid of his parents who sweep him off to their home.  There is one possible eye witness, Franny, the couples three year old daughter who was in the house when the murder occurred.  First the reader is introduced to the old Hale house and it's history.  Then the reader is then transported back in time to when George and Catherine first meet.  Is it the house or the people that are haunted by their pasts?  George appears to be the obvious suspect, but Brundage does a good job in creating several viable suspects.  As the evidence adds up, it is not until the end that the reader knows who really committed the crime.  On a positive note, the story does not revolve around the sheriff pursuing the wrong suspects.  This book will appeal to readers less interested in police procedure and more interested in relationships and psychology.

Trick of the Light/ Louise Penny/ 339pages

A Trick of the Light is the seventh book in the Inspector Gamache series written by Louise Penny.  Inspector Gamache is back on the job following injuries that took place between books five and six.  He and others from Three Pines are celebrating Clara's solo showing of her artwork.  The mood takes a sudden plunge when a body is discovered in Clara's garden.  First, the inspector must determine who the victim is and then who committed the crime.  There are many interesting twists and turns along the way with a heavy inclusion of Alcoholics Anonymous and the art world of Montreal.  Fans of Inspector Gamache will enjoy this tale as well as those who like cozy mysteries.  For more information and read a likes check out the SCCCLD website

The Great Christmas Knit-off/ Alexandra Brown/ 378 pages

The Great Christmas Knit-off by Alexandra Brown is the first book in a new series featuring the small town of Tindledale.  Sybil had been left at the alter when her fiance takes off with her twin sister.  Months later she is still trying to get out of her funk.  When a mistake occurs at work that could lead back to her, Sybil opts for a long weekend with a friend in the small town of Tindledale.  Once in town Sybil meets the locals, including Hetty.  With Sybil's help, Hetty turns her business around and good things begin to happen.  This series would appeal to the reader who likes stories about small towns with interesting characters.  For more information and a list of read a likes see the SCCCLD website.

Jane Austen Quilt Club/ Ann Hazelwood/ 313 pages

The Jane Austen Quilt Club is the fourth book in the Colebridge Community Series written by Ann Hazelwood.  The book advances Anne Dickson's story as she contemplates expanding her flower shop on Main Street.  Along the way the Jane Austen Book Club adds a quilt to their projects.  When the quilt is entered into a quilt show in Florida, a  swap occurs and a different quilt is taken out of the shipping box.  Anne steps in to help solve the mystery.  This book would appeal to readers who like small towns, friendly characters and everyday events.  For more information and read a likes see the SCCCLD website.

Murder of an Open Book/ Denise Swanson/ 247 pages

Murder of an Open Book is the next installment of the Scumble River series written by Denise Swanson.  Skye Denison-Boyd and husband Wally are back from their honeymoon.  Skye is fighting off morning sickness while trying to keep her pregnancy under wraps from her mom, May.  An early morning swim in the high school pool helps with morning sickness, until the morning when the volleyball coach, Blair Hucksford tosses her out.  When the unpopular teacher is found dead in the pool, Skye and Wally work together to solve the murder.  Readers who like cozy mysteries will enjoy this book.  For more information and read a likes check out the SCCCLD website.

Heading Out to Wonderful/Robert Goolrick/313pgs.

In the summer of 1948, Charlie Beale is a stranger to the town people of Brownsburg, Virginia. It is a small town--a place where everyone knows everyone else, and every one's business. Charlie shows up one day with two suitcases--one full of money, and the other containing knives; he is a butcher by trade. He gradually makes his way into the hearts of the Brownsburg residents. Then he meets Sylvan Glass,  the young wife of Harrison Boatwright "Boaty" Glass--the richest man in Brownsburg, and one of the meanest.  Then the story really gets going. The narrator of the novel is an integral part to the story. It's a very engrossing tale, and should provide quite a discussion at this month's book club. Highly recommended!

Cold Sassy Tree/Olive Ann Burns/391 pages

Set in a small Georgia town in the early 1900's, Cold Sassy Tree follows a well-respected family after the wife of the store owner dies, and he decides to remarry a much younger woman a three weeks later. The story is told from the point of view of Will Tweedy, grandson of the store owner. Life in a small town is examined.


Nice story with lots of drama.

Seeing America / Nancy Crocker / 276 p.

In this new novel out July 2014, a young Missouri man and two of his friends leave home in a brand new Model T Ford on a quest to see Yellowstone Park in 1910.

Synopsis

It is 1910 and John Hartmann is tired of his small Missouri town. When a blind acquaintance buys a new Model T Ford and invites him to drive it, the two of them hatch the idea to leave town and have an adventure. They decide to take along one of the town's rowdies for driving help and take off.

Before long, they learn the lessons of acting with inadequate preparation. During the trip, they learn to not only face the dangers of being naive on the road, but they also learn to become less selfish, take care of each other, and, in the process, find themselves.

Analysis

Author Nancy Crockett is an award winning writer of juvenile and young adult fiction. That is evident in the way the story is constructed. While some of the subject matter is definitely adult, the dominant focus on the struggles of youth and the way the main characters see the world could come straight out of a YA novel. Some of the historical background of the story also seems a little awkward. Despite that, the story is consistent and the plot is warmly satisfying.

This novel does not fit neatly into any specific genre. The publisher classifies it as literary fiction, but that may be a stretch for adult readers as the prose is more akin to YA Fiction. This book will appeal to patient readers who, much like the characters in the book, don't mind a leisurely trek through its pages.

Pie/Sarah Weeks/183 p/2013-14 Mark Twain Nominee

Don't read this on an empty stomach, unless you have a slice of pie nearby! This is a delightful '50s era "mystery" with Aunt Patty's pie recipes at the beginning of each chapter...just in case the delicious descriptions inspire you to try baking pies yourself. Great for young (and old!) fans of 20th century historical fiction and small-town humor. If you like Richard Peck's Grandma Dowdel books, you'll love "Pie." Would be great for a Mother-Daughter Book Club, and it's a 2013-14 Mark Twain Nominee to boot!

Standing in the Rainbow/Fannie Flagg/548 pgs.

Years ago I read Fannie Flagg's Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, and thoroughly enjoyed it; I can unequivocally say the same for this book! Flagg introduces the reader to the residents of Elmwood Springs, a small town in southern Missouri. From the 1940s through the 1990s, the reader follows the residents in all aspects of their lives. There is humor, sadness, anger, etc--emotions all of us have experienced. This is our September book club read, and one that I am looking forward to discussing!

A RELIABLE WIFE by Robert Goolrick - 305 Pages

Book Discussion title at Kathryn Linnemann Branch

'A Reliable Wife' by Robert Goolrick takes the concept of the 'mail-order bride' and turns it upside-down. The main characters in the book (Ralph Truitt and Catherine Land) each has his own 'not so innocent' reasons for agreeing to this marriage, but what each of them gains is not what is expected. The story is dark, but so beautifully written and expressed, you cannot help but be drawn into it.

While most of my ladies really enjoyed this one, there were a few that thought it was too 'over the top' - some were surprised at the sexual content in the book. There was much to discuss - familial relationships, social classes, small-town life, and of course, roles of men and women at the turn of the century. For local history buffs, there is a chunk of the story that takes place in St. Louis (ca 1908). - this was fun to discuss!

If you're looking for a complex and satisfying read for your group (or yourself) - 'A Reliable Wife' fits the bill...

Melanie - KL Book Club

Soup / Robert Newton Peck 96 p.

Robert Newton Peck tells his own story and that of his best friend and companion in adventure, Luther Wesley Vinson. Soup and Rob find fun stuff to do that get them into trouble. Like the time they threw apples from sticks, each trying out do the other as boys are apt to do, with Rob's flying into the inevitable window. How Soup talked Rob into rolling down a hill in a rotten apple barrel is any one's guess. Then there is their joint venture where they make their own pipes to smoke 'corn silk' tobacco. Add in a cast of characters and you see just how Robert Newton Peck grew up during the depression in Vermont. Be sure to read the dedication page found at the end of the book: "To the Reverend Luther Vinson, a shepherd of his flock, from his first sheep. Robert Newton Peck."

All Things Bright and Beautiful / James Herriot 378 p.

Herriot continues the story of his day-to-day life as a small town veterinarian. We meet an unforgettable cast of characters including humans and animals: the brothers Siegfried and Tristan, Mrs. Donovan the local pet expert whom the townspeople consult, the widow Dalby who always gives Herriot special treatment even as she faces the loss of her herd and potentially her farm, and Granville Bennett, a small animal veterinarian who immobilizes Herriot with food and drink after a successful operation, and the goat has swallowed a pair of underwear belonging to the farmer. Herriot’s story of courting his wife warms the heart. And the story concludes with his call-up for WWII pilot training. One of my all-time favorites. Simple in story but deep in life's truths.