Here are some recommended readings from your local book sellers!
The BookMark Shoppe’s pick: “Winter of the World” by Ken Follett
Book Two of Ken Follett’s Century Trilogy is finally releasing in paperback. “Winter of the World” picks up right where Book 1 ended, with saga, intrigue, and deception, featuring five families from different parts of the world including America, Russia, England, and Germany. The story revolves around great historical moments beginning with World War II and through the Cold War. Follett is a truly gifted story teller, weaving history and fiction seamlessly. This historical epic is a great read, and fans should also go back to “Pillars of the Earth.”
— Bina Valenzano, co-owner, The BookMark Shoppe [8415 Third Ave. between 84th and 85th streets in Bay Ridge, (718) 833–5115, www.bookmarkshoppe.com].
WORD’s pick: “Love Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish” by David Rakoff
Against my expectations, I adored this book. I am highly allergic to hype, and this book couldn’t really have more. It’s Rakoff’s first and only novel, published posthumously, and it’s in verse, and it’s got the full Chip Kidd treatment, plus illustrations by Seth. There’s a lot going on there — but it was lovely. The rhyme scheme is very Seussian, which seems weird at first but then turns out to be a lot of fun even during the sad parts (and there are a lot of sad parts), and Rakoff’s wit has a lot of bite to it.
— Jenn Northington, WORD [126 Franklin St. at Milton Street in Greenpoint, (718) 383–0096, www.wordbrooklyn.com].
