WORD’s pick: “The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates: Magic Marks the Spot” by Nancy Carlson
I can’t stop telling people about this book, which follows a young girl who ends up on the high seas with a rag-tag group of pirates, her governess, and her magical gargoyle. I wish I could go back in time and give this to my 8- to 12-year-old self. Recommended for every reader who has a sense of adventure and a strong imagination, especially fans of “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” and “Alice in Wonderland.” Carlson has written a smart, funny, and captivating debut, has and begun a wonderful new series.
— Jenn Northington, WORD [126 Franklin St. at Milton Street in Greenpoint, (718) 383–0096, www.wordbrooklyn.com].
The BookMark Shoppe’s pick: “I Shall Be Near You” by Lindsay McCabe
“I Shall Be Near To You” is a Civil War tale from an interesting perspective, and one often overlooked — the point of view of the woman left behind when her husband leaves for war. Protagonist Rosetta realizes that her new husband’s wages from enlisting will cover nearly half the cost of purchasing a farm. If she can contribute as well, they could purchase land even faster. She secretly enlists with the Union and fights alongside her husband and his friends. A tender, sweet story of young love. Lindsay McCabe adds great historical detail. Truly an enjoying read.
— Bina Valenzano, co-owner, The BookMark Shoppe [8415 Third Ave. between 84th and 85th streets in Bay Ridge, (718) 833–5115, www.bookmarkshoppe.com].
Greenlight Bookstore’s pick: “The Last Days of California” by Mary Miller
A touching and heart-twisting account of a family’s trip to California prior to the 2011 “predicted” Reaping. Honest and raw, Mary Miller depicts this family of “believers” with such empathy that the reader (regardless of his or her own religious beliefs) immediately falls in love with them. Mary Miller is a writer to watch.
— Emily Russo, Greenlight Bookstore [686 Fulton St. between S. Elliott Place and S. Portland Avenue in Fort Greene, (718) 246–0200, www.greenlightbookstore.com].
