shop talk - faves of 2009: from Smith College to Galveston

8. Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan
read in May 2009

*Taken from a previous post.
This one is like Sex and the City meets Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It chronicles four young women who become friends at the all-girls' Smith College and in alternating voices follows them through the before and after; the good, bad and ugly. But more than just your average chick lit read, this book tackles more than men, dating, family and friendship drama. It also addresses feminism and even sex-trafficking. Lest you be swayed by that last one, this is definitely an addictive read that will make you want to call all your girl friends and will have you wishing you went to Smith and lived down the hall from these girls.


7. The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors by Michele Young-Stone
read in August 2009

Becca Burke was seven years old when she was struck by lightning. Now her Mickey Mouse watch won't keep time. Buckley R. Pitank knows what that's like. He's also witnessed it first hand. Moving from Arkansas to New York, Galveston, Texas to Carolina, this book links an intricate and vivid cast of characters by chance and and expertly coincidental plot highlights the unique nature of lightning strikes and what happens to those who are affected. This book pretty much goes everywhere and you will get swept up in it just as I did. Oh, and the author is a lightning strike survivor herself!