Oblong Books & Music

"A love story that takes place during a time in history most Americans would like to forget or don't even know about. This book follows the story of Keiko and Henry in wartime Seattle, their young love, separation, and reunion forty years later. A hopeful book about a sad period in history."

-Nancy

"An absorbing and magical historical fiction featuring Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Trotsky, and a young Richard Nixon."

-Noelle

"Released as young adult fiction only in the US, this complex and dark retelling of Grimms' Snow White and Rose Red channels the literary styles of Angela Carter and Anais Nin - a brilliant examination of humanity's most savage and gentle aspects. For VERY mature readers!"

-Noelle

"I'm an avid Coben reader, and he is back in fine form with Caught. Here, he takes on the issue of sexual predators in a suburban setting. A top-notch page turner."

-Suzanna

"This is the story of the lives of three black maids in the deep south in the early sixties just as the civil rights movement is coming to the forefront. It also deals with the mixed emotions of whites toward the people who raised them. Often humorous, sometimes infuriating. Hopefully things have changed since then, or have they?"

-Nancy

"Oh my gosh, this book is hilarious. In fact, I'd say it's one of the funniest novels I've ever read. Hell Hounds, Demons, and Death Merchants... this book has it all!"

-Suzanna

"In this deeply disturbing graphic memoir, Small recounts the stunning cruelty of his childhood."

-Suzanna

"To say Asperger's Syndrome is the mildest form of autism is like saying you only had your leg amputated at the ankle, not at the knee. Lucky for us neuro-typicals, Jesse Saperstein has a sharp wit, a storyteller's eye and excruciating honesty as well as Asperger's. This book is a treasure. I will recommend it to all our book groups."

 -Lisa

"Lia & Cassie have been friends for years, but when Cassie is found dead in a hotel room Lia's life begins to spiral out of control. Both girls had been battling eating disorders, and Lia's anorexia begins to take over as she is haunted by her friend. This is an amazing book - one of the best YA reads out there."

-Suzanna

"If I could lsend you home with one book in the store, it would be this one. A stunnin page-turner, The Passage is easily the best book I read this year. READ THIS BOOK!!"

-Suzanna

"Martin Amis' new comic novel is sort of a sensationalist decameron of the 20th century - hilarious, tragic, perceptive, ambitious, and scandalous (well, dirty, really). I was suprised to find myself loving every bit of it."

-Noelle

"Meet Rene and Paloma, two women living in a Paris apartment building - one the concierge, the other a 12-year-old resident. Both highly intelligent - they hide their true selves to conform with social norms. A smart novel!"

-Suzanna

"A fast-paced, gothic mystery with juicy characters and exciting, spooky plot twists. Fans of Carol Goodman will not be disappointed!"

-Noelle

"Paul Auster at his finest! Masterful and compelling - I couldn't put it down. For me, this is the best novel 2009."

-Suzanna

"Nothing like Atonement. Dark & dwelling. A 'can't put down' book."

-Chris

"This is a stunning view into the life of a woman dealing with the end of her marriage. Gillies' writing style makes this a page-turner."

-Suzanna

"Tim Blake's daughter leaves for work one day and vanishes off the face of the Earth. When Tim goes to her workplace, they say they've never heard of her. This is a perfect weekend read."

-Suzanna

"An eeire, atmospheric, literary mystery set in a late 19th century mansion in upstate New York. Chilling and fun - it will keep you guessing until the end!"

-Noelle

"This poetic novel chronicles the imperiled world of the Slovakian Roma from WWII to the establishment of the Communist Bloc. After witnessing the death of her family by the pro-Nazi Hlinkas, 6-year-old Zoli escapes to another Roma camp where she discovers her gift of singing. Encouraged by her grandfather, she breaks the Romani taboo of learning to read and write, setting in motion a transformative series of events."

-Noelle

"In this novel of connected stories, we meet Olive and the other inhabitants of her Maine town. Each story is excellent, and you quickly see how masterful Strout's writing is. Worthy of the Pulitzer, for sure."

-Suzanna

"This book reminded me a lot of The Lovely Bones and I devoured it in one sitting."

-Suzanna

"A story told through a series of letters about life on the isle of Guernsey during its occupation by the Nazis. Rich with characters and humor during a difficult time for the island's inhabitants."

-Nancy

"Told from six first-person perspectives, this novel of the 1940s Mississippi Delta took my breath away. Tivoli writer Hillary Jordan is certainly a talent to watch. This is one of our favorite books in recent years."

-Suzanna

"An often humorous account of an Italian-American family. It is also the story of a young woman's struggle to keep her family business viable and still find a meaningful relationship for herself. A great weekend read!"

-Nancy

"In a novel that spans fifty years, Irving again proves his literary prowess. Dark and disturbing, this story will keep you turning the pages, wondering what could possibly happen next."

-Suzanna

"Genesis is set in a not-so-distant future, where issues of human versus artificial intelligence have turned society upside-down. The story takes place in a single room over the course of five hours, and I defy you not to read the entire novel in one sitting. An amazing book."

-Suzanna