New Leisure Books
NOVEMBER 2009

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FICTION

A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore: Book Cover

A Gate at the Stairs
Lorrie Moore        

In her best-selling story collection, Birds of America (“[it] will stand by itself as one of our funniest, most telling anatomies of human love and vulnerability” —James McManus, front page of The New York Times Book Review), Lorrie Moore wrote about the disconnect between men and women, about the precariousness of women on the edge, and about loneliness and loss.

The Humbling by Philip Roth: Book Cover

The Humbling
Philip Roth  

Everything is over for Simon Axler, the protagonist of Philip Roth’s startling new book. One of the leading American stage actors of his generation, now in his sixties, he has lost his magic, his talent, and his assurance. His Falstaff and Peer Gynt and Vanya, all his great roles, "are melted into air, into thin air."

Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole: Book Cover Deep Kiss of Winter
Kresley Cole, Gena Show  

Murdoch Wroth will stop at nothing to claim Daniela the Ice Maiden — the delicate Valkyrie who makes his heart beat for the first time in three hundred years. Yet the exquisite Danii is part ice fey, and her freezing skin can't be touched by anyone but her own kind without inflicting pain beyond measure.

House of Reckoning by John Saul: Book Cover House of Reckoning
John Saul  

For more than three decades John Saul has haunted the New York Times bestseller list–and readers’ imaginations–with his chilling tales of psychological suspense and supernatural horror. His instinct for striking the deepest chords of fear in our hearts and minds is unerring, and his gift for steering a tale from the light of day into the darkest depths of nightmare is at its harrowing best in House of Reckoning.

Imager's Challenge (Imager Portfolio Series #2) by L. E. Modesitt: Book Cover

Imager's Challenge
L.E. Modesitt, Jr.   

Bestselling author L. E. Modesitt, Jr., presents the second big novel in the Imager Portfolio, in a world where magic rules in secret.

Jumper Cable (Magic of Xanth Series #33), Vol. 33 by Piers Anthony: Book Cover

Jumper Cable
Piers Anthony    

In the thirty-third thrilling escapade in Piers Anthony’s rousing Xanth fantasy series, an adventurous arachnid named Jumper must assume human form to save the enchanted realm from a cosmic peril.

The Monster in the Box (Chief Inspector Wexford Series #22) by Ruth Rendell: Book Cover The Monster in the Box
Ruth Rendell      

The Monster In The Box is the latest addition to Ruth Rendell's classic and beguiling Inspector Wexford series. In this enthralling new book, Rendell, "the best mystery writer in the English-speaking world" (Time), takes Inspector Wexford back to his days as a young policeman, and to the man he has long suspected of murder — serial murder.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown: Book Cover The The Lost Symbol
Dan Brown      

In this stunning follow-up to the global phenomenon The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown demonstrates once again why he is the world's most popular thriller writer. The Lost Symbol is a masterstroke of storytelling -- a deadly race through a real-world labyrinth of codes, secrets, and unseen truths . . . all under the watchful eye of Brown's most terrifying villain to date 

Spartan Gold (Fargo Adventure Series #1) by Clive Cussler: Book Cover

Spartan Gold
Clive Cussler, Grant Blackwood      

The first in a new series from the New York Times-bestselling author.

Dexter by Design by Jeff Lindsay: Book Cover Dexter by Design
Jeff Lindsay    

After his surprisingly glorious honeymoon in Paris, life is almost normal for Dexter Morgan. Married life seems to agree with him: he’s devoted to his bride, his stomach is full, and his homicidal hobbies are nicely under control. But old habits die hard—and Dexter’s work as a blood spatter analyst never fails to offer new temptations that appeal to his offbeat sense of justice…and his Dark Passenger still waits to hunt with him in the moonlight.

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks: Book Cover

The Last Song
Nicholas Sparks     

#1 bestselling author Nicholas Sparks's new novel is at once a compelling family drama and a heartrending tale of young love.Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...

Little Bird of Heaven by Joyce Carol Oates: Book Cover Little Bird of Heaven
Joyce Carol Oates    

Set in the mythical small city of Sparta, New York, this searing, vividly rendered exploration of the mysterious conjunction of erotic romance and tragic violence in late-twentieth-century America returns to the emotional and geographical terrain of acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates's previous bestsellers We Were the Mulvaneys and The Gravedigger's Daughter.

Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter Series) by Sherrilyn Kenyon: Book Cover

Night Pleasures
Sherrilyn Kenyon     

Amanda came awake to an awful throbbing in her head. She felt terrible. What had hap. She tensed as she remembered the unseen man.
His words. Terrified, she pushed herself up, and quickly learned she was on a cold concrete floor, in a very small, dust covered room...
 

The Phoenix Transformed (Enduring Flame Series #3) by Mercedes Lackey: Book Cover The Phoenix Transformed
Mercedes Lackey, James Mallory      

In the Enduring Flame trilogy, Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory have given readers a new view of the complex and fascinating world they originally created for the Obsidian Trilogy. Jumping one thousand years in time, Lackey and Mallory have told the compelling story of Harrier Gillain, the first Knight-Mage in a thousand years; Tiercel Rolfort, the first High Mage in hundreds of years;

The Magicians by Lev Grossman: Book Cover

The Magicians
Lev Grossman     

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell meet Harry Potter in a sophisticated and menacing new coming-of-age tale.

The Million Dollar Demise by RM Johnson: Book Cover The Million Dollar Demise
RM Johnson       

Picking up where The Million Dollar Deception left off, Freddy Ford knocks on Nate Kenny's door, storms into the house, and shoots both Nate and his ex-wife Monica. But he doesn't stop there — before driving off, Freddy manages to escape with little Nathaniel, Nate and Monica's beloved adopted son, while little Layla sleeps upstairs.

 

The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans: Book Cover The Christmas List
Richard Paul Evans    

When I was in seventh grade, my English teacher, Mrs. Johnson, gave our class the intriguing (if somewhat macabre) assignment of writing our own obituaries. Oddly, I don't remember much of what I wrote about my life, but I do remember how I died:

Evidence (Alex Delaware Series #24) by Jonathan Kellerman: Book Cover Evidence
Jonathan Kellerman     

#1 New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman writes unforgettable tales of crime and detection that expose the shadowy side of glittering Los Angeles. And in Evidence, readers are once again in the dexterous grip of a master storyteller and stylist equally skilled at teasing your brain and taking your breath away.

Once in a Blue Moon by Eileen Goudge: Book Cover

Once in a Blue Moon
Eileen Goudge    

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Diary, comes a new, emotionally charged family drama, focusing on two sisters and their turbulent lives.

The Professional (Spenser Series #37) by Robert B. Parker: Book Cover The Professional
Robert B. Parker      

A knock on Spenser's office door can only mean one thing: a new case. This time the visitor is a local lawyer with an interesting story. Elizabeth Shaw specializes in wills and trusts at the Boston law firm of Shaw & Cartwright, and over the years she's developed a friendship with wives of very wealthy men. However, these rich wives have a mutual secret: they've all had an affair with a man named Gary Eisenhower-

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby: Book Cover Juliet, Naked
Nick Hornby    

From the beloved New York Times- bestselling author, a quintessential Nick Hornby tale of music, superfandom, and the truths and lies we tell ourselves about life and love.
 

Locked In (Sharon McCone Series #26) by Marcia Muller: Book Cover Locked In (Sharon McCone Series #26)
Marcia Muller  

Shot in the head by an unknown assailant, San Francisco private eye Sharon McCone finds herself trapped by locked-in syndrome: almost total paralysis but an alert, conscious mind. Since the late-night attack occurred at her agency's offices, the natural conclusion was that it was connected to one of the firm's cases.

The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber: Book Cover The Perfect Christmas
Debbie Macomber     

For Cassie Beaumont, it's meeting her perfect match. Cassie, at thirty-three, wants a husband and kids, and so far, nothing's worked. Not blind dates, not the Internet and certainly not leaving love to chance.

Rough Country (Virgil Flowers Series #3) by John Sandford: Book Cover Rough Country (Virgil Flowers Series #3)
John Sandford      

John Sandford's "truly captivating" (Richmond Times-Dispatch) new hero goes north to solve a puzzling murder-and finds that the country is very rough indeed.

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter by Lisa Patton: Book Cover Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter
Lisa Patton    

Leelee Satterfield seemed to have it all: a gorgeous husband, two adorable daughters, and roots in the sunny city of Memphis, Tennessee. So when her husband gets the idea to uproot the family to run a quaint Vermont inn, Leelee is devastated…and her three best friends are outraged.

Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson: Book Cover Alex Cross's Trial
James Patterson, Richard DiLallon    

The year is 1906, and America is segregated. Hatred and discrimination plague the streets, the classroom, and the courts. But in Washington D.C., Ben Corbett, a smart and courageous lawyer, makes it his mission to confront injustice at every turn.

Drawn in Blood by Andrea Kane: Book Cover Drawn in Blood
Andrea Kane     

Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank has seen her share of danger. She's faced down a serial killer and survived life-threatening injuries . . . but she never expected that danger to invade the lives of her family. . . .
 

   

NON-FICTION

Christmas with Southern Living 2009 by Editors of Southern Living Magazine: Book Cover

Christmas with Southern Living 2009
Editors of Southern Living    

Over 100 brand-new recipes offer options galore for casual gatherings with menus for a Holiday Open House, a Family Celebration, an Elf Party for the kids, and a Cozy Christmas Eve Dinner for two. Top Chicken & Turkey recipes provide new choices for the classic holiday entrée;

Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour by Marti Rulli: Book Cover Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour
Marti Rulli, Dennis Davern       

Natalie Wood was a Hollywood icon, beloved by millions for her performances in such classics as Miracle on 34th Street. Married to actor Robert Wagner, Natalie had everything to live for. Her bizarre death on or near the yacht Splendour on a chilly November evening in 1981 has been shrouded in mystery.

Biblical Literacy by Timothy Beal: Book Cover

Biblical Literacy: The Essential Bible Stories Everyone Needs to Know
Timothy Beal    

Whether watching political candidates quote Jesus or tracking court cases on how the stories of Adam and Eve should be taught in schools, we are surrounded by the legacy of the Bible in our contemporary world.

Moonwalk by Michael Jackson: Book Cover Moonwalk
Michael Jackson           

“I’ve always wanted to be able to tell stories, you know, stories that came from my soul. I’d like to sit by a fire and tell people stories – make them see pictures, make them cry and laugh, take them anywhere emotionally with something as deceptively simple as words.

A Separate Country by Robert Hicks: Book Cover

A Separate Country
Robert Hicks    

Set in New Orleans in the years after the Civil War, A Separate Country is based on the incredible life of John Bell Hood, arguably one of the most controversial generals of the Confederate Army--and one of its most tragic figures.

The Vietnam War by Dwight Jon Zimmerman: Book Cover The Vietnam War: A Graphic History
Dwight Jon Zimmerman, Chuck Horner, Wayne Vans

When Senator Edward Kennedy declared, “Iraq is George Bush’s Vietnam,” everyone understood. The Vietnam War has become the touchstone for U.S. military misadventures—a war lost on the home front although never truly lost on the battlefront. During the pivotal decade of 1962 to 1972, U.S.

Dancing in the Dark by Morris Dickstein: Book Cover Dancing in the Dark:
Morris Dickstein      

From Agee to Astaire, Steinbeck to Ellington, the creative energies of the Depression against a backdrop of poverty and economic disaster.
 

Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer: Book Cover Where Men Win Glory:
Jon Krakauer    

Like the men whose epic stories Jon Krakauer has told in his previous bestsellers, Pat Tillman was an irrepressible individualist and iconoclast. In May 2002, Tillman walked away from his $3.6 million NFL contract to enlist in the United States Army.
 

The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World by Dalai Lama: Book Cover

The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World
Dalai Lama, Howard Cutler    

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has suffered enormously throughout his life, yet he always seems to be smiling and serene. How does he do it? In The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World, Dr. Cutler walks readers through the Dalai Lama's philosophy on how to achieve peace of mind and come to terms with life's inherent suffering.

How to Raise the Perfect Dog by Cesar Millan: Book Cover How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond
Cesar Millan       

For the millions of people every year who consider bringing a puppy into their lives–as well as those who have already brought a dog home–Cesar Millan, the preeminent dog behavior expert, says, "Yes, you can raise the perfect dog!" It all starts with the proper foundation in the early years.

Searching for Whitopia by Rich Benjamin: Book Cover Searching for Whitopia:
Rich Benjamin   

Between 2007 and 2009, Rich Benjamin, a journalist-adventurer, packed his bags and embarked on a 26,909-mile journey throughout the heart of white America, to some of the fastest-growing and whitest locales in our nation.

 

The Fifth Discipline by Peter M. Senge: Book Cover The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization
Peter M. Senge     

This revised edition of Peter Senge’s bestselling classic, The Fifth Discipline, is based on fifteen years of experience in putting the book’s ideas into practice. As Senge makes clear, in the long run the only sustainable competitive advantage is your organization’s ability to learn faster than the competition.

A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity by Bill O'Reilly: Book Cover  A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity: A Memoir
Bill O'Reilly          

The year was 1957, the month September, and I had just turned eight years old. Dwight Eisenhower was President, but in my life it was the diminutive, intense Sister Mary Lurana who ruled, at least in the third-grade class where I was held captive. For reasons you will soon understand, my parents had remanded me to the penal institution of St. Brigid’s School in Westbury, New York, a cruel and unusual punishment if there ever was one.
 

Captivating Combinations by Norman Winter: Book Cover Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden
Norman Winter         

How to create exotic, unforgettable pizzazz in your landscape.

Culture of Corruption by Michelle Malkin: Book Cover Culture of Corruption: Obama and His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks, and Cronies
Michelle Malkin      

IIn her shocking new book, Malkin digs deep into the records of President Obama's staff, revealing corrupt dealings, questionable pasts, and abuses of power throughout his administration.

In Fed We Trust by David Wessel: Book Cover In Fed We Trust: Ben Bernanke's War on the Great Panic
David Wessel      

ThFor more than 20 years David Wessel has been The Wall Street Journal's insider at the Federal Reserve, with continual access not only to Fed Chairmen Greenspan and Bernanke, but also to other Fed governors, policy-makers, and staffers.
 

In the President's Secret Service by Ronald Kessler: Book Cover

In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes
Ronald Kessler

Never before has a journalist penetrated the wall of secrecy that surrounds the U.S. Secret Service, that elite corps of agents who pledge to take a bullet to protect the president and his family. After conducting exclusive interviews with more than one hundred current and former Secret Service agents, bestselling author and award-winning reporter Ronald Kessler reveals their secrets for the first time.

My Journey with Farrah by Alana Stewart: Book Cover My Journey with Farrah: A Story of Life, Love, and Friendship
Alana Stewart

Alana Stewart and Farrah Fawcett went through it all together. Friends for thirty years, they were an essential part of each other's lives since first meeting at a dinner party in the 1970s. During that time, they supported each other through the trials of Hollywood life while also raising their families, keeping in close contact.
 

The Case for God by Karen Armstrong: Book Cover The Case for God
Karen Armstrong      

Moving from the Paleolithic age to the present, Karen Armstrong details the great lengths to which humankind has gone in order to experience a sacred reality that it called by many names, such as God, Brahman, Nirvana, Allah, or Dao.