ANNIE SULLIVAN AND THE TRIALS OF HELEN KELLER written and illustrated by Joseph Lambert - “I confess to be continually fascinated by the story of Annie and Helen, and the format of this illustrated book made even familiar elements fresh and dramatic. The courage, perseverance, and devotion of these two unlikely women is wonderfully portrayed here, with the illustrations helping to convey the darkness of Helen’s world as well as the light Annie helped to bring to her. There is nothing cloying or sentimental here, in fact Annie often looks like Abe Lincoln with a bun, but the slim volume is moving and inspiring.” Leslie. Regularly $17.99; our price $14.39.

THE ART OF FIELDING by CHAD HARBACK - “Set on a campus in the Midwest during a championship season of baseball, The Art of Fielding takes us into the hearts and minds of five wonderful characters at a critical time in their lives. I discovered that baseball is every bit as exciting and excruciating as any thriller, as complicated as any psychological mystery, and as heartbreaking as my favorite romance. Harbach loves his characters, and never lets them off easily. All the words I want to use to describe this book (original, heartfelt, classic, hilarious, wise, unforgettable) are insufficient, and sound as trite and sentimental as the novel is not.’’ Leslie. Regularly $14.99; our price $11.99

CALEB'S CROSSING by GERALDINE BROOKS - “Geraldine Brooks has written another remarkable novel, this time set in Martha's Vineyard in the 1660s. The narrator, Bethia, is a bright, young woman, daughter of a minister who hopes to convert the neighboring Wampanoag Indians, and it is her observant eye that makes this time and place so vivid. The historical basis of the book is the life of Caleb, the first Native American to graduate from Harvard University in 1665. Brooks' imagining of this great achievement, and its far greater cost, is the focus of the book, but Bethia's life and her achievements are equally compelling. The passion is understated, but the historical details and the way the two characters rise to the challenges of both the physical landscape and the limits of their expected stations in life is both absorbing and satisfying. This is a thoughtful novel that explores intellectual, spiritual and social issues while telling a story of love, friendship, and courage.” Leslie. Regularly $16; our price $12.80

A GREYHOUND OF A GIRL by RODDY DOYLE - "Though billed as a book for young adults, I'd nevertheless indiscriminately gift this novel to friends young and old. Doyle's lovely ghost story unites four generations of women -'one of them dead, one of them dying, one of them driving, and one of them just starting out' - for a wild midnight joyride along the Irish seaside. The slight spookiness will draw kids in, and they'll be charmed by the heroines' cheekiness. Adults will relish in the bittersweet mediation on death, family bonds, and the passage of time. It struck a cord in me to vicariously reconnect with my own past through these women, and I'd recommend Greyhound to all who love a good laugh, a good cry, and most importantly a smashing good story." Amanda. Regularly $16.95; our price $13.56

LOTS OF CANDLES, PLENTY OF CAKE by ANNA QUINDLEN – “Billed as a memoir on approaching 60, this is really an entirely up to date collection of the essays that have made us all love Quindlen. Whether writing about family, or faith, or the face in the mirror, she has a way of expressing what so many women of the same generation have experienced and pondered.” Carla. Regularly $26; our price $20.80.

SILVER SPARROW by TAYARI JONES - "James Witherspoon is a bigamist, with 15 year old daughters in both marriages. Dana is the ‘outside’ daughter, whose father visits regularly but his best friend Raleigh is the father of record. Dana knows all about the acknowledged daughter, Bunny, and her nicer home and clothes, mainly because her mother takes her on surveillance trips. Each girl has her own insecurities, boy trouble, moral dilemmas, and as each takes her turn telling her story, the suspense of their inevitable meeting is compelling and oh-so-beautifully written.” Carla. Regularly $13.95; our price $11.16.