I firmly believe that Louise Erdrich should be on every reader’s “go to” reading list.  Just when I think she can’t possibly write a better book than her last, she does.  Not only does she always tell a compelling story filled with memorable characters, but she unfailingly writes masterful prose.

My most recent celebrity memoir on audiobook, Be Ready When The Luck Happens, was a delight from beginning to end. I’ve long known Ina Garten was charming from her TV shows and Instagram, and she brings that charm to bear on the telling of a surprising and compelling story.

Ever since hearing Lauren Marks interviewed on The Allusionist podcast, I’ve been wanting to read her memoir, and I’m so glad I finally did. In it Marks recounts her journey to recover the use of language after an aneurysm at the age of 27. I’ve always been fascinated by language acquisition in children and was intrigued to hear more about Marks’ experience.

This month’s selection for The Book Bus Book Club is The House at the Edge of Night.   Banner has written a gorgeous novel with an incredible sense of place.  Set on a small island off the east coast of Sicily, Banner tells the family saga of the Esposito family over four generations. Amadeo first comes to the island of Castellamare to practice as a doctor before the First World War. 

Liane Moriarty is one of my “must read” authors.  As soon as she publishes a new book, I’m on it. I enjoy her writing not only because she comes up with relevant and compelling storylines, but also because she consistently develops multi-faceted, interesting characters. In Here One Moment, Moriarty’s skill at observing and describing believable human behaviors shines through masterfully.

In early October, I heard a bit of buzz about a new animated movie called The Wild Robot. Specifically, I heard that it was not scary or overstimulating, but a wonderful story for kids and adults. We were heading north for Canadian Thanksgiving and I decided that in addition to seeing the movie over the holiday weekend, we could listen to the audiobook on our four-hour drive.