San Francisco Chronicle

Top shelf: Bookstore recommendations

Sunday, January 11, 2009

 Recommendations of recent books from the staffs of a rotating list of Bay Area independent bookstores. This week’s list is from Towne Center Books, 555 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 846-8826, townecenterbooks.com.

FICTION

A Cure for Night, by Justin Peacock: This compelling first novel offers an authentic look at the criminal justice system.

Devil’s Brood, by Sharon Kay Penman: Penman brings history and humanity to life in this tumultuous story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County, by Tiffany Baker: An original twist on the subjects of secrets, betrayal and love, with lots of room for pondering the meaning of life.

Sarah’s Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay: A haunting and suspenseful novel set during the Paris occupation.

Sweetsmoke, by David Fuller: A mystery tucked inside a Civil War novel.

NONFICTION

The Invention of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution, and the Birth of America, by Steven Johnson: Interesting combination of history, science and religion in this book about Joseph Priestley, protege of Benjamin Franklin and friend of the founding fathers.

The Science of Leonardo: Inside the Mind of the Great Genius of the Renaissance, by Fritjof Capra: An examination of Leonardo’s existing notebooks; approaching science through the eyes of an artist.

Al’ America: Travels Through America’s Arab and Islamic Roots, by Jonathan Curiel. A lively and revealing look at the little-known influence of Arab and Islamic culture on America.

Jacques Pépin: More Fast Food My Way: I cooked a four-course New Year’s dinner out of this, and everything was beautiful and delicious - all in under one hour.

Ghost Mountain Boys, by James Campbell: Part biography, part extreme adventure and part war diary result in a compelling read about the World War II Battle for New Guinea.

This article appeared on page M - 4 of the San Francisco Chronicle

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