A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain: Stories

An eloquent portrayal of post-war Vietnamese culture and philosophy through emigrants relocated to Louisiana, this collection of short stories is even more remarkable for having been written by an American who spent just two years in Vietnam gathering stories along the back alleys. Butler dwells inside the minds of a wide range of characters – from the old man who is visited by Ho Chi Minh's ghost to the young prostitute who meets her American prince charming – with a voice so authentic it reads like a translation. - Vicki

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Romance novel? Feminist manifesto? However you view it, this is a gripping novel which dared to expose the double standards and injustices suffered by women in 19th century England. Replete with intrigue, love, pain, infidelity and debauchery, this page turner unfolds in Bronte's elegant, very readable prose. - Samantha

Benediction

This quiet, powerful story, set in the High Plains of Colorado, tells how the terminal illness of a much beloved citizen in the community affects his family and friends. It's a beautiful, deeply moving story. - Nancy

Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls

David Sedaris is back with a new book of essays, featuring his take on travels around the country (including a visit to a NC Costco). - Nancy

To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others

Pink is one of those fascinating people, like Malcolm Gladwell or Steven Levitt (Freakonomics), with the ability to see connections among people, events, trends and ideas that most of us never consider, and to find valuable and practical insights in them. - Sarah

The Madness Underneath: Book 2

Rory's back – back in London, back with new powers, and back with the secret ghost-hunting police. Her wounds, both physical and psychological, are not completely healed. And worse is ahead. Johnson keeps up the tension and unnerving creepiness of The Name of the Star in this second entry in the Shades of London series. Ages 14+. - Rosemary