Monday, February 17, 2014

Dubuque Tournament of Books 2014: Meet the Books

March is just around the corner and that means it's time for the 2nd Annual Dubuque Tournament of Books! Be sure to stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor to pick up your tournament bracket for a chance to win a fabulous prize!

This year we have a team of local judges who will decide which book is our champion:

Judge: Fran
Mary Roach (author of Stiff: the curious lives of human cadavers) continues to explore the weirder corners of science in this witty look at the digestive tract.
Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley
Lucy Knisley's engaging, lively graphic memoir about the importance of good food to her life and family received a 2013 Alex Award.

Judge: Marie
 http://www.dubuque.lib.ia.us/DocumentCenter/View/742
A lyrical story of an Afghani family through the turbulence of the 20th century from the author of The Kite Runner.
The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan
The richly detailed history of life in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the WWII factory town devoted to the top secret project to build the atomic bomb.

Judge: Charleen
A fast-paced tale of a cop hunting for his partner's killers with the help of Maggie, a German Shepard suffering from PTSD after deployment in Afghanistan, from the author of the Elvis Cole mystery series.
Sycamore Row by John Grisham
John Grisham's first sequel returns to the characters and setting of his first novel, A Time to Kill, as Jake Brigance takes on the controversy that erupts after the suicide of a wealthy man.

Judge: Bethany
A suspenseful story from the Australian Liane Moriarty, Cecelia's life is perfect until the day she discovers a letter from her husband that contains a shocking secret.
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
The first in a fast-paced series featuring private investigator Cormoran Strike from the author best known for writing the Harry Potter series.

Judge: Becky
A bittersweet story of first love between misfits in 1986, Rainbow Rowell's first young adult novel is a 2014 Printz Honor book.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Personalities clash in this thought-provoking novel, directionless Louisa takes a job as an assistant to Will, a paraplegic adrenaline-junky who doesn't want to live his life in a wheelchair.

Judge: Sue
http://www.dubuque.lib.ia.us/DocumentCenter/View/742 
An engaging and funny novel by debut novelist Graeme Simsion, the super logical scientist Don's plan to find a wife is thrown into chaos when he meets Rosie, who is searching for her biological father.
The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway
Debut novelist Bee Ridgway's intricately plotted story of conspiracy, time travel, and romance features compelling characters and enough mystery to keep the pages turning.

Judge: Megan
Kline examines the overlooked stories of unwanted children in this moving novel. Molly, a teen who's spent years in the foster system, meets Vivian, who came to Minnesota on an orphan train decades ago. 
Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini 
The author of the popular Elm Creek Quilts series turns her pen to the life of Elizabeth Keckley, former slave and dressmaker to Mary Todd Lincoln in this richly detailed novel.

Judge: Bob
This bittersweet and haunting tale of childhood friendship is a good entry point to the dreamlike writing of the popular Neil Gaiman.
Tenth of December by George Saunders
Wry, whimsical, and unpredictable, this short story collection by essayist and novelist Saunders was a finalist for the 2013 National Book Award.

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