What to read next?  Peruse books online in your own comfy library.

Is there anything as relaxing as curling up with a good book, some nice music and a cup of coffee (tea, hot chocolate)?  We all have our vision of a comfy library - for some it's an overstuffed chair in a room lined with books, for others it may be a cozy seat in the garden, or a camp porch by the lake.

SlippersIf it is a favorite seat in a relaxing place, that's your comfy library — and if you're wondering "what do I read next" here are some great books for reading ideas.

Featured Book


or Paperback
The Dovekeepers: A Novel
By: Alice Hoffman
Fiction
Historical Novel set during the time of the Fall of Masada.

I’m a big fan of Alice Hoffman, and so was very excited to get her latest book, The Dovekeepers.  The book was indeed interesting, telling the story of the Fall of Masada (in 74 CE) through the lives of four unique women living in Masada in the last few years before the fall.

Hoffman fans should be aware that this is a departure from her other books.  Since I did not know about Masada before starting the book, I found that reading a little background helped me appreciate the book more.  I would recommend you first read the opening section in this history page to more fully appreciate the fictional account of Hoffman’s Masada story.

Since Hoffman’s other books contain magical elements, I was sometimes not sure whether she intended all of the magical details here to be taken as magic, or as the superstitions of the time the book is set in.  But then perhaps what is magic is much like what is a miracle – it may come down to the individual’s belief system.

The four main characters have different strengths, wisdom, faults and loves, and their story is a very interesting look into their time and culture.  While I cannot say it was my favorite read this year, it was very worth reading and I recommend it.

Quick Picks – Below are some suggestions for quick pick of  favorite books.  Some are long, some short.  Some make you think, some let you escape. Click on the cover to go directly to the book on Amazon.com.  If you don’t see something of interest in the quick list below, try the more detailed shop pages or use the search box at right.

 

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