Tells the parallel stories of Daniel Burnham, the main architect of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and serial killer Henry H. Holmes, discussing the challenges Burnham faced in creating the hugely successful White City, and looking at how Holmes used the opportunities afforded by the fair to lure victims to their deaths.

Liz says:

“This is perhaps one of the best examples of narrative non-fiction I’ve ever read. Larson masterfully weaves fact (including many direct quotes) with dialogue and atmospheric descriptions which bring to life the city of Chicago and the fascinating characters which abound. While some people prefer the chapters that provide the architectural history of the fair, others prefer the descriptions of Holmes’ murderous ways. I actually loved both! (In this vein, I also recommend Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood and Caleb Carr’s The Alienist).”

Blends fact and fiction in a historical novel about the love affair between Mamah Borthwick Cheney and architect Frank Wright, who was commissioned by Mamah and her husband Edwin in 1903 to design a new home for them.

Liz says:

“This superbly written book ranks among one of my favorites. More than anything, this is the story of Mamah Borthwick. You will follow her as she begins her affair with Frank Lloyd Wright, leaves her husband and 2 children, travels to Europe, begins a career and returns to live at Taliesin, the famed home that Wright built for her in his native town in Wisconsin. Just as life seems to stabilize for her, an unexpected event occurs.

The group unanimously enjoyed this book and it provided for the best discussion we’ve ever had.”

A tale reminiscent of “Hamlet” that also celebrates the alliance between humans and dogs follows speech-disabled Wisconsin youth Edgar, who bonds with three yearling canines and struggles to prove that his sinister uncle is responsible for his father’s death.

Liz says:

“The writing is superb and while the story is gripping in parts, it disappoints in the end. I feel badly to not recommend something that is clearly fine literature, but for the amount of time it takes to get through this tome, I’m just not sure the ends justify the means.”

Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel–a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.

Liz says:

“This is a must read for high school students and adults. Savvy eighth graders could handle this masterpiece. This compelling, unique look at World War II, narrated by death, is layered with symbolism and harsh reality. Prepare for a life altering experience.”

Jane, a plain and penniless orphan in nineteenth-century England, accepts employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall and soon finds herself in love with her melancholy employer, Mr. Edward Rochester, a man with a terrible secret.

Liz says:

“This is one of my all time favorites. It can be read from young adulthood and on. Moms who have not yet read this or who read it so long ago they don’t remember much will want to reread this along with their teens. I just reread it and I love it more than ever.”