You are here
Staff Picks
-
Politics & History
-
Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution
From the bestselling author of The Last Stand and Mayflower comes the epic historical narrative Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution. In 1775, the city of Boston was occupied and blockaded by British troops seeking to stave the tide of the American Revolution before it broke out. But this tenuous peace would not last long, soon erupting in the infamous Battle of Bunker Hill. Award-winning writer Nathaniel Philbrick doesn't disappoint in chronicling this pivotal moment in American history. He introduces new characters while giving fresh faces to old ones, including patriot leader Joseph Warren; his fiancé, the poet Mercy Scollay; and their British enemies General Thomas Gage and William Howe. This is a fascinating examination of a moment in time that shaped the modern world.
-
Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation
If you are what you eat, then you should probably take a look at New York Times bestselling author Michael Pollan's new book, Cooked. This is much more than just a modern food guide; it's an exploration of what it means to cook. Pollan attempts to master classic recipes by meeting with experts on everything from barbecuing to brewing, from baking to braising. While revealing the amazing secrets and far-reaching efforts of different cooking techniques, Cooked also shows the corporate side of not cooking and its effects on who we are - physically and socially - because of what we eat.
-
The Athena Doctrine: How Women (and the Men Who Think Like Them) Will Rule the Future
How will progress and success be achieved in the 21st century? In The Athena Doctrine, bestselling authors John Gerzema and Michael D'Antonio analyze how organizations around the world are coming to learn the benefits of embracing traits commonly associated with women: cooperation, communication, sharing, and nurturing. Backed by hard data and in-depth studies, Gerzema and D'Antonio illuminate why this trend is gaining momentum and how this change in philosophy is affecting the way we do business and work together.
-
Act of Congress: How America's Essential Institution Works, and How It Doesn't
Why all the gridlock and endless arguing? Where's the progress? In Act of Congress, Robert G. Kaiser provides us with valuable insight into the world of American legislation, lobbying, and partisan bickering. Kaiser explains how this vital body of government works (and doesn't work) and why some individuals occasionally succeed in effecting positive outcomes. Focusing on the story of the Dodd-Frank Act, Kaiser examines how this key work of bipartisan effort resulted in the law that transformed America's financial sector. Entertaining and enlightening, Act of Congress is a must-read for anyone interested in how our political system works.
-
Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam
Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in History!
Many remember America's involvement in Vietnam and its worldwide, multigenerational consequences. But how did it all really happen, and why? In this Pulitzer Prize-winning work, Fredrik Logevall examines the history of Western involvement in Vietnam back to 1919. We learn about France's long relationship with Southeast Asia and when the U.S. became involved. Logevall incorporates new research to illuminate this tremulous 20th century narrative.
-
Blood Sisters: The Women Behind the Wars of the Roses
The War of the Roses marked a turbulent, violent, and bloody political era in 15th Century England. While the stories of the men who fought and plotted to gain and maintain power are well-documented, little storytelling has been done about the many women who played vital roles during this pivotal period in English history. Sarah Gristwood's Blood Sisters is the book that finally recounts the stunning stories of these amazing women in fantastic detail. Deeply researched and engrossingly written, Blood Sisters offers rare insight into the workings of one of the western world's most infamous dynastic conflicts.
-
-
Novels & Short Stories
-
Inferno
Robert Langdon is back! From the acclaimed author of The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons comes his latest thriller, Inferno. We find ourselves in Italy with none other than Harvard professor of symbology, Robert Langdon. Delving into a world of darkness and mystery that centers around Dante's Inferno, Langdon must use all of his expertise to navigate his way to the truth. "With this new novel," Brown said, "I am excited to take readers on a journey deep into this mysterious realm...a landscape of codes, symbols, and more than a few secret passageways." Inferno is surprising, entertaining, and will leave new and old fans alike wanting more.
-
And the Mountains Echoed: a novel by the bestselling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns comes the emotionally gripping novel And the Mountains Echoed. This sweeping narrative takes readers from Kabul to Paris and explores how families treat each other - and the ramifications of actions large, small, and pivotal as they trickle down through the generations. Hosseini details the lives of complex characters through intricately powerful prose, and uses the rich diversity of our world to examine what matters most in our lives.
-
A Delicate Truth
From the highly acclaimed espionage novelist John le Carre comes a thrilling new mystery, A Delicate Truth. Operation Wildlife, a crucial mission with the goal of capturing a jihadist arms buyer, is taking place on the British crown colony of Gibraltar. Carried out by an ambitious Foreign Office Minister, a private defense contractor, and a shady American CIA operative, will the mission be a success? The story continues three years later. Was Operation Wildlife the touted success we thought it was? Or was it merely a ruthless cover-up? The delicate truth might be revealed, but only if you join le Carre on this thrilling ride.
-
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald
Acclaimed author F. Scott Fitzgerald was no ordinary man, and his wife, Zelda, was no ordinary woman. From their first meeting at a country club in 1918, Therese Ann Fowler takes the reader on a swirling journey through the famous couple's marriage and their highs and lows together - both personal and professional - as they venture from New York City to Hollywood and Paris. This is the age of jazz, new fashion, and bright lights. For the Fitzgeralds, it is a time of success, challenges, and fame. Fowler beautifully writes about the wife of one of the 21st century's greatest authors and her struggle to forge an identity of her own.
-
The Orphan Master's Son
Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction!
Pak Jun Do rises through the ranks within North Korea to eventually become a professional kidnapper. But Jun Do must also navigate the system carefully to prevent himself from becoming a victim. Perhaps what defines him most is what he will do when it comes time to choose between the life he has lived and saving the woman he loves. Riveting, emotional, and intensely told, The Orphan Master's Son is well-deserving of this year's Pulitzer.
-
Truth in Advertising
Liz's Pick
Truth in Advertising is at times hilarious, yet heartbreakingly poignant. Finbar Dolan is a mid-level advertising executive whose life is consumed by work. When illness strikes his estranged father, Fin is forced to reevaluate his connection to family. With spot-on observations of New York corporate life, John Kenney weaves a story of a man searching for meaning in work, love, and family. A perfect read that I didn't want to end. I see movie potential!
-
Tenth of December: Stories
Joe's Pick
George Saunders' new short story collection Tenth of December is a must-read for short fiction fans and anyone else interested in how contemporary society treats socioeconomic status, love, and moral values in our fast-changing modern era. Through his unique, witty, and insightful prose, Saunders addresses these issues and others by telling fascinating and sometimes bizarre tales: a mother weighs the options of adopting another pet dog for her family; a prisoner is sentenced to a drug testing program bent on perfecting chemically administered emotions; and a boy must decide between saving a girl from a heinous crime and following the strict rules dictated by his parents. Saunders' style breaks from traditional form, culminating in a distinguished collection that is as revelatory as it is entertaining.
-
-
Biography & Memoir
-
Country Girl: A Memoir
Join legendary Irish author Edna O'Brien on the whirling journey of her life and career. Starting with her birth, the story moves from her time spent at convent school to her marriage and divorce, single motherhood, and her experience of the high life in 1960s London and Hollywood. Her story is rife with stars, writers, artists, and the many colorful characters she met on her journey. Country Girl is a sweeping narrative of one woman's fascinating life. It recounts her challenges and triumphs, as well as the influences who have helped shape her into an award-winning author and "doyenne" of Irish literature.
-
Bad Boy: My Life On and Off the Canvas
Meet the author! June 15th, 4pm, at Westhampton Free Library
In Bad Boy, renowned American artist Eric Fischl has written a penetrating, often searing exploration of his coming of age as an artist, and his search for a fresh narrative style in the highly charged and competitive New York art world of the 1970s and 1980s. Here Fischl discusses the impact of his dysfunctional family on his art, takes us through his years as a student at Cal Artis, and describes his rebellion against the conceptual and minimalist art that was in fashion when he first hit the art scene. Bad Boy takes the reader on a roller coaster ride through the passion and politics of the art world as it has rarely been seen before.
-
The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England
From historian and bestselling author Dan Jones comes the true story of how England came to be. In this engrossing work of history, we meet the legendary Eleanor of Aquitane, who became one of Europe's wealthiest and most powerful queens; her son Richard the Lionheart, who found Saladin in the Third Crusade; and King John, the monarch responsible for signing the Magna Carta - the precursor to our Bill of Rights. This is a thrilling narrative for history fans of all genres, rife with war, chivalry, dynastic clashes, and, of course, lofty plans gone awry.
-
The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo
Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in Biography!
Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo says enough in its title alone to incite history and literature fans to the bookshelves to pick up this Pulitzer Prize-winning work. If not, then you should know that author and journalist Tom Reiss' biography is much more than just a recap of a French Revolutionary's life - it is the true story of General Alex Dumas, the father of the famous novelist Alexandre Dumas. The general overcame the odds of race and class to become an influential figure far ahead of his time, and Reiss brilliantly brings him to life.
-
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls
David Sedaris - along with his signature wit and insight - is back in this brand new release. This collection of essays covers everything from the merits of European dentistry to Sedaris' first colonoscopy. These pieces are as candid as they are funny, and as truthful as they are enlightening. This is a must-read for Sedaris fans and anyone else interested in colorful commentrary that will leave you laughing while also thinking about the strange, wonderful world we are a part of.
-
-
Cooking & Lifestyle
-
It's All Good: Delicious, Easy Recipes That Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great
While most of us don't have an Academy Award, most of us have dabbled in at least one diet regiment or another - and so has Gwyneth Paltrow. After learning from her doctor that she was both anemic and vitamin D deficient, she eliminated everything from alcohol to sugar from her diet to cleanse and heal her body. In her new book, Paltrow shares her collection of over 185 fun, healthy, and delicious recipes that renewed her spirits and health. Join Paltrow on her tasty path to beauty, health, and wellness!
-
VB6: Eat Vegan Before 6:00 to Lose Weight and Restore Your Health . . . for Good
What's an overweight, pre-diabetic food writer supposed to do to better his health without compromising his career? Mark Bittman was faced with this situation six years ago and decided to go with an untraditional compromise. Rather than committing to a full vegan lifestyle, he came up with the innovative idea of eating a diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains before 6:00pm. After, he could eat whatever he wanted, effectively becoming, in his words, a "flexitarian." VB6 is not just another dieting guide or gimmicky points system; it is a healthy, effective, and reasonable way of life - complete with over 60 recipes that both age-old vegans and veggie-newbies will love.
-
Clean: Overcoming Addiction and Ending America's Greatest Tragedy
What is the root of addiciton and how can we do a better job of treating those afflicted with this destructive disease? David Sheff, author of the bestselling memoir Beautiful Boy, addresses these questions and gives tangible answers in his newest book. Using the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, and medicine, Sheff explains why current methods for treating addiction and mental illness work for some but fail for others. Rethinking how this epidemic should be treated and detailing valuable counsel for both addicts and their loved ones, Clean is a sound scientific and social examination of "America's greatest tragedy."
-
Vegetable Literacy: Cooking and Gardening with Twelve Families from the Edible Plant Kingdom, with over 300 Deliciously Simple R
Can healthy food be tasty? Of course - if you know where to look! A revelatory place to start might be in veteran food writer Deborah Madison's latest cookbook. This veggie pioneer's book will not only provide you with hundreds of salivating dishes, but will also reveal how vegetables, edible flowers, and herbs are connected and interchangeable. Drawing upon her decades of experience, Vegetable Literacy is an indispensible guide for gardeners and cooks alike who seek the secrets behind unleashing the true health and taste potential of the natural world.
-
Fabulicious On-the-Grill: Teresa's Smoking Hot Backyard Recipes
It's Fabulicious time again! Teresa Giudice has returned, and like her past bestsellers, this is a must-read for fans and anyone looking for new, fun, and delicious meals. With 70 new recipes, including sauces, grill dishes, desserts, and "bikini" recipes, the latest Fabulicious! cookbook is here to help you look fabulicious just in time for summer.
-
The Grilling Book: The Definitive Guide from Bon Appetit
From the experts at Bon Appetit comes the definitive guide on summer cooking. Featuring over 350 easy to follow recipes, along with color photographs, how-to guides, and tips on making your cooking experience a fun and delicious treat, this is a must-have for the summer season! From succulent ribs to juicy steaks, seasoned fish, and crispy breads, The Grilling Book is any griller's ultimate companion that will last for years to come. Better get started soon if you want a chance at trying out every single one of these mouth-watering meals!
-
-
Art & Design
-
Greek and Roman Mosaics
This beautiful book begins with a concise and authoritative exposition, followed by a chronological tour of the most important centers of the Western art form's development. Featuring more than 200 newly commissioned photographs, Greek and Roman Mosaics is the first survey of its kind in full color. A necessary addition to every art lover's library and a wonderful companion to Abbeville's Italian Mosaics: 300-1300.
-
The Art of the Racing Motorcycle: 100 Years of Designing for Speed
A definitive look at the evolution of the racing motorcycle and the dynamic between competition and design that fueled it, The Art of the Racing Motorcycle traces the development of the sport bike, from the earliest French motorcycle to today's Japanese superbikes. More than 50 classic motorcycles are presented chronologically with stunning photographs and archival images.
-
The Book Of Symbols: Reflections On Archetypal Images
A combination of original essays about particular symbols and representative images from around the world and throughout history, The Book of Symbols contains close to 800 full-color images and 350 essays. Each symbol is explored in terms of its psychic background, etymological roots, paradox, and shadow. This book will appeal to a wide range of readers, from artists to psychotherapists.
-
Mid Century Ads: Advertising from the Mad Men Era
Mid Century Ads captures the full spectrum of products and services available to the eager American consumer from the height of pro-American McCarthyism to the carefree booze and cigarettes Mad Man era. Ads for cars, travel, technology, liquor and more paint a fascinating picture of the colorful capitalism that dominated the spirit of the 50s and 60s. All of these ads have been digitally mastered to look as bright and new as the day they hit the newsstands.
-
100 Contemporary Houses
Private home design allows a certain freedom to architects that corporate design does not. It allows them to express new ideas and try new concepts. Home design also involves looking for innovative solutions and considering environmental concerns. A home must accommodate the way we live our daily lives and remain sustainable in our current environment. This two-volume publication rounds up 100 of the world’s pioneer home designs from the past decade. Architectural talents include John Pawson, Richard Meier, and Shigeru Ban.
-
Harry Benson: The Beatles
In early 1964, Harry Benson was getting on a plane for a foreign assignment in Africa when he got a call from his photo editor of London newspaper The Daily Express and was asked to go with the Beatles to Paris to document French Beatlemania. Warmly welcomed into the Beatles’ inner sanctum, the result was some of the most intimate photographs ever taken of the band, then on the cusp of world domination, including the iconic photograph of the Fab Four having a pillow fight at the George V hotel. Benson shot their groundbreaking first visit to the United States, the full impact of New York hysteria, their famous appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, the band in Florida, including their surprising encounter with Cassius Clay; as well as on the set of A Hard Day’s Night. These are collector’s editions, all 1,764 of which are numbered and signed by Benson himself.
-
-
Kids
-
The 5th Wave
Ages 12 and up After the 1st Wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. After the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. And after the 4th, only one rule remains: trust no one. Now the 5th Wave is here, and Cassie must navigate a perilous reality, running and hiding just to stay alive. When she finds Evan Walker, she realizes he may be her only real hope for saving her brother and herself. ut she must choose between trust and despair, between life and death. This is the first book in a planned trilogy, and have no doubt that as soon as you finish this you'll be eager for the next one!
-
House of Secrets
Ages 8 and up What happens when Chris Columbus (director of the first two Harry Potter movies) and Ned Vizzini (bestselling author of It's Kind of a Funny Story) team up? An epic new fantasy series, House of Secrets. Life seems good for Brendan, Eleanor, and Cordelia Walker, until an incident causes Dr. Walker to lose his job and the family must move. Things turn from mysterious to outright bizarre when they are banished to a primeval forest surrounded by medieval warriors, pirates, and a power-hungry queen. Will the siblings be able to save themselves and find their parents, or will this dangerous new world prove to be more than they can handle? You'll have to read to find out!
-
If You Want to See a Whale
Ages 4 - 7 Spotting a whale is not an easy thing to do! It takes a lot of time and a lot of looking. But if you wait long enough you just might find what you're looking for. If you really do want to see a whale, then join acclaimed children's author Julie Fogliano on this beautifully illustrated journey to spot one of nature's most stunning, majestic, and elusive creatures. See why sometimes the wait is well worth the "whale."
-
Taffy Saltwater's Yummy Summer Day
Ages 3 - 7 This wonderful summer story begins with one heroine's quest to build the perfect sandcastle. Taffy tries to make do on the crowded beach but soon things go wrong: Rollo, the happy beach ball, is carried away via umbrella and it's up to Taffy to save him! Luckily for Taffy, Bob the inflatable sea serpent is right in her bag and ready to help with the rescue. Come along on this beautifully illustrated journey of fun, sun, and adventure!
-
Crossed
New in paperback!
Ages 12 and up The second book of the dystopian Matched series, Crossed follows Cassia on her journey to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky, who was taken by the Society to his certain death. When she arrives she finds that he has escaped and has left behind a series of clues she must piece together. The quest that follows leads her to question that which she holds dear and to rebellion, betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander. The path ahead is now more twisted than ever.
-
Seraphina
Jenna's Pick
Ages 12 and up Seraphina is the perfect book for fantasy lovers ages 13 and up. In the realm of Gorred, Dragons and Humans have lived in distrust but peace for the past 40 years. As the anniversary of the treaty approaches and trouble starts in the city, Seraphina doesn't know to whom her allegiance belongs, as she is a Halfling. Unable to trust anyone but her family, and tortured by the memories left to her by her dragon mother, Seraphina has no choice but to hide her scales as well as her true feelings. I couldn't put this book down! Between the political uproar and the forbidden romance, there isn't a part of this story that won't leave you wanting more.
-
A Monster Calls: Inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd
New in paperback!
Ages 10 and up 13-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window, but it isn't the monster he's been expecting - not the one from his recurring nightmares. This monster is different - it's ancient, wild, and wants something from him. This gripping story is perfectly scary for older middle grade and young adult readers.
-
-
Local Interest
-
In the Spirit of the Hamptons
Few get the chance to experience the full landscape of Long Island's most iconic getaway spot, the Hamptons. But now, In the Spirit of the Hamptons, fully revised and updated for 2013, offers a photographic journey through this storied world as never before. These incredible pictures show us the lives, homes, and leisure spots of both seasonal and year-round residents. Revealing the amazing environments, communities, and the residents that make this classic area so special, In the Spirit of the Hamptons is as culturally fascinating as its photographs are stunning.
-
Mattituck and Laurel
So much of history focuses on the big cities and big players that have influenced the world, but what about the small towns and everyday figures who really make up the face of America? This new release from the renowned Images of America series is a fascinating look into the heart of two Long Island communities and their development in a rapidly changing world. Mattituck and Laurel offers a comprehensive view on the many changes the area has undergone, from the introduction of the Long Island Rail Road to the influx of immigrant cultures, the rise of new industries, and the growth of the area as a classic vacation spot. This book is more than just a local historical narrative - it is an indispensable tale of the North Fork's evolution and the varied peoples who have made it their home.
-
Tate's Bake Shop: Baking for Friends
Baking for Friends is more than a cookbook. Kathleen welcomes readers to her kithcen in the Hamptons and shares more than 120 easy-to-bake recipes from the famous Tate's Bake Shop in Southampton, including White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies and Heart-Healthy Chocolate Pie. In addition, she shares time-saving tips that let the baker breathe easy without sacrificing taste.
-
Long Island Modernism, 1930-1980
With 200 black and white illustrations and 20 color illustrations, this book is an essential reference for architectural buffs, historians, and all those who love Long Island. Zaleski highlights the work of 25 architects working in Suffolk and Nassau counties, including Wallace Harrison, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Richard Meier, discussing key figures in the area and unknown aspects of production. This is a truly beautiful book.
-
Still in the Hamptons: More Tales of the Rich, the Famous, and the Rest of Us
The founder and editor of the popular publication Dan's Papers, Dan Rattiner, is back with more stories from his 50 years on the East End publishing the region's leading free weekly newspaper. With his signature dry wit, Rattiner tells of more encounters with the billionaires, fishermen, and artists that make the Hamptons an exclusively entertaining landmark visited by so many each summer.
-
