More new titles available!!

With generous support from our community, the following titles have been purchased for the Kitsap Regional Library book group collection. This collection of book kits are borrowed by book discussion groups all over Kitsap County. KRL currently offers over 60 book kits. Each kit includes 15 copies of the title and a discussion guide.

16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber. When family court judge Olivia Lockhart denies a divorce petition to a young couple struggling after the death of their infant daughter, it starts the whole of Cedar Cove (loosely based on Kitsap County's own Port Orchard) talking in this charming entry in Macomber's popular Cedar Cover series.

Apples & Oranges by Marie Brenner. New York writer Marie Brenner's memoir of her lifelong rocky relationship with her brother, Carl, and their struggle to reach some accord after Carl is diagnosed with cancer. Carl's love for his apple orchard in Eastern Washington provides a local backdrop for this story of how family relationships can both harm and heal.

Breakfast at Sally's by Richard LeMieux. In this compassionate and eye-opening account of life on the streets, local author LeMieux tells of his experiences living as a homeless person in Bremerton, Washington, after his business fails and he loses his house. Donated by the Kingston Library Book Group.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. The story of the Isle of Guernsey under German occupation during World War II is told through a series of letters by the island's occupants in this surprisingly feel-good novel of courage and hope in adversity. Graciously provided by the KRL Foundation.

The House on Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper. Whitehouse correspondent Helene Cooper's very personal memoir of growing up in an elite household in Liberia, until a political coup sends her family on the run first from Sugar Beach, then from Liberia to America. On the way, they must leave behind Cooper's best friend and foster sister, a member of Liberia's Basso tribe.

I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven. In this classic by Margaret Craven, a young vicar diagnosed with a fatal disease journeys to Kingcome, a Kwakiutl village on the coast of British Columbia, in the hope that he will learn enough, fast enough, to be prepared to die. A gift from the Manchester Bookworms.

An Ordinary Woman by Cecilia Holland. The true story of pioneer Nancy Kelsey who traveled from Missouri via covered wagon in 1841 to become California's first white woman settler.

The Other by David Guterson. Two friends growing up in 1970s Seattle take radically different paths in adulthood, one becoming a teacher and family man. When the other chooses a life in the wild, his friend must decide whether to help him disappear forever. Graciously provided by the KRL Foundation.

The Well and the Mine by Gin Phillips. In depression-era Alabama, two sisters in a coal-mining town set out to solve a mystery when one of them witnesses a woman toss a baby into a well in a story that explores themes of community, family, and coming together during hard times. Graciously provided by the KRL Foundation.

Rebecca Wells speaks on Bainbridge Island!

Don't miss best-selling author, and Bainbridge Island local, Rebecca Wells, as she promotes her latest title The Crowning Glory of Calla Lilly Ponder, which debuts a new cast of characters and promises all the warmth, heart and friendship of her extremely popular Ya-Ya series. Join us at the Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Tuesday July 14, 2009 at 7:30pm.

More new titles available!!

All About Lulu by Jonathan Evison. Growing up, love, loss, and moving on are just a few of the themes in this funny and deeply felt portrait of a blended family and one man's longing for his unattainable stepsister, Lulu. Enjoy this debut from a Bainbridge Island author!

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Set in 1939 Germany, The Book Thief tells the story of 9-year-old Liesel - along with a cast of vivid characters who stand up to the Nazis in small but telling ways - and Liesel's love of books that sustains her through dark times. This book set was donated by the Manchester Bookworms!

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck. A picturesque novel of good-natured bums and warm-hearted prostitutes who lived on the fringes of Monterey, California, during the 1930s. A great classic to read or re-read this year, as KRL features Cannery Row as its choice for the One Book One Community read in October!

Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg. In this comedy-mystery, those near and dear to Elner discover something wonderful: Heaven is actually right here, right now, with people you love, neighbors you help, friendships you keep. Graciously donated by the First Friday Readers of Port Orchard!

The Life of the Skies: Birding at the End of Nature by Jonathan Rosen. Native New Yorker Rosen uses his personal fascination with bird watching to provide an eloquent and thoughtful backdrop for musings on history, philosophy, and the joy of discovering nature in unexpected places.

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. Thirteen linked tales featuring redoubtable schoolteacher Olive Kitteridge intertwine themes of the beauty and rhythm of ordinary life with the natural wonders of coastal Maine.