Daily Archives: November 15, 2015

Grand(parent) Stories

It seems every list of newly published novels includes at least one book based on a parent-child relationship. We’ve all been children and most of us have been parents so we understand the inherent life drama (and, often, comedy) of this complex relationship. It’s ripe for the picking and telling.

Finding great books about grandparent/grandchild relationships is harder, at least for adult readers (although they abound in children’s literature). There’s no good reason for the dearth of novels exploring these formative relationships. You’ll see how good they can be if you check these fine examples:

Marvel and a Wonder – Joe Meno
Northern Borders – Howard Frank Mosher
The Summer Book – Tove Johansson
Bird – Crystal Chan
The Blue Mountain – Meir Shalev
Imaginings of Sand – André Brink

Recommended

BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ is excited to round out its 2015 season by welcoming award-winning bestselling author Joe Meno who will autograph his recently released novel Marvel and a Wonder at its December 5th wine tasting. The free event will run from 3-5 p.m. at TASTE Food & Wine, 1506 West Jarvis Avenue in Chicago. As always, the selected quality wines will reflect aspects of the book. “Bonus Buy” tickets will once again be available at the event for neat mementos and a 10% discount on wine purchases. The Book Cellar will handle on-site book sales.

About this wonderfully insightful book featuring the evolving relationship between a grandfather and his grandson, the New York Times Book Review said, “Meno, whose previous novel was Office Girl, has a knack for giving small happenings emotional weight… Meno knows how to make you love his characters, want what they want. ” The Wall Street Journal calls Marvel and a Wonder “(A) rugged page turner….” In a starred review, the Library Journal said, “Talented Meno has penned a wise and touching novel of love, loyalty, courage; an extraordinary book not to be missed.”

And don’t forget the November 21st BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ with acclaimed author Christine Sneed signing her beautifully drawn novel, Paris, He Said, while you enjoy classic Burgundy wines and an opulent French white sparklet. From 3-5 p.m. at TASTE Food & Wine. Find out why the Chicago Tribune book review said, “If you love the City of Light or have always wanted to travel there, Paris, He Said is worth a visit.”