A Hologram for the King by Dave Eggers

Alan Clay has a life that's unravelling - a series of bad decisions have brought him to middle age with a bitter ex-wife, no money, a shattered career, and a strange lump on the back of his neck. He's sure one meeting with the King of Saudi Arabia would solve all his problems - if only the King would show up!

With this novel, Eggers presents a mash-up of "Death of a Salesman" and "Waiting for Godot." Pathetic salesman waits for his next (last?) big presentation that he's sure will finally bring him success. While waiting for the king, it seems Alan may completely fall apart - or die by his own ineptitude.

It's a slow-speed car crash that you can't avoid. From the start you know the storyline is unlikely to come out well for Alan, but just how it goes and where it ends is the mystery. Alan's wandering mind takes us back and forth in time, in jerky bits of story and memory. He bumbles into several adventures that could either bring epiphany or the end.

I enjoyed this book simply as one man's foibles and failures - but if you wish, you could also analyze lots of ideas about commercialism, out-sourcing, modern technology, consumerism ...

Taft 2012 by Jason Heller

Given all that's going on in today's politics, this book is incredibly relevant: a subtle, truly funny political satire for people who wouldn't normally read anything in that genre.

Improbably, ex-president William Howard Taft has reappeared after a 99-year Rip VanWinkle-style hibernation. Lots about America has changed in the last hundred years - except the fact that we could still use an honest, ethical politician who speaks his mind and heart. Taft for President!?

Cherries in Winter by Suzan Colon

I was looking for a quick read over the long holiday weekend, and this nonfiction, hard-times, food-as-life memoir fit the bill.

The author's family has a long history of "making do" when times are tough. During the current economic downturn Colon has turned to her ancestry - specifically, from her Nana's recipe folder - for tips and encouragement on perseverance.

The book is filled with quaint, relate-able tales of everyday survival. It's also filled with recipes: some will make you want to get into the kitchen and others (*ahem* liver and onions) will make you glad you don't have to.

The book's subtitle is "My family's recipe for hope in hard times," and it really is a book of optimism and encouragement. You may not find a pot of gold to get you through these tough times, but you can, at least, eat well.

The Pact by Jodi Picoult

Recently we interviewed high school students for part-time jobs at the library, and nearly half of the applicants told us their favorite author was Jodi Picoult. This is the second book of hers I've read, and I think I'm starting to see why they're so popular with teens: she writes extremely well from a teen point of view, and her themes are always ripped immediately from today's headlines.
This book deals with teen lovers and a suicide pact: she's dead, he's not, and now he's being tried for murder.

The angle that makes this story unusual is the relationship between the two families involved. They have been neighbors and best friends for 18 years. The kids grew up together as best friends and confidants. Both sets of parents had always hoped their children would grow into a couple and marry.

Picoult enjoys allowing her story's details to bloom and unfurl slowly as the book progresses. This technique keeps you reading, and keeps you guessing. You're always waiting for the twist or the reveal. And somehow, you're never let down.