B. Allison Gray

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PREMIUM

Almost Everything: Notes on Hope

Established fans of Lamott's will likely enjoy this work, but the scattershot organization and less than stellar narration may leave others cold.

Go to My Grave

The suspense builds to an almost unbearable crescendo with a wholly satisfying and upsetting denouement, all flawlessly rendered by Hewitt. McPherson has created a truly haunting version of a revenge thriller that will be appreciated by any mystery reader. ["McPherson's deliciously gothic country house mystery with a contemporary twist is devious and suspenseful and keeps readers guessing to the shocking end": LJ 8/18 starred review of the Minotaur: St. Martin's hc.]
PREMIUM

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

An audiobook you'll want to listen to in one sitting; recommended for all collections. ["Led by an earnestly flawed, bisexual heroine with direction and commitment issues, coupled with an abundant generosity of spirit, this read is timely and sorely needed": LJ 7/18 starred review of the Dutton hc.]
PREMIUM

The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers

Burton's nuanced, lively inflection and pacing keep listeners' attention and many will come away from the production with a new personal hero in Mr. Rogers. Highly recommended for all collections. ["Grown-up fans, pop culture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the history of educational television and child development will be inspired. An excellent and timely addition to most collections": LJ 8/18 starred review of the Abrams hc.]—B. Allison Gray, Goleta P.L., CA
PREMIUM

Woman at 1,000 Degrees

Toren commits 100 percent to the source material, creating a fully believable old battle-ax, raging against her circumstances and awaiting death as she recounts the tragicomic story of her life. ["Despite the unusual, humorous premise, the voice feels inauthentic and the story drags on. Fans of whimsical novels or those interested in Icelandic settings may enjoy it": LJ 11/1/17 review of the Algonquin hc.]
PREMIUM

Red Clocks

Highly recommended for all collections. ["Inevitably, there will be comparisons to Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, but Zumas's work is not nearly as dystopic or futuristic, only serving to make it that much more believable": LJ 10/15/17 starred review of the Little, Brown hc.]
PREMIUM

Border: A Journey to the Edge of Europe

While lengthy, the production keeps one's attention because of the large cast of unique characters, the information on a little-known part of the world, and the universal theme of migration. Recommended for most collections. [A National Book Critics Circle 2018 nominee.]
PREMIUM

Her Body and Other Parties

Reactions will vary, but astonishment over the sheer artistry and deftness of juggling a number of genres will reign supreme. Purchase where short stories or horror are popular. ["This brilliant debut compilation showcases a fresh literary voice": LJ 10/1/17 starred review of the Graywolf hc.]
PREMIUM

The Laird Takes a Bride

Berne (You May Kiss the Bride) takes a comparatively unlikable fellow and shows why he took the path he did, allowing the reader and Fiona to empathize with and forgive him. Fiona is a wonderful character, with her own scars, self-doubt, kindness, and need for love. Readers who can wait for Alasdair's redemption will be rewarded in this tale of two wounded people.
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