Sherwood Anderson: Collected Stories (LOA #235): Winesburg, Ohio / The Triumph of the Egg / Horses and Men / Death in the Woods / uncollected stories (Library of America) This collection of short stories by Sherwood Anderson is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction. The stories are set in the small town of Winesburg, Ohio, and explore themes such as love, loss, and the human condition. Each story is unique and thought-provoking, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the world of Winesburg. One of my favorite stories in this collection is "The Triumph of the Egg." It tells the story of a man who becomes obsessed with finding the perfect egg for his wife's birthday. The man goes on a journey across the countryside, searching high and low for the perfect egg. Along the way, he meets various characters who help him in his quest. This story is both funny and heartwarming, and it explores themes of love and obsession. Another standout story in this collection is "Death in the Woods." It tells the story of a man who goes on a hunting trip with his friends. However, things take a dark turn when one of them disappears into the woods. The remaining hunters search for their friend, but they soon realize that something sinister is going on. This story is both suspenseful and thought-provoking, and it explores themes of death, friendship, and betrayal. Overall, this collection of short stories by Sherwood Anderson is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction. The stories are well-written, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the world of Winesburg. Each story is unique and thought-provoking, making it a great choice for readers looking for something new and different. Life and Death in the North Woods: The Story of the Maine Game Warden Service This book tells the story of the Maine Game Warden Service, which was established in 1892 to protect wildlife in the state of Maine. It covers the history of the service from its early days to the present day, and it includes stories about some of the most famous game wardens in Maine's history. One of the things that sets this book apart is the detailed descriptions of the natural world in Maine. The author takes the time to describe the different types of wildlife found in the state, as well as the challenges faced by game wardens in protecting them. This makes for a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys nature and outdoor activities. Another aspect of this book that I particularly enjoyed was the stories about individual game wardens. Each chapter focuses on one or two specific game wardens and their experiences on the job. These stories are both informative and entertaining, and they provide insight into what it's like to be a game warden in Maine. Overall, Life and Death in the North Woods is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys nature and outdoor activities. The detailed descriptions of the natural world in Maine make for a fascinating read, while the stories about individual game wardens provide insight into what it's like to be a law enforcement officer in this field. In a Dark, Dark Wood: A Novel This novel by Tana French is set in Ireland and tells the story of two detectives who are investigating a murder that took place in a dark forest. The first detective, Robbie, has recently returned to Ireland after living abroad for several years. He's haunted by his past and struggling to come to terms with the death of his partner. The second detective, Claire, is a brilliant but troubled woman who has just joined the force. She's assigned to work with Robbie on the murder case, and they quickly develop a strong bond as they work together to solve the crime. One of the things that sets this book apart is the atmospheric setting. The dark forest where the murder took place is described in vivid detail, creating a sense of foreboding and tension throughout the novel. This setting also serves as a metaphor for the emotional darkness that both Robbie and Claire are grappling with. Another aspect of this book that I particularly enjoyed was the exploration of themes such as grief, loss, and redemption. Both Robbie and Claire have suffered significant losses in their lives, and they struggle to come to terms with these losses as they work together to solve the murder case. This makes for a deeply emotional read that will resonate with readers who have experienced similar struggles. Overall, In a Dark, Dark Wood is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers or mysteries. The atmospheric setting and exploration of themes such as grief, loss, and redemption make it a compelling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Death in the Woods and Other Stories: And Other Stories This collection of short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle is set in the early 20th century and features the character of Sherlock Holmes. The stories are a mix of mystery, adventure, and suspense, and they explore themes such as love, betrayal, and revenge. One of my favorite stories in this collection is "The Adventure of the Speckled Band." It tells the story of a man who hires Sherlock Holmes to investigate his wife's mysterious death. The man suspects that his brother-in-law is responsible for the murder, but he can't prove it. Sherlock Holmes takes on the case and soon discovers that there are more to the woman's death than meets the eye. He uncovers a series of clues that lead him to the truth, including a mysterious symbol that appears throughout the story. This symbol serves as a key to unlocking the mystery and solving the crime. Another standout story in this collection is "The Adventure of the Empty House." It tells the story of Sherlock Holmes' retirement from detective work after his friend John Watson dies. However, when a new case comes to his attention, Holmes can't resist the lure of solving another mystery. This story is both entertaining and thought-provoking, as it explores themes such as mortality, friendship, and the human condition. It also features some of Doyle's most memorable characters, including Dr. Watson and Inspector Lestrade. Overall, Death in the Woods and Other Stories is a must-read for anyone who enjoys mystery, adventure, and suspense. The stories are well-written, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the world of early 20th century England. Each story is unique and thought-provoking, making it a great choice for readers looking for something new and different. Better Off Bald: A Life in 147 Days This memoir by Scott Storch tells the story of his journey to become bald after losing most of his hair due to chemotherapy treatments for cancer. The book covers Storch's experiences with chemo, as well as his decision to shave his head and embrace his new look. One of the things that sets this memoir apart is the honesty and vulnerability of the author. Storch doesn't shy away from discussing the difficult aspects of cancer treatment, including the physical and emotional toll it takes on patients. He also shares his struggles with body image and self-esteem as he loses most of his hair. Another aspect of this memoir that I particularly enjoyed was the exploration of themes such as identity, masculinity, and acceptance. Storch's journey to embrace his baldness is a powerful reminder that our appearance doesn't define us, and that we can find beauty in unexpected places. Overall, Better Off Bald is an excellent choice for anyone who has experienced cancer or other health challenges. The honesty and vulnerability of the author make it a deeply emotional read that will resonate with readers who have struggled with similar issues. It's also a great reminder to embrace our differences and find beauty in unexpected places. Death In The Truffle Wood: Commissaire Laviolette Mystery This mystery novel by Pierre Gauthier is set in Quebec and tells the story of Commissaire Laviolette, who is investigating a series of murders that have taken place in a small town. The victims are all wealthy individuals who live in the truffle woods, which are famous for their valuable mushrooms. One of the things that sets this novel apart is the atmospheric setting. The truffle woods are described in vivid detail, creating a sense of foreboding and tension throughout the story. This setting also serves as a metaphor for the moral decay that has taken over the town, as the wealthy residents become increasingly greedy and ruthless in their pursuit of wealth and power. Another aspect of this novel that I particularly enjoyed was the exploration of themes such as greed, corruption, and the human condition. Commissaire Laviolette is a complex character who struggles with his own demons as he investigates the murders. He's haunted by his past and struggling to come to terms with the death of his wife. As he delves deeper into the case, Laviolette discovers that there are more to the murders than meets the eye. He uncovers a series of clues that lead him to the truth, including a mysterious symbol that appears throughout the story. This symbol serves as a key to unlocking the mystery and solving the crime. Overall, Death in The Truffle Wood is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers or mysteries. The atmospheric setting and exploration of themes such as greed, corruption, and the human condition make it a compelling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The One-in-a-Million Boy: A Novel This novel by Randy Shilts tells the story of a young boy named Mark who is born with a rare genetic disorder that makes him extremely sensitive to sound. He's unable to hear anything above a certain volume, and he struggles to communicate with others as a result. One of the things that sets this book apart is the sensitivity and compassion with which Shilts portrays Mark's experiences. The author doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges that Mark faces as he grows up, including his isolation and loneliness. He also explores themes such as love, acceptance, and the human condition. Another aspect of this book that I particularly enjoyed was the exploration of the relationship between Mark and his mother. Mark's mother is a loving and devoted parent who does everything she can to help her son cope with his disability. However, she also struggles with her own feelings of guilt and inadequacy as she watches her son suffer. As Mark grows up, he befriends a young girl named Emily who is also struggling with her own issues. Emily has a hearing impairment that makes it difficult for her to communicate with others, but she's determined to overcome these challenges and make the most of her life. Together, Mark and Emily navigate the ups and downs of growing up in a world that often doesn't understand them. They face bullying, discrimination, and other obstacles along the way, but they also find love, acceptance, and hope. Overall, The One-in-a-Million Boy is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys literary fiction or coming-of-age stories. The sensitivity and compassion with which Shilts portrays Mark's experiences make it a deeply emotional read that will resonate with readers who have struggled with similar issues. The House in Poplar Wood: A Novel This novel by Mary Gail Stubbs tells the story of a young woman named Sarah who returns to her childhood home after many years away. The house is located in a small town in New England, and it holds many memories for Sarah, both good and bad. One of the things that sets this book apart is the atmospheric setting. The small town in Poplar Wood is described in vivid detail, creating a sense of nostalgia and longing throughout the story. This setting also serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the changes that occur as we grow older. Another aspect of this novel that I particularly enjoyed was the exploration of themes such as memory, loss, and the human condition. Sarah is haunted by her past and struggling to come to terms with the choices she made as a young woman. She's also grappling with feelings of guilt and regret as she confronts the ghosts of her past. As she explores the house and its surroundings, Sarah discovers that there are more to her memories than she ever imagined. She uncovers secrets and lies that have been hidden for years, including a mysterious death that occurred in the house many years ago. Sarah's journey back to her childhood home is both poignant and thought-provoking, as she grapples with the choices she made in the past and the impact they had on her life. It's also a reminder of the power of memory and how it can shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Overall, The House in Poplar Wood is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys literary fiction or coming-of-age stories. The atmospheric setting and exploration of themes such as memory, loss, and the human condition make it a compelling read that will resonate with readers who have struggled with similar issues. Delusion in Death (In Death, Book 35) This mystery novel by J.D. Robb is set in New York City and tells the story of Detective Eve Dallas, who is investigating a series of murders that have taken place in an upscale apartment building. The victims are all wealthy individuals who live in the building, and they're all suffering from some form of delusion or mental illness.