This is a fascinating account of a woman who, given her birth and breeding, should never have gotten where she did. (If royalty can have stage mothers, Catherine certainly did.) But it was her own talents---brains, beauty, and nerve---and the audacity to use them----that earned her the title “The Great.” An epic tale told by one of the greatest biographers of our time.

Recommended by Jan

Who is that dark stranger there? Not Maverick, or Rockford, but James Garner. As told to John Winokur, this is a plain-spoken remembrance of what has turned out to be a remarkable life. The testimonials at the back of the book attest to his kindness, generosity and even his orneriness. Just think: a genuine Hollywood star who’s a genuine human being.

Recommended by Jan

Think you know Cleopatra? Think again! Stacy Schiff strips away the mythical intrigue from this legendary figure and fills you in on the facts.

Recommended by Tricia

Former SNL funnywoman Tina Fey discusses what it’s like to grow up awkwardly, manage teams of funny people, and to live without shame in a world of photoshop. Tina Fey has a wonderfully witty and comical way of writing. I couldn’t stand to put this book down!

Recommended by Rebecca

A wonderful pictorial bio and cinematography of the brilliantly romanticized Cary Grant and the women he loved on (and off) screen. Great as a gift or for any Cary Grant and classic film collector.

Recommended by Amber

Mr. White traces his path from 1950’s minor leagues and baseball’s slow desegregation to his presidency of the National League and his pride in the expansion to Florida and Colorado. His eighteen year broadcasting partnership with Phil Rizzuto and the Yankees is a nice part of the journey.

Recommended by John

Isabella Blow was high fashion royalty, launching such careers as Alexander McQueen and Phillip Treacy. How life overwhelmed her as she overwhelmed the fashion world is a must read.

Recommended by Tricia

From her beginnings as a small stage actress, through her many performances and marriages, Hedy Lamarr’s life was always interesting and mysterious. A must for all movie lovers.

Recommended by Tricia

The story of famed burlesque queen Gypsy Rose Lee. Abbot delves into her world as well as America’s past love affair with burlesque, beautiful women, and Broadway. Abbot has a magnificent style of writing that transports you to the world of the past as they look forward to the world of tomorrow. She jumps back and forth from Gypsy’s childhood as a Vaudevillian performer to her rise to fame as a burlesque artist, and all the men, money, and drama in between.

Recommended by Amber

A childhood favorite that has held up in repeated adult readings! 19-year-old Anne Hobbs is my hero: in the 1920s she moved to tiny Chicken, Alaska to become a schoolteacher, and her honesty and courage shook up the whole town. Funny, exciting, and no hint of sappiness… It’s just a darn good read.

Recommended by Anne

The best book I have read in a very long time!  Lopez does a magnificent job telling the story of Nathaniel Ayers, a schizophrenic musician living in the streets of LA.  Ayers passion for music floats off the page like a lovely sonata and is a form of inspiration to all.  The story will make you think of your own passions, and I guarantee that you will love this book.

Recommended by Alfonso

Mildred Kalish grew up during the Depression on an Iowa farm. She does a fantastic job of recounting her and her family’s experiences during that really difficult time. I really enjoyed reading about the gardening, household chores, and cooking during a time when there was not running water or electricity in every household. You may find their resourcefulness inspiring as I did – waste not want not! This is a great read for those interested in times gone by.

Recommended by Sherri

I had no idea that the beautiful Akita was such an old breed. I did know it came from Japan but it’s thanks to an unusual man that the breed even exists at all. During WWII Morie Sawataishi took in and raised an Akita puppy when most people in Japan were killing them for their pelt and their meat. By the end of the war there were perhaps no more than sixteen left in the country. Morie takes his dogs and his city-born young wife into the snow country of Japan and over the years his passion creates an enduring breed that people all over the world can be proud to own. He rarely shows for money because the dog is more important. He often gives away puppies that someone else would sell for a lot of money because the person he gives it to helped him at some time or has the same passion he has. He is a man of old Japan and is rarely demonstrative with his wife and children but always greets his dogs with shows of affection. He is at his liveliest when drinking sake and talking to others about dogs. Eventually most people realize he’s a good man who has led an extraordinary life because it was the right thing to do. This is a piece of canine history that might have been left in obscurity if not for Martha Sherrill’s wonderful ability to bring Japan, Morie and his dogs to life.

Recommended by Lee