Nowhere is a Place
by Bernice L. McFadden

On a road trip from Nevada to a family reunion in Georgia, 38-year-old Sherry convinces her mother, Dumpling to tell her family stories.  Sherry's life has been turbulent and she hasn't had a close relationship with Dumpling. She wants to explore her history and plans to write a book about their family whose stories date back to the days of slavery.  Another story finally explains an incident in the women's lives that led to their estrangement.  With the mystery solved, reconciliation is finally possible.  Readers have been delighted with McFadden's engaging storytelling and enjoy the historical elements of this book.

Above Us Only Sky
by Marion Winik

This collection of essays by NPR commentator, Marion Winik explore important moments in her life from childhood through motherhood.  Her unique voice is humorous and witty.  Tales about her husband's death and what it's like raising two teenagers and a toddler in her 40s leave readers with an appreciation for Winik's empathy and honesty. 

Taxonomy of Barnacles
by Galt Niederhoffer

The six Barnacle sisters - Bell, Bridget, Beth, Belinda, Beryl, and Benita - have been challenged by their father to come up with a way to immortalize the Barnacle name.  This competition will reward it's winner as the sole beneficiary of the father's estate.  This romantic comedy set in 1930's Manhattan explores Darwin's survival of the fittest theory while paying homage to classic fairy tales.  Readers love the character development and quirky plot.

Halfway House
by Katharine Noel

The Voorster family of New Hampshire is forever changed after Angie, a promising high school senior, is diagnosed with bipolar disorder.  Her father becomes withdrawn while her mother begins an affair with a man 15 years her junior.  Her brother, away at college, find solace in girlfriends.  But it is Angie's new life, with the stays in mental hospitals and halfway houses, suicide attempts, and the ups and downs of finding the right medication, that is the most altered.  Readers say they could not put this book down.