Book reviews, excerpts, reading guides and more of BookBrowse 2006 Favorites by Established Authors

Grayson

by Lynne Cox

Hardcover: Aug 2006 | Paperback: Feb 2008

The true story of long-distance swimmer Lynne Cox's ocean encounter with an 18-foot baby whale and her efforts to reunite "Grayson" with his mother - part mystery, part magical tale.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

by Kate DiCamillo, Bagram Ibatoulline

Hardcover: Feb 2006 | Paperback: Jan 2008

An extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to the fireside of a hoboes' camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the streets of Memphis. And along the way, we are shown a ...

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

Hardcover: Mar 2006 | Paperback: Sep 2007

A story about, among other things: A girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul. Winner of the 2007 ...

The Echo Maker

A Novel

by Richard Powers

Hardcover: Oct 2006 | Paperback: Sep 2007

Following a near-fatal accident, Mark Schluter is nursed by his reluctant sister. But when he emerges from his coma, Mark believes that this woman – who looks, acts, and sounds just like his sister – is really an identical impostor. As a ...

Half of a Yellow Sun

by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Hardcover: Sep 2006 | Paperback: Sep 2007

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie weaves together the lives of three characters swept up in the turbulence of a seminal moment in modern African history: Biafra’s impassioned struggle to establish an independent republic in Nigeria in the 1960s, and the ...

Imperium

A Novel of Ancient Rome

by Robert Harris

Hardcover: Sep 2006 | Paperback: Jul 2007

Of all the great figures of the Roman world, none was more fascinating or charismatic than Cicero. Imperium recounts in vivid detail the story of Cicero's quest for glory, competing with some of the most powerful and intimidating figures of his ...

The Heartless Stone

A Journey Through The World of Diamonds, Deceit, and Desire

by Tom Zoellner

Hardcover: May 2006 | Paperback: Jun 2007

A journey across six continents to uncover the secrets behind one of our most luxurious and costly status symbols. Diamonds are not particularly rare in nature. Nor do they have any intrinsic value. So how did they become the birdcages for our ...

Suite Francaise

by Irene Nemirovsky

Hardcover: Apr 2006 | Paperback: Apr 2007

The first two stories of a masterwork once thought lost, written by a pre-WWII bestselling author who was deported to Auschwitz and died before her work could be completed.

Eye Contact

by Cammie McGovern

Hardcover: Jun 2006 | Paperback: Mar 2007

Adam, a nine-year-old autistic boy, is discovered hiding near to the body of his murdered classmate. Now the police are relying on Adam as the only witness to an appalling crime. But he can't tell the police what he saw—or what he heard. Barely ...

In The Company of the Courtesan

by Sarah Dunant

Hardcover: Feb 2006 | Paperback: Feb 2007

A story of desire and deception, sin and religion, loyalty and friendship that paints a portrait of one of the world's greatest cities, Renaissance Venice, at its most potent moment in history.

Arthur & George

by Julian Barnes

Hardcover: Jan 2006 | Paperback: Dec 2006

An utter astonishment that captures an era through one life celebrated internationally - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; and another entirely forgotten - George Edalji.

The World To Come

by Dara Horn

Hardcover: Jan 2006 | Paperback: Oct 2006

With astonishing grace and simplicity, Dara Horn interweaves a real art heist, history, biography, theology, and Yiddish literature. Richly satisfying, utterly unique, her novel opens the door to "the world to come"—not life after ...