The Learned Owl Book Shop, December 1, 2015
Kate's Corner

Happy December!
It's hard to believe it's already here. The year has flown by, and we want to present you with some of our favorite books for 2015 in case you missed something along the way. We hope you will enjoy the list and come in to check them out. I'm confident there is something for everyone on your list.

Please don't forget we have our giving tree up and going to provide books for children in the greater Akron area through C.A.B., and our leg lamp raffle underway to support the Hudson Food Pantry. Thank you for your support and generosity this holiday season.

Happy reading!
- Kate
Hanukkah starts December 7!
Hanukkah
Looking for ideas?

Signed books make great gifts!

Saturday, Dec. 5, 1-3 PM (at The Learned Owl)
Local author Vicki Leigh visits with the second book in her Dreamcatcher Series, Find Me If You Dare.

Sunday, Dec. 6, 12-5 PM
Hudson's annual Holiday Walk.
At The Owl: Meet Irv Korman, author of the children's storybook Citytown Christmas Conundrum
(1-3 PM), and enjoy treats and special deals throughout the day. Also, we are continuing our Leg Lamp raffle tradition this holiday season, with all proceeds going to the Hudson Food Pantry. This year, in addition to purchasing tickets ($1 each, or 7 tickets for $5), you can bring in nonperishable food donations for a chance to win this coveted "major award" (two food items for one raffle ticket). The drawing will be on Dec. 12.

Sunday, Dec. 6, 2 PM
(at the Hudson Library)
Renowned Cleveland chef Jonathon Sawyer will prepare dishes from his family-centric cookbook, Noodle Kids: Around the World in 50 Fun, Healthy, Creative Dinners the Whole Family Can Cook Together. This family cooking demonstration program is for adults and children eight years and older. Please register online, or call 330.653.6658 x1010.

Thursday, Dec. 10, 6-8 PM (at The Learned Owl)
Author Carrie Rubin will be visiting with her new medical thriller Eating Bull.

Saturday, Dec. 12, 1-3 PM (at The Learned Owl)

Saturday, Dec. 19, 1-3 PM (at The Learned Owl)
Dan Coughlin visits with his third lively collection of Cleveland sports stories, Let's Have Another.
Learned Owl
book groups:
Join us!

Monday, Dec. 7, 1 PM OR Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 PM (at The Learned Owl)
Our Learned Owl Book Club discusses The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce.

Thursday, Dec. 17, 7 PM (location TBA)
Our Book Club in a Bar meets to discuss The Humbug Murders by L. J. Oliver (and for a book exchange).
The Muralist
Our favorite fiction of 2015

The Muralist by B. A. Shapiro
Kate says: A marvelous work of historical fiction. I have never been a fan of abstract art; however, Shapiro brings it and its artist to life, causing me to go back and reexamine this art form in a whole new light. Add the mystery of Alizee's disappearance and the backdrop of Depression-era New York City, and you have a novel not to be missed. 
The Little Paris Bookshop
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
Kate says: I did not want this book to end. I put off reading the last 30 pages for a week! This is a book I will revisit again and again.

Uprooted
Good Night_ Mr. Wodehouse
Finding Jake
100 Days of Happiness
This holiday_ pledge to give books.
Nonfiction for everyone

Dead Wake
Furiously Happy
Pacific
The Fangirl_s Guide to the Galaxy
We recommend: For mystery lovers
A Line of Blood
A Line of Blood by Ben McPherson
Linda says: A must-read for anyone who loves being in the clutches of a brilliant thriller with anything but a straight line to the conclusion.

As Night Falls by Jenny Milchman
Kate says: Jenny has done it again! As Night Falls is a heart-pounding psychological thriller that will keep you up late into the night.


In a Dark_ Dark Wood In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
Linda says: This novel is Ruth Ware's literary debut, and there is no doubt in my mind that her books will be at the top of the list for anyone who appreciates well-crafted suspense with well-rounded, interesting characters!

More mysteries:
House of Thieves
Girl Waits with Gun
One Step Too Far
The Magician_s Lie
An Ember in the Ashes We recommend:
For teens & adults

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Alana says: This book completely blew me away. The characters, the world, the conflict... I couldn't get enough of it.

Calvin by Martine Leavitt
Calvin
Katherine says: An off-the-cliff sled ride of a novel - taut, concise, poetic, and worthy of its namesake. Beautiful. 

Nightfall by Jake Halpern
Kate says: Fast paced, creepy, and fun!

I Crawl Through It by A. S. King
Emelie (former Owl) says: This moving and surreal novel is not for the faint of heart, but it is worth every word. Absolutely stunning.
Kalahari
Kalahari by Jessica Khoury

Kate says: Wow! I couldn't put this down. In Khoury's newest book she conquers yet another new setting and ethical dilemma. The action is break neck and the research is well done. Fantastic!

More for teens/adults:
Trouble Is a Friend of Mine
Finding Audrey
Sin Eater_s Daughter
Queen of Shadows
Echo Our favorite kids' books of 2015

Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan
Kate says: I was completely swept up in the plight of each character and the way they bring history to life... My mind is still spinning at Pam's ability to weave these stories together in a symphony of love, loss, and the undying power of hope.

Katherine says: The mindbending humor and sudden plot twists only adorn the central story, in which 12-year-old Ambrose discovers how important it is to stand up for fairness and equality. I will recommend this book remorselessly to everyone I meet.

The Odds of Getting Even The Odds of Getting Even by Sheila Turnage
Kate says: Turnage's wit and charm see the Desperado Detectives through another case involving Dale's dastardly dad. Can't get enough of this series!


MORE Learned Owl favorites:
Crenshaw
The Astounding Broccoli Boy
Masterminds
Moonpenny Island
We love these storybooks!
Click the covers to read more...

Mother Bruce
Naughty Mabel
One Day_ The End
Slipper and Flipper
We Forgot Brock_
Where Are My Books_
"One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore. "Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books."