Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
Based on the true story of Caleb Cheeshahteaumauck, who in 1665 was the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College, this luminous novel explores the intersecting lives of white settlers and Native Americans in the early years of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Bethia, the outspoken daughter of a Puritan minister, narrates this tale through her journal entries, which vividly depict the natural landscape of her beloved island home (now known as Martha’s Vineyard) as well as the colder academic environment of Cambridge. Both sad and beautiful, this novel brings to life intriguing characters from early American history. ~ Paige, University
A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash
Tragedy strikes quickly when a snake-handling and strychnine-sipping preacher decides it’s time to “heal” a 13-year-old autistic boy in the mountains of North Carolina. The story of what really happened unfolds in the alternating voices of the sheriff, the boy’s brother and a woman who left the church 20 years ago. If you have an affinity for Southern gothic novels, you won’t want to miss this memorable debut novel by an author whose style has been compared to Flannery O’Connor. ~ Linda, Central
The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan
One of the best fantasy novels I’ve read, though its bitter existential flavor isn’t for everyone. Equal amounts of backstabbing, bloodshed and political intrigue make it perfect for fans of “A Game of Thrones.” Morgan is a master of keeping momentum and interest through characterization and jaw-dropping action scenes. The moody prose has liberal doses of beautiful poetry where time freezes allowing the characters to reflect during battle scenes. In lesser hands, this tactic would quickly grow old, but Morgan is so deft a writer the reader can’t help but cherish these interstitials and beg for the next one. ~ Jared
See the 25 novels and nonfiction featured in our 2012 Staff Favorites.