1. A Discovery of Witches, by Deborah Harkness
2. The Help, by Kathryn Stockett
3. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, by David Sedaris
4. Swamplandi!, by Karen Russell
5. Caribou Island: A Novel, by David Vann
6. Freedom: A Novel, by Jonathan Franzen
7. Secret Soldier (A John Wells Novel), by Alex Berenson
8. Clara and Mr. Tiffany: A Novel, by Susan Vreeland
9. The Empty Family: Stories, by Colm Tóibín
10. Mary Ann in Autumn, by Armistead Maupin
Books Inc. staff picks
Fiction
A wonderfully crafted novel about an alligator-wrestling family trying to keep their theme park, Swamplandia!, afloat while the world crumbles and sinks into the swamps around them. The youngest family member, daughter Ava, becomes our endearing heroine who tries to keep all the alligators, and her life, in line.
– Rich Ciccotelli
West of Here, by Jonathan Evison
A nearly perfect epic American novel entrenched deeply in the wilderness of a fictional town in the Pacific Northwest. Spanning over 100 years, Evison delivers an environmentally thoughtful story that is funny, unpretentious and easy to read. A big book with big heart.
– Rich Ciccotelli
Nonfiction
My Prizes: An Accounting, by Thomas Bernhard
Bernhard uses anecdotes about his literary prizes as a launching pad to craft this volume, his most accessible, personal, and utterly satisfying encapsulation of his life and philosophy. Worth the admission price purely for the riot-provoking acceptance speech transcriptions at the end of the book. A highly distilled and rewarding companion to his fiction catalog.
– Greg Gorlen Kids picture book of the month
Brontorina, by James Howe
Brontorina wants to become a ballerina, but she is too big to fit inside the studio. She is a dinosaur after all! Brontorina shows that we should follow our dreams no matter how big they, or we, are.
– Anna Logan
Rich Ciccotelli is the manager of Books Inc. in the Marina. The best-seller list is based on sales in Books Inc.’s stores in the Marina and Laurel Village during the first three weeks of February.
