The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Dr. Anna Fox, a child psychologist, hasn’t left her home in nearly a year because she suffers from agoraphobia. She self-medicates with a combination of prescription drugs and alcohol, and fills her days by watching classic suspense films, playing chess online, talking to her husband and daughter (from whom she is separated), and looking through her camera lens at the neighbors.

One afternoon, while spying on the family who lives across the park from her, Anna witnesses a horrific crime. Or did she? The police and her neighbors think that she is a delusional drunk who imagined the entire incident. Anna even begins to doubt herself. And, as more strange things happen, Anna wonders if she might be losing her mind. Anna’s own story gradually unfolds throughout the book, and I found myself sympathizing with her, and rooting for her too, as she struggled to put the pieces together.

Reminiscent of both the Hitchcock film Rear Window and the contemporary book and movie The Girl on the Train, this intense, fast-paced psychological thriller kept me guessing until the very end.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic by the British Library

Just in case you couldn’t get enough… here comes an amazing ‘companion to a unique exhibition’ in honor of 20 years of Harry Potter.  J.K. Rowling along with the publisher Bloomsbury joined forces to create an exhibition at the British Library which examined the depth and persistent historical connections of Rowling’s work in the Harry Potter world.  Everything is covered, from potions to alchemy, to divination and herbology.  Though Rowling’s work is fiction, a surprising amount of it comes from real-life historical persons, documents, and events, as well as legends and myth.  It’s not possible to describe this book in such a small space, but it is richly illustrated with full color photographs of many of the exhibit pieces, as well as anecdotes and descriptions.  There is also a companion work about this exhibition, HARRY POTTER: A JOURNEY THROUGH A HISTORY OF MAGIC which is intended for a children’s audience.  It is just as well done.  Verdict: a sorely-needed historical guide to Harry Potter, and an awesome book just to look at and in which to get lost for hours.

The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin

How do people respond to other's expectations?  How do people respond to their own expectations?  That's what this book is about.  Rubin separates people into 4 main types -- Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels.  (You can take a quiz about which type you are.)  Chapters are then devoted to each one, describing strengths and weaknesses, as well as strategies that might help you deal with yourself or others. 

This is an interesting book.  I think Rubin does a good job with personality insights.  Your "type" isn't the entire magic answer to all of life's problems, but if you're looking for some tips on why you struggle to keep your own resolutions, how to work with someone who doesn't do what you ask, or how to encourage someone to follow good advice, "The Four Tendencies" might offer some new ideas.

Haunted by James Patterson

I have never read a James Patterson book in my life. I never thought I would ever read a James Patterson book. Nothing against Mr. Patterson, but it is not a genre that is at the top of my reading list. That being said, there was something about the book description that caught my imagination when I was reading it on our library website; and, now having read the book. I feel my curiosity was rewarded.
In the case of this Patterson book, Haunted, it is the tenth book of the Michael Bennett series. Jumping into an author, and a series, might seem risky, but with Patterson it was very easy to do. He starts his book with enough review of the characters to have you feeling like you know where they came from, but at the same time it doesn't feel repetitious. You can get right into the story. With Haunted you end up in a town in Maine that is dealing with missing kids, dead bodies and the start of a drug war. That is a lot of issues, but again, it is nothing a Patterson-newbie can't handle. You are nicely lead through the story.
I liked the characters - the bad people are bad when they are supposed to be, and the good people are good enough to get the job done. Haunted comes to a pleasing conclusion, but at the same time, there is enough foreshadowing to let you know there will be a book 11 if you are interested. I doubt that I will go back and catch up with 1-9, but there is a chance I will read number 11 somewhere down the road.

Where the Past Begins: A Writer's Memoir by Amy Tan

Tan’s new memoir demonstrates that strength and resilience can triumph against all odds.  Having lost both her father and older brother within 6 months of each other when Tan was fifteen, she manages to cope by dedicating and empathizing with her mother despite her mother’s constant threats of suicide.  Tan shares her family history and cultural heritage through letters, documents and photos.  It was fascinating to learn about her maternal grandmother’s life in China and Tan’s mother life in Shanghai…  There are lots of details that helped me understand how being raised by immigrant Chinese parents and having to live up to high expectations impact Tan as a writer.  I enjoyed the chapter on the nuances of language and was touched by Tan’s relationship with her mother towards the end of her life.

The Perfect Cookie by America's Test Kitchen

This wonderful cookbook features recipes for everything from favorite cookie jar classics to new and unique cookies, brownies, and bars.  It includes step-by-step instructions, techniques, and beautiful photos for every recipe.  There are also some great tips that I think even an experienced baker can appreciate.  Though I don’t often buy a cookbook for my personal collection at home, this one is definitely going to be added to my wish list! 

Piecing Makeover by Patty Murphy

Quilters -- here's a book for you!  Are your star or triangle points getting cut off?  Does your block end up slightly the wrong size?  Do you have a bunch of bulk where seams meet?  Do you dread Y-seams?  This book has many great tips on basic quilting problems, from block piecing to sashing to borders.  If you have a specific skill you'd like to improve, or just want an overall refresher course, this is a great book to check out.