NCIBA/IndieBound/San Francisco Chronicle
Bestseller List

Top Shelf Picks

From Book Passage, Corte Madera

Fiction

• The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin. Benjamin’s first novel Alice I Have Been, the remained story of Alice that inspired the Wonderland books, was stunningly literary. Her new book is even better, as she imagines the story of Anne Morrow and the love of her life Charles Lindbergh.
• The Gilly Salt Sisters by Tiffany Baker. Marin County resident  Baker’s new novel, set on a salt farm on the East Coast, is filled with thought-provoking situations involving two sisters that could not be more opposite and a grudge they have carried for far too long. Readers will be caught up in the vivid details of Jo and Claire’s lives as well as the compromises they have to make to make peace.
• Murder Below Montparnasse by by Cara Black. Aimee Luduc is back and protecting priceless art in the Montparnesse area of Paris. Black fills her beloved city with intrigue and such detail that you are transported without using any frequent flyer miles.
• Schroder, A Novel by Amity Gaige. Identity is central to this story of a first generation German immigrant who hides his born identity, redefines himself as a Kennedy and fights to spend time with his daughter. This novel is a masterpiece of storytelling — dark and hopeful.

Nonfiction

• Nigellisma by Nigella Lawson. Nigella Lawson’s cookbooks are always easy to follow, simple to understand, approachable by busy people and always sensual. Nigellisma is a tribute to her dream of being Italian. The no churn ice-cream recipe will change lives.
• The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart. Plants and Cocktails — nature writer Amy Stewart (independent bookseller as well) brings us the bible of mixing the passion of gardening with the pleasure of imbibing. History, humor and fascinating science make this book a must read in our local sourcing, sustainable and foraging world.
• The Kitchen Diaries by Nigel Slater. A genius when it comes to food writing, Slater this time focuses on a year in the kitchen told in diary format and filled with tips, insight and recipes. It is compelling read for any foodie — real or pretending.
• Everybody Matters by Mary Robinson. The first woman president of Ireland and longtime human rights activist tells her story and conveys without trying what a true hero of the modern age she is. Her message that we all can make the world better by being better ourselves is told with pure grace and a sense of empowerment.