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The Quill Book Awards 2005

(November 2006)

The Quill Awards were established in 2005 and they are the first set of literary prizes voted upon by the group that matters most to the publishers, authors, illustrators, booksellers, and librarians- the reading public. The Quills celebrates the best adult and children's books of the year in a wide range of popular categories. Here are the award winners for 2005, compiled by Reader Advisor Suzy Higgins.

To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our OPAC. Happy Reading!


44 Cranberry Point by Debbie Macomber.
RC 59237.
In this sequel to 311 Pelican Court (RC 57922), bed-and-breakfast owner Peggy Beldon relates the continuing tale of life in Cedar Cove. The mystery of a guest's sudden death is solved, and several weddings are in the works. Cedar Cove series, book 4. Series code CED. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language.

1776 by David G. McCullough.
RC 60330, BR 16114.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian chronicles the struggles of the Continental Army during the disastrous year of 1776. Highlights George Washington's failed New York campaign and the retreat across New Jersey. Assesses the political, economic, and social problems the young nation encountered during the turbulent months from August to December.

Chronicles, Volume 1 by Bob Dylan.
RC 59429, BR 15792.
First of a three-volume memoir by music legend Bob Dylan. Describes his intellectual development, folk songs and blues he listened to in the 1960s, and the growth of his artistic conscience. Recalls early days in Greenwich Village, transient loves, lasting friendships, and experiences in New Orleans and Woodstock. Bob Dylan autobiography, book 1. Series code BDA.

Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich.
RC 60607.
New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum quits her job, tired of being mistreated. While trying her hand at various menial occupations, she receives threatening notes from a criminal who is supposed to be dead. Stephanie investigates with the help of former colleague Ranger. Stephanie Plum series, book 12. Series code PLS. Strong language and some violence.

Faithful: Two Diehard Boston Red Sox Fans Chronicle the Historic 2004 Season by Stewart O’Nan and Stephen King.
RC 59376.
Two best-selling novelists follow their beloved underdog Boston Red Sox from spring training through the team's upset 2004 World Series win over hated rivals the New York Yankees. The writers conversed by e-mail, O'Nan offering play-by-play analysis and King commenting on personalities and performances. Strong language.

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner.
RC 60337, BR 16126.
Writer Stephen Dubner explains the offbeat issues that intrigue award-winning economist and coauthor Steven Levitt. Explores everyday riddles such as the link between legalized abortion and the crime rate, the effect of parents' income and ethnicity on naming babies, and the motivations of real estate agents. Strong language.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling.
RC 60262, BR 16000.
Sequel to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (RC 56062, BR 14705). Harry and his friends return for their sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Evil Voldemort's power increases daily, and Harry encounters a prince. Harry Potter series, book 6. Series code POH. For grades 4-7 and older readers.

He's Just Not That into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo.
RC 59020.
Two writers formerly with the Sex and the City television series caution women that their dates' mixed messages are in fact rejections. Uses real situations and question-and-answer format to humorously advise when to quit unsatisfying relationships and how to recognize those that are positive. Some strong language.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.
RC 60713.
A young American woman living with her father in Amsterdam discovers an ancient book and a cache of faded letters in his library. Pursuing family mysteries leads her to seek the truth behind the Dracula legend of Vlad the Impaler. Some violence.

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd.
RC 60121, BR 15958.
When fortyish Jesse Sullivan returns to Egret Island to reconnect with her failing mother, she doesn't expect to be overwhelmed with passion for a Benedictine monk. Jessie confronts her present confusion while she probes her mother's past. Some descriptions of sex.

Peace is the Way: Bringing War and Violence to an End
by Deepak Chopra.
RC 59997.
The author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success (RC 40751) invites everyone to bring the vision of peace to the forefront of our collective and individual consciousness. Offers a seven-step program every individual can follow to become a peacemaker.