Mrs.
Farrow1776 -- David McCullough
"David McCullough has the ability to write about any period in history and bring it alive as if you were actually there. He has a smooth, interesting, narrative style."
2006 Staff Picks
2005 Staff Picks 2007 Staff Picks
Mrs.
Farrow
1776 -- David McCullough
"David McCullough has the ability to write about any period in history and
bring it alive as if you were actually there. He has a smooth, interesting,
narrative style."
Mrs.
Barnett
The Lovely Bones -- Alice Sebold
"The narrator as the child who was murdered was compelling. It was a
combination of mystery and 'coming of age.' It enabled the reader to understand
the perspective of the family as well as her emotions in looking down from her
place before she went to 'heaven.'"
Mr. Petrillo
Once the Acacias Bloomed -- Fred Spiegel
"A gripping story of a young man caught up in the hatred of the Holocaust,
who was able to preserve and survive to tell his story in the hope it will never
happen again. A true story."
Ms.
Moore
My Day -- Eleanor Roosevelt Edited by David Emblidge
"Excellent first hand account of the personal and political views of one of
the most influential women in American history."
Mr.
Bollendorf
Jackdaws -- Ken Follett
" Jackdaws was a thrilling story of espionage during World War
II. It was a great illustration of the significance of women during the
war."
The Kite Runner -- Khaled Hosseini
"The Kite Runner was spellbinding. A refelction on human
relationships and the ability to survive. It also reminded me how lucky we are
to live in America."
Mrs. Smith
The Kite Runner -- Khaled Hosseini
"This was a great book-very different from anything I've ever read. It was the story of 2 boys growing up in Afghanistan who were best friends. It dealt with relationships, strength, conscience, regret, and redemption. It also gave a detailed description of growing up in that country and how the Taliban changed it."
Mr. Duca
Stupid White Men -- Michael Moore
"The author showed the underbelly of politics and why every citizen needs to get involved."
Mrs. Cushane
Baby Laughs and Belly Laughs -- Jenny McCarthy
"Because I just had a baby and both of these books take the reader on a
hysterically funny and charming journey through motherhood."
Business
Ms. Wilson
West with the Night -- Beryl Markham
"In a time, 1930's, when women didn't live alone or fly planes, Beryl Markhem did it all while living in East Africa. The book is a group of short
stories about her adventure."
English Department
Mrs. Abbott-Mroz
Walk Two Moons --Sharon Creech
"It was an interesting book that taught a lesson and showed the growth of the
main character."
Mrs. Black
My Sister's Keeper --Jodi Picoult
"A dilemma involving love and relationships was placed before a seemingly
ordinary family. They face the toughest of decisions trying to understand each
other. The twist at the end was surreal and completely unanticipated."
Mrs.
Scarpaci
The Memory Keeper's Daughter --Kim Edwards
"This book was a compelling read. It showed the power of secrets and love,
guilt and compassion. The book assured me that every one is a person of worth."
Mr.
Valerio
The True Believer -- Eric Hoffer
"An extremely readable and incredible relevant little book about the nature
of mass movements."
Mr.
Wisniewski
Hour Game -- David Baldacci
"Excellent murder mystery. Only book I have ever read where the plot seems
to be resolved with 100 pages left, but then a great deal more is revealed."
Mrs.
McNally
Plain Truth --Jodi Picoult
"Plain Truth is an engrossing story that breaks the stereotypical
perception of the Amish. The ending is typical Picoult irony."
Mrs. Lopresti
The Lovely Bones -- Alice Sebold
"Non-stop suspense--in-depth characters."
Mrs.
Leskie
The Book Thief -- Markus Zusak
"I was drawn into this book because of its unique look at life for both Jews
and non-Jews during the Holocaust. This book focused more on the personal
stories of a few people that the actual historical context by using the Grim
Reaper as its narrator. It was hard to put down as you get to know that
characters and wonder about their fate."
Mr. Jorgensen
The Beatles -- Bob Spitz
"I enjoyed this amazing biography because it is so thorough in its research
of the greatest band ever. It is amusing, eye-opening, and truthful. I would
subtitle it, 'Everything You Ever Wanted to Know.'"
Mr. Cullen
Camden County, NJ: The Making of a Metropolitan Community, 1626-1006
-- Jeffrey M. Dorwart
"It touches streets, towns, and businesses in our area. It gives some
texture to the one dimensional awareness of our communities. It's fun to match
familiar places with historical fact!"
Mrs.
Jackyra
Prep -- Curtis Sittenfeld
"Prep features an authentic and engaging teenaged narrator whose comments on
sex, class and race are keenly observed. This is a wonderfully written
coming-of-age story in the tradition of Catcher in the Rye, but with a
modern female twist."
Mrs. LaPenta
Speak -- Laurie Halse Anderson
"Speak is a story about a young girl who is just starting high
school, and she has a tough time adjusting. All of her friends won't speak to
her because of something she did at a party; however, she has a dark secret from
that night, and no one knows the truth."
Mr.
Byatt
Gods and Generals -- Jeff Shaara
" It is a book about the last years of the Civil War--lots of great examples
of courage, brotherhood, and sacrifice."
Mrs.
Molotsky
I Am the Messenger -- Markus Zusak
"It's a coming of age story-- a modern Catcher in the Rye. A 19 year
old foils a bank robbery and then begins receiving messages demanding that he
help people. He feels his life has no meaning but then that all changes. A
quick, very enjoyable read."
Mr.
Lawler
Water for Elephants -- Sara Gruen
"The setting of a 1930's circus juxtaposed with a modern day nursing home
was interesting and humorous. This novel reminds us of the wealth of experience
accumulated by our parents and grandparents."
Mr. Parker
The Reckoning: The Murder of Christopher Marlowe -- Charles Nicholl
"Murder, mystery, Marlowe, Shakespeare, Elizabeth, espionage, blackmail,
conspiracy, and criminals -- what's not to like?"
Family/Consumer Science
Ms.
Kaplan
Marley & Me -- John Grugan
"His style and way of describing events with the dog-- I was literally,
laughing so hard at the depictions I was rolling on the floor. It was a
riot."
Anne
Marguglio
Without Remorse -- Tom Clancy
"I am a huge Clancy fan and like all of his books."
Mrs.
Nelson
The Secret Life of Bees -- Sue Monk Kidd
"The strength of the female characters and the relationships that women have
with one another that transcends anything life throws at us was uplifting and
made me want to gather my girlfriends and remind them how important they are to
me."
Ms.
Petolicchio
Evidence of Harm -- David Kirby
"Well-written and intriguing. Questions the role of government and
pharmaceutical companies' relationships and the possible connection to the
Autism epidemic."
Mrs.
Wescott
Teacher Man -- Frank McCourt
"It's a great reminder to us 'veteran' educators that we do make a
difference even though we don't believe it is possible at times."
Mrs. Mulvihill
In Her Shoes -- Jennifer Weiner
"It takes place in Center City Philadelphia, making it easy to visualize the
places the main character works, shops, and socializes."
Mrs. Williams
I Love You Through and Through -- Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak
"I read this book to my beautiful baby boy all summer."
Information Technology
Mr. Gable
Eragon and
Eldest -- Christopher Paolini
"Science Fantasy; great descriptions, good plot."
Ms.
Shaw
4th of July -- James Patterson
"Kept you guessing. Short chapters, fast read."
Math Department
Mr Bucca
Catch 22 -- Joseph Heller
"I read it when I was in high school and I really enjoyed it because of its
sardonic nature. It was funny, sad and interesting to read."
Ms.
Longo
Picture of Dorian Gray -- Oscar Wilde
"I loved this book not only because it had such an original storyline, but
also because it had many psychological twists to it."
Mr. Dempsey
My Utmost for His Highest -- Oswald Chambers
"It is a book of daily readings so you don't have to read a lot in one
sitting. It is inspiring and challenges me to live by faith in Jesus Christ."
Ms. Sharon Serano
The Goomba Diet -- Steven Scheipa
"Fun, light reading. Humorous, but true."
Mr. Beyer
Left Behind Series -- Jerry Jenkins & Tim LaHaye
"A possible scenario of future events that could happen in our lifetime???"
Mr.
Cona
The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal 1870-1914 --
David McCullough
"I'm interested in stories of the people that built the world in which we
live. The panama Canal may seem like an ordinary engineering project, but it was
so much more than that. The only analogy I have is the Space Program in the
1960s when the whole country was focused on a goal. Even then, it doesn't come
close to the cost in human lives as the building of the Panama Canal. It was an
astounding undertaking."
Mr.
Dessaigne
A Brief History of Time -- Stephen Hawking
"This book is a fascinating look at current scientific thought about the
nature of the universe. What's even better is that there is no math-- it's
written for the casual reader."
Mrs.
Silverman
War & Peace -- Leo Tolstoy
"It's got everything! History, romance, philosophy, etc. His descriptions of
people and their idiosyncrasies are so perceptive. He observes just the way
actors are supposed to. Plus, now I have a clearer picture of what Napoleon did
in Europe."
Physical Education and Athletics
Mrs.
Anton
The Secret Life of Bees --Sue Monk Kidd
"I loved it because to was a story of a young girl who despite a hard life,
doesn't give up. She discovers what she needs (answers about what happened to
her mother) and in the process finds a 'family' who loves her, never mind that
they are black and she is white. This makes the story richer. It is wonderfully
written. The story flows, is easy to read, and hard to put down once you pick it
up."
Mrs.
Dargusch
1776 -- David McCullough
"True story based on letters and records written by generals and commanders
on both sides of the American Revolution. Interesting to hear it in their own
words."
Mr. Patterson
The Old Man and the Sea -- Ernest Hemingway
"Intense drama; interesting story; believable; empathetic; educational;
quick read; good book for all ages; unforgettable ending, riveting from cover to
cover. I can imagine myself in the same situation. I hope I would handle myself
as well. "
Mr. Flemming
Historian --
"Historian was a wonderful read that made you feel as if you were there."
Judge & Jury -- James Patterson
"Fast & exciting!"
Ms.
Cosgrove
The DaVinci Code --Dan Brown
"The suspense of the murders involved was awesome. It was well-written, but
most importantly, it made me question things I just blindly accepted before. I
love when my eyes get opened to another viewpoint. I had always wanted to read
the book before I saw the movie."
Mr. Holmes
The DaVinci Code -- Dan Brown
"Exciting mix of history, adventure and religion."
Mrs.
Hall
War of the Worlds -- H.G. Wells
"After seeing the movie, I wanted to check out the original story. H.G.
Wells certainly created the perfect mix of 'science' and 'fiction' in this
expertly crafted plot and awesome conclusion."
Mr.
Napolsky
Frankenstein -- Mary Shelly
"You know the character, but do you know the story? The story is a classic
for a reason. It starts slow, but its definitely worth reading."
Mr.
Wright
State of Fear -- Michael Crichton
"Reminds us that science is a human endeavor... for better or worse!"
Mrs. Carcel
Bare Bones (series) -- Kathy Reichs
"These are murder mysteries that are solved by a forensic
anthropologist (a forensic specialty). Tons of science and action!! Great quick
read."
Mr. Green
Portraits of Discovery: Profiles in Scientific Genius -- George
Greenstein
"It gave interesting biographies of important scientists as they fit into a
broader social perspective."
Ms. Roche
Stiff -- Mary Roach
"It was fascinating to find out how cadavers teach us, help us progress and
who is doing this work."
Mrs. Schuler
Sick Puppy and Skinny Dip -- Carl Hiaasen
"I have only read two of his books so far, but I laughed out loud while
reading them. Hiaasen really punishes the greedy characters in his stories, and
I applaud his pro-environmental themes which form the basis of each book."
Social Studies Department
Mr.
Callaway
The Kite Runner --Khaled Hosseini
"I found this to be an extremely enjoyable reading experience. It was great
storytelling and offered insight into another culture. It was one of the few
books I've read where I really didn't want to put it down."
Mrs.
Carchidi
The Templar Legacy --Steve Berry
"Great mixture of historical fact with fiction. Fast paced and action
packed."
Ms.
Harner
1776 -- David McCullough
"This book gives a great human view of 1776 and shows how fragile the
American Revolution really was."
What ifs? of American History -- Robert Cowley
"Gives a great view of what might have been if just one little thing in
American history was different."
Mr Kiser
The Miracle of St Anthony's
"Involves basketball, coaching and reality."
Mr. Kirkwood
American Brutus -- Michael W. Kauffman
"Conspiracy theorists will love this book. Meticulously researched and
highly detailed, this book requires an 'attentive read' that was well-worth the
effort. Wilkes, like Oswald, was a complex, tortured soul who changed history
with his dastardly violence. American Brutus gives one an authentic look
at 1865 America."
Mr.
Mitchell
Friday Night Lights -- H. G. Bissinger
"It was a stirring, true depiction of high school football in the state of
Texas."
Mrs.
Monaco
4th of July -- James Patterson
"It's 4th in the Women's Murder Club Series, so I had to read it! The storylines are interesting and its a fast read. Patterson keeps all of the stories suspenseful and shocking."
Mr.
Muscelli
Teacher Man -- Frank McCourt
"This is probably one of the only books I have ever laughed out loud to!
Some of the experiences that McCourt has had as a teacher are just hysterical!"
Mr.
Oberholtzer
Band of Brothers -- Stephen Ambrose
"The book is about Easy Company, 506th PIR 101st Airborne Division from
D-Day to the surrender of Germany in May of 1945. The book details the courage,
self-sacrifice and the moral certitude of the greatest generation of Americans,
the citizen soldiers who won World War II."
Mr. Rosenello
Fine Balance -- Rohinton Mistry
"Eye-opening"
Mrs.
Valerio
The Pillars of the Earth -- Ken Follett
"a mix of everything- history, adventure, love story, etc."
Mr. Gorski
Roosevelt's Secret War --John Persico
"It talks about the pre-war (1941) interplay between the 'neutral' FDR and
Churchhill. Helps with the perspective that not everyone was shocked on December
7th. It then goes into the espionage efforts both within our nation and abroad
that our country undertook to get vital intell on the enemy. It also shows how
territorial the various agencies were (FBI, OSS, Military, intel, etc.). FDR
loved the 'cloak and dagger' aspect of it."
State of Denial -- Bob Woodward
"Just another reason to have doubts about our current leadership and
their intentions."
Mrs. LaRosa
Mary Called Magdalene -- Margaret George
"Beloved disciple and companion of Jesus. It tells they story of a woman of
great mystery, courage, and spirit."
SMSGT Stover
Gates of Fire: Epic Novel of Battle of Thermopylae -- Steven Pressfield
"Exciting historical novel of ancient Greece --Sparta."
Special Education
Mrs.
Brodzinski
Jane Eyre -- Charlotte Bronte
" This book should be a 'must' for all girls before they graduate from high
school. This story of a strong woman who is faced with many difficult decisions
is timeless and holds many life lessons that still apply today."
Mrs.
Costello
Marley & Me -- John Grogan
"It was awesome -- it made me laugh and cry all at the same time."
Mrs.
Savill
The Memory Keeper's Daughter -- Kim Edwards
"Great story... hits your emotions from the start. A difficult book to put
down."
Mrs.
Slates
The Five People You Meet in Heaven -- Mitch Album
"In teaching, you touch many people's lives, some more than others, and in
this book it really proves that your life is worth something."
Support Staff
Mrs.
Hoban
Sam's Letter to Jennifer --James Patterson
"The title of the book indicated it was about a relationship between a man
and a woman. In fact it was about a grandmother comforting her granddaughter
after the death of her husband. Sam helps Jennifer in life's journey and helps
her heart love again. I needed to read a book this summer that made me smile."
Mrs. Marzano
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency -- Alexander McCall Smith
"The heorine, Precious Ramotswe, refers to herself as a traditionally built
Botswanan woman, but her character transcends culture with her sensitivity,
compassion, and sense of humor. The author portrays the uniqueness of Botswanan
culture and traditions, while emphasizing the universality that exists among
mankind by his use of events and predicaments that confront the No. 1 Ladies'
Detective Agency. The author's well-constructed sentences and excellent use of
descriptive language transport the reader to the Botswanan landscape. I haven't
read a book so beautifully written in years. It's the 1st in a series of 7 and
each is funnier than the next.
World Language Department
Mrs. Anicic
The Myth of You and Me -- Leah Stewart
"It is about friendship and trust. While I was reading it I could visualize
relationships that I have encountered."
Women
of the Silk and Learning Threads -- Gail Tsukiyama
"These two books follow the life of Pei, a Chinese girl given by her parents
to the silk industry. I enjoyed these books because not only did you grow to
cherish the characters, but you learned a lot about China, Japan, and Hong Kong
during World War I & II."
Mrs. McKenna-Daily
Swapping Live -- Jane Green
"It explored the 'what ifs' and the curiosities of the grass being greener
on the other side. It is a light, entertaining yet engaging read. An excellent
mental vacation."
Mr. Coover
The Last Kingdom -- Bernard Cornwell
"Interesting 9th century history with exciting battles and customs,
lots of action with characters who draw you in, mixed with some humor."
Mrs. Diaz-Colasante
Romanov Prophecy -- Steve Berry
"Great mystery!"