Books

In this dystopian novel, the world is a very unsafe place for unwanted children. Set after the Second Civil War in the United States, (also called the “Heartland War”), the debate over abortion ultimately led to a war between pro-life and pro-choice armies.

M.M. Buckner offers us this shades of the X Files novel that deals with the possible ramifications of our throwaway society. As we acquire new technology, we throw away our old cell phones, MP3 players, and computers. It stands to reason that a lot of our electronic garbage, along with pharmaceuticals and even genetically modified seeds will eventually end up in our water supply. And from such a potent chemical stew; what might emerge? Such is the premise of this book.

In drought and depression-ridden 1930s Gilead, Texas, hardworking Ella Barron is the mother of autistic 10-year-old Solly. After her husband walked out, she learned to run her Texas boarding house by herself where she provides spotless surroundings and three meals a day with the help of her black maid, Margaret. She needs her house to be fully occupied in order to make ends meet, so she rents one of her rooms to the kindly Dr. David Rainwater, a man slowly dying of cancer.

If you have been in Aria Booksellers in the past couple months, chances are you have met Moe, the newest addition to my family, as well as being my very first dog.

I truly lucked out when I agreed to take Moe. His original family was unable to keep him. Moe has a mellow disposition, and is the perfect bookstore mascot. His personality has won the hearts of my customers, the FedEx man, postman and especially the UPS man!