By Lauren Groff

The Short Take:

An intriguing family portrait that everyone can enjoy, but a James Fenimore Cooper fan will truly delight in this nicely paced novel.

Why?

Willie Upton hopes to regain her future by researching her past to find her unknown – and unknowing – father. Author Lauren Groff wisely lets Willie’s ancestors speak for themselves throughout the novel, mixing chapters set in the past with those of the present. In doing so, she provides a sense of action as well as a story of discovery.

The author’s hometown of Cooperstown inspired her to write this novel. As she researched the town’s history, Groff realized that she wanted her characters to be somewhat different. So, she turned to James Fenimore Cooper for help. Just like him, she rechristened Cooperstown as Templeton and has even included some of his characters for good measure.

The many family scandals Willie uncovers don’t seem to dismay her in the least – which is good news for readers. After all, who wants to read about someone’s boring, squeaky clean ancestors?

Alongside Willie’s search, her hometown is caught up in the discovery of a dead sea monster in its lake. This magical addition brings a plaintive yet fulfilling touch to Groff’s work.

This is not a girly book though many of the main characters are women. It’s a book about the search for identity, renewal, friendship, and self-awareness. Those topics make good reading for anyone.

Want Some Plot?

Willie Sunshine Upton retreats to her childhood home of Templeton to heal from the results of a round of bad luck and even worse judgment. At the same time, a dead Loch Ness style monster floats to the surface of the lake by her house.

To regain her sense of self and discover the identity of her unknown father, Willie puts her archeology and research skills to work digging through family history. Family legends and secrets not only provide revelations about the past, they also help Willie to face her future.

To say any more would ruin a good read, something I’m not willing to do.

Lauren Groff has a really nice website for this book. Click here to visit. Her next book is due out in January, Delicate Edible Birds, a collection of short stories.

Seeing a loved book made into a movie can be a tragedy, a comedy,or a love story. Peter Jackson did a brilliant job with The Lord of The Rings, a book I practically lived in during high school and college. I, Robot, on the other hand had absolutely nothing to do with Isaac Asimov’s book by the same name. In fact, it blatantly broke Asimov’s Rules of Robotics.

That said, here are some books I’m would like to see at the movies:

The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum. Yes, I know it’s a really, really famous movie already. But can’t we do a non-musical version, please?

The Foundation Trilogy, Isaac Asimov. Paging Peter Jackson. This saga deserves your touch. And, what a great time for the message of solving problems with wits instead of might.

Knight’s Castle, Edward Eager. This great kid’s book from the 50s would be so easy to update. It’s filled with magic. I  keep hoping the Harry Potter craze will resurrect Eager’s books. They certainly deserve the attention. Bonus — there are built in sequels!

A Man in Full, Tom Wolfe. Maybe people are afraid to go there after the Bonfire of the Vanities mess. Too bad. This is truly an epic story. If not a movie, can it be an opera?

Odd Thomas, Dean Koontz. Odd is arguably the most engaging character Koontz has ever created. A spooky, touching, and heartbreaking book. Not to mention loaded with action. And ready made sequels are available. Maybe this one is in the works somewhere? 

Five Quarters of the Orange, Joanne Harris. This beautiful novel set during WWII has Indy hit written all over it. Friendship, disaster, love, betrayal — it’s all here. All it needs is to get made!

Undaunted Courage, Stephen E. Ambrose. The true story of the Lewis and Clark expedition is as exciting as any made up adventure. Someone, be a good American and put it on film.

Those are a few of my picks. What books do you want to see at your local multiplex?