Frank Carlson Library

In 1992, celebrated novelist Ann Patchett launched her remarkable career with the publication of her debut novel, The Patron Saint of Liars. On this 25th anniversary, read the best-selling book that is "beautifully written... a first novel that second- and third-time novelists would envy for its grace, insight, and compassion" (Boston Herald). St. Elizabeth's, a home for unwed mothers in Habit, Kentucky, usually harbors its residents for only a little...

When a twist of fate makes Jamie Sullivan his date at the homecoming dance, Landon Carter never dreamed they would fall in love, but as he comes to realize his true feelings for Jamie, he learns of a terrible secret that will take his love away from him forever.

An autobiographical novel depicting the childhood, adolescence, and early manhood of Stephen Dedalus.

Published in 1839, Nicholas Nickleby is Charles Dickens' third novel. In it, Nicholas Nickleby must earn a living to support his mother and sister after his father dies unexpectedly. Turning to a wealthy uncle in London for help, Nicholas is hired on as assistant to Wackford Squeers, a sadistic and small-minded schoolmaster. Meanwhile, his sister must take a job in a milliner's studio and is occasionally pressed into service by their uncle who exploits...

A collection of stories, several on group behavior. The story, Low Men in Yellow Coats, deals with the way group behavior can affect people for the worse, the title story is on a college woman who saves a fellow student from such behavior, while in Blind Willie a man atones for group behavior in the Vietnam War.

At the age of 12, Astrid has her world blown away when her mother is sentenced to life in prison for murdering her lover. Sharpened by harsh foster home environments, Astrid remakes herself as a survivor, and ultimately, an artist.

While training for a triathlon, seventeen-year-old Bo attends an anger management group at school which leads him to examine his relationship with his father.

The Red pony: On cover: "The moving and beautiful story of a boy, a sorrel colt and the sun-drenched California earth." Junius Maltby: After ten years as a San Francisco accountant, Junius moves to sunny Pastures of Heaven, marries, has a son and becomes poverty stricken through laziness. When he realizes he is hurting his son, he has to make a decision.

When teenagers in a California coastal community challenge each other to "jump the Nail"--Leap from dangerous cliffs into the ocean--group pressure and manipulative relationships quickly drive the game out of control.

Santiago is a Cuban fisherman who encounters a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream and the battle for his catch becomes one of survival against a band of marauding sharks.