The Book of Air and Shadows

I've been so busy in recent months that I haven't had much time to read just for pleasure but February vacation provided the opportunity to do just that. We took a family vacation to Mexico and while on the plane, on the beach, and by the pool I read The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber. The book was donated to our library by Mr. Dewar and did not disappoint. The story begins with intellectual property attorney Jake Mishkin's first person account of the month's leading up to his present predicament, holed up in his friend's lake house hiding from/waiting for Russian gangsters who may want to kill him. Flash back to England in 1642, we are reading a letter from a dying soldier, Richard Bracegirdle, to his wife and young son, recounting events in his life. Finally, we return to present day New York where we meet Albert Crosetti and Carolyn Rolly, rare bookstore employees who discover the letters of Richard Bracegirdle which may lead a literary treasure worth millions. The fact the Crosetti's mother is a very bright research librarian only enhances the story for me. Oh, and did I mention Shakespeare? He's in there, too. The story alternates between these three different points of view, finally coming together with many twists and turns along the way. I highly recommend The Book of Air and Shadows which is available here at the Norton High School Library.