Staff Pick
The Signature of All Things amazes, in part, because it is so unexpected. Gilbert is in full mastery of this historical tale about one woman's unquenchable thirst for the knowledge of life, science, love, biology, language, and botany. Alma struggles through both the pinnacle of happiness and the pain of personal loss, but underneath her emotions is the always-soothing quest for knowledge. Gilbert's fiction is so compelling; this is a truly fantastic story full of heart and intelligence and beauty. Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com