AUBURN – New acquisitions for February are announced at the Auburn Public Library.

Fiction

“Rasputin’s Daughter,” Robert Alexander. In this novel that explores Rasputin’s relationship with the Romanovs as well as his lecherous proclivities, the teenage daughter of the legendary mystic healer recounts the tumultuous final week of his life.

“Just Rewards,” Barbara Taylor Bradford. The saga begun by family matriarch Emma Harte continues with the travails of four great-granddaughters, especially Linnet O’Neill, who now leads Harte Enterprises into an uncertain future.

“Death Dance,” Linda Fairstein. Assistant DA Alexandra Cooper reunites with crime scene investigators Chapman and Wallace to investigate the case of a murdered ballerina whose body was tossed into the cooling unit of the Metropolitan Opera House.

“Got the Look,” James Grippando. The latest thriller featuring Florida attorney Jack Swyteck finds him embroiled in the case of the missing ex-girlfriend he dumped when he learned she was married. Has she been kidnapped by a serial killer, or by her husband?

“Cell,” Stephen King. King returns in fine form with this novel about the pulse – a mysterious signal sent out to all the world’s cell phones that transforms the legions who answer it into something less than human.

Nonfiction

“Bad Childhood, Good Life: How to Blossom and Thrive in Spite of an Unhappy Childhood,” Laura Schlessinger. Dr. Laura’s latest examines a subject many will relate to, especially in the wake of stormy family gatherings over the holidays.

“Self-Made Man: One Woman’s Journey into Manhood and Back,” Norah Vincent. A Los Angeles Times op-ed columnist describes her experiences and what she learned about gender roles during the 18-month experiment she spent disguised as a man.

“Live Your Best Life: A Treasury of Wit, Wisdom, Advice, Interviews and Inspiration from O, the Oprah Magazine.” Those unfamiliar with Oprah’s magazine will find this collection of highlights a great way to catch up.

“Poland Spring: A Tale of the Gilded Age, 1860-1900,” David Richards. A slice of local history receives a closer look in this new book about the small Maine hamlet that was once internationally known as a vacation resort for the rich and famous.

“David Hackett Souter: Traditional Republican on the Rehnquist Court,” Tinsley Yarbrough. The biography provides insight into the values and character of the justice from New Hampshire whose tenure on the Supreme Court has confounded the Far Right.

“Hungry Planet: What the World Eats,” Peter Menzel. This clever, visually appealing mix of food history, anthropology and recipes entertains and enthralls even as it teaches valuable lessons about life on the planet.

Children’s

“The Vacation,” Polly Horvath. When 12-year-old Henry’s parents decide on a whim to become missionaries in Africa, they leave in him in the care of two whacky aunts who whisk him off on a hilarious cross-country journey. For readers ages 10 and up.

“The Hello, Goodbye Window,” Norton Juster and Chris Raschka. The book celebrates the focus of a young child’s activities each day until her parents come home from work: Nanna and Poppy’s kitchen window. For kids in preschool through first grade.

“Show Way,” Jacqueline Woodson. In this colorful picture book, the author shows how quilts, or “show ways,” that once served as secret maps to freedom for runaway slaves, now serve as cherished heirlooms of family history. For kids in grades K through four.

“Think Cool Thoughts,” Elizabeth Perry. The summer night of the city is hot, hot, hot, so Angel and her Aunt Lucy drag a mattress to the roof to sleep with the pigeons and, then, the rain. For kids in grades two and three.

“Summertime Waltz,” Nina Payne, pictures by Gabi Swiatkowska. This poem, set to fanciful, dreamlike illustrations, evokes the summertime evenings of childhood. Young readers (and sophisticated older art enthusiasts) will enjoy.