Title: State of Wonder
Author: Ann Patchett
Call #: FIC PAT (currently on the New Shelf)
Reviewer: Gayle Hazelbaker
I spent some time dancing around this novel. I was drawn to it because I know Patchett to be a magical writer. But I was reluctant to read it because it would take me to the Amazon jungle and I don't like hot sweltering weather, big spiders or snakes. However, after several months of watching other people take the book home and bring it back without complaint, I gave in. And I'm so glad I did. Yes, it was hotter than last July and filled with giant hard shelled bugs, but it didn't matter. I was hooked! A reviewer for NPR summed up the plot very nicely.
"The gist of the storyline of State of Wonder is this: Dr. Marina Singh, a 42-year-old research scientist working for a pharmaceutical company in Minnesota, is sent to Brazil to locate the remains of her deceased lab mate — a nice family guy who was himself sent into the rain forest months earlier to find another employee, the reclusive Dr. Annick Swenson. Dr. Swenson has been in the wild 10 years, working to unlock the secret to the prolonged fertility of an isolated Amazonian tribe. The women of that tribe give birth well into their 70s, and if the fertility chemical found in a rare tree bark can be distilled and made available back in the States, it will be, as Marina's deceased co-worker once said, "menstruation everlasting ... the equivalent of Lost Horizon for American ovaries." Marina is an ideal candidate for what turns out to be a female explorer tale because she's so alone: Apart from a secret tepid affair with her boss, the most profound human connection she has had for years has been the daily small talk she shared with her dead colleague. With so little to lose, Marina sets off for the Amazon...”
This wild, adventurous tale of friendship and responsibility was surprising and deeply satisfying.
Title: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Call #: Y Fic OLI
Reviewer: Anne Keller
Ninety five days and Lena will be safe. She's content in knowing that after the procedure, her future will be settled. The government will choose her husband and career. Ninety five days until she receives the cure for deleria, the disease of love. Everyone receives the cure at the age of 18 which renders them incapable of falling in love. The government believes the cure is the answer to lasting peace and order. They have curfews, the uncured are not allowed to associate with the opposite sex and they have nightly raids and will kill anyone breaking the laws. In ninety five days, Lean will be safe. But Lena meets a boy, and that changes everything.
Title: MARGARET MITCHELL'S GONE WITH THE WIND:
A Bestseller's Odyssey from Atlanta to Hollywood
Authors: Ellen F. Brown and John Wiley, Jr.
813 BRO
Reviewer: Mary Beth Reasoner, Children's Services Librarian
After reading this exhaustively detailed book, you will come to understand the back story of Margaret Mitchelll's Gone With the Wind, and the aftermath of the marketing of the book and the creation and success of the movie. Throw in traits of stubbornness, assertiveness, shyness, obsessive attention to legal and financial details, loyalty to a fault, and a complete disregard for the trappings of fame and you end up with a humdinger of a book.
Co-author John Wiley, Jr. owns one of the largest private collections of GWTW memorabilia in the world, including every American edition of the novel and more than 700 foreign editions.
Here's an excerpt from the front cover blurb: The authors examine how a disorganized and incomplete manuscript by an unknown Southern writer was discovered by a major New York publisher and became one of the most popular, profitable, and controversial novels in literary history. At the core of the story is Mitchell's struggle to capture on paper the sights, sounds, and smells of antebellum Georgia and how she dealt with her book's stunning success."
Title: HERE LIES THE LIBRARIAN
Author: Richard Peck
T CD-FIC PEC (A Talking Book)
Read By Lara Everly
Reviewer: Mary Beth Reasoner, Children's Services Librarian
I have always enjoyed Richard Peck's books for teens and tweens and this older title is no exception!
It is hilarious!
Here is School Library Journal's summary of the plot:
Set in rural Indiana, circa 1914, tomboy PeeWee works with her adored older brother Jake. The automobile is replacing the horse and buggy and the young brother and sister run a fledgling gas station. When a tornado rips through town and tears up the defunct library, the town elders are shamed into re-opening it. Irene Ridpath and three of her sorority sisters fresh out of library school arrive and set the small town on its ear. Motherless PeeWee has never encountered women with such sophistication, and she begins to re-examine her own femininity. Jake is determined to win a rough and tumble automobile race, but when he is injured, PeeWee jumps in and finishes the event. Peck is a master at creating enchanting characters—even his dead librarian has personality. The setting is vivid—listeners can almost hear the sound of those first automobiles chugging up the road. Narrator Lara Everly brings the story to life with great charm. Listeners will enjoy this well-done audiobook that weaves in facts about rural life in the early 20th century, feminism, and automobile history
Title: Prophet's prey
Author: Brower, Sam
Call #: 306.84 BRO (Currently on the New Adult Non-Fiction shelf)
Reviewer: Gina Walmsley
This is a true story about how one man (Sam Brower) spent seven years investigating the FDLS church and how he along with many others finally brought down Warren Jeffs who was the head of the church.
You receive a indepth history to the FDLS church and many of its controversial beliefs. This title will not be for everyone due to its many graphic descriptions of abuse, but it does show the remarkable spirit of how one man, who did not back down from threats or danger to bring justice for numerous children and adults alike.
Title: American Pickers: guide to picking
Author: Callaway, Libby
Call #: 745.1075 CAL (Currently on the New Adult Non-Fiction shelf)
Reviewer: Gina Walmsley
Welcome to the world of the American Pickers! This is the #1 show on the History Channel currently and it is amazing what Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz find traveling on the back roads of America. The definition of a picker is someone who looks for a piece of the past. It doesn't matter to them if the item is stained, rusted and looks like it should be in a junkyard. To them the "pick" is priceless and they just have to have it. Sometimes they will fix up their "pick" and sell it to someone, but other times the "pick" will remain for their own private collections.
I was pretty excited to start reading this book, but at the end I was a little disappointed. The book is really a guide on how to start picking on your own. Mike and Frank really do give out good, solid advice on how to start, but I just wish there were more stories on the places they have gone and the people they met while on the road. Oh well, I guess that's what the TV show is for. Still this was a pleasant read and as the title indicates, it is a guide, not a travelogue.
Title: When She Woke
Author: Hilary Jordan
Call # FIC JOR
Reviewer: Anne Keller
Hannah Payne's life has been devoted to church and family. While working at her church, she has an affair with her minister and becomes pregnant. She decides to have an abortion even though abortion is now illegal. She's caught and convicted of murder. After conviction, she awakens to her new skin color- red. Hannah is now a chrome- a criminal whose skin color has been genetically altered to match the class of their crime. This tale closely resembles the Scarlet Letter even though it is told in a future United States. The chromes are free from prison to live life normally but society treats them as outcasts and many don't survive. Hannah is taken to a halfway house to live but the sameness and strictness are too much to bare and Hannah leaves. On the outside, she's turned away by her family and eventually escapes to an uncertain future.
Title: Jack the Ripper
Author: Rick Geary
Call #: AG 364.152 GEA (New Adult Graphic Novel Shelf)
Reviewer: Melanie Earley
The library has a new graphic novel section focused more toward adults. There are a variety of themes in this genre and they include: true crime, westerns, horror, biographies, fantasy, and mystery just to name a few. Since this is a new collection for TDL I thought I would highlight a few of our new titles.
Author Rick Geary writes a series called A Treasury of Victorian Murder and the title I read was Jack the Ripper. In this book Geary explores the ghastliest and most famous murders of Victorian England. Gearey has researched the subject extensively and presents the Jack the Ripper mystery through a journal of a fascinated Englishman of the day. Both factual and darkly funny, Geary shines an ironic light on the repressive society that spawned such a monster and its hypocritical reaction to it.
I've always been fascinated by Jack the Ripper stories. Geary does a great job of telling the story in a short 64 pages. The one problem that I do have with the book is the artwork. The artwork is wood cut pictures and they are very dark as is the penning of the narrative. This makes it hard to read sometimes although it does add to the darkness of the theme of the story.
Title: The Sixth Gun: Cold Dead Fingers
Author: Cullen Bunn
Call #: AG FIC BUN (New Adult Graphic Novel Shelf)
Reviewer: Melanie Earley
This title is actually classified as western fantasy which I had never heard of before so I thought I would give it a try. I found out that I really enjoyed the story and also found out that there is a second book in the series that I will have to read. This book is definitely not about the old west that we know. In the passing shadow of the Civil War, defiant Confederate General Oleander Hume waits to be let loose, too evil and warped to die, too mad with bloodlust to let go of his black magic. He hungers for his lost and most precious possession, an ancient weapon of foreboding doom. What are these weapons? They are six guns that when found and brought together have unheard of power.
What made this book enjoyable for me was not only the story, but several other things. First, it is 170 pages long which is a good lenght to tell a story in and also the pictures are done in very vibrate colors. If the pictures had been black and white it wouldn't have made the impact that the colors do.
Title: Rules of Civility
Author: Amor Towles
Call #: FIC TOW (currently on the New Shelf)
Reviewer: Gayle Hazelbaker
Set in New York City in 1938, Rules of Civility tells the story of a watershed year in the life of an uncompromising twenty-five-year- old named Katey Kontent. Armed with little more than a formidable intellect, a bracing wit, and her own brand of cool nerve, Katey embarks on a journey from a Wall Street secretarial pool through the upper echelons of New York society in search of a brighter future.
The story opens on New Year's Eve in a Greenwich Village jazz bar, where Katey and her boardinghouse roommate Eve happen to meet Tinker Grey, a handsome banker with royal blue eyes and a ready smile. This chance encounter and its startling consequences cast Katey off her current course, but end up providing her unexpected access to the rarified offices of Conde Nast and a glittering new social circle. Befriended in turn by a shy, principled multimillionaire, an Upper East Side ne'er-do-well, and a single-minded widow who is ahead of her times, Katey has the chance to experience first hand the poise secured by wealth and station, but also the aspirations, envy, disloyalty, and desires that reside just below the surface. Even as she waits for circumstances to bring Tinker back into her orbit, she will learn how individual choices become the means by which life crystallizes loss.
This enjoyable erudite debut novel has the feel of a Fitzgerald story. In fact, as I was reading it, I half expected him or Zelda to show up in the pages. Highly recommended.
Title: This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection
Author: Carol Burnett
CD 921 BUR (A Talking Book)
Read By The Author
Reviewer: Mary Beth Reasoner, Children's Services Librarian
When my husband and I traveled to Tennessee for vacation recently, we listened to Carol Burnett's memoir, This Time Together, and enjoyed it very much. I grew up watching her variety show every Saturday night, and it was fascinating to hear how the show was created and her cast members were selected. She also tells stories about her childhood and upbringing as well as her rise in show business. She shares remembrances, both hilarious and heartbreaking, about Garry Moore, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence, Jim Nabors, Jimmy Stewart, television executives, her infamous Tarzan yell, her washerwoman character who closed each show, and the death of her daughter. She includes fond memories of her Q&A interactions with her audiences, which opened every show. The best thing about this Talking Book on five compact discs is that the listeners feel as if Carol is talking directly to them, friend to friend.
Title: My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business
Author: Dick Van Dyke
LP FIC 921 VAN (A Large Print Book)
Reviewer: Mary Beth Reasoner, Children's Services Librarian
On this same vacation, I read Dick Van Dyke's biography, My Lucky Life In And Out of Show Business. His TV show was another favorite in my family's home, and I loved him in the movies Bye Bye Birdie and in Mary Poppins, as Bert the chimney sweep. His memoir covers his childhood and family life, and his careers as a radio announcer, a song-and-dance man, a Broadway star, a movie star, and a major star of his own television show during the early 1960's, as well as his performances later in life. He reminisces about Carl Reiner, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, and Richard Deacon, as well as Julie Andrews. It is always fun to hear the stories about how TV shows and movies are made and the backstage experiences. Dick Van Dyke's life has been filled with both joys and sorrows, just like everyone's. He considers himself a lucky man, having had a wonderful career doing what he loves as well as a beloved extended family. He continues his lifelong passion to entertain and still performs for delighted audiences.
Title: Buried Secrets
Author: Joseph Finder
Call #: FIC FIN (currently on the New Shelf)
Reviewer: Gayle Hazelbaker
"Private spy” Nick Heller is back, in his second adventure, finding himself in the middle of a life-or-death situation that's both high-profile and intensely personal. Nick has returned to his old home town of Boston to set up his own shop. There he's urgently summoned by an old family friend. Hedge fund titan Marshall Marcus desperately needs Nick's help. His teenaged daughter, Alexandra, has just been kidnapped. Her abduction was clearly a sophisticated, professional job, done with extraordinary precision, leaving no trace evidence. Alexandra, whom Nick has known since she was an infant, is now buried alive, held prisoner in an underground crypt, a camera trained on her, her suffering streaming live over the internet for all to see. What the kidnappers want, Marcus either can't or won't give them. So it is up to Nick to save her.
This was a thrilling novel. So full of suspense and impossible twists that I could barely put it down. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. I was consumed! Highly recommended.
Title: A Week at the Airport
Author: Alain de Botton
Call #: 387.7360 DEB (currently on the New Shelf)
Reviewer: Sonja Downey
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The author's assignment for this book was to spend one week at Terminal 5 of London's Heathrow Airport and note down his observations and musings. For most people an airport is a necessary nuisance, a place one is forced to be while waiting for a flight. But Alain de Botton looks much further than this. He takes the reader to places, where passengers normally cannot go, such as the factory where the food is manufactured. In the course of the book the author talks with baggage handlers and discovers the dreams of a cleaning lady in the first class lounge.
Not only was this book highly entertaining and almost like a mini vacation, it also put a different spin on being at the airport. I am pretty sure, that next time I am at the airport, I will look at people and things much differently after having read this delightful and thought-provoking book. |
Title: Bath Tangle
Author: Georgette Heyer
Call #: FIC HEY
Reviewer: Sonja Downey
Lady Serena, spirited and willful daughter of the Earl of Spenborough, is shocked beyond measure, when she finds out that upon his death - which occurred rather sudden in the form of a chill - her beloved father decreed in his will, that Sir Ivo, Marquis of Rotherham and scoundrel beyond measure, will henceforth be the trustee of Serena's fortune. She can only gain control of her inheritance through marriage which has to be approved by the Marquis, the only problem with that being, that Serena and Ivo were once betrothed and Serena knows that Ivo will do his utmost to boycott every marriage proposal coming her way.
Serena's stepmother, Fanny – five years her junior and quite unable to live without the Earl's guiding hand – is more of a hindrance than help to her and soon Serena finds herself hopelessly entangled in a knot of fake proposals, true feelings and questionable decisions. Things come to a head when Sir Ivo, his patience sorely tried, decides to put in an appearance in Bath to straighten out the mess.
This is one of my favorite books by Georgette Heyer. I have just reread it for the eighth time and – once again – enjoyed it immensely. The plot is so funny and the characters so witty that one can't help but laugh out loud at times and feel truly sorry for poor Sir Ivo who seems to be the only level-headed person in all of Bath. This is one of the best historical romances ever written.
Title: The Private World of Georgette Heyer
Author: Jane Aiken Hodge
Call #: 921 HEY (currently on the New Shelf)
Reviewer: Sonja Downey
Georgette Heyer is often honored as founder of the genre "Historical Romance Novel”. She was originally better known for her mystery novels for which her husband, a barrister, provided the plots. Even at the height of her fame, Ms. Heyer kept her life intensely private. She never gave any interviews and there only exist a few photographs of her. During her entire writing career she was her own harshest critic. But the fact that she has been beloved and cherished by her readers for 90 years now shows, what a wonderful writer she was.
I am truly thrilled and excited, that our library now owns this book. It was out of print for a long time and has only recently been republished. It is a must for every Heyer-Fan. To me her books are like a good movie, I have to reread them over and over again. This fascinating biography grants the reader a short glimpse into this cherished author's life, mostly through the memories of her son and of course through lots of references in her books.
Title: Book of Spies
Author: Gayle Lynds
Call #: FIC LYN (currently on the New Shelf)
Reviewer: Gayle Hazelbaker
For centuries, emperors, historians, and even the Vatican have tried to locate Ivan the Terrible's magnificent Library of Gold — a long-missing archive containing gold-covered, bejeweled books dating all the way back to the ancient Greeks. Now one of the volumes, The Book of Spies, has surfaced, and along with it the highly secret book club that owns the Library of Gold.
They form a cabal of the globe's most powerful men – men who will do anything to achieve their aims and protect their interests. When the CIA discovers a connection between the legendary library and a bank account linked to terrorists, they turn to rare books curator Eva Blake for help.
Soon an attempt is made on Eva's life. Determined not only to survive but to uncover the truth, Eva turns to the only person she can trust—Judd Ryder, a former intelligence agent with his own agenda and a troubled past. Together, Judd and Eva embark on an international adventure from London to Rome, Istanbul, and Athens. Somehow they must do what no one else has been able to do – find the library and stay alive.
James Patterson called this page turner "Da Vinci Code meets Bourne Identity”. That is an accurate assessment. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sorry to see it end.
Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Call # Y FIC RIG
Reviewer: Anne Keller
Jacob has an eccentric grandfather. His grandpa is always telling him tales about an orphanage he stayed at during WWII. Jacob listens to his grandfather's accounts of the peculiar children that lived at the orphanage. There are tall tales of girls that levitate, invisible children and even a bee boy. As Jacob grows older, he begins to doubt his grandpa's tales despite discovering some vintage photographs that seem to support his grandfather's stories. When his grandpa dies under mysterious circumstances, Jacob ventures to discover the truth once and for all by actually visiting the orphanage. What he discovers is more than he ever expected.
The bonus feature of this book is the vintage photographs that add a whole new dimension to the book. The author collects old and mysterious photos and many are published in this book. If you're looking for a radically different read that is receiving all types of praise, then I highly recommend this story that this reader couldn't stop reading.
Political Thrillers
Title: Dead Watch
Author: John Sandford
Call #: FIC SAN
Reviewer: Melanie Earley
Early morning, Virginia, and a woman is on the run. Her husband, a former U.S. Senator, has been missing for days. Kidnapped? Murdered? She doesn't know, but she thinks she knows who's involved, and why. And that she's next.
Hours later in Washington, D.C., a cell phone rings. The White House chief of staff needs Jacob Winter now. His chief investigator and an Army Intelligence veteran, Winter knows how to move quickly and decisively, but he's never faced a problem like this. The disappearances are bad, but when the blackened body shows up barbed-wired to a tree, Winter knows there is much worse to come. And soon enough, there is. Large forces are at work, determined to do whatever it takes to achieve their ends. Winter will have to use all his resources not only to prevail but also to survive. And so will the nation. . . .
Title: Transfer of Power
Author: Vince Flynn
Call#: FIC FLY
Reviewer: Melanie Earley
On a busy Washington morning, the stately calm of the White House is shattered as terrorists gain control of the executive mansion, slaughtering dozens of people. The president is evacuated to an underground bunker, but not before nearly one hundred hostages are taken. One man is sent in to take control of the crisis. Mitch Rapp, the CIA's top counterterrorism operative, determines that the president is not as safe as Washington's power elite had thought. Moving among the corridors of the White House, Rapp makes a chilling discovery that could rock Washington to its core: someone within his own government wants his rescue attempt to fail.
I have to say that I enjoyed Dead Watch by John Sandford better. You felt more attachment for the characters than in Transfer of Power. Transfer of Power was a fairly long book and then the author wrapped up the story very fast at the end. I had never read a political thriller before but I would read another one.
Title: South of Superior
Author: Ellen Airgood
Call #: FIC AIR (currently on the New Book Shelf)
Reviewer: Gayle Hazelbaker
The setting for this novel is a small isolated town, McAllaster, on the southern edge of Lake Superior. The town seems a lot like Grand Marais, where the author resides. Our heroine, Madeline Stone, comes to Michigan because she has nothing to lose. She's looking for a chance to start over, and get away from the mess her life has become. Abandoned by her blood relatives at age 2, she is raised by a kindly woman. Shortly after her adoptive mother dies, Madeline receives a letter from her absent grandfather's girlfriend, Gladys, asking if she won't consider moving to McAllaster to help take care of her ailing sister.
Life in the U.P. is simple and hard–there isn't a lot of money to be made, but Madeline manages to find a job as a waitress at the local pizza spot. In doing so, she begins to meet some of the town's people. She watches and marvels at the tension between the new business owners and the locals. Despite the animosity, to her amazement, they all come together in times of tragedy. Madeline discovers her roots and the mysteries of her childhood, as Gladys and others begin to trust her with the secrets from their pasts. In the end, Madeline learns more about the idea of "family” than she had ever hoped.
This heartwarming, yet unsentimental debut novel was a lovely read. When I turned the last page, I was sorry to leave the characters and warmth of McAllaster. Highly recommended.
Title: Love Walked In
Author: Marisa de los Santos
Call #: FIC/DEL
Reviewer: Gayle Hazelbaker
Cornelia Brown is managing a hip Philadelphia coffee shop, feeling that she isn't reaching her potential, when Martin Grace walks through the door. He's a dead ringer for Cary Grant. A fan of old movies, our heroine moved to the city of brotherly love because of the movie ‘The Philadelphia Story', so seeing a modern day Cary causes her life to change, but not how she expects. Yes, a love story ensues, but it isn't of the cookie cutter, formulaic ilk.
Clare, Martin's 11-year-old daughter, is living with her mother Vivianna, and her world is falling apart. Her mother isn't acting like herself, and Clare doesn't know what to do about it. She must learn to fend for herself after her increasingly unstable mother has a breakdown and disappears. Taking inspiration from famous orphans (Anne Shirley, Sara Crewe, Mary Lennox, and even Harry Potter) Clare musters the courage to seek out her estranged father. Martin left his family when Clare was 2. Happy to leave his daughter to be raised by her mother, he doesn't really know the child at all. When Cornelia and Claire meet, the stars align and they are instantly drawn to each other. Even though Cornelia knows that Martin is not the love of her life, she agrees to help with Clare until Vivianna is found, because though she hasn't fallen in love with Martin, she has fallen in love with the brave, smart, and unique Clare.
This engaging, stylishly written first novel is told from two perspectives – first person in Cornelia's voice, and third person from Clare's perspective. At first this threw me a bit, but then I grew to really like it. This writing style makes both of the characters become real so that by the story's conclusion, they feel like people from the neighborhood. Another thing that I truly enjoyed about this novel is how skillfully the author weaves in a little about those wonderful old movies like the black and whites starring Katharine Hepburn. I watched lots of those when I was a kid and still get pleasure from them. Also, the author talks of Philadelphia in such detail you can practically smell those genuine Philly cheese steaks wafting up from the pages.
Title: The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels
Author: Ree Drummond
Call #: 921 DRU
Reviewed by Anne Keller
If you love cowboys and a good old fashioned love story, then The Pioneer Woman is the perfect choice. Don't be fooled by the awful book cover because it's quite deceiving. The cover alludes to a little house on the prairie type setting but it is actually modern day. Ree is city girl who lived in Los Angeles and was home in Oklahoma before moving to Chicago. A chance encounter at a bar would alter her life forever. Her cowboy, who she calls Marlboro Man, would sweep her off her feet in an unforgettable romance that storybooks are made of. Ree's romance with Marlboro Man is chronicled with humor, sadness, and funny moments along the way leaving the reader yearning for their own Marlboro Man.
For more information on country life, Marlboro Man, and her cooking, visit her wildly popular blog
www.thepioneerwoman.com.
Title: Night Road
Author: Kristin Hannah
Call # FIC HAN
Reviewer: Anne Keller
Jude Farraday is an overprotective mother who constantly worries about her twins Mia and Zach. Zach is the outgoing, popular boy while Mia is the shy girl. Lexi is a foster child with a hard upbringing who recently moved in with her great aunt. Lexi befriends Mia and soon the three become inseperable. Zach and Lexie fall in love and sadness fills the air as Mia and Zach will be leaving for college. A tragic event shatters everyone's world where nothing will ever be the same again. Kristin Hannah tells this emotional story with enough twists and turns to keep the reader wondering how this family will ever recover. This was the first Hannah novel I have ever read and it is sure not to be my last.
Title: Save Me
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Call #: FIC SCO
Located on the new bookshelf
Reviewer: Anne Keller
Suburban mom Rose is forced to make a split-second decision after an explosion goes off in the school cafeteria in which she volunteers. Should she rescue her own daughter, Melly, trapped in the bathroom, or lead the girls standing in front of her, who constantly bully her daughter, to safety? At first cast as a hero, the town eventually turns on her when her actions are revealed. Her choice reverberates throughout the little town as she is cast as the villain by the local news anchor, parents, and the school. While her attorney and husband construct a defense plan that includes filing a lawsuit against the school, Rose investigates what actually started the fire. Although the novel is slightly farfetched, the suspense and pace will keep most readers reading until the satisfying conclusion.
Title: The Company We Keep
Author: Robert and Dayna Baer
Call #: 327.127 BEA
Reviewer: Gayle Hazelbaker
A huge fan of spy novels, movies and TV shows, I was psyched for this book. However, I quickly learned the reality of being a spy is not as glamorous as the film makers would have you believe. Told in diary style entries, Bob and Dayna discuss the murky world of the CIA in this candid memoir. They emotionally connect the dots of fast-moving and sometimes frightening intelligence operations. Stories I’ve read about in newspapers are given a human element that I never thought of before. In between the tedium of surveillance, the reader learns how these two found each other. A fascinating look at a world that exists almost completely off the radar.
Title: Anyone but you
Author: Jennifer Crusie
Call-#: CD-FIC CRU
Reviewer: Sonja Downey
Nina Askew, recently divorced and on the brink of turning 40, needs a companion. She is thinking of a playful, perky and happy little puppy. Instead she ends up with.... Fred! Fred is a sad, smelly and slightly suicidal hound, whose gratitude to Nina for adopting him knows no slobbery bounds. And then Fred makes the acquaintance of a handsome ER doctor and sets in motion a series of events, that shake Nina's world.
This is a very cute romance. If you liked Marley - from John Grogan's novel "Marley and Me" - you will love Fred. His antics are laugh-out-loud funny and make this novels a delight to listen to.
Title: The Wilder life: my adventures in the lost world of Little House on the Prarie
Author: Wendy McClure
Call #: 813.52 MCC (currently on the New Non-fiction shelf)
Reviewed by: Gina Walmsley
The author is on a quest to find the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the beloved author of the Little House on the Prairie. She traces the the pioneer journey of the Ingalls family-looking for the Big Woods among the medium trees in Wisconsin, wading in Plum Creek, and enduring a hailstorm in South Dakota. She immerses herself in all things Little House-exploring the story from fact to fiction, and from TV shows to the annual summer pageants in Laura's hometowns. Whether she's churning butter in her apartment or sitting in a replica log cabin, McClure is always in pursuit of "the Laura experience." Along the way she comes to understand how Wilder's life and work have shaped our ideas about girlhood and the American West.
This was just an outstanding book from start to finish. I adore all the Little House Books and was quite surprised to find out things I never knew about Laura Ingalls Wilder. The author writes in an easy-to-read style and she gets herself in an especially funny situation when she attends a homesteading weekend with an interesting church group. Her many attempts to try and replicate pioneer cooking is also just a hoot. Who knew you could churn butter in an apartment in Chicago! This was a delightful read and I would recommend it to anyone who has fond memories of the Little House books.
Title: If you ask me (and of course you don't)
Author: Betty White
Call #: CD 921 WHI
Reviewer: Sonja Downey
In short and concise little chapters acclaimed actress Betty White tells scenes from her prolific life, tinged with wisdoms, humor and nostalgia.
This Audio Book was very enjoyable. It is very short (only 2 CD's) and since it is read by Betty White herself, it felt to me more like having coffee with Betty right there at the table chatting away.
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Title: Secrets of Eden
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Call #: CD-FIC BOH
Reviewer: Sonja Downey
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The murder of Alice Hayward throws the Reverend Stephen Drew into a deep crisis of faith. Only hours before her husband strangles her and then shoots himself, Stephen agreed to baptize her. Now he thinks that Alice knew that her husband would kill her and wanted to prepare herself. Stephen flees the pulpit and finds solace in the arms of acclaimed spiritual author Heather Laurent.
But to the state attorney the case does not look like just a murder-suicide and an investigation is started during the course of which it turns out that Alice harbored quite a few secrets of her own...
This was a stunning story. Brilliantly performed by a cast of 4, this book will leave you breathless to the very last page, infact to the very last sentence. It is in parts quite graphic, but I found that I wanted to know these details to dive deeper into the characters' depths. This is one of those stories that will stay with you long after you finished listening.
Title: The Passage
Author: Justin Cronin
Call#: FIC CRO
Reviewer: Ruth Dombrowski
This is a novel with a little something for everyone. The story begins, innocently enough, on a county road running through the corn and bean fields of Iowa where a young woman, living with her father, is raising a small child on her own. It continues via e-mails from the jungles of Bolivia, in the Andes of South America, where a team of research scientists travel in an attempt to uncover the greatest mystery of all - the mystery of death.
What begins as a scientific research, exploratory trip soon becomes a military, “special reconnaissance” expedition. When the trip goes bad those who survive are evacuated to the U.S. to begin experimenting with what they have brought back from the jungle. This experimentation has devastating results changing the world as we know it.
The story continues in a future where humans are living in large, stockade-style settlements each known as a “Colony”. The colonists have learned to protect themselves with crossbows and large spotlights from the creatures who roam in the night outside the walls. But the lights are beginning to fail. Communication between the “Colonies” ceased many years ago. Young people coming of age who know nothing of the time “before”, having grown up within the stockade walls, will be forced to decide whether to stay, as the lights die, or leave in an attempt to find other humans to begin a new way of life.
At 766 pages this book appears a bit overwhelming but I found it to be a compelling read, well written, with several interesting themes that keep you reading to the end. If you like stories about kidnapping, family, fictional history and future, scientific research and experimentation, military operations, prisons, super-human beings and love, you will find something to entertain you in “The Passage”.
Title: Why? Because We Still Like You: An Oral History of the Mickey Mouse Club
Author: Jennifer Armstrong
MelCat Interloan
Reviewer: Mary Beth Reasoner, Children's Services Librarian
The Mickey Mouse Club television show is a vivid part of my childhood memories; my mom still has the 45 rpm record with the theme song on it at her home! So I took advantage of our fantastic interlibrary loan system and requested the newest history of the program through MelCat, the Michigan Electronic Library Catalog, via the library's web page. The show made such an impact on Baby Boomers that it hard to believe that the original show was on the air for only three years, from 1955 to 1957.
The book discusses how the show was created and developed and revamped as the "Mice" grew from preteens into adolescents. Did you know that Walt Disney pitched the show idea to ABC solely to raise money and awareness for his new theme park, Disneyland? Stories about Walt Disney, the various directors, crew members, on-set teacher, and parents are included, as well as lively descriptions of the on-air adult stars, Jimmy Dodd and Roy Williams. The reader gets to know most of the Mouseketeers, both the lesser known kids as well as Annette, Bobby, Lonnie, Cubby, Karen, Doreen, Cheryl, and Sharon. There are "behind the scenes" descriptions of what it was really like to be a child star, unexplained firings, off-camera mischief, endless rehearsals and publicity appearances, personality conflicts and professional jealousy. The updates concerning the adult lives of the Mouseketeers are tinged with sadness as illnesses, divorces, professional career failures, and prison records are revealed. Even so, I did enjoy getting a backstage glance of one of my favorite childhood television shows. For more information, visit the Original Mickey Mouse Club Show website at http://www.originalmmc.com/.
Title: Juliet
Author: Anne Fortier
Call #: FIC FOR (currently on the New Shelf)
Reviewer: Sonja Downey
Upon her aunt's death, Julie Jones is thrilled to find out that she is a direct descendant of Giulietta Tolomei, the original Juliet of 1340 A.D. Eager to explore her family tree and find her true identity and a promised treasure hidden for her by her mother, Julie travels to Siena, Italy, and from the minute she steps foot on Italian soil is enveloped in intrigues, family feuds and murder. Not enough with that, an ancient curse on her family can only be broken, if Guilietta is reunited with Romeo. In this web of hidden identities, will she find her true Romeo and lift the curse? Will she be rewarded with "Giulietta's tears", the most wonderful treasure of all?
I enjoyed this book immensely. It is two stories in one, telling the mystery about Julie finding her true identity and the most tragic love story of all, that of Romeo and Juliet putting a slightly different spin on the story as we know it from Master Shakespeare. I loved this book, because it had a little bit of everything, mystery, ancient curses, a love story and most importantly of all the most amazing setting in the world: Italy.
Title: Assault with a deadly glue gun
Author: Lois Winston
Call #: X FIC WIN (Currently on the New Mystery Shelf)
Reviewer: Gina Walmsley
When Anastacia Pollack's gambling-addicted husband permanently cashes in his chips in Vegas, she is left with two teenage sons, a mountain of debt, a Communist, cane-wielding mother-in-law, and a loan shark demanding fifty thousand dollars. If her life could get worse, it does when she discovers the ambitious Maryls Vanderburg hot glued to her office chair. When evidence surfaces of an illict affair between Maryls and Anastacia's husband, Anastacia becomes the prime suspect. Can she sew up the case and keep herself ot of jail before the real killer puts a permanent end to her investigation?
This was an incredibly, funny story with the author putting Anastacia in one hilarious incident after another. At first it seemed a bit over the top, but the more I read, the more I laughed. From Anastacia's parrot Ralph who quotes William Shakespeare to her mother-in-law's dog named Manifesto, the laughs continue on to the end. This is just a funny read that will provide a smile from beginning to end. The only sad thing is that we will have to wait until 2012 for the next installment of Anastacia.
Title: And Only To Deceive
Author: Tasha Alexander
Call #: X FIC ALE
Reviewer: Ruth Dombrowski
The young, beautiful, wealthy, heiress, Miss Emily Bromley has a problem. Her mother, Lady Catherine Bromley, is set on seeing her wed to an eligible, wealthy, titled gentleman, or make her life miserable until she does. Emily has little interest in marriage and would prefer to spend her time reading, riding and visiting her unique set of friends. So, after an especially excruciating dressing down by her mother, Emily determines to accept the next gentleman who offers for her hand. This decision leads her to marry the very eligible (young, never been married), wealthy (large home in London, estates in the country, villa on a Greek island), titled (Viscount) Philip Ashton whom she barely knows.
Within six months of their wedding her new husband goes on safari and dies while in Africa leaving Emily a wealthy, titled widow. As she comes toward the end of a mourning period for the husband she hardly knew “friends” of her late husband, who traveled with him on his fateful trip, introduce themselves to Emily causing her to wonder about Philip. They suggest the circumstances of his death may not have been due to an illness as his family was led to believe and that he may, even now, be alive. This revelation causes Emily to locate and read the journals Philip kept prior to and during their brief courtship and marriage discovering a man who loved her more than she knew. Emily becomes fascinated with this new image of her husband (a gentleman scholar and antiquities collector). She begins to study Greek and visit the British Museum, one of her husband’s favorite places, while there Emily learns his interest in ancient artifacts may not have been as innocent as it appears.
Following Emily as she learns more about the mysterious circumstances of her husband’s disappearance while attempting to discover who is stealing and replicating ancient artifacts from the British Museum, and avoiding the serious, possibly dangerous, advances of the gentlemen who would marry her, makes for entertaining reading. This was an enjoyable book with enough interesting characters and events to keep me reading until the end. I was happy to discover it is the first in a series of “Lady Emily” mysteries and have already devoured book two, “A Poisoned Season”. I look forward to reading book three, “A Fatal Waltz”.
Author: Alison Weir
Title: The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn
Call #: 921 BOL (currently on the New Shelf)
Reviewer: Sonja Downey
Another book on Anne Boleyn, one might think, considering that we all know the tragic end of the infamous second wife of Henry VIII. I debated a while with myself, but ultimately picked up the book, because it is written by Alison Weir. And, as expected, the author of numerous other books - fiction and non-fiction - on famous people in history does not disappoint. The book reads like fiction and it left me breathless. The author essentially highlights the last four weeks before Anne Boleyn's arrest and entry into the tower. Ms. Weir's meticulous research paints such a vivid image of the time that the reader can't help but being pulled into the story. I felt like an onlooker to the events leading up to the Queen's execution. This book is a must for anybody interested in European and especially British history.
Author: Larry Watson
Title: Justice
Title: Montana 1948
Call #: Fic Wat
Reviewer: Melanie Earley
In Montana, the Hayden name is law. For the Hayden boys, Wesley and Frank, their legacy carries an aura of privilege and power that doesn't stop at the Montana border, even when an ill-fated hunting trip makes them temporary outlaws. But what it means to bear the name is something each generation must discover for itself. From Julian, the hard-bitten and blustery patriarch, to Gail, Sheriff Wesley Hayden's spirited wife and moral compass.
Justice was a title that the Thursday night book club at TDL read and there was mixed reviews about it. One of the main complaints is that the book was told in several short biographies of different characters. So we went ahead and read Montana 1948 and people enjoyed that title much better. The main theme was family and how far would you go to protect a family member if they committed a violent act. Would you turn them in or let them go free? Also the setting of Montana plays a big role in both books. These are both fairly short books and they read pretty fast. So give them a try.
Author: James L. Rubart
Title: Book of days: a novel
Call #: G FIC RUB (On the New Shelf)
Reviewer: Gina Walmsley
When Cameron's dying father deliver this startling message to him "You will lose your mind. When it starts happening....you must find the Book of Days", he brushes it off. Eight years after his father's death, it's happening. Could it be? is his father's eerie prediction coming true? Cameron's search for the Book of Days leads him to the small town of Three Peaks, Oregon where he realizes dark secrets are at work. There are others who are seeking the Book. Others who will stop at nothing to get it and they are closer than Cameron ever imagined.
This was amazing story full of twists and turns and some pretty fabulous descriptions of the mountains of Oregon. The story starts out a tad slow, but it picks up speed in a hurry. The tag on the front cover stating"I devoured this in one sitting" rang true with me. I needed to finish this book because I wanted to see how Cameron faired in his quest.
Title: It is well with my soul: the extraordinary life of a 106- year old woman
Author: Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson with Patricia Mulcahy
Call #: 921 Joh (New Adult Nonfiction)
Reviewer: Chuck Harpst
Summary: Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson, an African-American centenarian, shares wisdom from her many life experiences. Her ordinary life became extraordinary during the course of her 105 years. She has witnessed several revolutionary changes, such as going from horse and buggy to automobiles and the world revolving around computers. Mrs. Johnson, a daughter of former slaves, had the privilege of attending the presidential inauguration of the Barack Obama in 2009. She believes that compassion is the secret to living a long, good life.
Review: I enjoyed becoming acquainted with Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson. Her upbeat stories encourage me to conquer my own adversities. Despite her financial challenges, she always helped the less fortunate, which inspired me to assist those in need. Her wonderful, compassionate attitude is something that I wish to strive for in my life. Even though the narrative could have been more exciting at times, I recommend this book to those who interested in history, the Civil Rights Movement or
Cleveland,
Ohio, where she lived for several years.
Title: Chile death
Author: Susan wittig Albert
Call #: X FIC ALB
Reviewer: Gina Walmsley
China Bayles is looking forward to the annual chili cook-off in Pecan Springs, Texas. And when the event arrives, she takes along her fiance, giving both of them a nice break from China's visiting (i.e. meddling) mother. But then cook-off judge Jerry Jeff Cody dies of an allergic reaction to a peanut. Everyone knows peanuts do not belong in a bowl of Texas chili and China knows something suspicious is afoot.
I am still surprised by this author who after writing many books in this series (this one is the seventh), she can still keep things fresh. The characters are well developed, and the town of Pecan Springs seems so enchanting. Sprinkled throughout the book are interesting tidbits about chile peppers and the spices used in chili. But remember, real Texas chili does not have beans. This is truly a nice easy read and a fascinating series.
Title: THE HAMMERSTEINS: A MUSICAL THEATRE FAMILY
Author: Oscar Andrew Hammerstein
Call #: 782.1 HAM in the New Adult Non-fiction Collection
Reviewer: Mary Beth Reasoner, Children's Services Librarian
As a lifelong fan of Broadway musicals, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this new history of musical theatre.The first part of the book sets the foundation as it covers the life and career of the first Oscar Hammerstein, a successful cigar merchant, an architect of a wide variety of theatre buildings which turned Times Square into the theatre capital of the world, and an opera lover.Overflowing with the backstage politics of producing theatre and dealing with talented and not-so-talented stars, it also details the personal and professional foibles of Oscar I and his competitors.
The stories of his grandson, Oscar Hammerstein II, a brilliant lyricist, and his collaborations with Jerome Kern, Florenz Ziegfield, and Richard Rodgers are filled with the back stories of SHOWBOAT, OKLAHOMA!, SOUTH PACIFIC, CAROUSEL, THE KING AND I, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC as well as sagas of their unsuccessful productions, and personal tragedies and family scandals.
The book itself is beautifully presented, truly overflowing with family photos, publicity shots, illustrations, theatre blueprints, broadsides, programs, playbills, covers of sheet music and lyrics on almost every page.I found myself singing so many of the now classic songs just at the mention of their titles.This is a fascinating book for anyone interested in the history of musical theatre in America!
Title: Zero Regrets
Author: Apolo Ohno
Call #: CD 796.914 OHN
Reviewer: Anne Keller
Apolo Ohno is the most decorated winter Olympic athlete in U.S. history. Over three consecutive winter Olympics, Ohno defines the true athletic spirit in victory and defeat. His memoir takes the reader (or listener as Ohno narrates) inside the competive world of short track ice racing. Short track is fiercely competitive and utterly unpredictable. Apolo details all three Olympic journeys and the training and nutrition involved in preparation. He recounts his experience on the Dancing With the Stars in which he ultimatley won with partner Julianne Hough. He also shares the love for his father, whose support and love guided Apolo on his journey forward. The last chapters of the book detail his insane training regime in preparation for the Vancouver Olympics. Truly, Apolo Anton Ohno is living a life with zero regrets.
Title: When the Devil Whistles
Author: Rick Acker
Call: G FIC ACK (new shelf)
Reviewer: Melanie Earley
Allie Whitman and Connor Norman loved making the evils of the corporate world pay. Now, it's their turn. And the price could be their lives. "I didn't have a choice. I didn't." That's what Allie Whitman tells herself every night as she lies awake. Sometimes she even believes it. But mostly she knows deep down that her inability to make a hard choice has put millions of lives at risk, including her own. Now the only one who can help her is her lawyer, Connor Norman. Unfortunately, Allie's actions have destroyed Connor's trust in her and may destroy much, much more.
This book is about corporate greed, business ethics and the lengths we will go to keep our secrets. Pick it up and find out a little bit about the life of a whistle blower.
Title: Resurrection in May
Author: Lisa Samson
Call: G FIC SAM (new shelf)
Reviewer: Melanie Earley
Lovely and winsome May Seymour graduated from college with the world at her feet...and no idea what to do with it. A spontaneous mission trip to Africa brought a great surprise-love-and a strong sense of purpose. But in loving others there, she encountered a severe tragedy that left her deeply wounded.
This is another wonderful book by Lisa Samson. Though it is not cheery it does have a good message and will stay with you long after you put the book down. This author writes about topics that we don't want to think about, but we should.
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Title: High Plains Tango
Author: Robert James Waller
Call #: FIC WAL
Reviewer: Sonja Downey |
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This book is part of the "Bridges of Madison County"-Trilogie. It features the story of Carlisle McMillan, a drifter and divine carpenter searching for a place of quiet and solitude. The little town of Salamander seems to offer what he is looking for. He settles down and takes his time restoring an old barn into the home of his dreams. But the peace and quiet is treacherous and when everything that he built with his own hands' labor is threatened to be destroyed, Carlisle must decide if he should fight or quietly stand aside.
Robert Waller's stories are gentle, quiet and full of beauty. He evolves his characters so masterfully, that they become dear friends. His style of writing and choice of words is hauntingly beautiful and his stories will stay with you long after you finished his books.
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Title: The Mischief of the Mistletoe
Author: Lauren Willig
Call #: FIC WIL (currently on the new shelf)
Reviewer: Sonja Downey |
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It all started with a wonderful, brown, round, aromatic Christmas Pudding which was carelessly left in Miss Climpson's Select Seminary for Young Ladies. The message "Meet me at Farley Castle" - written in French - sets in motion a chain of events that will drastically change the lives of school mistress Arabella Dempsey and clutzy Reginald "Turnip" Fitzhugh. Upon their shoulders lies the fate of all England. Will they see beyond the pudding and stop Napoleon from invading?
This book features the characters from the author's "Pink Carnation"-series. The humor and wit in this story is beyond funny. At times I just had to laugh out loud. The author's play with words is absolutely ingenious. I was so enthralled with this book, that I started the "Pink Carnation"-series and it is every bit as funny and beautiful as I expected it to be after reading this delightful book.
Title: Savannah Blues
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Call # FIC AND
Reviewer: Gayle Hazelbaker
Landing a catch like Talmadge Evans III got Eloise "Weezie" Foley a jewel of a town house in Savannahs historic district. Divorcing Tat got her exited to the backyard carriage house.
An antiques picker, Weezie combs Savannah's steamy back alleys and garage sales for treasures when she's not dealing with her loopy relatives or her hunky ex-boyfriend. But an unauthorized sneak preview at a sale lands Weezie smack in the middle of magnolia-scented murder, mayhem . . . and more. This is a fun, quick read with interesting facts about collectibles.
Title: The Last Chinese Chef
Author: Nicole Mones
Call # Fic Mon
Reviewer: Gayle Hazelbaker
When widowed American food writer Maggie McElroy is hit by a paternity claim against her husband's estate, she has to go to China immediately. She asks her magazine for time off. They counter with an assignment: to profile rising culinary star Sam Liang. This is the first work of fiction ever excerpted by Gourmet Magazine. Mones effortlessly weaves together a fast-paced romantic plot with precepts from ancient Chinese food culture. Both entertaining and learned, this book might be the perfect read! It will leave you hungry for good chinese food--at least it did me!
Title: Grace
Author: Richard Paul Evans
Call #: FIC EVA
Reviewer: Anne Keller
Eric is a grown man as he reflects back to the year he met Grace. His family has just moved from California to Utah and Eric and his little brother adjust in the midst of the Cuban Missle Crisis, their overworked mother and their father's illness. Grace is a classmate of Eric's and he discovers her going thru the dumpster after his shift at the burger joint. Grace ran away from home and Eric lets Grace stay in his clubhouse on their property. Their friendship blossoms which leads to love.
Grace becomes Eric's first love who teaches him more about life than anyone else. Will they end up together? Why did Grace runaway and what secret is she hiding? Will there be a fairy tale ending or will tragedy strike? This is another story told in true Evans fashion that this reader won't soon forget.
Winter and Night by S. J. Rozan
Reviewed by Gayle Hazelbaker
Call # X FIC ROZ
Set in New York City, this atmospheric novel is one in a series featuring private investigators Lydia Chin and Bill Smith. Although part of a series, you don’t need to read them in order. While all of the books are excellent, this one is a particular favorite of mine. When his nephew Gary is arrested in the city and then escapes, Bill Smith along with his partner, Lydia Chin, sets out to find him. They end up in a small New Jersey town full of dark secrets, some belonging to Bill. This character driven mystery was very suspenseful. I couldn’t put it down until I reached the satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend the entire series.
Title: The Long Run
Author: Matt Long
Call # CD 921 LON
Reviewer: Anne Keller
Matt Long is a firefighter for the FDNY, a runner and ironman. He's an athlete, at the top of his game and in the best physical shape of his life. He's completed ironman competitions and ran the NYC Marathon with a respectable time which qualified his for the Boston Marathon. While out biking, he's hit by a 20 ton bus that almost ends his life. At the ER, doctors give him a 5% chance of living. Miraculously, 40 operations and months later, Matt is able to begin his long journey to recovery. Matt's rehabilitation is honest, raw, and emotional. He sets a goal of running the NYC marathon again. Will Matt achieve his goal?
Title: The Weekend
Author: Bernhard Schlink
Call #: FIC SCH
(currently on the New Fiction Shelf)
Reviewer: Sonja Downey
After 24 years in a high-security prison, Joerg, a former member of the notorious Baader-Meinhof terrorist group, is pardoned and released. His devoted sister is afraid for his safety and rents a secluded house deep in the woods. To celebrate Joerg's return to freedom, she invites all his former friends to the house to spent the weekend. Among this illustrous crowd of people is the man who betrayed Joerg to the police and there is Marko, a young man who is intend on convincing Joerg to keep fighting for the cause.
This book reads like a movie script. Bernhard Schlink, author of "The Reader" is capturing the atmosphere in this house so perfectly and so vividly, that I was drawn into the story as if I was part of the group gathering at that house. This is a book you won't be able to put down.
Title: Room
Author: Emma Donoghue
Call # FIC DON
Reviewer: Anne Keller
The narrator is Jack, a five year old boy who lives in a 11 ft. x 11ft. room with his mother. Jack has never left the room. His mother was nineteen years old when she was kidnapped and forced to live in a garden shed type room. They are held captive and cannot leave the room. They have a television, bathtub, sink and stove and depend on "Old Nick" for their food, heat, clothes etc. When he visits, Jack hides. Jack is five years old when his mother plans a daring attempt to escape. Will they succeed? Will Jack get to experience life in the real world? Will he get to meet his grandparents?
Donoghue does an excellent job of capturing the voice of a five year old boy as he tells his story of survival.
Title: Showdown
Author: Tilly Bagshawe
Call #: CD-FIC BAG
Reviewed by Anne Keller
Milly, 17, lives in England on her father's horse ranch and her love is riding horses. Enter hearthrob Bobby Cameron, 23 years old and skilled horse trainer from California to temporarily work on the farm. Bobby immediately notices Milly's talent and invites her to California to train professionally at his ranch, Highwood. Although the pair are attraced to each other, Bobby keeps his distance because he thinks Milly is still a child. When Milly's father dies, the farm is sold to Milly's nemesis, Rachel. Milly vows to buy the ranch back and enters the world of horseracing as a jockey. Milly and Bobby have a falling out and part ways even though they still love each other. Will Milly get the ranch back? Will she end up with Bobby? This novel explores the culture of horseracing and this reader was completely fascinated by the whole racing experience.
Title: Vanished
Author: Joseph Finder
Call # Fic Fin
Reviewed by Gayle Hazelbaker
Lauren Heller and her husband, Roger, are out to dinner one night when they’re brutally attacked. Twenty-four hours later, Lauren awakes in the hospital to find that her husband has vanished without a trace. The only one who has any chance of finding him is his brother, Nick, a high-powered investigator with a private intelligence firm. Nick Heller is tough, stubborn and relentless. He is up against some pretty bad guys to find his brother. This is a thriller with a capital ‘T’. Don’t miss it!!
Title: Sh*t My Dad Says
Author: Justin Halpern
Call # 818 Hal
Reviewed by Gayle Hazelbaker
What started as a twitter feed by a comedy writer has become a sitcom on CBS starring William Shatner! This book is a compilation of quotes made by Halpern's father, Sam, regarding random subjects. Halpern started the twitter account on August 3, 2009, soon after moving from Los Angeles back to his parents' house in San Diego. He intended it only as a storage site for his father's salty comments, but a friend posted a link to it. As of 1 August 2010, the feed is reported to have nearly 1,600,000 followers. Reading this book I laughed out loud many times. I highly recommend it, but only for those readers not offended by salty language.
Title: Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood
Author: Eileen Cook
Call # YFIC COO
Reviewed by Anne Keller
Helen and Lauren have been best friends forever. They were born in the same hospital, one day apart. They've been together forever until 8th grade. Lauren decides she needs a fresh start in high school and frames Helen as the snitch for naming the seniors involved in the senior prank. Helen is publicly humiliated and everyone hates her. The bullying is so bad she wants to switch schools which miraculously happens when her dad is transferred. Three years pass and she looks completely different. An opportunity arises and she moves back home to complete her senior year. Her ex-best friend Lauren is at the top of the popularity chain and Helen vows revenge. Helen's carefully executed plan begins to work. This easy breezy read is full of humor and drama.
Title: Imperfect endings: A daughter's tale of life and Death
Author: Zoe Fitzgerald Carter
Call #: 616.85 CAR (New Non-Fiction Shelf)
Reviewed by: Christina DeConinck
How would you feel if your mother called you and said she had decided to "end things"? And she wanted you to help her? This is a compelling account by Zoe Carter of her mother's decision to end her life on her own terms. She provides a window into the life of her mother, family dynamics, legal ramifications, and trying to understand her own feelings.
This book is thought-provoking and has uplifting moments. It brings you face to face with the losses experienced by someone with chronic illnesses and decribes that point of view in very clear terms. It also provides a different perspective to the assisted suicide debate. I'm not yet sure how I feel about the issues described in this book, but I think it is a well-written account and brings up topics that people should seriously consider.
Title: Killing Willis-From Different Strokes to the mean streets to the life I always dreamed wanted
Author: Todd Bridges
Call #: 921 BRI (New Shelf)
Reviewed by: Melanie Earley
"What'ca talking about Willis" is the memorable phrase from the T.V. show Different Strokes, but today we only remember the trouble that the stars of the show have gotten into. This is another book about how a teen star ends up choosing the dark path of life to head down. It is suprising that Todd Bridges is even around to write this book considering how heavily into drugs he was for many years. For the past 14 years Todd has been clean and sober and is running a production company with his brother. This is a really dark book. There's a few chapters about his acting career and then the rest of the book is about his life as a drug addict.
Title: Freaks and Revelations
Author: Davida Hurwin
Call # Y FIC HUR
Reviewed by: Allie Fick
I loved, loved, loved this book! I love stories of survivors, and this is a great one! This novel is based on the true story of two men, one a Neo-Nazi and the other a gay man. It is written in alternating voices of each person as they grow up, sharing their harsh experiences of the world around them. Doug is a punk rocker, dealing with an abusive dad and trying to fit into the "rocker" scene. Jason is a young boy, trying to cope with his mom and dad's divorce and his mom's newly found religious beliefs. Towards the end of the novel, the two character's stories intersect, creating a powerful and moving tale, making the reader question, can people really change?
Although this novel is set in the 1970's and early '80's (when the real events took place), its story is still completely relevant today. I fell deep into both of these character's voices and I really want to meet the real people behind the story.
Title: Caught
Author: Harlan Coben
Call # FIC COB (New Adult Fiction)
Reviewer: Anne Keller
Haley McWaid is a good girl. She's a good student, captain of the lacrosse team, and has plans to attend college after graduation. Her mother is shocked to discover that she never came home one night. Three months pass without a break in the case and the community fears the worst.
Wendy Tynes is an investigative reporter who takes down sexual predators through the TV show "Caught in the Act." She catches Dan Mercer, a social worker who denies the charges despite the overwhelming evidence. When a break in Haley's case links her disappearance to Dan Mercer, the book really takes off. The novel is suspenseful with twists and turns this reader never saw coming. Coben lives up to his reputation by delivering another powerful story.
Title: By the Time You Read This I'll Be Dead
Author: Julie Ann Peters
Call # Y FIC PET
Reviewed by: Anne Keller
Disclaimer: If you are feeling depressed or are depressed, please don't read this book.
Daelyn has several failed suicide attempts because of the constant bullying she's endured since kindergarten. She finds a website and begins blogging about the horrific events that have led to her decision to end her life. She currently is unable to speak because she recently swallowed ammonia and bleach.
One day while waiting for her parents to pick her up, she meets Santana, a mysterious boy who has cancer and they strike up a friendship.
Daelyn's ultimate decision of whether to end her life will leave readers cheering for her recovery!
This book deals with serious subject matter. There is an excellent discussion guide at the end of the book. I commend Julie Ann Peters for tackling such a topic in a thought provoking manner.
Title: Making rounds with Oscar: the extraordinary gift of an ordinary cat
Author: David Dosa
Call #: 362.17 DOS (currently on the New Adult Non-Fiction shelf)
Reviewer: Christina DeConinck
Oscar is one of the cats that live on the third floor of the nursing home, Steere House. The staff and family members have noticed that Oscar seems to have the ability to predict when the residents are about to die. Dr. Dosa, the unit physician, decides to investigate. This book is the telling of the investigation he conducts through observation and interviews with family members. It is a touching tale of individual life stories weaved together to provide additional insight into Oscar's behavior, the realities of dementia, and end-of-life care and decisions.
This book has an easy to read style. I found it very interesting and think that others may too. It provides a perspective on the needs of individuals with dementia and their caregivers and the importance of discussions about end-of-life care. Whether you believe that Oscar can truly predict death or not, the comfort that his presence provided to the families interviewed is undeniable.
Title: The 13th hour
Author: Richard Doetsch
Call #: FIC DOE (Currently on the New Fiction Shelf)
Reviewed by: Gina Walmsley
Never before have I opened a book with an author's note stating "You are not mistaken as you turn to the next page and find Chapter 12." At first I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, but really the book starts at Chapter 12. This is a bizarre thriller told in reverse of a man given the chance to go back in time in one-hour increments to prevent a vicious crime from destroying his life. In a race against time, Nick Quinn will find that friends become enemies, old loyalties are tested and his wife Julia's murder is part of a larger scheme that has its roots in greed and vengeance.
This book was one of the cleverest books that I have read in awhile. I didn't think the author could keep me engaged because I really do not like any kind of time travel stories, but this was different. This story was full of double crosses, cliffhangers and suspense that just blew me away. The ending really suprised me (and no I am not going to tell you the ending). If you are looking for a new book full of suspense, this is for you.
Author: Susan Gee Heino
Title: Mistress by mistake
Call #: FIC HEI currently on New Fiction shelf
Reviewer: Christina DeConinck
Lord Dashford is trying to avoid the marriage-minded ladies by convincing everyone that he is squandering his fortune on gambling and not-so-gently bred ladies. Heiress Evaline Pinchley has been invited to his estate for a house party by his well-meaning mother. She has been forced to attend by her not-at-all well-meaning aunt (and guardian). A chance late meeting in a private garden under unusual and passionate circumstances, prior to their formal introductions, leads to assumptions and misunderstandings. Add a cynical friend, conniving relatives, a financee, and a multitude of secrets all around and you have the recipe for this story. Will it turn out to be a story of love and understanding? Or will Lord Dashford be forced to marry his fiancee? You'll have to read the story to find out.
I thought this story would be the typical historical romance, and it was-but not! It has the usual misunderstandings, conniving relatives and friends, and compromising situations. In this case though, the compromising situations are thoroughly described. So, if you would prefer to use your imagination in those situations, this book is not for you. I did enjoy the book, especially the humor used by the author throughout the story.
Author: Elizabeth Strout
Title: Abide with me
Call Number: FIC STR (Adult Fiction Shelf)
Reviewer: Chuck Harpst, Reference/Local History Librarian
Reverend Tyler Caskey grew to love
West Annett, Marine, up the road from his childhood birthplace. His congregation seeks his guidance and listens attentively as he preaches. But after the devastating and untimely death of his wife, Reverend Caskey finds impossible it to return to life as it once was. He no longer senses God’s presence. His sermons no longer come from the heart, and he cannot show compassion to those who are hurting. He cannot help his five-year-old daughter, Katherine, deal with her mother’s death.
A congregation that had once been patient and sympathetic during the reverend’s grief now questions his leadership and propriety. Anger, bitterness and gossip have started to swirl across
West Annett. In Revered Caskey’s darkest hour, an earth shattering discovery will test his congregation's humanity — and his own will to endure the trials that sooner or later test us all.
I found the plot to be melancholy and depressing. The characters shed a negative light on small-town living and Christianity. All the despair and negativity made me appreciative of the good things that are in my life.
Author: Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker
Title: Quiet strength: a novel
Call Number: 921 DUN (Adult Non-Fiction Shelf)
Reviewer: Chuck Harpst, Reference/Local History Librarian
Tony Dungy's memoir describes his life, including personal triumphs and tragedies, football highlights, and faith. Leading the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl victory during the 2006-07 season was simply a monumental event along life’s pathway for him. He continuously emphasizes throughout his biography that while he enjoys football that it is ultimately just a game, which is over at the end of 60 minutes.
His passion as youth was playing football and basketball with friends in the
Ann Arbor,
Jackson and
Lansing,
Michigan areas. His parents, Wilbur and CleoMae Dungy, were both educators. During his college years, he played football at the University of Minnesota. After college graduation, he played several seasons in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers.
After retiring from professional football as a player, he started his coaching career first with the University of Minnesota then went back to the NFL as a coach with the Steelers. He eventually became the Defensive Coordinator with the Steelers before moving on to the Kansas City Chiefs as a Defensive Backs Coach. Following his tenure with Kansas City, he moved on to a Defensive Coordinator position with the Minnesota Vikings before his first Head Coach job in 1996 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After his time with the Bucs, he went on to the Indianapolis Colts where he won his first Super Bowl.
Outside of football, Dungy is involved with community organizations including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action and Family First. He has five children and encourages his players and coaches to spend time with their families.
During the 2005 season, his son, Jamie, committed suicide. Dungy's decision to continue coaching football following his devastating loss was arrived through prayer.
From a historical perspective, I discovered what life was like for African Americans in
Jackson during the 1960s; more importantly, Wilbur Dungy, who was an instructor at
Jackson
Community College, was one of the first African-American college professors in the
United States.
Some of his football memories were priceless gems in the history of football, especially his remembrances about the Detroit Lions pulverizing the Buccaneers in the 1990s.
Dungy also provides excellent examples of leadership, character, wisdom, and overall outlook on life. I would recommend Quiet Strength to football fans as well as anyone interested in an outstanding book about inner peace and personal strength.
Title: The Gates
Author: John Connelly
Call # : FIC CON (Currently on the New Fiction Shelf)
Reviewer: Sonja Downey
Due to a scientific experiment gone ever so slightly wrong, a portal to another dimension has opened and The Great Malevolence (a.k.a. The Devil) sees his chance to send his army of demons to pave the way for his taking over the world. His first mistake: choosing the tiny village of Biddlecombe for his comeback. Always polite and willing to negotiate, the villagers' patience stops abruptly when beloved rosebushes are being trampled down by foul-smelling demons. His second mistake: Not reckoning with the resilience of an 11-year-old, precocious but truly lovable boy and his dachshund. Samuel (the boy) and Boswell (the dachshund) fight the demons with politeness, endless discussions and the occasional blow on the head with a cricket bat.
This is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. If you like British comedy and a touch of black humor, than you can't miss this book. A true gem that will make you grin, chuckle and laugh out loud.
Title: Mennonite in a little black dress
Author: Rhoda Janzen
Call # 811.6 JAN
Reviewed by: Gayle Hazelbaker
The week her husband leaves her, the author is hit head on by an inebriated teenage driver leaving her broken and bruised physically and emotionally. Janzen takes a sabbatical from her position at Hope College and goes home to her parents to recuperate. And so begins this wonderful, entertaining memoir. Janzen revisits her childhood and the religion of her youth with the reader right beside her. Her family is just like my family, just like your family. There is love and nuturing of body and soul, while everyone proudly flies their freak flag. I don't ever recall reading a book during which I spontaneously burst into laughter, but I did with this one. And more than once. This little book is a rare treat. Don't miss it!
Title: Altar of Eden: a novel
Author: James Rollins
Call #: FIC ROL (Currently on the New Fiction Shelf)
Reviewer: Gina Walmsley
Get ready to ride the Rollins Rollercoaster of thrills and adventures. This is a shocking story of cruel genetic experiments done in the name of national security...and most disturbing of all, tied to a secret history of the book of Genesis.
Following the fall of Baghdad, two Iraqi boys stumble upon armed men looting the city zoo. The floodgates have been opened for the smuggling of hundreds of exotic birds, mammals, and reptiles to western nations, but this crime hides a deeper secret. Amid a hail of bullets, a concealed underground weapons lab is ransacked-and something even more horrific is set free. Seven years later it will be up to Louisiana state veterinarian Lorna Polk and U.S. border Patrol Agent Jack Menard to stop a murderous plot that threatens humankind.
Rollins,who holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine, shows the dark side of genetic engineering. The book does have some violent passages, but the story is still a heart stopping mix of suspense and action. One thing I really like about a Rollins book is the author's notes to the reader entitled "Truth or Fiction". The author selects some of the main ideas in the novel and then tells if it is true or fiction. You'll be surprised on how many of his ideas really do exist. Once again, James Rollins has not disappointed this avid reader.
Author: Michelle Richmond
Title: The Year of Fog
Call Number: FIC RIC
Reviewer: Melanie Earley
It's a foggy day on a beach in San Franciso and Abbey Mason is walking with her boyfriend's little girl Emma. Abbey who is a photographer, turns to take a picture of a dead seal, and when she turns back Emma is gone. This takes place in the first few pages and the rest of the book is about Abbey's determination to find Emma no matter where it may led her. Another aspect of the book is the role that our memory plays in how we look at our past and how it will influence the choices we make for the future.
For me this was a tough book to read. I could only read a little bit at a time because it was if you were right there with Abbey day by day searching for Emma and it was heartwrenching.
Author: Robin Brande
Title: Fat Cat
Call Number: Y FIC BRA
Reviewer: Anne Keller
Cat is in eleventh grade and nervous to begin her science experiment. She decides to adopt a lifestyle equal to the prehistoric people. She will give up modern technologies such as the computer, cars, and the telephone, except in emergency situations. She will also adopt their diet and eat nuts, berries, and items occurring naturally in nature. Her best friend Amanda plays a hysterical supporting role and secondary characters round off a great cast. The love of her life, Matt, used to be her best friend but something happened in the seventh grade to end their friendship. The problem is that Matt doesn't even know what he did. This novel is about self discovery and how changing your lifestyle can have dramatic effects. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't even put it down during the NFL playoffs!
Author: Gwen Cooper
Title: Homer's Odyssey:
A fearless feline tale, or how I learned about love and life with a blind wonder cat
Call number: LP 636.8092 COO Currently on New Non-Fiction Shelf
Reviewer: Christina DeConinck
This title is a must read for cat lovers and for pet lovers who enjoy reading about the special bond between animals and their human companions!
Homer was adopted by Gwen when he was just a few weeks old. Lifesaving surgery required the removal of his infected eyes but Gwen saw something special in him and made the leap of faith to adopt him.
This memoir follows Homer and Gwen through their life together and shows just what a blind, eyeless cat can do when he is loved and allowed to "be himself." Follow them from Miami, where Homer chases away an intruder, to New York and their travails on September 11, 2001 and much more.
This book is written in a sometimes humorous but always heart-warming style. I enjoyed reading about Homer, his interactions with Gwen, other people, and his "sisters" Scarlett and Vashti.
Author: Adriana Trigiani
Title: Very Valentine
Call #: FIC TRI
Reviewed by: Gayle Hazelbaker
This story will appeal to fans of "Sex in the City"--here given an Italian twist with much less sex. What the fun TV series and this novel have in common is fashion, fun and Greenwich Village. Our thirty-something heroine, Valentine Roncalli, works in the family business....designing handcrafted wedding shoes. Valentine has been invited to design a shoe for possible inclusion in a storefront window at Bergdorf Goodman's in New York City. In this competition she is up against the big shoe designers like Prada and Ferragamo. Along the way she finds love, but can't decide what is more important, her work or her man. I'm recommending this book because while I thoroughly enjoyed all of it, the ruminations about design and designing are fascinating. This title is the first in a trilogy.
Author: Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger with Jeffrey Zaslow
Title: Highest duty: my search for what really matters
Call Number: 921 SUL (New Adult Non-Fiction Shelf)
Reviewer: Chuck Harpst, Reference/Local History Librarian
It was an ordinary journey for Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the crew and passengers aboard U.S. Airways Flight 1549. All of sudden, the plane runs into a flock of birds, the engines fails, and an emergency landing in the Hudson River becomes inevitable. Miraculously, all 155 passengers and crew members survived. There were only a handful of injuries. The amazing story of January 15, 2009, grips the nation, and Captain Sullenberger becomes an American hero.
Overall, I enjoyed learning about the extraordinary life of Captain Sullenberger, but the book is very detailed and slow moving. I even discovered that he likes onions on his enchiladas. I would have liked the book to focus more on the events of Flight 1549 and his life after the heroic landing.
If you have a passion for the military or commercial aviation, you would be captivated by the life of Captain Sullenberger.
Author: Sandra Dallas
Title: Prayers for sale
Call #: LP FIC DAL (Currently on the New Shelf)
The library also owns a copy which is in the Adult Fiction section
Reviewer: Gina Walmsley
Hennie Comfort is eighty-six and has lived in the mountains of Middle Swan, Colorado, since before it was Colorado. Nit Spindle is seventeen and newly married. She and her husband have moved to the high country in search of work. It's 1936 and Nit and her husband suffered greatly in the depression that ravaged the country. Hennie notices the young woman loitering near the old sign outside of her house that promises "Prayers for Sale." Hennie doesn't sell prayers, never has, but there's something about Nit that she's drawn to. Over the course of the story as Hennie and Nit become friends, Hennie shares her stories of hardships and secrets that have taken place in Middle Swan.
I really enjoyed this book and the descriptions of the town, dredging for gold,and how Hennie brought Nit into the fold of Middle Swan. A couple of the stories that Hennie told Nit did surprise me with their endings. This was a book with a full range of emotion from sorrow to happiness, but in the end, Hennie's prayers were answered.
Author: James Patterson
Title: The Jester
Call #: FIC PAT
Reviewer: Gayle Hazelbaker
This novel is an adventurous escapade through the Middle-Ages with a French innkeeper by the name of Hugh De Luc. Hugh leaves hearth and home to seek adventure by joining the Crusades to free the Holy Land. He doesn't quite reach the Holy Land when his taste for war is soured. Upon his return, two years later, to his village in France, he finds his wife missing, his baby murdered and his inn burnt to the ground. The bulk of the story centers on the mystery of why this happened, Hugh's search for his wife and revenge for his infant son. This entertaining novel is made up of equal parts comedy, romance, adventure and mystery. I enjoyed this book immensely. If it were made into a movie, a swashbuckling Russell Crowe would be the perfect actor to play our hero, Hugh De Luc!
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