Fine Print

The Lefty Awards--Mysteries That Make You Laugh

2012-02-02T14:38:00.000-05:00

While you are waiting for the groundhog to see (or not see) his shadow--how about trying a good mystery novel. The Left Coast Crime (LCC) convention award nominations were announced Tuesday. "LCC is an annual mystery convention sponsored by mystery fans, for mystery fans. It is held during the first quarter of the calendar year in Western North America, as defined by the Mountain Time Zone and all time zones westward to Hawaii." The 2012 conference will be held in Sacramento, California at the end of March. Look at the following nominees in several categories:

The Bruce Alexander Memorial Historical Mystery Award, is given to mystery novels covering events before 1960. This year's nominees are:

--Rhys Bowen, Naughty in Nice
--Rebecca Cantrell, A Game of Lies
--Ann Parker, Mercury's Rise
--Priscilla Royal, A Killing Season
--Jeri Westerson, Troubled Bones
--Jacqueline Winspear, A Lesson in Secrets

The Golden Nugget is a special award given to the best mystery set in California, in recognition of this year's location. The nominees are:

--Jan Burke, Disturbance
--Michael Connelly, The Drop
--Janet Dawson, Bit Player
--Sue Grafton, V is for Vengeance
--Kelli Stanley, City of Secrets

The Lefty, is given for the best humorous mystery novel and the winner is chosen by convention attendees. This year's nominees are:

--Donna Andrews, The Real Macaw
--Rita Lakin, Getting Old Can Kill You
--Jess Lourey, October Fest
--Kris Neri, Magical Alienation
--John Vorhaus, The Albuquerque Turkey (on order)

Try the LCC website for more information including past nominees and winners. What is really interesting about these awards is that besides The Lefty, the awards given are based on the location of that year's convention.

I love humorous mysteries including those by Janet Evanovich and Sarah Strohmeyer so I am always looking for more to read. What are some of your favorite funny mystery authors?

Football Reads for National Signing Day

2012-01-31T19:35:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is National Signing Day. If you're a college football nut, like I clearly am, you know this is the first day for high school athletes to sign their letters of intent to where they plan to play. There are definitely negative things to be said of college sports these days, but thankfully there are plenty of good stories too. Take the recent Heisman winner, Robert Griffin III as a good example of what happens when your determined and work hard to achieve your goals. With that in mind, here are some good college football titles.

Meat Market by Bruce Feldman is a terrific (and somewhat disturbing) book about college football recruiting. It shows the tactics that former University of Mississippi head coach Ed Orgeron used during one year of recruiting as he tried to attract talent away from other SEC schools. A new book, Illegal Procedure, is due out soon. It promises to bring to light many of the corrupt dealings between sports agents and college athletes. Every Week a Season is another interesting look at how big college football has become. Although it deals with high school football, Friday Night Lights is still a favorite of mine. The movie and television series were both great, but the book really hits on the struggles of being a high school athlete.

For something a bit more positive, check out Michael Oher's uplifting story in The Blind Side. Oher's amazing transition from outcast to nationally recruited athlete and the support he had along the way makes for inspirational reading. Learn more about some of college football's most famous players in The Heisman: Great American Stories of the Men Who Won.

And, of course, who doesn't want to discuss the possible Death to the BCS?

I Shall Not Hate

2012-01-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

You may have heard of Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish. He's known around the world as the "Gaza doctor" and he's a tireless spokesperson for peace, coexistence, and forgiveness. Perhaps you're aware of the foundation he created to honor the lives of the three beautiful daughters (Bessan, Mayar, and Aya) and niece (Noor) he lost during the Gaza War: Daughters For Life, an organization whose ultimate goal "is the creation of a credible voice throughout the Middle East on societal issues that affect the lives of girls and women." No? Then introductions are required, and the perfect way to acquaint yourself with this great man is to read I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity. You'll read all about Abuelaish's life, from the impoverished early years he spent growing up in the Jabalia refugee camp in the war-torn Gaza Strip, to his achievement of becoming a doctor who sought to relieve the shame of women who were either infertile or who bore daughters rather than sons. But the single shining thread that runs throughout much of the darkness of Abuelaish's life story is the commitment he made as a young man to act as a bridge across the divide between Palestinians and Israelis. Abuelaish has always maintained that doctors can and should be ambassadors of peace, and during his practice in the Middle East he saw no distinction in the patients he treated, whether Israeli or Palestinian. That he has never wavered in his dedication to peace in spite of the tragic loss of his daughters and niece is a testament to the truth that revenge is a choice, and each of us has the power to choose not to hate. Do yourself a favor and read I Shall Not Hate. I promise you'll learn something.

Short Stories with Plenty to Think About

2012-01-27T14:24:00.000-05:00

I've been on quite a short story kick for a while now. Reading short stories is a great way to sample an authors work since you can easily read a story or two and then decide whether to continue or find another author. Some of my favorites include:

Dan Chaon- An Ohio native, Chaon is always experimenting with different writing styles. He has plenty of short stories and a few novels out there. I'm eagerly awaiting his newest, Stay Awake, which is another set of short stories. Among the Missing was my introduction to his work. This is a fascinating work focusing on human relationships in new and subtle ways. "Safety Man" is a great story from this collection, in which a widow desperately tries to protect herself and her family with a crime deterrent dummy.

Alice Munro- I've only read Too Much Happiness and Something I've Been Meaning to Tell You, but I will definitely be checking out more from Munro's extensive short story collection. Her ability to write about people ranging from juvenile to old age is nothing short of amazing. Too Much Happiness is actually about death, regret, and loss, yet the final story in the collection brings new meaning and a fresh perspective to these life truths.

Kevin Brockmeier- I'm still not sure how I feel about Brockmeier's full-length books, but his short stories are terrific. Check out The View from the Seventh Layer for something different. The stories can sometimes be described as fables and other times seem more like science fiction. I'll admit, it was very cool to see one story done in the Choose Your Own Adventure format!

Tove Jansson- I mentioned Jansson in my Favorite Books of 2011 post and would really like to mention Fair Play again. It's not really short stories as much as the story of two artists shown through short vignettes. Jansson has a knack for showing how the little moments in life we take for granted have a major effect on who we become.

The Healing

2012-01-24T15:33:00.003-05:00

In the past, I've shared my frustration with the lack of imagination exhibited by reviewers and blurbers (I'm going to pretend that's a real word for the people who write the blurbs on book jackets) in making comparisons between books. It seems that if they can't compare it to something that's been atop the NY Times Bestseller list for 72 weeks, it's not worth making the comparison. Having said that, you will inevitably hear Jonathan Odell's forthcoming novel, The Healing compared to The Help. Both take place in Mississippi. Both revolve around the lives of women, mostly African-American. Both involve a struggle for true freedom. That's really where the similarities end.

The Healing is a poignant story about the lives of slaves on an antebellum plantation, their roles in the house and field, the relationship to their owners, and their struggle with the concept and dream of freedom. In the author's note that follows the book, Odell (a white man born and raised in Mississippi) confesses that when he told an African-American friend that he was writing about slavery, his friend warned him not to write another To Kill a Mockingbird. Odell's reaction was, like mine, "I thought everybody loved that book!" His friend cautioned that he didn't want to read another book where the characters of color are rescued by the benevolent white person. Odell seems to have taken his friend's message to heart and wrote complex, real characters who rely on themselves rather than the plantation owners to deal with the situations they face.

And now, I'll add my comparisons to the mix: like Lalita Tademy's Cane River, The Healing is an intricately woven story of the connections between slaves on a single plantation and the relationships that develop across generations. Like Dolen Perkins-Valdez's Wench, The Healing examines the complicated and double-edged relationship between the plantation owner and the most favored slaves. Like The Story of Beautiful Girl it considers the impact on a childless old woman who is suddenly made guardian of a small child with an unknown story. But, as they used to say on Reading Rainbow, don't take my word for it! Read The Healing and tell me what comparisons you'd make.

Amaryllis in Blueberry

2012-01-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

One of our patrons recommended I read Amaryllis in Blueberry by Christina Meldrum. She said it is similar to some other titles that I recommended for her and she loved it. I read it and found I love it, too!

Amaryllis in Blueberry is a historical fiction novel. It explores the complexity of human relationships and is set against an amazing and unforgettable backdrop. The setting of this story is exquisite whether it be the dusty red roads of Africa or the picturesque visage of Danish Landing, Michigan. The author paints beautiful images with her words that will transport you around the world.

The story is told through the voices of Dick and Seena Slepy and their four daughters. It is a story of secrets long buried and the family's struggle to overcome them. The author’s descriptive language gathers you and propels you down a path that entrances you with spellbinding geography, morality, truth and leads you to answers to life’s big questions. It is a soulful and compelling story. Meldrum's descriptive writing paints a clear picture and keeps you turning pages until the very end. This is an exquisite example of literary fiction. It is similar in style to the The The Poisonwood Bible, The Secret Life of Bees and Rooms. So I recommend you read Amaryllis in Blueberry and see for yourself how wonderful it is.

Can't get enough Downton Abbey? Try some of these!

2012-01-21T10:02:00.000-05:00

Are you heading for the vintage store in search of Edwardian fashions? Does life in a country house sound ever more appealing? Have you considered trading in your smartphone for stationery and telegraphs? If so, then you, my friend, might have a case of Downton Abbey fever. Fear not -- it's a common affliction these days and, by all accounts, is harmless except for causing an insatiable desire to surround oneself by all things Edwardian. If you're looking to satisfy some of those urges, we've got some great books and movies to keep you entertained between Sundays.

You could start with the classic Parade's End by Ford Madox Ford, which explores the implications of World War I for the British ruling class. If you're looking for more of the sparkling social lives of the English wealthy, check out Nancy Mitford's Love in a Cold Climate, a romantic comedy that takes place between the wars. You might also be interested in E.M. Forster's classic Howard's End or, for the perspective of the staff in the post-war days, Kazuo Ishiguro's Remains of the Day. The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy is a trilogy of books that portray the life of the upper-middle-class in Victorian England. Of course, you could do worse than check out Julian Fellowes' Snobs. (Yes, that is the Julian Fellowes who created Downton Abbey...and a little Academy-Award-winning movie called Gosford Park). The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize for its portrayal of aristocracy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. If you're interested in non-fiction accounts of the help, Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid's Memoir That Inspired Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey is a great choice because, as the title suggests, it inspired...I know, you caught it.

If your Downton Abbey fever has you more interested in staying by the screen, we've got you covered there, as well. Aside from Gosford Park, Upstairs, Downstairs and screen adaptations of Howard's End and Remains of the Day, try Berkeley Square, a BBC series about three young nannies and they wealthy families for whom they work in England at the turn of the century. You can also imagine how you would respond to the challenges of living in an English country house with the PBS reality show Manor House.

If these titles don't quite satisfy your Downton Abbey fever, check with a librarian. We'll prescribe more books tailored to your case.

Books and food - the perfect pairing

2012-01-19T10:01:00.001-05:00

I've been known to take home cookbooks just to read recipes, even if I have no intention of making them. I also have a long history of seeking out books about chefs, bakers, home cooks, and anyone else who likes food. There's something particularly gratifying to an aspiring foodie like me in reading an engrossing story that also whets the appetite. I've already raved about White Truffles in Winter, so I won't go on about that, but really...check it out.

Angelina's Bachelors and Aftertaste: A Novel in Five Courses are both stories of women who cope with the loss of their husbands through food. In the former, it's the unexpected death of her husband that leaves part-time office manager and amateur cook Angelina with a surplus of time and emotion, which she pours out into the food that she makes for her neighbors. In Aftertaste, Mira struggles to make sense of her life when her husband, with whom she co-owns a trendy Manhattan restaurant, leaves her for the new restaurant hostess. Mira's reaction lands her in court-ordered management classes and in doubt about her life's meaning outside a restaurant.

I've also just started the classic My Life in France by Julia Child. Unlike Julie and Julia, which left me feeling and impatient with the author, I've found that the further I got in this book, the more affection I felt toward Julia Child (which is saying something since I've long watched reruns of her show whenever I get the chance).

I consider it a happy fate when I can find books that provide a good story, tempt my palate, and help me plan my meals for the week. That's the kind of multi-tasking I can get behind.

A Shameful Period in Our History

2012-01-17T14:26:00.037-05:00

It seems that I have been reading a lot of books lately with the same theme or at least the same subject matter: the Japanese-American internment camps during World War II. My grandfather was a Navy corpsman in the Pacific at Saipan and Okinawa during the war so I am familiar with some of that history. However, I knew nothing about the internment camps in our own country. President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the expulsion of people with Japanese ancestry from the West coast of the U. S. on February 19, 1942, with Executive Order 9066. Approximately 110,000 Japanese-Americans and Japanese who lived on the Pacific coast were "relocated." This exclusion order was not rescinded until January 1945 and the last camp was not closed until 1946. During WWII, Colorado governor Ralph Lawrence Carr was the only elected official to apologize publicly for the internment of American citizens--it cost him re-election but a statue of him was erected by the residents of Denver's Japantown. It wasn't until the 1980s and 1990s that the internees or their heirs were paid reparations--or a formal apology was issued by the U. S. government. Whether you believe it was justified, was racial persecution, or you are divided on the subject, please read the following books. They will introduce you to a part of our not so distant past, teach you about hardship and resiliency, and tug at your emotions as you look through the eyes of the internees and their families. Please read these stories because it is important to understand our history so that we're not doomed to repeat it.

Non-Fiction

Korematsu v. United States by Karen Alonso

Looking Like the Enemy
by Mary Matsuda Gruenewald

Farewell to Manzanar
by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston

Years of Infamy
by Michi Nishiura Weglyn

Fiction

Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
by Jamie Ford

Snow Falling on Cedars
by David Guterson

When the Emperor Was Divine
by Julie Otsuka

Southland by Nina Revoyr

Why She Left Us
by Rahna Reiko Rizzuto

Camp Nine
by Vivienne Schiffer

Martin Luther King, Jr.

2012-01-16T14:12:00.000-05:00

Today we take a look back at the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is an important date celebrating one of the great people in American history. The library carries many titles about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Here is a sampling of what you can checkout today:

Dr. King

The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
A Call to Conscience: The Landmark Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr.
At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68 by Taylor Branch
Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by David Garrow

Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement: An Eyewitness History by Sanford Wexler
Freedom's Daughters: The Unsung Heroines of the Civil Rights Movement from 1830-1970 by Lynne Olson
Civil Rights Chronicle: The African-American Struggle for Freedom by Clayborne Carson
Marshalling Justice: The Early Civil Rights Letters of Thurgood Marshall

Forget resolutions, the new year is a time for new books!

2012-01-10T12:19:00.001-05:00

Like many people, I think of the new year as a great time to start fresh. It's a time to work on breaking bad habits and replace them with better ones. However, I realized I wasn't doing too well on some of the traditional resolutions (somehow, the resolution to re-landscape my front flower beds has been on the list for three years and still hasn't gotten done...but this year I mean it!). So, instead of focusing on the resolutions that within a month I'm apt to get frustrated by, amused by my overly zealous ambitions, or just plain forget, I've decided to focus on the great books I'm looking forward to reading this year.

I'll start by admitting that I'm a bit of a political junkie, but that I'm already a bit weary of the campaign season. Thinking that we have another 10 months of ads and debates is enough to make me run for cover...the cover of Taft 2012. This book, slated for release next week (Jan. 17, 2012), imagines an alternate history in which President William Howard Taft disappeared from the lawn of the White House after his defeat in 1912 only to reappear today. As he considers running as an independent, he is forced to consider the impact of a changed time and culture. I anticipate turning off the C-SPAN coverage of the real election and following this debut novel by Jason Heller, instead.

American Dervish is Ayad Akhtar's debut novel. Set in the pre-9/11 Midwest, it's about a Pakistanti-American boy trying to reconcile the conflicting roles and views he finds himself surrounded by, all while trying to navigate the emotional riptide of first love.

Moving from the Midwest to the South, I'm really looking forward to Joshilyn Jackson's newest release, A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty. I've enjoyed her family dramas infused with humor in the past and am intrigued by the prospect of this story about the women of the Slocumb family and the curse that has brought trouble every 15 years for generations.

The best part about the new year's offerings of books? This doesn't even get beyond the books scheduled to be published in January. I'm excited to see what February brings!

Why Crossover?

2012-01-07T19:22:00.086-05:00

Someone asked me yesterday, "Why read a crossover novel?" I thought to myself for a minute and said, "Why not?" Of course, this is not much of an answer so I added, "I enjoy them." I explained these novels are usually character driven, the plot is fast paced and tells a compelling story. I enjoy stories where there is fast paced actions, strong character development and a great storyline. Most of the crossover titles I have read have these fantastic characteristics, which makes them an exciting read.

If you are one of the many adults who heads for the Young Adult section of our library, know that you are not alone. Many people choose to read Young Adult titles. I think the best part of reading a crossover title is that you can discuss it with just about anyone from teen to an elderly adult. The language used in it is not usually offensive.

One of my favorite crossover authors has written an exciting conclusion to his series. If you read Eragon, Eldest and Brisingr you will be happy to learn that Inheritance by Christopher Paolini has finally arrived! I have waited so long for the conclusion to this series that I, like many others, thought it would never get here. It was well worth the wait. This is a lengthy novel, but it is told so well that you won't feel like it takes forever. Christopher provides an introduction that is a bit of a refresher so you don't need to reread the other volumes to make sense of this one. The plot is fast paced and the varden finally battles Galbatorix.

Although now I question if this is the end of the series. The series is concluded, but...I see potential for another series to follow these characters as they move on to new adventures. Guess I'll have to wait and see. The last book was a long time coming so if the author does create another series I may have a couple years to wait (sigh).

The Invisible Ones

2012-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Stef Penney's newest title, The Invisible Ones, is everything I love in a good mystery. The characters are intriguing and well thought out. We have drastically different point-of-views as two of the key characters take turns telling the story. And we have an ending that I never saw coming.

Rose Janko, who married into a gypsy family, disappears seemingly into thin air. Nobody knows where she's gone, nor if she left with anyone. Enter private investigator Ray Lovell, from a gypsy family himself, who is hired by the girl's father. The catch...Rose has been missing from the Janko family for seven years. Lovell must make contact with the Jankos, who are not the most cooperative bunch, to find out everything he can about Rose. The story alternates between Lovell's thoughts and JJ's, a young boy within the Janko family. J.J.'s shares with the reader what things are like within the gypsy family and what little he knows about Rose and the inner workings of the Janko clan.

I picked up an advance copy of this book because, besides enjoying a good mystery, I knew very little of gypsy culture. Penney's treatment of the subject is true to life from the other reviews I've seen. It makes for a good mystery since Lovell must get as much information as he can from a group known to keep to themselves. I felt like I had the ending nailed at least twice, but was very wrong on both occasions. Check this one out if like a good page turner that keeps you guessing until the very end.

In the Queue

2011-12-30T11:19:00.000-05:00

Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron

Jean Patrick Nkuba, a Rwandan boy, dreams of becoming his country's first Olympic medal contender in track, but when the Hutu-Tutsi tensions explode, he must run to save his life.

Lost Saints of Tennessee by Amy Franklin-Willis

This story of a Southern working-class family follows Ezekiel, 42, and his mother, Lillian, from the 1940s to the 1980s as Ezekiel goes from anointed son to unhinged middle-aged man. His decline begins with the mysterious drowning death of his twin brother and the subsequent divorce from his wife.

Thinking Small: The Long, Strange Trip of the Volkswagen Beetle by Andrea Hiott

The Volkswagen came to symbolize American freedom and the power of thinking small. This is the story of the ungainly little car that began with the vision of a group of men who designed the car in 1923. Despite all odds, it became the most profitable and most beloved automobile in the world.

A Delicious Read

2011-12-27T10:51:00.000-05:00

In general, I don't recommend a book until I finish it. I have a lot of very well-read friends and I don't want to stake my reading reputation on an unknown quantity. And yet, 25 pages into a recent book, I started alerting friends, "Put this on hold! You must read it." White Truffles in Winter by N.M. Kelby struck me as a luscious, elegant, warm read about the life of Auguste Escoffier, a renowned French chef from the early 20th century, and his wife, Delphine. While I was somewhat nervous about having made a recommendation so soon into the book -- equivalent to recommending a meal after the appetizer -- I'm pleased to report that by the dessert and coffee course of the book's end, I was equally as enthusiastic as I had been at the onset.

Kelby elegantly wove a story that begins as Delphine is dying, bereft of a dish named for her. She is anxious that the world will not believe that her husband truly loved her unless he names a dish for her. Her concern is compounded by the number of dishes he created for and named after others, especially the other women in his life (including actress Sarah Bernhardt and opera soprano Nellie Melba -- of the peach and toast fame). Escoffier resists, insisting that there is no dish that can adequately capture her. Instead, Escoffier spends his time working on his memoir, which Kelby fleshes out with extended scenes from Escoffier's past.

Like a good meal, a good book is often difficult to describe to those who have not yet experienced it and, like different flavors, what appeals to one person won't necessarily appeal to another. So, with that caveat, I highly recommend this to fans of historical fiction, love stories, and foodies. Bon appetit!

Twas the Night Before....

2011-12-24T10:00:00.005-05:00

Twas’ the night before Christmas and all through the house, the only creature stirring was me, not my spouse.

The family and guests were all snug in their beds,

while I sat reading a tale full of dread.

The horror of family and Christmas dinner not cooked right,

had led me to find a book full of fright.

It was scary. It was awesome as I turned each new page,

never thinking that this might not be the right day.

I was thinking of cleaning and cooking my plight

with a houseful of guests it’d take all my might.

But the book it called out to me, “Read me instead!

Sit down and read. Don’t rest your head.

In a flash I knew, just what to do.

I took a minute for me, take a minute for you.

Enjoy your holiday even with a big crew and when the company begins to drive you insane,

just yawn and say,"Sorry I didn’t sleep on the plane."

Then go grab your book or even your nook and hide in your room.

This’ll help you survive any pending doom.

As you read you’ll adventure far from this land

and not make it back until it is time for the ham.

So forget the fighting, the chaos, the kid with the sneer.

Just read a good book and have a Happy New Year!

Here are a few titles to keep you aware that the holidays are not nearly as horrifying as these books.
I'll begin with Stephen King's Full Dark, No stars. His collection of 4 longish horror stories will keep you up as you wait for ole' St. Nick to bring you presents. This is an excellent collection of grisly tales you'll want to read when you need a good fright.

Slay Ride by Chris Grabenstein is a holiday horror novel. It begins when Scott Wilkinson calls for a car service to take him to the airport. How was he to know the maniac behind the wheel is out to get revenge on the man (Wilkinson) who ruined his life.

The Bad Place by Dean Koontz a spine tingling thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you hope protaganist, Frank Pollard, can resolve the mystery of his blood covered hands when he wakes.

I'd Know you Anywhere by Laura Lippman is a thriller. A murderer on death row contacts his only victim who survived and lets her know, "I'd know you anywhere." Can she protect her family and herself from the madman?

I have to confess, The Silence of the Lambs is one of the all time scariest horror novels written. Many have seen the movie, but the novel is even better. Thomas Harris creates characters that are believable, intense and frightening. When Clarice Starling an FBI trainee is placed on the case of a serial killer not only is she trying to get into the killers mind, but she must use the help of Hannibal, the Cannibal to give her clues to stop the grisly murders. This book will keep you awake and turning pages.

If you are looking for a lighter horror story try Christine Feehan's, The Twilight Before Christmas. It is a suspenseful holiday tale. A dark shadow is accidentally released and must be contained or destroyed by the Drake sisters. This is a suspenseful, passionate story with just enough horror to make you smile.

The Queen of the Dragons is Gone

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

I just found out that one of my favorite fantasy authors died. Anne McCaffrey also known as the "Dragon Lady", died November 21, 2011 at the age of 85. She is known for her Dragonriders of Pern novels which are a combination of fantasy and science fiction which were the first adult speculative fiction books I read as a child. These books set me firmly on the path to reading and loving fantasy fiction. Try Dragonflight the first in her Pern series. Her son Todd McCaffrey is also an author and the two collaborated on the New Adventures of Pern series starting with Dragon's Kin.

There will never be another Anne McCaffrey but try one of the following tales about dragons and help me celebrate her work and her life.

Touched by Venom--Janine Cross
Dragon in Chains--Daniel Fox
Havemercy--Jaida Jones
Dragon Champion--E. E. Knight
Joust--Mercedes Lackey
His Majesty's Dragon--Naomi Novik
Dragon Prince--Melanie Rawn
The Dragons of Babel--Michael Swanwick
Dragon's: Worlds Afire--R. A. Salvatore
Bones of the Dragon--Margaret Weis

There are also a lot of great childrens and teen books about dragons. Try one of the following great reads:

The Fire Within--Chris D'Lacey
Dragon's Milk--Susan Fletcher
Dragon Rider--Cornelia Funke
Wizard of Earthsea--Ursula Le Guin
Eragon--Christopher Paolini
Dealing with Dragons--Patricia Wrede
Dragon's Blood--Jane Yolen
The Last Dragon(graphic novel)--Jane Yolen and Rebecca Guay

For more about Anne McCaffrey and to read the eulogy by her eldest son, go to her website.

Full Dark, No Stars

2011-12-16T17:12:00.000-05:00

He's still the king, folks--Stephen King, that is, and in his latest short-story collection, he demonstrates why he's the master of the twisted and the bizarre. Full Dark, No Stars consists of four novella-length stories, each of which is guaranteed to get under your skin. In the first, "1922," a farmer plots to murder his wife to prevent her from selling a land inheritance, and he even manipulates his teenaged son to help him. Yes, the evil deed is committed, but it most certainly does not go unpunished. Let's just say that if rats, real or imagined, give you the willies, you may want to skip this story. Next up is "Big Driver," in which King plays on every driver's worst nightmare: being stranded on an unfamiliar road. This time, a mystery writer on her way home from an author appearance finds herself with more than just car trouble when she suffers a flat tire and is offered "assistance" by a giant of a Good Samaritan. In "Fair Extension," a cancer patient in the last months of his life is granted a miraculous turnabout when he strikes a deal with a rather strange man who sells "fair extensions" for a "fair price." However, gaining an extra fifteen years of life doesn't come cheap, and you may be shocked at just who ultimately has to pay this so-called "fair price" and what that cost entails. In the final story, "A Good Marriage," a woman's nondescript marriage of more than twenty years unravels in the blink of an eye when she discovers that her husband has been hiding a horrific secret from her the entire time. Yes, Dear Reader, be careful if you poke around your husband's things when he's not around: you may not like what you find. All in all, King still knows how to tell a story, and he certainly knows how to take the ordinary and drop it on its head. Give Full Dark, No Stars a read. You won't be sorry...or then again, maybe you will.

My Favorite Books of 2011

2011-12-15T19:09:00.000-05:00

2011 was another very good year for readers. Plenty of new titles came out and many new authors staked their claim in my ever-growing list of favorite authors. I feel that I branched out and read some works I wouldn't have had interest in, say, a year ago. Since I love lists, I'd like to share with you some of my favorite titles of 2011.

James Madison by Richard Brookhiser- I've always been fascinated by early US history, so this was a natural choice. Madison's relationship with Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe is fascinating as they agreed on most things, but also set personal differences aside (especially Madison and Monroe) to create the Virginia Dynasty.

Darkness, My Old Friend by Lisa Unger- Fragile, the first in Unger's The Hollows series, was one of my favorite novels of 2010. The sequel did not disappoint! This is a fantastic suspense novel and Unger does a terrific job of creating characters the reader cares about. I especially enjoyed the scenes about the town psychic, Eloise, who played a smaller role in Fragile.

The Most Dangerous Thing by Laura Lippman- This is a suspense novel that does a wonderful job of upping the tension each chapter. But, like Unger's writing, Lippman does a great job of creating interesting characters. The plot centers around five children who wander the woods during summer break and find an old man who lives alone. The ensuing tragedy, coupled with the now grown-up children not knowing what really happened, makes for a startling tale.

Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante- It still amazes me that this is a debut novel. LaPlante has created a story in which Dr. Jennifer White, who suffers from Alzheimer's, is accused of murdering her best friend. The stunning part of this novel is that it's told from White's perspective.

Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens- I placed a hold on this title as soon as it was announced. Still Missing was my favorite debut novel of 2010 and Stevens follows it up with another compelling thriller. Sara Gallagher was adopted at an early age and decides to finally learn about her parents. We quickly find that "never knowing" may be a good option.

The Informationist by Taylor Stevens- Another debut novel! Stevens does a magnificent job of creating heroine Vanessa Munroe, who travels the world gathering information for various clients. She is sent to Africa to track down a missing girl in this debut with twists and turns.

Fair Play by Tove Jansson- Ok, I'm cheating here. This isn't really a 2011 title, but it is the first translation of this work, so we'll keep it here. I'm new to Jansson and have started looking for her other works. The writing is nothing less than stunning. We look into the lives of two artists, Jonna and Mari, through short vignettes. The way in which these seemingly mundane moments in their lives help create who they are is a testament to Jansson's fantastic ability.

A woman who knows how to write

2011-12-13T16:27:00.000-05:00

Several months ago, Nobel laureate V.S. Naipaul infamously opined that women authors are inferior. He argues that women's "sentimentality, the narrow view of the world" leads to them writing "...all this feminine tosh." Of course, he quickly asserted, he didn't mean any of it unkindly. When I read the article, I quickly jotted down a list of women authors whose work consistently astonishes me, in part because of its lack of sentimental "tosh." Writers like Geraldine Brooks, Barbara Kingsolver, Louise Erdrich, Marilynn Robinson, Toni Morrison, Margaret Atwood, Kate Chopin (who was excoriated for her lack of sentimentality), and Jamaica Kincaid all jumped to mind. One who didn't, but ought to have is Anne Enright, Man Booker prize-winner for The Gathering and Irish author extraordinaire.

Enright has published a new book. The Forgotten Waltz poses, for me, an interesting question: Can you like a book if you don't like the characters? There isn't anyone in this book who reads as particularly sympathetic. I found myself reading the book increasingly frustrated by the characters. Gina, the narrator and protagonist, is a 32-year old married woman who embarks on an affair without much buildup or apparent cause or remorse. Sean, her married lover and father of a 12-year old daughter who's somewhat cryptically referred to as "not quite right", has clearly done this before. The supporting cast are not particularly more sympathetic. I did not feel a connection with any of the characters but despite that, or perhaps even because of it, I was completely engrossed by the book.

While I did not particularly care for the characters, and the plot itself is rather unremarkable, Enright's writing is breathtaking. There is very little sentimentality, but a great deal of evocative prose. Simple sentences are used to convey much more. One of the most striking examples for me came in the days after Gina's mother's death. Gina wanders through her mother's home, noting that the mirror is the cleanest thing in the house because it refuses to hold on to the past. Enright's writing is crisp and meaningful, and that it was a written by a women doesn't make that particularly noteworthy. Enright is one of a tradition of great depth and great breadth: excellent women authors.

Incidentally, for a little fun, check out this quiz that The Guardian put together to see if you can determine whether a passage was written by a man or a woman. They've dubbed it "The Naipaul Test." Perhaps it could also be named "The Enright Test."

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-10T08:10:00.002-05:00

We already had a little snow (let's forget about all the rain for a few moments.) this year, which makes me want to tuck myself under a blanket by the fire and read a nice light hearted book. This year I've chosen a few books from our library display table and read quite a few new Christmas stories,...so if you are one on the long waiting list for The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson, (no spoiler alert here) keep waiting. It is a lovely, funny, laugh out loud, excellent feel good book. It's about family, love and coping. A perfect cozy read for this time of year.

There was a new story that came out, that I had concerns it would be, well more naughty, than nice. Do not let the name keep you away. It is a wonderful story. The title is His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander. It is a historical romance. The protaganist merely wants an affair, she's been married and doesn't want to do it again. Her would be paramour falls head over heels for the lovely lady and goes from rake extraordinaire to a gentleman who would not deem to besmirch the honor of the lovely lady. It is cute, funny and lighthearted. An excellent cozy romantic read.

If you are in the mood for some classic Debbie Macomber try 1225 Christmas Tree Lane, Touched by Angels are return to an old favorite Mrs. Miracle. All excellent feel good romances that will make your toes curl as you curl up with a good book.

If you want a little intrigue with your cozy read, try Holiday Grind by Cleo Coyle. The coffee house barista finds santa dead near her store. He was checking his list twice and found some who were naughty. She begins to investigate and puts herself in a bit of trouble. Can she solve the case before she finds herself in the grind? Read it for yourself. I'm sure it's one you'll enjoy.

Anyway you slice it the holidays are right around the corner. If you would like a nice cozy read or a murder mystery with a holiday flare stop by our library and find a good book on our holiday display table.There's Dashing through the Snow a holiday mystery, A Cat on Jingle Bell Rock, The Christmas Clock and who could forget the Christmas Box. Pick up a good read and take a few minutes from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a little quiet, just you and a book.

Not Sure What to Read? Try Our Reading Suggestion eNewsletters!

2011-12-07T19:13:00.000-05:00

Are you wanting to find a new author to read, but not sure where to start? It can be a daunting task with all of the great books out there. Did you know the library offers reading suggestions that are delivered straight to your email? We've recently changed the look of our service and have even added some newsletters to our offerings! Try Fiction A-Z or NY Times Fiction Bestsellers if you enjoy everything Fiction. Maybe you'd prefer Nonfiction by trying our New Nonfiction and NY Times Nonfiction Bestsellers lists. The separate genres are covered with our Chick Lit, Fantasy, Mystery, and Romance lists. We even have a Business and Personal finance list!

Teens and children are covered, too! Try our Teen Scene newsletter if you're looking for some great Young Adult titles. Picture Books and Fiction for Kids are excellent if your child is just starting to read.

Click here if you'd like to check out the weekly, monthly and bi-monthly booklists you can receive from the library! Click the checkbox next to the lists you'd like to receive and then enter your email address at the bottom. It's that simple!

In the Queue

2011-12-02T10:30:00.001-05:00

Death of Kings by Bernard Cornwell

As Alfred the Great lies dying, his son Edwardhas been named his successor. But there are other Saxon claimants to the throne.

Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George

Inspector Thomas Lynley is surprised when called on to investigate a drowning that seems like nothing more than an accident. He soon learns there is much more to the case than he first thought.

Extra Virginity: The Sublime & Scandalous World of Olive Oil by Tom Mueller

For millennia, olive oil has been a food, a medicine, a beauty aid, and a vital element of religious ritual. Now Mueller offers the sacret history and profane present of this substance.

2011 National Book Award Winners Announced

2011-11-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

The winners of the 2011 National Book Awards were announced on November 17th. There was a stellar group of finalists in the fiction and nonfiction categories.

The winner for Fiction went to Jesmyn Ward's Salvage the Bones. The book portrays a family during the build up to a hurricane threatening their Mississippi town. The children must help each other as their father, a notoriously hard drinker, shows little regard to the impending disaster.

Other finalists in Fiction included:

The Sojourn by Andrew Krivak
The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht
The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka
Binocular Vision by Edith Pearlman

The Nonfiction winner was Stephen Greenblatt's The Swerve: How the World Became Modern. This book describes the importance of an ancient book, On the Nature of Things by Lucretius, which helped fuel the Renaissance.

Other finalists in Nonfction included:

The Convert: A Tale of Exile and Extremism by Deborah Baker
Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable

Visit the National Book Award website for information on this year's award winners and nominees.

The Night Strangers

2011-11-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

I recently finished The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian. This is a very creepy novel with some terrific twists and turns.

The story begins with a harrowing sequence in which Chip Linton, a commercial pilot, attempts a daring crash into the Lake Champlain when his plane malfunctions. Bohjalian's detailed description of the events during this sequence alone make this book worth reading. The attempt goes horribly wrong and Chip leaves his Philadelphia home with his wife, Emily, and twin daughters for a new start in a small New Hampshire town. Chip's struggles with post-traumatic stress syndrome make for a good backdrop to the key elements of the story: the creepy Victorian home the family moves to and the inhabitants of the small town.

The new home contains a lot of secrets, including small items that the family finds throughout the home and the coal chute door in the basement. The door is shut by 39 carriage bolts, the same number of victims in Chip's plane crash. Chip quickly becomes obsessed with the oddities throughout the home. The town of Bethel holds its own secrets. The family notices that most of the houses, including their own, have a greenhouse. A good portion of the town is populated by practicing herbalists who take their craft very seriously. Emily is also disturbed by the way the some of the inhabitants have taken a deep interest in her twin daughters. Are the townspeople simply showing sympathy for a family that's gone through a lot, or do they have other plans?

The Man Who Broke into Auschwitz

2011-11-17T14:27:00.001-05:00

Take one brash British army soldier, put him in a WWII POW camp near Auschwitz III, and give him the "opportunity" to witness firsthand the savagery of the Nazis, and you've got The Man Who Broke into Auschwitz by Denis Avey (with Rob Broomby). Denis Avey was just twenty-one when he enlisted, not for King and Country but, as he put it, "for the sheer hell of it, for the adventure." Adventure he got. And hell? Enough to last a lifetime. Avey saw combat against the Italians in North Africa, but when German panzers arrived, his luck went downhill in a hurry. Captured, he was transferred from one POW camp to another until he wound up in Oswiecim, Poland. Auschwitz. Avey did time in E715, a POW camp near Auschwitz III, and he couldn't believe what he saw on a daily basis: "People talk about man's inhumanity to man, but that wasn't human or inhuman--it was bestial. Love and hate meant nothing there. It was indifference. I felt degraded by each mindless murder I witnessed and could do nothing about. I was living in obscenity." There was, however, one thing he felt he could do, and it was a foolhardy thing indeed: sneak into Auschwitz III and see the conditions of the camp and its inmates firsthand, and, as Jewish prisoners were constantly begging Avey and his fellows to do, tell the world what he saw. If he lived, that is. How Avey accomplished this and the larger story of how he managed to survive the war make for some white-knuckled reading. Only now, some seventy years later, has he felt the burden of all he saw and endured begin to lift. Of Auschwitz Avey wrote, "A part of me died in there but I stayed angry even when there was little I could do. I admit I have left it late but now people are prepared to listen and I want my story to do some good, that's all I ever really wanted."

The Importance of Reading Whatever You Want

2011-11-15T15:00:00.002-05:00

A child recently came to me and asked for help finding a non-fiction book. She wasn't looking for something specific, but thought maybe a biography would be a good place to start. She liked reading, she told me, but an adult told her that she reads too much fiction. After asking, I found this was not assigned reading for school, but reading on her own time for fun. I quietly helped her find a biography that she seemed somewhat interested in and bid her farewell. I readily acknowledge that I wasn't witness to the conversation that took place between this girl and the adult, so perhaps I have misunderstood what lead up to it. But, when kids average eight hours of screen time a day, and in a year when new reports show the lowest SAT reading scores in history, and while math and science scores are going up in Ohio, reading scores have gone slightly down, is it really necessary to tell a kid that she's reading the wrong things or the wrong way?

Various studies have shown that reading -- any reading -- has a positive impact across all areas of life. If you haven't seen any reports on the impact of summer reading, they're pretty convincing. Kids reading even a few books over the summer months do measurably better in school the following year. Beyond that, there's a growing field of research in the psychology of fiction indicating that reading fiction improves empathy. This is all not to mention that there's an awful lot of fact that you can pick up from reading fiction. How do I know about the Cairo Conference and its impact on modern-day Iraq? Not from the History of the Middle East class I took in college, but because of the fiction book Dreamers of the Day. I only know anything about the Sarajevo Haggadah -- or even what a Haggadah is -- because of Geraldine Brooks' People of the Book. Kids can learn a lot about pioneer life from the Little House series and if you've never been around a kid who's read The Magic Treehouse books, you're in for a treat. From this series alone, my seven-year-old daughter has gleaned information on everything from the mummification process in ancient Egypt to dinosaurs to how many different types of noses Leonardo Da Vinci had categorized (if you're curious, I think it's seven but I'm not exactly sure because I haven't read the book). And, if your kid likes the Percy Jackson books, get that kid ready for Jeopardy because Greek mythology questions pop up all the time on that show.

If you remain concerned about the balance between fiction and non-fiction, remember that fiction can also be a great doorway into non-fiction. Your kid is in love with The Diary of a Wimpy Kid? Use it as a springboard to talk about other kids who have kept diaries and given us valuable information about life in another time or place, like Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl. For some, non-fiction is going to be more appealing, and that's great to encourage, too. Either way, treat reading books for pleasure the same way you would treat watching movies or TV for pleasure -- it's okay if they're not all documentaries. Sometimes, it's fun to just escape in a story.

I guess, at the core of it, my point is this: read what you want. To paraphrase S.K. Ranganathan, for every reader there is a book and for every book there is a reader. If your reader has found a book to love, embrace that and use it as a platform to introduce new books -- don't rip it out of her hands.

It's a Jungle Out There!

2011-11-12T10:33:00.009-05:00

My family and I just watched The Elephant in the Living Room? It is a wonderful documentary. It's told with heartfelt concern for animals and their owners. It is a plea that people not own exotic animals or at least that they remember that exotic animals are wild and not tame. They may be raised by people but they still possess animal instincts and will act on them. They are animals. This film held my family captive for several days. I did not have the opportunity to watch it in its entirety in one sitting. My family insisted I watch the rest of the film and then they went one step better. They watched it again with me. Quite a statement for the documentary, if you ask me. The movie highlights what can happen when a family takes home a cute little alligator or a precious lion cub and it grows up. The story of Lambert broke my heart.

After watching the video I looked through our library collection and found a few books on similar subjects. Wild Times: Tales from Suburban Safaris by Tim Harrison is excellent. Tim gives short glimpses of his life as an exotic animal control expert. This includes some of his most interesting experiences. If you enjoy wildlife or are an animal activist, or even a normal citizen from Dayton, Ohio you might want to read this book and learn for yourself that there really is a jungle out there. It may even be in your neighborhood.
Forbidden creatures : inside the world of animal smuggling and exotic pets written by Peter Laufer is another very educational and intriguing book. Laufer uses his renowned journalism skills and investigates the world of exotic animals. He thoroughly explores the world of exotic pets and presents an unbiased view of how owners, sellers and smugglers operate and tries to answer the question, "Why do people want an exotic pet?".

The thing I found most interesting is I watched the movie and read the books before Terry Thompson released his wild animals in Zanesville, Ohio. Hopefully people are now more aware that there is a suburban jungle out there. If you want to learn more read these books.

World Cup Caliber Authors--Japan

2011-11-08T17:20:00.006-05:00

This is the final week of our tribute to the Women's World Cup by featuring authors from the winner's countries. The 2011 winner was Japan. The Japanese Women's National Soccer Team has appeared in a total of six world cups but never placed better than the quarterfinals. Earlier this year they stunned the U. S. and the world and became the first Asian team to win the coveted championship.
Help celebrate their victory by reading one of the following talented authors of Japanese ancestry.

Kazuo Ishiguro--this Japanese-English author is best known for his 1989 Man Booker Prize winning novel The Remains of the Day but three of his other novels have been nominated as well.

Haruki Murakami--this Kyoto-born writer is an important writer of postmodern literature and has won numerous awards for both his fiction and nonfiction. He's also the author of one of this fall's most talked-about books, 1Q84.

Kenzaburo Oe--born in 1935 in the village of Ose, he is a major figure in contemporary Japanese literature and he won the Nobel Prize in 1994.

Hiromi Kawakami--born in Tokyo, she is known for her offbeat fiction but is also a literary critic and provocative essayist.

Yukio Mishima--this author, poet, playwright, director, and actor was nominated for the Nobel Prize three times. He committed ritual suicide in 1970 at the age of 45.

Julie Otsuka--this Yale graduate has written two novels based on the experience of her family members in Japanese-American internment camps during WWII.

Ruth Ozeki--this Connecticut born novelist, filmmaker, and Zen Buddhist priest has won the Kiriyama Prize and the American Book Award for her works.

Nina Revoyr--this Japanese-American novelist and multiple award winner has written four fascinating novels about small-town Wisconsin, the silent film era, girl's basketball, and Los Angeles.

Fiction, take me away!

2011-11-08T10:43:00.000-05:00

Image from http://curezone.com/upload/Art/bookworld_small.jpg

During the month of November, we tend to turn our attention to the things in our lives for which we're thankful. If you're on Facebook, chances are you've seen daily updates from people who are chronicling gratitude during this month of Thanksgiving. A friend of mine has taken a unique spin on this and devoted her monthly status updates to chronicling the books she's grateful for. I thought this was a great idea and we got into a discussion about some of the books that have been particularly noteworthy to us, for whatever reason. We agreed that there are a few good books that transcend the pages and take root in our lives. I'm going to borrow directly from Robin here, because I believe she said it better than I could: "our favorite books don't exist as objects to us, but instead as places that we go to when we're reading them -- as real as the rooms in our houses, they are places that are special to us and that make us feel a way that we don't feel when we're anywhere else."

Recently, I've been in a bit of a book rut. Maybe it's because it's the time of year when I tend to switch gears from heavier literary fare to fluffier, cozier reads. Whatever the reason, I have been drawn away from the stack of books I have waiting for me (all of which sound very interesting, but none of which sound really appealing right now) and toward some classics like A Wrinkle in Time, The Secret Garden, and The Anne of Green Gables series. Each of these books has the ability to take me away from whatever is going on in my life at that moment and transport me to a different experience. It's not exactly that I feel like I'm where the characters are (although I defy you to read Diana Gabaldon's Outlander and not feel like you've been transported back to 18th century Scotland along with Claire), but that I'm someplace completely apart -- someplace I can only get by reading that particular book. Erin Morgenstern's debut novel, The Night Circus is the most recent book that completely immersed me in a different world.

These fiction doldrums I've been in for the past week never last very long. I imagine that within a week or two, I'll be diving back into my stacks of new books. Until then, I'll happily go back to the books that take me away -- and that is something I'm thankful for.

In the Queue

2011-11-03T16:29:00.000-04:00

Until Thy Wrath Be Past by Asa Larsson

With the spring thaw, a young woman’s body is discovered in Sweden’s Thorne River. Rebecka Martinsson, a prosecutor in nearby Karuna, wonders if it is the spirit of the same young woman who has been haunting her dreams.

The Silver Lotus by Thomas Steinbeck

Captain Jeremiah is an American merchant who faces storms and pirates on a regular basis. While traveling to China, he meets Lady Lee, known as the Silver Lotus. Love blooms and their adventures help shape and define the North California coast.

I Didn’t Ask To Be Born: But I’m Glad I Was by Bill Cosby

Cosby returns with a collection of wacky insights on the human condition. This book features some hilarious situations: his first date at age 15, encouraging his daughter to marry an NBA player, and how he deals with a grandchild who thinks he’s Godzilla!

How do you find new books to read?

2011-11-01T10:45:00.000-04:00

It occurred to me today as I looked at the stack of books waiting to be read, that I don't remember what most of them are about or why I decided to check them out. I'd like to think this isn't due entirely to my diminished short-term memory capacity, but rather because I found some books to read that haven't been getting a lot of press. What to read next is always an interesting challenge: I want a book that has characteristics I know I'll like but that isn't exactly the same as every other book I've come across lately.

Fortunately, I'm surrounded by news about new books every day. More than that, I'm surrounded by book reviews every day. On a given day, I might read a few dozen different book reviews. As I write, I'm staring down about 10 journals I need to get through, but I actually look forward to it, because each is filled with review after review of new book. I read reviews in trade journals like Kirkus or more public sources (Entertainment Weekly has consistently good book reviews, as does -- believe it or not -- People). Those reviews and previews are usually how I get into the position I am now. I have 8 books at home that I'm not sure I ever would've picked off the shelf, but the reviews were interesting enough to make me want to read them. There's nothing like a good review from a source I trust to make me overcome my perpetual judgment of books based on their covers.

Some of the reviews I trust most, though, are from personal sources. Friends, family, and (one of the perks of being at a library all day) coworkers are constantly telling me about what they've read recently that they think I might like. They're able to do this because they know what I tend to like.

Where do you turn for book suggestions? How do you find what you're going to read next? Do you grab them off the shelf or do you have a network of fellow readers who provide suggestions? If you don't have that network, let us play that role. You can fill out a personalized reading list request and within a few days we'll send you a list of books we think you'd like based on your reading interest. We're like personal shoppers for books. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Marriage Secrets Lead to a Happy Marriage?

2011-10-29T11:35:00.103-04:00

In a world filled with a love ‘em and leave ‘em mentality a new book has emerged. It is entitled, The Secret Lives of Wives. I read the book and knew I’d write about it, but I’m still trying to figure out if I liked it. Iris Krasnow has written several books on the subject of marriage. Her first book, Surrendering to Motherhood was a NY Times bestseller. Her latest book is in essence a marriage manual. Some, who are against marriage, may call it an expose’ on marriage.

Krasnow interviewed 200 women who have been married anywhere from 15-70 years. This is truly remarkable considering the divorce rate for first time marriages in America is 41% and climbing every year. Oh, what a sad story. Krasnow speaks with many women to discern how they managed to beat the marriage odds. What did they do differently to have their marriages last decades? You will have to decide for yourself if what they did is worth the long lasting marriage.

This is a tell-all book and it includes a few interesting secrets to a happy marriage. Some of the secrets may astound you. Some of the veteran married women advise making out with your old boyfriend. One meets privately with her college boyfriend and has for years and another has a long standing affair with her gardener. Another takes a separate vacation. She leaves her spouse at home and goes on her own vacation. He usually takes a vacation too, they just go to separate destinations.

Krasnow writes that, "To expect one person, man or woman, to make you happy for the rest of your life is a ticket to divorce." Look for excitement and fulfillment outside your marriage. Make yourself happy and your marriage will be happy too! I do not buy into the idea of cheating on your spouse as helping you maintain a happy marriage, but I can see how taking a class or finding a hobby you enjoy would make a positive impact on your life.

IF you are looking for a quick read that presents unique options on what it means to be married this may be the book for you. IF you have a more traditional view of marriage this book may offend you. Krasnow does not condone the choices of the women interviewed, but presents their options for a happy marriage and leads the reader to investigate their own morals and own inspiration for happiness. She presents ancedotes from her own life along with those from the women she interviewed. The stories flow together seamlessly and will lead you to think for yourself about what will make your marriage happier.

World Cup Caliber Authors from the United States

2011-10-25T17:29:00.018-04:00

This week we are celebrating the runners-up of the Women's World Cup by highlighting writers from the United States. Since there is not enough time or space to cover all of the states, we are choosing the states from where most of the ladies on the team hail: New Jersey and California.

From suspense and thriller novelists Mary Higgins Clark and Harlan Coben to award-winning children's author Sharon Creech, New Jersey is birthplace and home to many talented writers.

Edna Buchanan--this Paterson, NJ, mystery author and journalist won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for reporting.

Janet Evanovich--this NY Times best-selling author is most well known for her wacky Stephanie Plum mysteries set in Trenton.

Laura Anne Gilman--this New Jersey born science fiction, supernatural romance, and fantasy novelist was nominated for 2009 Nebula Award.

Belva Plain--this novelist lived in Millburn and died in 2010 at the age of 95. At the time of her death there were over 30 million copies of her books in print.

Philip Roth--this Newark literary novelist has won two National Book Awards, three Pen/Faulkner Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize.

California is full of great writers including science fiction and fantasy greats Kage Baker and Greg Bear and 2-time Nebula Award winner Catherine Asaro. Try one of these other gifted authors from the Golden State.

Nevada Barr--this writer grew up in Johnstonville and writes mysteries starring Anna Pigeon, a female law enforcement ranger for the National Park Service.

James Ellroy--this Los Angeles native wrote gritty crime novels including L. A. Confidential and The Black Dahlia.

Shirley Jackson--this queen of psychological horror was a San Francisco native and wrote the short story "The Lottery" and the novel The Haunting of Hill House.

Maxine Hong Kingston--this Chinese-American writer and professor from Stockton won the National Book Award in 1981 for China Men.

John Steinbeck--born in Salinas, this author penned the Pulitzer Prize winning The Grapes of Wrath, the often filmed East of Eden, the tragic novella Of Mice and Men, and many other classics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962.

Don't believe the hype -- discover the magic for yourself

2011-10-22T14:05:00.002-04:00

When the reviews for a particular book read as though they're trying to top each other in their hyperbole, each struggling to be the most glowing, the most effusive in its praise of a book, I get suspicious. Yes, I love finding a well-reviewed book just as much as the next person; it's nice to know going in that others have found it worth the time. Still, a little too much praise and I start to get a little suspicious that's it a case of the Emperor's New Clothes, where everyone is just afraid to admit they didn't like it as much as the last person so they have to like it even more. I've been burned before (I still won't cop to some of the best-reviewed books that I absolutely couldn't stand...unless you ask, in which case I'll share)...and I am, apparently, far more conspiracy-minded when it comes to book reviews than I had realized.

Still, despite my trepidation based on the incredible reviews, the public clamor, and the fact that the book was optioned for a movie before it was even released, I was pleasantly surprised by The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. In addition to providing yet another title to my growing list of reasons to think that that sometimes the best books are, in fact, by first-time authors, The Night Circus also managed to prove that, sometimes, you can actually beat the expectations game.

The world of The Night Circus and its cast of characters were far more unique than you might suspect from the many comparisons to Harry Potter and Twilight that have been made. And, if I can digress for a moment, I would like to implore book reviewers to stop comparing every book with some element of fantasy to Harry Potter and Twilight They were blockbusters in their own rights without question, but not every book that involves a bit of magic should be compared to them. If you want the Hollywood pitch of this-meets-that, I'd argue that you should think Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell meets Something Wicked This Way Comes. Comparisons aside, Morgenstern has crafted a world of dreamy wonderment with the Cirque des Reves. Her writing was so evocative that I could swear I tasted the caramel corn and heard the music. I was immersed completely in the world she created and I want to go back. If only I can get the reveurs to tell me where it will be next...

Darkness, My Old Friend

2011-10-21T11:06:00.000-04:00

I recently finished Lisa Unger's latest title, Darkness, My Old Friend. I first found out about Unger through last year's Fragile, which I wrote reviewed in a blog post. To say I couldn't wait for this latest offering is a bit of an understatement.

This story returns to the sleepy little town simply called The Hollows. Jones, the police officer from Fragile, returns along with his wife Maggie, though Jones plays a more prominent role than Maggie in this story. The story begins with Willow Graves, who has moved to the Hollows with mother, skipping school one day and wandering through the woods behind Hollows High School. What she sees there sets off a chain reaction that affects several people, including Jones, throughout this small town. Jones must figure out how Michael Holt fits in to what Willow sees. Holt has returned to the Hollows to solve the mystery of his mother who disappeared from town when he was young. And what about Paula Carr, who wishes to take her children and leave the abusive relationship with her husband?

The intriguing character of Eloise, the local psychic who often helps the police, returns for the second Hollows offering. She sees a vision and warns the ever skeptical Jones that he may be in trouble. But he may need to seek her assistance more than he wishes. Unger has a teriffic way of tying together all of the seemingly independent stories in Darkness, My Old Friend. I was impressed yet again with her storytelling and will look forward to her next book.

The Best Staged Plans

2011-10-15T11:25:00.000-04:00

There comes a point in everyone’s life where you take stock of where you are. I think somewhere there is a checklist that includes: marriage, children, home, career and at the end of the list happiness. Every now and then I look at the list and say yes I’ve got that I’m doing well. Silly but true, I love to have my to do list filled out and checked off. Sandra Sullivan, in the book Best Staged Plans by Claire Cook, has her own to-do list. She sets goals and gets them done. She has a great job, great husband, 2 kids and a beautiful home. She has decided it’s time to move on with her life (and her husband’s). Her kids are grown and the house is tying her and her husband down. So naturally they have to sell it. The house is an old historic home that needs some work. Yet although her family has agreed to cooperate and get the house ready to sell, they always find something else to do when it comes time to work. Thwarted by her retired husband and bat cave son she takes a job in Atlanta. Her life as she sees it is a mess and so she has to cut her losses. It isn’t until she sees a homeless woman near where she works that she realizes what she has. She looks at her life through different eyes and sees how wonderful it is. She has a home, a great husband and loving children. So what if the house doesn't sell, is it the end of the world? Is this enough to throw away all the good things? Is telling her family how much she loves them enough? Is it too late to get back what she gave up?

This is a wonderfully witty story about growing older, facing life’s changes and learning happiness is all around you. If you enjoy reading chick lit, you have got to read this story. The story flows smoothly and will make you laugh out loud. Claire Cook takes chick lit to a new level. She does not just give us a feel good story, but gives us life lessons along the way. This is a truly delightful and enchanting story.

In the Queue

2011-10-08T10:00:00.002-04:00

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

Based on the tragic historical event of the battle of Masada in 70 A.D., this story of four women who were at Masada and how their lives intersected in the days before and during the Roman siege.

Nanjing Requiem by Ha Jin

As the Japanese prepare to invade Nanjing in 1937, Minnie Vautrin, an American missionary and dean of Jinling Women's College, decides not to flee. She believes her American citizenship will protect her, the school, and those who work there. When it doesn't, she is haunted by those she was unable to save.

Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: My Life in Music by Judy Collins

Songs like Both Sides Now, made Judy Collins an icon and her music defined the 60s generation. Readers are offered a deeply personal, honest, and revealing memoir of the folk legend.

Breadcrumbs

2011-10-06T15:31:00.000-04:00

A couple things. First, I realize that this blog is geared toward adult fiction (and nonfiction), with a smattering of young adult titles thrown in for good measure, but today I’m going to write about a children’s book I read recently. The reason? Well, that brings me to item no. 2. I can generally tell whether or not I’m going to be swept away (enchanted, bewitched…you can choose your own word if you like) by a book from the first chapter—the writing, the story, the characters, and the opening scene all deliciously measured and stirred together by an author who really knows how to cook. And if the resulting aroma is pure magic, I know I’ve found a keeper. That book is Breadcrumbs, and that author is Anne Ursu. Now, the narrative of Breadcrumbs is a simple one; in fact, it’s a retelling of a classic fairy tale you may already know—The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen—placed in a modern setting. In Breadcrumbs, Hazel Anderson loses her best friend, Jack, to a mysterious woman in white who spirits the boy away into the woods with her, and Hazel sets out to reclaim her friend. The bond of friendship between the two is so strong that Hazel will move heaven and earth to bring him back. But wait: is young Hazel some supergirl with special powers? No. There’s only one power truly at work in this story: love. It’s love that compels this brave little girl to enter the great unknown in search of her friend because her heart tells her that he is in trouble, even if he doesn’t realize it. My take: I fell in love with this book! if Breadcrumbs doesn’t exhibit one of the most moving examples of love and friendship in children’s literature, in literature period, I don’t know what does. But don’t be put off by the fact that it’s a children’s book; there’s an emotional depth within its pages that you would be hard pressed to find in books written for adults. And the writing? Poetic in its simplicity and stunningly beautiful. If you’ve ever had a friend, lost a friend, and felt lost because of it, then this is a book you should read. Well done, Anne Ursu!

A book I won't read in bed

2011-10-04T10:00:00.005-04:00

Once again, I'm feeling a bit in awe of a first-time novelist. I've read so many good first-time books in the past few years that I'm beginning to think that I could be perfectly content reading only debut novels. David Whitehouse's debut novel Bed is the latest to join the list.

The story itself is interesting, if a little odd. Really, though, it's the characters who drive this book. It's narrated by the unnamed younger brother of Malcolm "Mal" Ede, a man who takes to his bed on his 25th birthday never to get up again. As Mal's weight increases (by the time we meet him 27 years later, he's well over 1,000 pounds), so does the emotional weight constricting his family. In a series of flashbacks, Whitehouse takes the reader through the family dynamic that always held a portent of an unhappy future. Their mother clearly favored Mal over his brother and indulged Mal's every whim, even as he displayed anti-social tendencies that suggested a troubled inner life. Their father, overwrought by guilt from a mining accident in an elevator he designed, was reclusive and spent his time in the attic. Meanwhile, the narrator seems aware of his limited life lived in the shadow of his brother but, in resignation to this fate, acts only in reaction to others. The characters and their actions (or lack thereof) were often frustrating, but consistent in their helplessness.

Whitehouse's simple style should not be dismissed as simplistic. He was able to effectively transmit a great deal of information about thoughts, motivations, and relationship dynamics in sparse descriptions. One such time was a simple reflection back on a boyhood campout in the backyard that conveyed much more about the family: "We played travel versions of popular games. We didn't have the full versions. We never really traveled."

It would be easy to focus on the sensationalistic literal weight that pins down Malcolm to his bed, but Whitehouse was deft at using it instead as a manifestion of the many other, metaphorical, weights that held them down. Ultimately, Mal's revelation of why he took to bed serves to tie the physical and the metaphorical together. The book moves quickly, and it served as an inspiration to get up and do something. While I'll definitely be watching for more from Whitehouse, I don't imagine reading his books in bed.

Not all angels are Divine

2011-10-01T13:15:00.003-04:00

The weather is cooler. The nights grow darker and it's time for tales of suspense and thrills. The kind of story that makes you want to cover your head and hope that you are no longer home alone. Let's be honest October is the time for all things spooky and suspenseful. So naturally I found three novels that fit perfectly into the suspenseful, thriller, murder mystery whodunit category. Don't read them too late at night or you may not sleep very well. Not all angels are divine and the story of the black angel is revealed during an exciting new novel by Julie Kramer.

Killing Kate by Julie Kramer is a thriller. This is the 4th in a series, but it can stand alone. The plot twists and turns and when you suspect you have it, you don't. The novel begins with Kate's death. Riley, a newspaper reporter, speaks with her former friend. She just happens to be Kate's sister. While speaking to her friend in Kate's home, Riley notices a chalk outline on the ground and assumes the police placed it there around the fallen Kate. She can't figure out why they made Kate's arms look misshapen. It appears almost as if she had wings. Riley is tenacious and wants to solve this crime. She is sure there is more to the story, but between her boss and her boyfriend, can she find the truth? The story is told from Riley and the killer's point of view. As Riley fits the pieces together you wonder will the killer let her live or will the angel of death take Riley to her final resting place?

Before I Go to Sleep by Steven J. Watson is truly a chilling story. It's the story of Christine, a young woman, who has an accident and recovers. The tragedy is that although she has physically recovered, her memory is impaired. Once she goes to sleep she forgets who she is and everything about her life. Each day begins anew with untold challenges. Her doctor has her keep a journal privately and tells her not to let her husband, Ben know. Who can she trust? Is her doctor her friend? Why doesn't he want her to trust her husband? Christine wants her life back, but what kind of life did she have and can she have it if she remembers nothing about her former life? A story of terror unfolds and keeps you hanging on til its gripping conclusion. When you are sure you have figured out what is happening the author twists the plot again and takes you for another spine tingling ride.

The Accident by Linwood Barclay fits perfectly in our recession centered world. Everyone is hard hit financially in this novel. Glen's business is failing. He is a builder and one of his homes had a fire that destroyed everything and worse yet his wife just died in a car accident that she may have caused. The police believe Sheila (Glen's wife) was driving drunk. Can things get worse? Why of course they can. His daughter is having trouble in school, his mother-in-law blames Glen for Sheila's death and things in Milford keep getting more bizarre. Strange deaths are occurring and it all seems to lead back to Sheila. Can Glen prove her innocence or was Sheila living a double life. This is an exciting fast paced whodunit that will keep you riveted to your seat. Just when the mystery appears solved, is it? If you enjoy mysteries and thrillers this is a must read.

Dayton Literary Peace Prize Winners Announced

2011-09-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

The winners of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize were recently announced with none of the titles disappointing. The prize is given annually, with winners and runners-up in Fiction and Nonfiction. Descriptions are from the Dayton Literary Peace Prize press release.

The winner for Fiction went to Chang-rae Lee's Pulitzer Prize nominated work The Surrendered. The book is an examination of the long-lasting scars of war-time horrors through the intricately entwined lives of a American soldier and an orphan of the Korean War whose paths cross years after first colliding in an orphanage in war-torn Korea. The combatitive relationship between the two show how the psychological damage done by the war continues to plague them.

The Fiction runner-up is Beneath the Lion's Gaze by Maaza Mengiste. This work is about the relationships and deception between a father and his two sons during and after Ethiopia's revolution. It's a work displaying the difficulty of keeping a family apart while the world around them is being torn apart.

In the Place of Justice, the memoir of Wilbert Rideau, was the winner for Nonfiction. Rideau, a prison journalist in the violent Angola prison in Louisiana, was condemned to death in an unfair trial. The sentence was modified to life imprisonment and Rideau became editor of a prison newsmagazine, which under his leadership became an important journal instrumental in reforming the Angola prison.

The runner-up for Nonfiction, The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, tells the stories of three African-Americans who fled the South for a precarious future in the North and West.

World Cup Caliber Authors from Sweden

2011-09-27T20:40:00.027-04:00

This is the second week of World Cup caliber authors and this week we are highlighting writers from Sweden. Sweden's main spectator sports are football (soccer) and hockey. The Women's National Football team has qualified for every one of six World Cups and they have participated in four Olympic Games.
They are one of the top teams in the world and continue to move up. They placed 2nd in 2003 and 3rd in 1991 and again this year.
Try one of these talented authors and help celebrate the excellence of Sweden.

John Ajvide Lindqvist--he writes horror novels, thrillers, and short stories.

Majgull Axelsson--she is a journalist/writer who has won several important Swedish literature awards.

Marianne Fredriksson--she was a journalist for various papers before publishing fifteen novels. She passed away in 2007.

Jan Guillou--this controversial writer has published a series of novels about a Swedish Knight Templar.

Astrid Lindgren--(1907-2002)--A classic children's author and creator of Pippi Longstocking. She is probably the most well-known Swedish writer.

Liza Marklund--journalist and crime writer--her novels have been published in 30 languages.

Linda Olsson--born in Stockholm this lyrical novelist now lives in New Zealand.

Maj Sjowall--author and translator. She is best known for her 10 detective novels written with her partner Per Wahloo.

If you want to read more Swedish detective fiction--try one of these authors from my Swedish crime writers blog entry.

When a little says a lot

2011-09-20T09:01:00.002-04:00

Anyone who's ever talked with me (or perhaps even read this blog) is aware that brevity is not my strong suit. I tend to use a lot of parentheses and ellipses and dashes. It takes a lot of words to get across what I mean, and I want to make sure that the emotional import of my message is adequately conveyed. To do that, I try to explain things over and over and around and through, and every other possible direction...or, perhaps I just don't edit myself very well. I'm at least aware enough to recognize that I don't necessarily add any meaning or emotional heft to what I'm saying just by virtue of being wordy. Hemingway once wrote a six-word story to win a bet, and he ended up calling it his greatest work ever: "For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn." (Okay, even just typing that, I felt a little sad...well done, Mr. Hemingway.)

The Lover's Dictionary, written by author David Levithan, covers the entire arc of a relationship in brief, personalized dictionary-style entries. Levithan, who's best known for YA books like Nick and Norah's Infinite Wisdom and Will Grayson, Will Grayson (both worth a read, if you haven't already) had a decades-long tradition of writing books for friends on Valentine's Day. When he realized he was only two weeks away from that date in 2009, he decided to use random words and fit the story to then. I was intrigued by the concept of using words in a relationship-specific way to then define the relationship. Because this couple's arc is presented alphabetically, not chronologically, the reader is taken through a wild array of emotions in a seemingly unrelated jumble. The affection, the anger, the delight, the love, the heartbreaking, and the heartbroken moments are all tossed together in a melange of emotion. And yet, it works, and Levithan managed to create a sense of linearity of emotion, if not time. Entries like "obstinate, adj. Sometimes it becomes a contest: Which is more stubborn, the love or the two arguing people caught within it?" speak volumes about the the relationship and the couple's within it that is fraught with drama (incidentally, the definition of 'fraught" is wrenching). Others, like "yearning, n. and adj. At the core of this desire is the belief that everything can be perfect." hold a sense of hope and, well...yearning. The end result is an emotionally complex book that somehow seems greater than the sum of its words.

Fair warning: if you like your endings clear and wrapped up, it might not be the book for you. However, if you like your books original, creative, emotionally charged, and pithy, give it a try.

Another Crossover Hit!

2011-09-17T18:09:00.001-04:00

I just read, Divergent by Veronica Roth. This is her debut novel and it is an excellent dystopian fantasy. If you enjoyed Hunger Games I am quite sure you will enjoy Divergent. It is a book about a teen girl who lives in a world divided into 5 factions. The factions include Dauntless who are brave; Candor who are honest; Erudite who are studious; Amity who are peaceful and fun-loving; and Abnegation who are selfless. The world was divided into factions after a major war. Each faction has an important societal role and together they promote peace. There is unrest in Beatrice’s world. Erudites are not at all pleased with Abnegations power and are doing all they can to create tension between the factions. Beatrice is a member of Abnegation. Yet she doesn't quite fit in. She is blunt, honest, and inquisitive and speaks up when she is not to speak.

The story opens showing us glimpses of Beatrice’s life and the choice she will soon need to make. All 16 year-olds take an aptitude test that determines which faction is right for her (usually). The aptitude test is always correct. Her results are inconclusive. She is determined off the records to be Divergent. She must choose a faction, but the test leaves her with 3 possibilities. If she chooses a different faction she gives up everything she’s known. It isn't like she moves across town or goes to a different school. Factions unless at school, don't intermingle. (Remember separate but equal? Hmm, not such a good thing right?) Divergents are dangerous. They don't fit in well with any one society and if she is discovered she will be killed. She is told to "Tell no one.” Now Beatrice is scared. She doesn't belong in Abnegation, but where will she fit and what will the choice she makes do to her family/world. Her choice leads her on a path fraught with danger and deadly intrigue.

This novel kept me turning pages. I read it straight through in one sitting. I needed to know who was truly Tris' friend, why would they do what they did and what it really meant to be divergent. As Tris' world begins to fall apart what will she do? Can she trust Christine, Al or Four? What about her brother and her family.

This is an excellent thriller that readers of any age will enjoy. You may be horrified, entranced, scared, laugh and just wonder why or how could this happen. How can it be stopped? I refuse to give you more information. Pick up the book and read it. If you enjoy excitement, intrigue and adventure. This is the book for you.
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World Cup Caliber Authors from France

2011-09-13T10:45:00.001-04:00

With American football starting and the cooler temperatures last week--I am a very happy camper. Don't get me wrong--I love football but I am missing the original "football" or soccer--especially after the exciting women's World Cup a few months ago. So I thought since the men's winners got their own blog entries--then the ladies definitely deserve their own too.
For the next four weeks I will be highlighting authors from the winner's home country--starting this week with fourth place France. The French women's national team has only been in two World Cups (2003 and 2011) but they placed #4 this year and recently qualified for the 2012 Olympics--so they are on their way up.
From Nobel Prize winning writers Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, classic authors Guy de Maupassant and Marguerite Yourcenar, to the following more contemporary scribes--France has produced some gold medal caliber literature.
Try one of the following "winning" authors from France:

Pierre Boulle--Bridge Over the River Kwai
Claire Castillon--My Mother Never Dies: Stories
Philippe Djian--Unforgivable
Michelle Halberstadt--The Pianist in the Dark
J. M. G. Le Clezio--Mondo and Other Stories plus others
Mathias Malzieu--The Boy with the Cuckoo-Clock Heart
Irene Nemirovsky--Suite Francaise plus others
Tatiana de Rosnay--Sarah's Key plus others
Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt--The Most Beautiful Book in the World plus others

Remembering tragedy through books

2011-09-10T09:01:00.006-04:00

There will be many tributes this weekend to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and to the rescue workers who were there in the aftermath. There are a variety of ways to try to understand tragedy, each of which serves its own function in helping us move forward. For me, there is a place for fiction in all of this. Azar Nafisi, in her popular book, Reading Lolita in Tehran wrote that "what we search for in fiction is not so much reality but the epiphany of truth." While I certainly don't think that reading a book will make sense of everything that happened then or since, I think that reading stories often helps engender empathy and, through that, promotes greater understanding.

With that in mind, if you're looking for something to read that covers this topic, there are a few books that I'd point to:

The Submission by Amy Waldman -- A new release about the tensions that arise when it is revealed that the winning design for a Ground Zero memorial was submitted by an American Muslim.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer -- With a movie starring several Oscar winners, this 2005 title is becoming popular again (for more on movies about 9/11 check out the Now Playing blog). It is about a 9-year-old boy looking for the lock to a key that belonged to his father, who was killed in the World Trade Center.

A Disorder Peculiar to the Country by Ken Kalfus -- A dark comedy about a couple going through a bitter divorce when each thinks the other is killed in the terrorist attacks, this novel has been said to put the culture of New York up against the events of the day.

The Good Life by Jay McInerny -- Eite Manhattanites are forced to reconsider what is important in life when their lives are turned upside down in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

September Day by Larry Schweikart -- The worlds of people with remarkably disparate backgrounds are immutably intertwined by 9/11.

And, for some non-fiction treatment of 9/11, there are a variety of interesting books, including:

Wounded City: The Social Impact of 9/11

A History of the World Since 9/11

September 11: An Oral History

The 9/11 Commission Report

Or, check out the 9/11 Digital Archive for first-hand stories, emails, and digital images.

Read a banned book!

2011-09-08T16:34:00.000-04:00

Banned Books Week is an event that occurs annually during the last week of September (September 24-October 1). To help mark this celebration of our freedom to read whatever we like, the Reader's Advisory Team has set up special displays at both the Centerville and Woodbourne libraries to showcase books that have been challenged and/or banned at one time or another through the years. You may be familiar with many of the titles. Running with Scissors, by Augusten Burroughs, was challenged just last year at four different U. S. high schools and banned altogether at another due to "extremely inappropriate content for a high school media center collection." Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper was removed from classrooms in Clawson, Michigan due to it being deemed "too racy for middle school students." Perhaps one of the most famous banned books is the Bible. During the sixteenth century, the Catholic Church, threatened by the Protestant revolt sweeping through Europe, violently suppressed various Protestant versions of the Bible. (William Tyndale, author of the Tyndale translation of the Bible, was burned at the stake for his trouble.) Not long ago I wrote a post about Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, a book that has frequently been challenged due to passages that focus on Anne's "growing sexual awareness" and her "discussion of sexual matters." There are many titles on the banned and challenged books list; trust me, that list goes on and on, from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird to Stephen King's Cujo. But the beauty of the society in which we live is that we can read these and others without fear of punishment or death. Come November, you'll be exercising your right to vote (hopefully). But right now, exercise your right to read.

Centuries of June

2011-09-06T10:54:00.000-04:00

Have you ever noticed that after a while, books start to all seem the same? There are frameworks that are used, to varying degrees of effectiveness, over and over. It could be the person who has to confront and reevaluate her life due to a case of amnesia (see: What Alice Forgot, The Last Letter from Your Lover, or Man Walks into a Room), or the scholar who stumbles into a centuries-old conspiracy that he has to solve before being killed by a secret cult that was long thought dormant (see: The DaVinci Code, The Rule of Four, or The Mozart Conspiracy), or even the couple destined to be together who are kept apart for years due to a family conflict or a terrible misunderstanding before finally realizing their mutual love and affection (see: ...oh, I can't even start to narrow down that one). Regardless of how good they are (and some of the titles I just mentioned -- though not all -- are very good) it sometimes feels like there are a finite number of structures into which a story can fit and that the book's merit is based solely on how the author operates within that structure.

And then...something different comes along that is so unique that it has the effect of being refreshing. Enter Keith Donohue's new book, Centuries of June. It begins with a late night trip to the bathroom that goes bad when the narrator falls and injures his head. From there, the early hours unfold as he is visited by an old man and eight unique women, each of whom had been wronged by a man in another time, and who form a unique community in his bathroom as they listen to each other's tales. The vagaries of time, space, and a talking cat only add to the narrator's confusion, but as he begins to understand the women and their place in his bathroom, his role becomes clear. The blending of different times, situations, and dialects ultimately comes together to a cohesive conclusion that is satisfying without answering every question.

One the most laudable aspects of this book -- its unique style that sets it apart from other stories -- also makes it somewhat difficult to write about, since there is no natural comparison. I can't say, "well, if you liked X book, you'll definitely like this." (The closest I can come if you're really looking for a comparison is Andrew Davidson's The Gargoyle, which I consider high praise.) Kirkus calls Centuries of June "[p]eculiar and quirky and sure to appeal to offbeat tastes." I say if you're looking for something a little different, give it a try.

Digital Books, oh MY!

2011-09-03T10:15:00.001-04:00

The other day I was at the eye doctor. I was reading a book (I am truly not sure which one). The interesting thing is what happened when the doctor saw my book. It led to a lengthy discussion on the merits of a nook or any other type of e-reader. My doc tried to convince me the error of my ways. No it was not my reading selection he wished to discuss but rather the form of the reading material. We discussed the merits of leaving my beloved physical books behind and moving on to an electronic digital reader (eek!).

That's right; I spent the time while my eyes were dilating discussing the pros and cons of electronic reading devices. You should know, I love the feel of a hardback or paperback book in my hand, a book, not a kindle; e-reader, nook or Sony reader and I like to use a fun bookmark. I was informed (as I already knew) that the e-readers can bookmark my page. The font can be made larger, smaller, brighter or darker depending on what your eyes need to read. This might be great for the nights when the book grabs a hold of you (yes, mine do!) and keeps you turning page after page until your eyes get bleary.

It also might be nice to have access to all my books without breaking my arm or my back from the weight of the books (I read a lot of books and they can get quite heavy.). I also learned my doctor is quite fond of his Nook. It replaces his vast library of books and he uses it all the time. Light weight, easy to use, easy to share books with friends, hmm what are the drawbacks?

I am an old fashioned gal and prefer to have a book (not a Nook) in my hands. However, the good doc was very convincing. He has 3200 books at his fingertips and can store more (Wow!). I guess if the books could fit in a small device it would be a blessing. I am a die-hard book lover. I like to turn the pages and can't wait to reach the end of the book and find out who dunnit. I'm not sure for me that it would be the same to reach the last page of a book on an e-reader. However, I may have to give it a try. There are a lot of positives to them. If you want to try some new technology on your own go to our website and learn how. If you have any pointers I'd love to hear them. I'm just not sure I can give up my books, but I may have to try an e-reader.

In the Queue

2011-09-01T13:00:00.000-04:00

Last Man In Tower by Aravind Adiga

Combine a man who can’t be bought, with present-day Mumbai where everything and everyone is for sale, and you have a recipe for violence, corruption, and an Agatha Christie-style murder.

The Night Strangers: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian

Chip and Emily Linton have purchased a rambling Victorian house in New Hampshire and hope to make a happy home there with their daughter. The haunting begins when they discover a door in their basement sealed with 39-inch carriage bolts.

Columbus: The Four Voyages by Laurence Bergreen

Everyone knows of Christopher Columbus’ 1492 voyage, but not much is known about the three other voyages he undertook which revealed his sense of the sea and his superb navigational skills.

2010 James Tiptree Jr. Award Winner

2011-08-31T14:57:00.000-04:00

Dubravka Ugresic's Baba Yaga Laid an Egg has won the 2010 James Tiptree, Jr. Award. The Tiptree is given every year to works of science fiction or fantasy that explore and expand gender roles.
Dubravka Ugresic is a Croatian writer who now lives in the Netherlands. She was born in Kutina and studied Literature and Russian at the University of Zagreb. She left Croatia in 1993 after a series of public attacks on her political views. She sometimes teaches at American and European universities and this multiple award winner is a freelance writer in Amsterdam.

The Tiptree jury also released a "honor list" of other works considered worthy of note.
Explore one of the following worthy books and stories:

Passion Play by Beth Bernobich
The Bone Palace by Amanda Downum
The Lost Conspiracy (aka Gullstruck Island) by Frances Hardinge
Meeks by Julia Holmes
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin
Ash by Malindo Lo
"Diana Comet and the Disappearing Lover" featured in Diana Comet and Other Improbable Stories by Sandra McDonald
Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor
White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi
The Colony by Jillian Weise

Don't forget to read the winner Baba Yaga Laid an Egg and if you want more information about the James Tiptree, Jr. Award please go to this website.

The Mind is a Fragile Thing

2011-08-27T09:00:00.003-04:00

I just finished two very good books dealing with the human mind and memory loss. The first is Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante. I could not put this one down and got to bed a little late (ok, very late) due to reading it one sitting. The story centers on Dr. Jennifer White, who begins the story dealing with the early stages of dementia. What's worse is that her best friend, Amanda, was recently found murdered and Dr. White is the prime suspect. The investigation into Amanda's murder certainly plays a part in the story, but it isn't the focus. The focus is on what a person goes through when the mind slowly starts to deteriorate. I found the first-person narrative, told by Jennifer herself, to be intriguing and very believable. This books is very difficult to classify and probably fits best into psychological fiction with some qualities of a thriller. It's just a terrific read and I would recommend it to anyone.

It's funny how we read about a topic and find quickly find another title along the same lines. I found Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson around the same time when I placed the hold on Turn of Mind. This title also deals with memory loss, this time suffered by Christine. Her issues stem from an accident that took place twenty years ago. Christine can remember things from the first twenty-some years of her life, but nothing between when the accident took place to present time. She wakes up each morning believing she is twenty years younger and single. Christine's husband, Ben, leaves pictures and notes out for her and describes her situation to her each day. Christine also gets a call from her doctor each day and he tells her to read the journal she keeps, which fills her in on the details of her life. She quickly finds that some of what she has been told are lies. But who's lying to her? And why? This book is more of a thriller than Turn of Mind and is another page turner.

"Sometimes people just disappeared...."

2011-08-25T15:44:00.001-04:00

If you know jazz, you know about him, and the title of this memoir tells you who he is. If you don't know the music, his name doesn't matter. I'll call him Hat.

Hat. A legendary tenor saxophonist who, at the end of his life, was also a drunk, a malnourished and shambling wreck of an old man whose alcoholism masked a dark secret. There's a mystery here: what could compel such an immensely talented man to commit slow suicide? The unnamed narrator of Peter Straub's Pork Pie Hat recalls how he first met Hat in Greenwich Village one October years ago. During the course of an interview he conducted with Hat on Halloween night just two months before the musician's death, he was given a disturbing glimpse into the darkness that slowly devoured the man from the inside out. But the story Hat told him was so incredible that even now, years after the fact, he has a hard time accepting it: Certainly I could not believe all he had said. He had been putting me on, silently laughing at my credulity, for he could not possibly believe that what he was telling me was literal truth. I was a white boy with a tape recorder, it was Halloween, and Hat was having fun with me. He was jiving me.

Or was he?

Pork Pie Hat is the tale of a mystery born one bloody Halloween night in Mississippi when Hat was just a boy. And, if one believes his story, it is also the tale of the long-reaching effects of human evil. So what really happened? Read Pork Pie Hat and draw your own conclusion.

A book that made me slow down.

2011-08-23T09:01:00.002-04:00

I'm a fast reader. I average somewhere between five and seven books a week, depending on how busy the week is. Generally, it's a good thing: I get to read more books. If there's a drawback to it, it's that I have less time to live inside the pages when a book delights me. They're often simply over too soon.

Last week I read The Last Letter from Your Lover, by Jojo Moyes. This is a book that laments lost things: love, opportunities, and language. The bulk of the book takes place in 1960 and 1964, when beautiful, heart-felt love letters were written between the mysterious "B" and the elegant Jennifer Stirling, a society wife who resembled Grace Kelly. There's a striking disconnect between these scenes and those telling the more harried modern day tale of Ellie, a journalist who tries to uncover the secrets behind these letter, which she's found. Nearly everything that was delightfully sophisticated and languid about the early stories disappears in the modern story, which serves to cleverly illustrate Moyes' elegy to the lost language of love. There is a bittersweet atmosphere to the book; in fact, if you liked Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, this would be a good one to try next.

The Last Letter from Your Lover was the rare book that slowed me down. It took me a full three days to read it. It has an elegiac quality that somehow translated into slowing me down. It was wonderful -- I felt like I got to live in that time and place, and let me tell you: 1960 in London and Southern France wasn't a bad place to spend a few days.

I Never Knew

2011-08-20T16:00:00.001-04:00

Who's hotter than Hot? Betty White is hotter than hot! She has been in the public eye for 70 + years and has recently made an even bigger name for herself. I always enjoyed the characters she played. However, I did not believe that she was as sweet as the majority of the characters she played. After reading, If You Ask Me and Of Course You Won't, her latest autobiography, I believe she is down to earth, sweet and most definitely funny.

Her latest book is full of short essays (chapters) that I actually shared with my teenage daughter. Betty is not at all who I imagined her to be. She adores animals, does not seem to want to do a lot of shows, (but....she doesn't want to let anyone down either) and enjoys helping others. I learned that one of her favorite awards was being made an honorary forest ranger. What an amazing woman. She is 89 and still (I'm sure) has many adventures left to make. If you enjoy a quick, witty, exciting book written by a down to earth, lovely lady give this one a try.

What are patrons searching for @ WCPL?

2011-08-18T10:00:00.001-04:00

We make lots of great suggestions for reading material here at the Fine Print blog. But what are our patrons reading? More specifically, what titles and authors are they searching for in our eCatalog? We have the answers for you!

I've gone into our eCatalog statistics to find out what searches our patrons are conducting. These are the top authors and titles searched for by number of searches. Some of the more popular titles are actually for films, so I've included the ones based on a book. Here are the most popular searches over the past month:

Authors

James Patterson
Janet Evanovich
Nora Roberts
Charlaine Harris
Jennifer Weiner
Lee Child
Nicholas Sparks
Robert B. Parker
Rick Riordan
Stieg Larsson

Titles

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
The Help
Dexter
Hunger Games
True Grit
Heaven is For Real
Game of Thrones
Water for Elephants
I am Number Four
Paris Wife

Man Booker Longlist Recently Announced

2011-08-16T16:52:00.000-04:00

The longlist for the Man Booker Prize was announced late last month. Being on the longlist for this prestigious award is quite an honor. There are definitely some interesting names among those on the list. One former winner, Alan Hollinghurst in 2004, made this year's list for his book The Stranger's Child. Several first-time authors are among the names as well. Stephen Kellman for Pigeon English; Andrew Miller for Snowdrops and Yvette Edwards for A Cupboard Full of Coats are three first-timers listed.

Here are a few other authors on the Man Booker Prize longlist. Be sure to check these out at the library!

On Canaan's Side- Sebastian Barry
Jamrach's Menagerie- Carol Birch
Sisters Brothers- Patrick deWitt

Check out the past few winner's to whet your appetite even more!

The Finkler Question- Howard Jacobson (2010 winner)
Wolf Hall- Hilary Mantel (2009 winner)
The White Tiger- Aravind Adiga (2008 winner)
The Gathering- Anne Enright (2007 winner)
The Inheritance of Loss- Kiran Desai (2006 winner)

The shortlist of six authors will be announced on Tuesday, September 6th and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 18th. Check out the Man Booker Prize site for more information and upcoming announcements.

Need a New Read?

2011-08-13T13:16:00.002-04:00

I just read, Chicks Kick Butt. It's a compilation of short novellas from many authors. All the stories have female heroines, who (obviously) get the bad guys and save the day. I checked this book out because one of the primary authors is Rachel Caine. I enjoyed her weather warden series and thought this might be a good read. Little did I realize the book would lead me to new authors that I never read before. The short stories allow you a glimpse at the writing style of each author (and man are there authors to choose from!). There are 14 authors/stories in this book. Each story is very short, which makes for a quick read. You don't have to read it all in one sitting.

I can't wait to read a full story written by some of these authors! If you enjoy paranormal fiction, urban fantasy, dark fantasy or paranormal romance give these books a try.

Rachel Vincent's novella has characters from her Werecat Series. The first in her series is Stray. It is an urban fantasy a coming of age story for .

Karen Chance's short story, In Vino Veritas gives glimpses of characters from Midnight's Daughter. The protagonist is a special vampire, called a dhampir (half vamp, half human) can this fighter of evil uphold the senates laws and stay in one piece.

Cheyenne McCray's Double Dead shows us a private Investigator, Nyx, who is oh so much more. You definitely want her on your side if you are in trouble. You can read more about Nyx in Demons Not Included.
Lilith Saintcrow's Monsters seemed like an excerpt (and I would definitely love to read more about Eleni, Wolf and Tarquin), however in researching what story they are from I learned these characters are from some of her unfinished books. Hopefully Saintcrow will get back to them and give us more exciting stories to read. if you'd like to read more of her work you can try Night Shift or Dark Watcher.

Happy Reading! I hope you find a new favorite author.

Barbara Kingsolver wins the Distinguished Achievement Award

2011-08-11T21:14:00.001-04:00

Barbara Kingsolver has been named the recipient of the 2011 Richard C. Holbrooke Distingushed Achievement Award (formerly named the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Lifetime Achievement Award). She will be in Dayton on November 13 to accept the award, which will be presented by journalist Kati Marton, Holbrooke's widow.

Barbara Kingsolver has degrees in biology and has been writing since 1985. The Holbrooke award is only the latest in a series of awards and recognition she has earned for her writing. She has been named one of the most important authors of the 20th century by Writers Digest. In 2000, she received the National Humanities Medal, the nation's highest award for service in the arts. Her book The Poisonwood Bible was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and 2009's The Lacuna was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner award. She has been recognized by groups such as the Physicians for Social Responsibility and the American Library Association.

If you've never read one of Kingsolver's books, you're in for a treat. Start with Prodigal Summer, The Bean Trees or The Poisonwood Bible. Or, if you're more interested in nonfiction, try Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life.

Hey, what do you think I should read?

2011-08-09T09:01:00.014-04:00

I just finished reading The Borrower, author Rebecca Makkai's first novel. It was, admittedly, a bit self-indulgent because it focuses on a librarian but -- for the record -- that's where the similarities end (the story centers on the time during which librarian Lucy kidnaps/runs away with a 10-year-old patron). Still, a moment that rang particularly true for me is when Lucy identifies what she calls "the world's best question". It's, "Hey, what do you think I should read?"

There's something really great about connecting over a book. When I love a book, or when one gets in my head, I often gently and kindly ask my friends to read it so we can talk about it. (And if my friends tell you that it's more along the lines of me shoving the book at them while rudely demanding they read it, well...potato, potahto, right?) But, as much as I love the connection you can get from a shared book and as much as I like sharing ideas about what to read, I get a little nervous when someone I've never met asks me to recommend a good book to read. (Given that this is part of my job, that could be a serious problem.) If I have a chance to talk with that person and find out what she loves and hates, what her favorite book is and what bestseller she thought was over-rated, I can feel pretty good about finding the right book. But, to pick a book for someone who hasn't got any preferences and is just looking to start reading more, well -- that's some pressure. It's happened a few times recently, and all I could think was, what if I misjudge what she would like? What if I pick something he hates? What if I single-handedly destroy someone's love of reading by suggesting something that I loved but that someone else thinks is a real dud? What if, just maybe, I'm overreacting a bit? What if what they're really looking for is just any book that someone -- anyone -- has liked?

In the past few weeks, I've had to read a few books with absolutely no idea what they were about. It was a surprisingly great experience and I ended up reading some great books I might not otherwise have found. It got me out of a reading rut, where everything was starting to sound the same. It can be a way to find new authors or genres to start following. And, it can be just good fun to stretch your reading choices a little.

So, how about this? I'll throw out the titles of a few books I've really enjoyed reading lately, with no extra information, and you do the same. I don't know what you like to read and, unless you read the blog regularly, you probably don't know what I like to read. So, let's share:

War by Sebastian Junger
Gardens of Water by Alan Drew
Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks (who continues to impress me as one of the best writers around...sorry, I couldn't help it)
The Good Life by Jay McInerney
Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner
You Wish by Mandy Hubbard
The Little Women Letters by Gabrielle Donnelly
Big Girl Small by Rachel DeWoskin
The First Husband by Laura Dave

Okay, now it's your turn: "Hey, what do you think I should read?"

L. A. Banks (1959-2011) Rest in Peace

2011-08-05T21:19:00.003-04:00

It is with a heavy heart that I report the death of author Leslie Esdaile Banks, who wrote urban fantasy as L. A. Banks. She died August 2, 2011 of cancer at the age of 51. Philadelphia born Banks attended both the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University.
Her first fantasy novel was Minion, which began the Vampire Huntress series back in 2003. She has also written the Crimson Moon series and had just began a new series about angels with Surrender the Dark and the forthcoming Conquer the Dark. She also contributed stories to many paranormal romance and other anthologies. She was a fantastic writer and I would recommend her books to fantasy and romance readers alike.
Try one of her following series and enjoy the talent and wit that she always brought to the page. We will miss her.

Vampire Huntress Legend series

Minion
The Awakening
The Hunted
The Bitten
The Forbidden
The Damned
The Forsaken
The Wicked
The Cursed
The Darkness--on order
The Shadows--on order
The Thirteenth--on order

Crimson Moon series

Bad Blood
Bite the Bullet
Undead on Arrival
Cursed to Death
Never Cry Werewolf
Left for Undead

Surrender the Dark series

Surrender the Dark
Conquer the Dark

Collections

The Ancestors--813.0873808 Ance
Valentine's Day is Killing Me--813.08505 Vale (by Leslie Esdaile)

In the Queue

2011-08-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout by Jill Abramson

This part memoir, part manual, part investigative report, shares the personal account of the first year in the life of the author's golden retriever.

Secrets of the Wolves by Dorothy Hearst

At the heart of this story is the theory that it was wolves and dogs that made humans te dominant species by teaching them to hunt, hold territories, and form societies. Now a young wolf must teach his pack to live among humans without anyone dying.

Emory's Gift by W. Bruce Cameron

When Charlie Hall's mother dies, his father retreats into the silence of grief, leaving Charlie lost and alone. Fortunately, he discovers a friend in the woods behind his house--a grizzly bear, thought to be extinct in northern Idaho.

Swedish Mysteries and Detective Novels

2011-08-02T18:34:00.012-04:00

I recently worked on a book list for a patron who likes Swedish mysteries. I have heard of Mankell and of course Larsson but I was amazed at how many different Swedish crime authors are out there!

From the 1940's on, the mystery genre in Sweden became very popular and can be characterized by two very distinctive traits: a strong sense of place and to highlight the political and social policies of Sweden.
From the 1960's on, the American influence is felt and a great example is Henning Mankell (Kurt Wallander series) who is probably the bestselling Swedish crime novelist and the most well known abroad. In recent years the deceased Stieg Larsson (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) has caused an international sensation with his Millenium Trilogy. Many other Swedish mystery writers have become extremely popular and are writing award-winning detective fiction. Try one of the following talented Swedes and experience the mystery that is Sweden.

Karin Alvtegen--this award-winning author is also the grandniece of Astrid Lindgren.
Ake Edwardson (Inspector Erik Winter novels)--he is a 3-time winner of the Swedish Crime Writer's Academy Award for best crime novel.
Kerstin Ekman--her taut novel Blackwater is set in the North and focuses on racial tensions between Lapps (Sami) and Swedes.
Kjell Eriksson--he won the 2002 Best Swedish Crime Novel for The Princess of Burundi.
Mari Jungstedt--her husband's birthplace, the island of Gotland, is the setting for her first three novels.
Camilla Lackberg--she is one of Sweden's youngest successful female crime writers.
Asa Larsson--she is a former tax lawyer just like the heroine of her novels, Rebecka Martinsson.
Liza Marklund--she collaborated with James Patterson on The Postcard Killers and became the second Swedish author to reach #1 on the NY Times bestseller list.
Hakan Nesser--he is known for his Van Veeteren mysteries and his Gunnar Barbarotti novels.
Leif G. W. Persson--he is a criminologist and expert commentator on notable crime cases.
Roslund/Hellstrom--this crime-writing duo is Anders Roslund a journalist and Borge Hellstrom an ex-convict & founder of a crime prevention organization.
Johan Theorin--his novels are set on the island of Oland in the Baltic Sea which is where his mother's family hails from.
Helene Tursten--she is a former nurse whose novel's main character is Detective Inspector Irene Huss.

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes

2011-07-30T10:00:00.001-04:00

I really enjoyed Marcus Sakey's 2010 thriller, The Amateurs, and decided to pick up his latest offering, The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes. Thanks to a very intriguing plotline, interesting characters, a villain who you'll love to hate, and this past Sunday's thunderstorm, I finished this novel in one sitting.

The plot begins right off with a man struggling out of the Atlantic Ocean near Maine. He washes up on shore with no recollection of who he is or why he's there. A beautiful BMW is near the shore and he makes his way to it. Inside, he finds take-out wrappers, a US atlas, several hundred dollars, a gun, and an ID. The ID says "Daniel Hayes" who is from Malibu, California. He assumes that he is Daniel Hayes, but there are several nagging questions. What happened to his memory? If he is Daniel Hayes, why is he in the ocean in Maine? And, most disturbing of all, why did he need a gun?

Daniel soon realizes that the answers are not in Maine, but in Malibu. He begins a cross-country journey with no idea of what awaits him when he arrives in California. Along the way, little snippets of his life come back to him. He sees a woman on television who seems very familiar to him. She is on a sitcom that takes place in Malibu and he just knows that his past is somehow connected to her. Finding this woman becomes his goal. But is he prepared for what awaits him?

I really enjoyed this story and, while it takes the normal twists and turns that most thrillers take, I found the characters themselves to be the highlight of the story. Watching Daniel try to put together the pieces of his life only to be frightened by what he finds makes for a great reading experience. While I felt one of the twists at the end to be a bit forced, the book is a real page-turner.

Have you been to the Secret Annex?

2011-07-29T08:00:00.019-04:00

I tend to read a lot of Holocaust literature. Morbid fascination? In a word, no. I think what I’m trying to do is understand how the savagery that was unleashed across Europe and Russia could be discussed, agreed upon, planned, and executed as though it were nothing more than a course of action to manage the weeds in one’s garden. The question—How could this happen?—is one that haunts me still, and the fact that similar atrocities continue to occur throughout the world reveals the sad truth that we still don’t get it. So I keep reading, not only of the whys and the hows, but perhaps most important of all, the whos: those who lived through the Holocaust, and those who perished. A recent late-night viewing of the moving BBC adaptation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” led me to the diary itself (Het Achterhuis; its English title is Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl) when I realized with shock that I’d never actually read it. I’m sure you’re familiar with the story: in 1942, thirteen-year-old Annelies Frank and her family (joined by four others) went into hiding in Amsterdam after the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. They remained in hiding until 1944 when they were discovered, arrested, and ultimately shipped to Auschwitz. These events are bookends to the majority of the entries within the diary in which Anne gives a detailed and highly literate account of life in “The Secret Annex,”* from the suffocating pressures of confinement to the hopes that waxed and waned with each report from the war front, and everything in between. It is a young girl’s struggle to simply live and celebrate life in the face of death, put to a symphony of words, sometimes harsh, sometimes naive, but always eloquent. Yes, in spite of the horrors taking place around her, there is real beauty to be found in Anne’s words, so much so that as the entries draw closer to August 4, 1944, the day the Franks were arrested and taken from their hiding place, the entries become that much harder to read. Anne always believed that she would survive the war and become a great writer. Had she lived, I have no doubt she would have achieved whatever she set her mind to, but as her Het Achterhuis demonstrates, she was already an extraordinary writer.

*Click the link to visit "The Secret Annex Online"

A strong sense of place

2011-07-26T10:03:00.000-04:00

The ability to be taken to new places and have new adventures has always been one of the great allures of reading to me. Whether it's the daily life of a retiree trying to adjust to life without work or a wife or the exciting adventures of teenagers battling the forces of evil across space and time, reading has always afforded the opportunity to experience new things. A few books I've read recently, though, have been interesting not because they bring new places to me, but because they take me to places I know well. There's a strange sort of excitement about reading a story set in a place I'm familiar with.

In preparation for a recent vacation, I read The Bastard of Istanbul. It was interesting and a story worth ready, but as I hadn't yet been there, I didn't feel a pull toward the city in any way. By complete coincidence, though, over the past weekend I read Gardens of Water by Cincinnatian Alan Drew. I didn't even realize that the book takes place outside of Istanbul until after I started it. In addition to being a really compelling story filled with questions of culture clash, gender roles, religion, physical and mental illness, and young love, I felt a small thrill every time I recognized a street, a district, a word, or a food being referenced.

It doesn't have to be a foreign locale to be exciting. I've felt the same rush reading books about Columbus, like Jennifer Cruise's Bet Me or Dayton, like Martha Moody's Office of Desire. When I lived in a small college town in Iowa, I felt compelled to read Sleeping With the Enemy, which took place in that town. It's just fun to read about things happening where you are.

Of course, I'll never be able to travel to as many places as I can read about. So, until my next vacation, I'll enjoy my armchair travels and learn about new locations through good books.

Summer Reading

2011-07-23T09:00:00.002-04:00

Thinking about the perfect vacation makes me smile. Most people dream of sand, surf and fun. Although I enjoy the sand and surf, I also appreciate a nice hammock, a great big shade tree and a terrific book. I can't think of a better way to spend a summer? So here are a few great books to keep your summer running smooth.

Summer Without Men by Siri Hustvedt is a story of love, loss and friendship. It's a quick read that will keep you amused.

The Arrivals by Meg Mitchell Moore is a coming home story. This story is written showing all the main characters point of view. It's a story of love, growing up and coping when tragedy strikes. Do you tell your family your most secret desires or failings? Do you go home or tough it out on your own? This is an excellent story that will hold you.

Planting Dandelions by Kyran Pittman This is a well written story full of the authors memories of her growing up years. You will laugh and enjoy this wonderful novel. A definite must have for the beach.

State of Wonder by Anne Patchett is a wildly brilliant book that will keep you entranced. The characters and settings are brought to life with Anne's excellent prose. It is definitely a must read for this summer.

The Gap Year by Sarah Bird is another excellent novel! It is the story of a mother and her daughter A beautiful story that chronicles the life of Camille and her daughter. It tells of the daughter's growth and how her coming of age impacts her mother. This is not your typical child coming of age story. Sarah Bird uses wry humor, wit and honesty to tell a spell-binding story.

No matter what story you choose to read or where you read it, whether it's a beach, hammock, sofa or listening to it in your car, enjoy it. Let the words take you away and let your summer reading transport you to another place.

Never Knowing

2011-07-21T10:00:00.001-04:00

I recently wrote a post on what I was doing while waiting for Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens to be released. Click here if you missed it. I am very happy to report that I was able to get a copy of this book and it did not disappoint!

This first-person novel follows Sara Gallagher, who was adopted at an early age, as she attempts to find her real parents. She does find her real mother, but is rejected immediately. Sara soon finds out why. Her mother is the only living survivor of a notorious serial killer. Needless to say, the news hits Sara hard. The novel is very similar to Stevens' other novel, Still Missing, in that each chapter is a session between Sara and her therapist as Sara attempts to make sense of where she came from.

I was pleasantly surprised with this novel due to the high expectations after Still Missing. The story sucked me right in and is very fast-paced. There are some twists and turns as the police soon find who Sara is and want to use her to finally capture the killer. I really thought I had guessed what would happen at the end and was shocked by what actually happens. This is a very fast-paced and hard to put down thriller.

My dying wish

2011-07-19T09:01:00.001-04:00

I am a planner. I like to have things thought out ahead of time. But, as I have no plans to die anytime soon (that pounding you hear is me knocking every piece of wood around me), I have no deathbed request prepared, nor do I have farewell letters written for those closest to me. I have prepared no sealed envelopes filled with instructions to be delivered to my dearest friends after I'm gone that will pressure them with the power of postmortem guilt to carry out some endeavor that they otherwise never would've done. And, if I did, I'm fairly certain that any instructions I did leave would not have the powerful ability to change my friends' lives for the better. (In fact, for any of my friends reading this there is only thing I ask of you in the awful possibility that I do die unexpectedly: Please, for the future happiness and well-being of my daughters, stop by the house once in a while and make sure their hair is brushed because without your help it's just not going to get done.)

All this is to say that I have felt ill-prepared when reading several books lately in which the main characters have changed their friends' lives from beyond the grave. Perhaps there's something transcendent about approaching the end of life that brings a clarity about your own life and those of your friends. In The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship, when 38-year-old Rachel Braun died of cancer she left behind instructions for her three best friends. The formerly close friends had drifted apart, each getting further stuck in the rut of her life, until Rachel's instructions shocked them into action. Whether something as seemingly simple as skydiving or as difficult as raising her daughter, the women were compelled to do things that both brought them together and helped them move forward in their individual lives. In Second Time Around, a group of four best friends from college have a summer vacation together every year -- until one of them dies. In this case, the dearly departed was also quite wealthy and left a substantial amount to each of her friends with the instructions that the money be used to fulfill her life's dream. (And, again, to my friends: I haven't got a few million stashed away. Will you still please brush my girls' hair?)

Kindred Spirits, by The Cinderella Pact and Bubbles Unbound author Sarah Strohmeyer, picks up the mantle of this theme. After a long battle with cancer, Lynne leaves instructions for her friends to find the daughter she placed for adoption as a teenager. Along the ensuing roadtrip, the women find out about each other, their inner strengths, and some mean martini recipes. Another new title out, Joy for Beginners by Erica Bauermeister focuses on a group of friends in which the cancer patient survives her battle, but then issues challenges to a group of friends to do something scary or difficult in their lives over the next year.

Bottom line? It might not be the most original theme around, and they certainly make me feel both unprepared and less than profound, but there's something interesting to consider. They are about making positive changes in your life; living, as Gandhi suggested, "as if you were to die tomorrow." What would be the one thing that would change your life?

Cats, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

2011-07-09T09:39:00.005-04:00

I have always had a soft spot for animals. It doesn't matter what kind of animal. I have cared for baby skunks and baby raccoons. Fed snakes and owls, (please know this was not my favorite job) but.. it had to be done. I truly enjoyed working at the nature center and caring for the animals. Although, I no longer work at the nature center, I still love animals. So naturally I enjoy reading books that involve animals. A few of my favorites are Dewey the Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, Last Dog on the Hill, Scent of the Missing, Dogtown : tales of rescue, rehabilitation, and redemption, The God of Animals and Seabiscuit. If you'd like to read some more wonderful animal stories you can go to our GBGL Tall Tails site. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.

In the Queue

2011-07-07T10:13:00.001-04:00

The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan

Who knew werewolves got lonely! I thought they were too busy baying at the moon. Anyway. . .Jake the werewolf is lonely and is contemplating suicide, but powerful forces have their own reasons for keeping him alive.

The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

This is a very awkward situation. Waking in the hospital after a car accident, Jennifer has no memory of her husband and her former life. While recuperating, she finds a letter from a man who apparently was her lover!

The Pirates of Somalia: Inside Their Hidden World by Jay Bahadur

Johnny Depp is everyone’s favorite pirate, but these real modern day pirates are a bad bunch who roam the seas and lie in wait for unsuspecting ships. Did you know they currently hold 50 vessels and 800 people hostage!

Patiently Waiting

2011-06-30T10:00:00.002-04:00

I have been patiently waiting for Chevy Stevens' newest book Never Knowing, slated for a July release. Ok. You got me. I have not been patient at all, but have been pacing around and constantly checking the calendar to make sure it isn't July. Stevens' debut, Still Missing, was one of my favorite books of 2010. It's a story of a woman who survives being abducted and eventually escapes. But the focal point of the story are the discussions she has with her therapist after the escape. They show that, despite no longer being held captive, she is still forced to relive the memories each day. It's a powerful book and the comparisons to Emma Donoghue's Room make perfect sense.

I decided to check out some similar authors to get ready for the release of Never Knowing. There are definitely some gems to be found within this genre. The first I checked out was The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers. The two sisters, Lulu and Merry, witness a terrible crime committed by their father who is subsquently sent to prison. The story follows the sisters over a thirty year period. How each one deals with the cards they were dealt is very intriguing as they deal with things in the opposite way than you would expect (I don't want to give too much away). Each sister narrates different chapters and the reader can identify with both in different ways.

The End of Everything by Megan Abbott is another recommended title. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this one and read it in one sitting. This is another tale of a teenage girl, Evie, being abducted in a suburban neighborhood. Her best friend, Lizzie, narrates the tale and we see how she deals with not knowing what happened to her best friend and how she helps the Evie's family. Throughout the story, I had the same feeling I had while reading Room. As the tension builds, we soon find out that all may not be as it appears.

Finally, I checked out What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman. In 1975, two sisters were taken from a mall outside Baltimore. The case is never solved and no real leads ever materialize. Fast forward to the present when a distraught motorist gets into an accident and attempts to flee the scene. She is taken to the hospital where she quickly claims to be one of the sisters who have been missing for thirty years. The police begin working to find out a) if she is who she says she is, and b) what happened thirty years ago?

What classics do you love?

2011-06-28T09:01:00.001-04:00

Too often, I get very caught up with books that are new. In many ways, this is a good thing. As a librarian, it's important for me to be up-to-date with current publiciations (oh, how I love having a job that gives me an excuse to read a lot!). Still, in my quest to keep up with what's new, it's easy to overlook what's old, but great. This month, though, one of the lovely members of my book club brought me back by selecting her favorite book of all-time, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Betty Smith's 1943 classic about 11-year-old Francie Nolan, for us to read. It had been years since I had last read this book and, while I remembered in a vague, hazy way that I had liked it, what I had forgotten was the beauty of the story. I had forgotten how much I loved Francie and how much I wanted to protect her. Or maybe, since I was probably 14 the last time I read it, I didn't have the emotional reaction to the book then that I did now. Either way, it was a delight to re-read this book with a fresh eye. I loved the sweet sadness of Francie's love for her father, at the age when she and her brother still, "didn't know that they were supposed to be ashamed of him." I realize I'm getting a bit sentimental about this book, but it was really lovely to re-read this classic and be reintroduced to the aspects that made it classic.

Over the past few days, this has inspired me to talk with others about the joys of some of our favorite books, and have found that most titles and authors mentioned aren't new releases, but classics. A Wrinkle in Time, Kate Chopin's works, The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, Jane Austen, and other classics have all come up in conversation. It raises the question, "What makes a classic?" Surely, there are books that have come out in the past few years that will be considered classics at some point. So, my questions for you are, "What is your favorite 'classic' book?" and are there any books that have come out in the past few years that you think will become a classic?

Amazing Epic Fantasy Novels

2011-06-25T09:00:00.003-04:00

Do you like epic novels? If you do, check out these three new titles from well-known authors Kelley Armstrong, Orson Scott Card and Brandon Sanderson.

Card's new novel, Lost Gate has a Harry Potter similarity. The exception is that Danny North comes from an ancient line of magical families (the gods) and has a very powerful mother and father. They left him in the care of his extended family. Unfortunately for him, he shows no sign of having any magical talent. This makes him 'less' by the family's standards and he is treated as little better than a servant. When his talent is revealed he can't tell anyone because to have this specific form of lost magic, means he must die. This is an enticing urban fantasy that will keep you entranced.

Armstrong's new novel, The Gathering is fantastic. She weaves a story about Maya a young teen, who is raised in a small eccentric town. An action packed adventure story that will keep you wondering what will happen next. An excellent start to a great epic fantasty adventure. I can't wait to learn what happens next.

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson is in a word, excellent. Sanderson creates a new world complete with magic and myths of its own. His characters are amazing and the world so detailed it brings the story to life. There are two kingdoms. One is run by the God King and the other is a monarchy. The monarchy's eldest princess is to marry the God King and bring peace to the realm. As in all good epic novels, this doesn't happen quite the way it should. No, it just is not that simple. There's a controversial political struggle, riots, and a serious who done it plot. The plot twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you haven't thought to read it and you liked Lord of the Rings or The Druid of Shannara give this story a try. There is so much more that can be done with these wonderfully vivid characters that I hope Brandon will create a series or even a trilogy to tell us more of this new world and her people. This is one of the most brilliant epic novels I have read in a long time.

Free Money Sense Workshops and Money Management Information!

2011-06-18T09:00:00.001-04:00

WCPL is currently offering FREE workshops designed to assist you in your financial decision making! Join us on June 23rd from 2:00-3:00 PM at the Centerville Library for "Money Sense: Managing Your Money" and again on June 29th from 10:00-11:00 AM at the Hithergreen Center for "Money Sense: Hot Consumer Topics."

But that's not all! Check out some of the newest investment and money management titles available at the library. Here is just a sample of our newest titles:

A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing by Burton Malkiel
How to Make Money in Alternative Investments by Hubert Bromma
How to Invest $50-$5,000: The Small Investor's Step-By-Step Plan for Low-Risk Investing in Today's Economy by Nancy Dunnan
Dfree: Breaking Free from Financial Slavery by DeForest B. Soaries
The 10 Commandments of Money: Survive and Thrive in the New Economy by Liz Weston
Zombie Economics: A Guide to Personal Finance by Lisa Desjardins

Lifecycle Investing: A New, Safe, and Audacious Way to Improve the Performance of Your Retirement Portfolio by Ian Ayres

Go to this site for more information on the Money Sense workshops.

And now, for something completely different...

2011-06-14T09:01:00.002-04:00

I'm pretty much a fiction girl. Oh, sure, there's the occasional non-fiction title that grabs my interest (especially if it's about fiction like the brilliant The Polysyllabic Spree set by Nick Hornby) but I generally like to live in the land of make-believe. Lately, though, there's been a train of non-fiction going through my trusty library basket at home and I've been hooked on reading about what really was. It started with Operation Mincemeat: How a Dead Man and a Bizarre Plan Fooled the Nazis and Assured an Allied Victory by Ben Macintyre. Think Weekend at Bernies meets James Bond in an effort to win World War II. (Especially James Bond, since Ian Fleming was involved with this operation, as were the men who were the inspiration for M and Q. And especially Weekend at Bernies because it involved...you know, pretending a dead body wasn't really dead.) This book put me in a bit of spy mode, so I moved on to The Company We Keep: A Husband-And-Wife-True-Life Spy Story. The stories of life as CIA operatives were really interesting, especially since Robert Baer, the husband in this team, is the inspiration for George Clooney's character in Syriana.

Then came Less Than Human: Why We Demean, Enslave, and Exterminate Others by David Livingstone Smith. I'll warn you (although you might've guessed from the title), it's a bit heavy, by which I mean reviews use words like "brutal" and "grim." Still, it offers a really interesting argument about the importance of the way we think of others in how we allow ourselves to treat them. And, speaking of how we think of things, after these three books, I really needed a mental break.

With perfect timing, Mary Kay Andrews' new book, Summer Rental, arrived on the hold shelf for me. And I believe I'll stay squarely in the world of fiction for a while.

New Authors Turn up the Heat!

2011-06-11T09:00:00.005-04:00

It's summer. At least it feels like summer with the 90 degree temperatures. Here are a few authors who blazed to the top of the charts with their first novel. Some though written years ago continue to be best sellers.

This list would be incomplete without Kathyrn Stockett's The Help. A superb story of troubled times in American History. The characters are believable, you fear for them, hope for them and long for their lives to change. Stockett creates a truly incredible story that will keep you transfixed and reading until its conclusion.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a novel that leads you to understand how a country in turmoil impacts all those who live there. It's a story of two boys from different background who grow up together.

The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
When the unnamed narrator's world goes up in flames, he spends months recovering in a burn unit. He then meets Marianne Engel, a sculptor who claims they first met in medieval Germany. An incredible story that will hold you captive.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a classic it was published in 1960 and won the Pulitzer Prize. An excellent novel about a white man in depression era Alabama who defends the black man charged with the rape of a white girl.

Find more captivating novels here there is sure to be one that will turn up the heat! Just sit down under a shade tree. Grab a nice cold lemonade and read a great book!

Summer of Super Heroes

2011-06-11T08:12:00.026-04:00

I have always loved comic books and my favorite superhero was Daredevil and not the Ben Affleck version either. How could I not admire a blind man in bright, red spandex who could defeat evil and look good too? How many people do you know that can carry spandex?
This is the summer for super hero movies and the library's Summer of Heroes summer reading club is now open so sign up.
At the box office Thor and X-Men First-Class have already come out. Green Lantern comes out June 17th and Captain America: The First Avenger comes out June 22nd. Finally, on August 19th Conan the Barbarian will be released. I know Conan is not "technically" a superhero but he is a warrior and heroic so I included him too.

Try one of the following books and graphic novels and get reacquainted with your inner super hero.

Thor

X-Men

Green Lantern

Captain America

Conan the Barbarian

Kung-Fu Panda (Pandas are super too)

When I toss aside my glasses, let down my hair and ditch the comfortable shoes I become the Dewey Decimater! So keep those voices down, sign up, and read! You'll feel super!

In the Queue

2011-06-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Iron House by John Hart

Two orphaned brothers are separated at an early age. When accused of murder, one flees to New York and enters the world of organized crime. Years later he returns to North Carolina and to his brother to solve the mystery of their past.

Burnt Mountain by Anne Rivers Siddons

Thayer Wentworth loved summer camp. It was there she met and fell in love with Nick Abrams—her first love and her first heartbreak. Years later and married to someone else, Thayer confronts dark secrets about her mother, Nick, and her husband.

A World on Fire: Britain's Crucial Role in the American Civil War by Amanda Foreman

Through their diaries and letters, this is a first-hand account of the role that approximately 50,000 British
citizens played in the American Civil War.

Jailed Iranian Author Wins "Freedom to Write" Award

2011-06-07T10:13:00.020-04:00

Nasrin Sotoudeh

I received a newsletter from PEN American Center recently and it told of another author being jailed for speaking their mind. Nasrin Sotoudeh, a 47-year-old mother of two, is a journalist and human rights attorney in Iran. She was imprisoned for eleven years for "spreading lies against the regime" among other things. They confiscated her only writing instrument so she can't write to her family, she can't work on her defense, she can't even mark the days of her sentence as they go by. On April 28, 2011 570 PEN luminaries and supporters honored her as she received the 2011 PEN/Barbara Smith Freedom to Write Award. Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi accepted the award on Sotoudeh's behalf. A letter written by Sotoudeh's husband Reza Khandan was read to the crowd. It contained the following quotes:

"According to the current court ruling, and her situation, without any additional charges, she will be without a pen for nearly 4000 days."

"We will honor and record the day of March 17, 2011, in our history so that our children will remember the dedication and sacrifice of all those around the world for the freedom to write."

We honor her sacrifice and of others like her. Enjoy some of the following Iranian/Iranian-American writers:

Hamid Dabashi--He is professor of Iranian Studies & Comparative Literature at Columbia University and has written over 20 books.
Firoozeh Dumas--She is an Iranian-American most famous for her memoir Funny in Farsi.
Porochista Khakpour--A former arts & entertainment journalist, her first novel won the 77th California Book Award Prize.
Shahriyar Mandanipur--He is an award-winning novelist of Modern Persian literature and now a well know international writer.
Taghi Modarressi--He was a child psychiatrist and fiction writer who was married to novelist Anne Tyler for 34 years. He died in 1997.
Azar Nafisi--She is an academic whose bestselling book Reading Lolita in Tehran has been translated into 32 languages.
Shahrnush Parsipur--Many of her works have been banned in Iran and she was imprisoned multiple times. She now lives in exile in the United States.
Marjane Satrapi--Most well known for her graphic novel Persepolis.
Mahbod Seraji--His first novel Rooftops of Tehran has been on multiple notable booklists.

For more information: PEN American Center

Good Ole Summertime

2011-06-06T08:42:00.001-04:00

Don't you just love summer! Water fights, picnics, swimming, and of course relaxing with a good book. What could be better? Why it's our Summer Reading Club Program. It begins June 6th and lasts through August 1. Our adult summer reading program has 4 prize drawings throughout the summer. You could win a fabulous prize just for doing something you love to do, reading a great book! So find any book you like whether it be a wonderful cookbook like Big Bob Gibson's BBQ Book or 1001 Escapes to Experience Before You Die. I personally enjoy a nice beach read. A few excellent quick reads are: Planting Dandelions, Remember Me, The Beach House, Body Surfing, and The Memory Keepers Daughter. Hope you enjoy our Summer Reading Program and have a great Summer!

This book is coming soon to a movie theater near you

2011-06-04T09:01:00.003-04:00

It's time for summer reads (and Summer Reading -- don't forget to sign up starting Monday!), but it's also time for a few summer blockbusters. There are a lot of books, both classics and newer, that will be showing up on a big screen this year. From Jane Eyre and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan to One Day and The Help. Oh, yeah, and the final installment of a small, relatively unknown series. There's also the already-popular Water for Elephants and The Lincoln Lawyer.

Of course, having books translated into movies isn't limited to adult audiences there are also a lot of great books for kids and teens that have become great movies. Check out a more complete list here. If you've seen the movie but not read the book, check one out and see what you think. Doesn't everyone say that the book is always better than the movie? I suppose our friends over at Now Playing might disagree. What do you think -- book or movie? What's been your favorite movie based on a book?

A car wreck, a cardiac arrest, and an unintentional spate of good books about death

2011-05-31T10:56:00.001-04:00

If my husband was inclined to browse through my book selection recently, he might have been a little worried. It's not that he would have cause to, it's just that I've read several books in the past couple of weeks that involved 30-something women and the unexpected death of their husbands. It was unintentional, but I can see how that pattern might be a bit disconcerting.

The first one I stumbled across was Emily and Einstein. Emily didn't realize her husband, Sandy, was on his way to tell her he wanted a divorce when he was killed by a car. Sandy wasn't ready to die and is given a chance to make things right by staying on as a stray dog named Einstein. Alternating chapters between Emily's and Einstein's perspectives, the book gives Sandy a chance to become a good man as a dog to make up for the dog he was as a man. Susan Isaac's new book, As Husbands Go, like Emily and Einstein, also addresses the grief and confusion felt by new widows.

Shortly after that, I moved on to Sara Pekkanen's new title, Skipping a Beat, which begins with, "When my husband, Michael, died for the first time..." so I knew pretty quickly that it would join my collection of dead-husband books. Pekkanen explores the relationship between Julia and Michael, who were also near divorce, after his resuscitation from a 4 1/2 minute long cardiac arrest.

For some older titles, P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern and Good Grief by Lolly Winston are also great reads on this subject. For now, I'm off to go find some books that won't cause my husband to worry about my intentions.

Worrywarts of the World Unite!

2011-05-28T09:34:00.006-04:00

If you like to laugh and enjoy self-help books, this is a great book for you! The Worrywart's Prayer Book : 40 Help-Me-Get-A-Grip, God Meditations and Prayers by Allia Zobel-Nolan is the answer to my prayers. I admit it, I am a worrywart. I am not proud of it, but I stand up for my right to worry about where my child is. What did his cryptic phone message mean? He called and said, "I need to tell you about what happened this morning." Does it mean he was in a car accident? Did he leave the faucet running at home? Did he just forget his homework? I can't call him, because he is at school, but what if he needs me? I am sure I drive my husband crazy. I know I ought to relax, but what if? I tell myself, relax, but it is not as easy as it sounds.This is where Allia Zobel-Nolan enters in with her wonderful and lighthearted book for all worrywarts.

The author is a reformed worrywart and understands what causes most people to fret. She points it out with a gentle touch and provides inspiration to help the worrier in all of us overcome our angst. A truly enjoyable novel that will inspire you, relax you and just make you smile.