Saturday, August 30, 2014

Just Jennifer

So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came to Be and Why It Endures by Maureen Corrigan (Little, Brown and Company, September 2014)


A must read for any Gatsby fan, the NPR Fresh Air book critic demonstrates the staying power and continuous appeal of a book many of us read in high school and offers a compelling argument as to why Gatsby should be read over and over at different stages of our life especially as most people read Gatsby for the first time as a high school student.  Corrigan submits that many first time readers of Gatsby view it as a tragic lover story when it is so much more than that: social and political commentary, a nostalgic longing for the past, coupled with a dash of hard-boiled crime.  Corrigan delves into Gatsby’s reception in 1925 (slow to catch on) and traces its trail to part of the modern American cannon in the 1960’s.  Corrigan’s enthusiasm for the book is palpable; as she makes each new point, you can almost see her excitedly teaching this in a classroom or talking with a friend over coffee.  Corrigan not only reignites a reader’s enthusiasm for Gatsby but may spark something to go back and take a look at another fondly or not so fondly, remembered classic from our school days.  With bright, fresh prose that is never pedantic, Maureen Corrigan shares her love for a book about which many of us say “oh yeah, I read that in high school” but about which we may remember, or know, so little.

Just Jennifer

Born to be a Yankee compiled from The New York Post (Harper Paperbacks, August 2014)


Some things, Joe DiMaggio, the Yankee Clipper,  Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson and the House that Ruth built, are quintessentially Yankee…now add Derek Jeter to that list.  In fourth grade, Jeter told his teacher in Michigan that he was going to play shortstop for the Yankees and play it he has. Passed up by the Astros during the draft, Jeter has spent the last two decades in Yankee pinstripes wearing #2, one of only a handful of players who have played their entire career with one team.  Fourteen of those years he played on the American League team in the All-Star game; he won the American League Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award each five times and has been honored with countless more accolades.  This heavily illustrated commemorative edition, compiled from the archives of The New York Post, chronicles Jeter’s career as a superstar baseball player, a team player and a fan favorite as he prepares to bid farewell to a career that has served him, and his teammates and fans, well.

Big Little Lies

Author: Liane Moriarty
Stars: 3
Review by: Bookworm momma

It took me awhile to get into this book, but it had a good ending. I don't think I liked it as well as her other books.
 
 

Conquering the Sky

Author: Larry E. Tise
Stars: 1
Review by: Book Worm 1

Very dull exploration of the Wright Brothers flights from 1905-1908. Turned what could have been an exciting read into something of a sleep generator.
 

Progress So Far

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That Summer

Author: Laura Willig
Stars: 5
Review by: Julie

Historical fiction with art history and Pre-Raphaelites thrown in. Set in London, told from multiple perspectives.
 
 

Congratulations to...

... our Week # 14 Prize Winners:

  • BKF
  • PK

Sand Castle Bay

Author: Sherryl Woods
Stars: 5
Review by: PK

This was a new author/series for me...looking forward to reading more.
 

Braving the Fire

Author: Jessica Handler
Stars: 5
Review by: PK

I've begun working on my next book about grief/loss and hope/healing and this was just what I needed.
 

Progress So Far

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Thursday, August 28, 2014

The Spark and the Drive

Author: Wayne Harrison
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa

Novel approach to a novel. 

The Night Bookmobile

Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S

A fascinating treatment of well-worn tropes of interstitial fiction. Out late one night, a young woman stumbles across The Night Bookmobile, which, curiously, only shelves books that she has read -- in fact, every book she has ever read. It inspires her to do things she has never thought about before. Told in a graphic novel format. 

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Just Jennifer

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty (Norton, September 2014)


Caitlin Doughty admits to always having had a, what some might consider, unhealthy obsession with death.  Armed with a degree in Medieval History, and a somewhat morbid, often irreverent, sense of humor, Caitlin began knocking on doors of funeral homes applying for a job.  With no experience and no mortician’s license, it was hard going until Mike at Westwind Cremation and Burial in San Francisco hands her a pink razor and instructs her to shave a man before the family arrives for a private viewing prior to the man’s cremation.  Never having shaved a man, dead or alive, Caitlin does her best and must have passed muster because she was hired and began her career seeing to the final wishes, and disposition, of people after their deaths.  With good-humor and some self-deprecation, Caitlin describes not only her first few months learning the business, including the people (dead and alive) she met and how they responded to death.  She also includes some self-reflection, how she became fascinated with death, how death is viewed in our culture and offers some musings as to how we, as a society might better deal with death, the death of our loved ones and our own impending mortality.  Caitlin tells her stories respectfully and thoughtfully, not sugar-coating the process, but not glamorizing or exploiting what can be one of the most private moments of a life.  Caitlin has since become a licensed mortician and is the creator and host of the web series “Ask a Mortician”.  You don’t need to be fascinated by death to enjoy this heartfelt, honest memoir.

Every Last One

Author: Anna Quindlen
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Barb

This was a good book.
 

Brick by Brick: How LEGO Rewrote the Rules of Innovation and Conquered the Global Toy Industry

Author: David C. Robertson with Bill Breen
Stars: 2
Review by: Miss Lucy

Interesting story of LEGO's successful and failed innovations over the years. But the book dragged on. I think the tale could have been told a lot more succinctly.
 

2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas

Author: Marie-Helene Bertino
Stars: 1
Review by: pla

Too quirky!
 

Night of the Grizzlies

Author: Jack Olsen
Stars: 3
Review by: Jambob

This summer I visited the spectacular Glacier National Park in Montana. This park has the breathtaking "Going to the Sun Road"  which is the opening scene in The Shining. In 1967 there was  a terrible double tragedy that occurred on the very same night. Two teenage girls were mauled and killed by grizzly bears. This book is no literary masterpiece. In fact there were times I felt the dialogue unbelievable, but it does adequately describe a terrifying night and the events that led up to it. This is a nonfiction book outlining the way a National Park operated so carelessly prior to these attacks. The almost "tripping over themselves" way they needed to address the fatalities was pitiful. If you love visiting our national treasures and hiking through any wilderness I recommend reading this book. It does leave you with a sobering respect for wildlife and distrust of official competence where your safety is concerned. You are ultimately responsible so take precautions seriously when entering any wilderness!
 

Big Little Lies

Author: Liane Moriarty
Stars: 5
Review by: Kee Read

I really enjoyed this book.  I liked it better than her other book, The Husband's Secret. She has great character development with great story lines too.  There is always a surprise ending with her books.

Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times

Author: Jennifer Worth
Stars: 5
Review by: line82

Love historical fiction. Author weaves a wonderful story. Can't wait to read books 2 & 3.
 
 

It's OK To Die

Author: Monica Williams Murphy, M.D. & Kristian Murphy
Stars: 4
Review by: Miss Lucy

A book about end-of-life choices. It includes lots of stories to illustrate its points. The last quarter of the book seemed to just repeat what was already covered.
 

The Art of Hearing Heartbeats

Author: Jan-Phillipp Sandker
Stars: 4
Review by: DeckReader

In a daughter's search for her father she learns about his sweet, unforgettable love.
 

Dark Skye: An Immortals After Dark

Author: Kresley Cole
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati

This is book 15 of the Immortals after Dark series.  It took me a little while to get all my characters in order, but once I got with the program it was a nice read.  This is the story of Thronos and Melanthe.  Like Romeo and Juliet they met and fell in love as their families were at war.  The war separated them for a long time and now they are forced together to work their way through a series of events being directed by those creating an end of the world scenario.  Another easy summer read.
 
 

Afterburn & Aftershock

Author: Sylvia Day
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

Once again there are two books in one.  Both were published as part of the Cosmo Red-Hot Reads series.  The stories are continuous as soon as one finishes the other picks right up.  This is about a woman trying to make it big in the food industry.  Her family owns a restaurant but with a bunch of older brothers, she wants to find her own way.  She meets up with mover and shaker in the industry and gets the job of her dreams.  The dream gets shattered when a blast from her past shows up and derails a key business plan.  Their feelings for each other get reignited and off the story goes.  Another easy summer read.
 
 

A Flickering Light

Author: Jane Kirkpatrick
Stars: 2
Review by: Smudge

A family history of an early woman photographer.  The author could have edited out 75 pages of love story angst and included more about early photography and women photographers.
 

Secrets of Eden

Author: Chris Bohjalian
Stars: 4
Review by: Barb

I liked listening to this book and found the ending surprising.
 

Quiet Dell

Author: Jayne Ann Philips
Stars: 2
Review by: Julie

Abandoned. I wanted it to read more thrillingly, but it just never took off...
 

Longbourn

Author: Jo Barker
Stars: 5
Review by: Julie

Downton Abbey meets Pride and Prejudice.
 
 

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

Author: Stieg Larsson
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Barb

This is the third book of the Millennium Trilogy. Lots of intrigue and evil doing, but I liked the way it ended. A good read. 

The Bees

Author: Laline Paull
Stars: 3.5
Review by: BookDancer

Somewhat repelling, yet strangely fascinating fictional depiction of the inner workings of a beehive as recounted by one of the lowliest members of the hive.  At times it contained heavy-handed social and religious analogies to human behavior, yet I couldn't put it down.  Besides Night Circus, the most unusual read of the summer for me.
 
 

Paddington Marches On

Author: Michael Bond
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2

An adorable addition to the tales of Paddington Brown.
 

Glad Tidings

Author: Debbie Macomber
Stars: 3
Review by: E.L.

Two stories in one book.  The first story is about fruitcakes, an interesting read.
 

Gone Girl

Author: Gillian Flynn
Stars: 4
Review by: Sandy

He said, she said.
She did, he didn't.
Enjoy the #@&*% ride!
 

The Snow Angel

Author: Glenn Beck
Stars: 3
Review by: BusyMom

The wife in an abusive marriage decides to help a friend from the past while hiding it from her husband.  She also comes to understand her father's behavior when she was a child and had an alcoholic mother raising her.
 

The Five People You Meet In Heaven

Author: Mitch Albom
Stars: 5
Review by: BusyMom

When Eddie dies at the start of the story, he meets 5 people from different walks of his life who make him realize his life was worthwhile and something to be proud of.  Despite his personal disappointments, he was exactly where he was supposed to be and the things that happened to him really WERE for the best.  What a terrific book!! 

Memories of a Marriage

Author: Louis Begley
Stars: 3
Review by: BusyMom

Interesting accounts of the disintegration of a marriage uncovered by a life-long friend who is looking to understand a passing comment from the ex-wife.  Great insights into the hierarchy of the American Class system.
 
 

Summer People

Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Stars: 3
Review by: Lucky26

Good beach read.
 
 

The Coconut Oil Miracle

Author: Bruce Fife
Stars: 3
Review by: Mary NK

One must be skeptical at the word "miracle". However, in light of the growing body of research revealing that fats, even Sat.Fats, are not the poisons we were led to believe; this scientific explanation is a good start on restructuring one's culinary habits. 

We Are Not Ourselves

Author: Matthew Thomas
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa

600 plus pages, detailed narrative about very ordinary lives that never seem to reach fulfillment.
 

The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green
Stars: 4
Review by: line82

Heart rending, but also heart warming.
 
 

The Diaries of Adam and Eve

Author: Mark Twain
Stars: 4
Review by: Mary NK

Observationist extraordinaire Twain reveals the inner thoughts of our first ancestors, from before their meeting until after "the fall". For taciturn, practical Adam and nature-loving, expressive Eve it is not love at first sight.
 
 

Dog Days: Dispatches from Bedlam Farm

Author: John Katz
Stars: 3
Review by: Mary NK

A great recorded book with an excellent reader. Each story is complete (good for short commutes) and reveals the author's quiet satisfaction in a growing, eclectic collection of farm animals. NJ native Katz expresses humor & respect for his fellow farmers & other Vermonters.
 
 

When You Lie About Your Age, The Terrorists Win

Author: Carol Leifer
Stars: 3
Review by: Mary NK

Short humorous essays reflect the author's Jewish Long Island background. I especially liked the one about conversion to pet lover.
 
 

Dog Gone, Back Soon

Author: Nick Trout
Stars: 4
Review by: Mary NK

The 2nd week of Dr. Cyrus Mills' recently-inherited veterinary practice is alive with quirky patients, both human & animal. Throw in a maybe-romance, an intensely competitive rival practice, possible mad cow disease, and teenage cyber sleuths and you see why Cyrus longs for quiet days with a microscope.
 

Murder She Wrote: Close Up On Murder

Author: Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain
Stars: 3
Review by: Jambob

A fun, light, cozy read. The action takes place on a movie set in Cabot Cove based on a book Jessica wrote, but inspired by "true" events that took place years ago and never adequately resolved. Jessica tackles both mysteries with her typical aplomb. Favorite characters such as Mort, the police chief, and Seth, the doctor, are part of the story.
 
 

Pillars of the Earth

Author: Ken Follett
Stars: 4
Review by: Need to Read

Pillars of the Earth was a good read, but really long!  I really find all of Follett's detail incredibly interesting.  I  am impressed by how much time and effort he must put into his research--from the building of the cathedrals to the types of garments worn by all the types of characters, to the weaponry and building tools, even the types and descriptions of the horses.  Then, of course, the story itself.  Worth reading or listening to on CD as I did.
 
 

Dear John

Author: Nicholas Sparks
Stars: 4
Review by: Need to Read

Dear John is a really good read, interesting characters.  It was interesting to read how the characters interacted and how their relationships changed and grew throughout the book. It describes how people cope with their individual difficulties.  Overall, it is a love story filled with joy and sadness and acceptance.
 

Assessment Strategies for Self-Directed Learning

Author: Arthur L. Costa & Bena Kallick
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Saraswati

This was a rather easy read for a text book.  This book focuses on assessments, as the title suggests, what they are, what they mean, and what a teacher can do.  The methods described are based on what I was taught as the scientific method.  Questions - formulate an answer - etc...  The big key to both this and the scientific method is re-evaluate after you complete your task.  In the text it is self-reflecting.  I think this is just a great life lesson.  The text contains a lot of sample handouts, grids, etc.  This is a good reference for teachers that want to make a difference.
 
 

The Self-Directed Learning Handbook: Challenging Adolescent Students to Excel

Author: Maurice Gibbons
Stars: 5
Review by: Saraswati

A great teaching reference for those teachers that want to break out of the industrial age model.  There are many practical examples and guidelines to create a self-directed learning environment.  The text also lets you know that it's OK to have a combo environment and that things take time to implement.
 
 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Just Jennifer

 Sweet Water and Desire Lines by Christina Baker Kline (William Morrow, reprinted 2014)

With four well-received novels under her belt Christina Baker Kline stormed onto best-seller lists and into the hearts of book groups everywhere with her 2013 surprise best-seller Orphan Train.  Four of her earlier novels are being reprinted and repackaged this summer for readers who missed her marvelous prose and characterization the first time around.

In Sweet Water, Cassie Simon is trying to earn a living in New York City as an artist.  Growing up in Massachusetts after the death of her mother, Cassie had very little contact with her maternal grandparents which is why she is shocked to receive a phone call from a magistrate in Tennessee requesting her presence at the reading of her grandfather’s will.  She can’t imagine what Armory Clyde might have left her or why, and is very shocked to learn it is not only sixty acres in Sweetwater, Tennessee, but sixty acres that her grandfather could probably have sold several times over the years to developers, making Cassie curious about the man she never knew and his reasons for not selling the land, deciding to leave it to her instead.  Taking her inheritance as a sign, of what she’s not quite sure, Cassie decides to move to the small Southern town from where her mother, aunt and uncle came, and the place of her mother’s death.  Not quite sure what she is looking for or hoping to gain from her move, Cassie is overcome with the emotions, memories and stories that await her in a place where she’ll learn about a mother she never knew and more about herself than she would have ever thought possible.  Told from two points of view, Cassie and an omniscient narrator adds depth and perspective to Cassie’s story and prevents her from appearing too self-absorbed.

Desire Lines begins on the night of Kathryn Campbell’s high school graduation when she and her four best friends sit around a bonfire reliving their past, planning and looking forward to their future, a future none of them can imagine will not include Jennifer Pelletier.  As the bonfire fades away, so does Jennifer, walking off into the woods, never to be seen again by her friends.  Once almost sisters, Kathryn felt Jennifer withdrawing over their senior year, but she was never able to pinpoint what was happening to her friend and spends the next ten years missing Jennifer, wondering what happened and what Kathryn might have been able to do to help her.  After a failed marriage, Kathryn returns to their hometown of Maine, hoping that by going back to where it all began to fall apart she will be able to piece together what happened and find peace for herself and maybe too for Jennifer. As Kathryn revisits her past, she finds herself taking stock of not only her relationship with Jennifer, but with their other friends and her own family, thinking about her future, one that she knows will not include Jennifer, but can be anything she wants.

Baker Kline fills her novels with characters that stay with us long after we have turned the last page.  She writes about memories, the truth we find in them, the truth we tell ourselves and how memories can haunt and even cripple our daily lives if we allow them to.  She reminds us of the redemptive power of forgiveness, but only if we can forgive ourselves first.   Readers who only just discovered her last year will be pleased to have her older works readily available as they wait to see what she creates for us next.

Just Jennifer

The Home Place by Carrie La Seur (William Morrow, July 2014)


Alma Terrebonne is the only one of her siblings who left their hometown of Billings, Montana but as she quickly learns, you can never really escape your family, nor they you.  Alma is practicing law in a successful firm in Seattle, about to make partner, when she gets a call that her sister Vicky is dead and her eleven-year-old niece Brittany is staying with her great-aunt and uncle until permanent arrangements can be made for her.  Alma, who has been estranged with her sister for several years, does not hesitate in taking the next flight out, identifying and claiming her sister, making preparations for a funeral.  When Alma arrives in Billings she hesitates to accept the claim that her sister’s death was accidental, due to being drunk or high, falling outside in the bitter cold, hitting her head and freezing.  The more time Alma spends in her hometown, the less provincial it seems and the less real her life in Seattle feels, making her reassess her choices, making her feel responsible for the siblings that survived the car crash that killed their parents when Alma was a teenager.  Stories that need to be told and secrets that need to be revealed slowly emerge, Alma more broken than she would admit to herself realizes home, with everything and everyone from which she ran away, may be the place she needs the most in order to heal.  A visceral atmosphere of longing, wanting, false prophets giving false hope and the need for redemption where it may not be possible but must instead be overlooked to go on, gives this book the haunting feel of a novel set in the deep, gothic South.  The Home Place is a well-assured debut from a writer with much promise.  

Just Jennifer

The Footloose American: Following the Hunter S. Thompson Trail Across South America by Brian Kevin (Broadway Books, 2014)


Just over fifty years ago, journalist Hunter S. Thompson embarked on, and completed, a yearlong trek across South America, the then unknown journalist sending back reports to a relatively new newspaper National Observer, in the manner of what today would most likely have been a blog.  I routinely read acknowledgements and author’s notes first, even if they are at the end of a book; I’ve even been known to read the Epilogue to certain non-fiction works, including this one, which I think I am glad I did.  In the Epilogue, Kevin indicates, in a perhaps somewhat self-deprecating manner, that the trip didn’t illicit any profound personal revelations, though am skeptical that such a trip could not leave an indelible mark, even if it didn’t become apparent for years.  The man who became known as original gonzo journalist traveled throughout South America in the year leading up to Kennedy’s assassination, a time that would become tremendously tumultuous for the United States of America and leave it irrevocably changed.  Thompson followed his whims through this sometimes rural, sometimes violent continent, reporting back on countries many had very little firsthand knowledge of.  As Kevin follows Thompson’s trail, many things, though not all, have changed.  Several places, such as Machu Picchu have become routine tourist destinations while others are still largely off the beaten tourist path.  Each chapter begins with an epigraph of Thompson’s work, either a report to the newspaper or a personal letter, and sets the tone for Kevin’s travels and observations.  Kevin writing is accessible, writing as if he is writing a letter to a friend back home, reflecting not only on his experiences but Thompson’s and often his response and reaction to what he is experiencing using Thompson’s writing and observations to filter his own through.  This book will appeal to arm-chair travelers as well as those with a keen interest in mid-century journalists and be a good introduction to Thompson and his work to those unfamiliar with him, as well as a welcome addition to those who are well-steeped in Thompson’s work.  FTC disclaimer: I received book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

Reading ends on Labor Day

The summer, alas, is winding down, so be sure to report your books read by Tuesday, September 2nd.

Congratulations to...

... our Week # 13 Prize Winners:

  • BookZest
  • Kelly

Progress So Far

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands

Author: Chris Bohjalian
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa

Fiction, but a realistic first person, teen-age account of a nuclear tragedy. 

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Personal Statement: The Road to Harvard is Paved with Good Intentions

Author: Jason Odell Williams
Stars: 3
Review by: Miss Lucy

What does one have to do to attain a life experience worthy of an Ivy-League college winning essay?  In this novel, several teens set out to battle the effects of a hurricane in order to add such an experience to their resumes. 

Hard Choices for Loving People: CPR, Artificial Feeding, Comfort Care, and the Patient with a Life-Threatening Illness

Author: Hank Dunn
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Miss Lucy

If you ever have to make an end-of-life decision for a loved one, or want to plan your own end-of-life directives, this quick read has all the essentials.
 
 

Whiskey Beach

Author: Nora Roberts
Stars: 5
Review by: Brenda714

Suspense & romance, a perfect Roberts pairing.  Throw in some treasure from a ship wreck, a murder, an attempted murder, and you have the recipe for a great book.

The Summer Wind

Author: Mary Alice Monroe
Stars: 4
Review by: Ann M

Second book in the trilogy about Mamaw brings the 3 sisters (Dora, Carson and Harper) together for the summer at Sea Breeze on Sullivan Island.
 
 

The Beekeeper's Ball

Author: Susan Wiggs
Stars: 5
Review by: Rainbow

Great book!  I loved the story and I'm hoping for a sequel to this book.
 
 

The Hundred-Year House

Author: Rebecca Makkai
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee

So good!  A mystery about a house and its inhabitants told in reverse order. Each chapter is a year in the history of the house: 1999, 1955, and 1929...and the Prologue is the last section.  Well-told, compelling, and intriguing...you may have to re-read it to catch all the subtly revealed familial relations!
 

The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green
Stars: 4
Review by: DeckReader

A modern day Love Story with more detail about the illness.
 
 

The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair

Author: Joel Dicker
Stars: 5
Review by: BigDa

The only book so far this year which I rated a 5.  And I give a 5 to the translator as well.
 
 

When Hearts Collide

Author: Marilyn Jayne Lewis
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This romance novel involves a writer for a celebrity magazine who is going through an early mid-life crisis.  She is given the offer of a lifetime from the person who was her very first successful interview.  This gentleman is writing a book and needs a partner and he thinks of her and how well things worked the first time they were together.  Needless to say their "hearts collide" and there is love in the air.  Easy summer read.
 
 

The End of Your Life Bookclub

Author: Will Schwalbe
Stars: 2
Review by: Bookworm mamma

I liked all of the good book references, but overall I found the book too depressing to give it a better score.
 
 

The Hit

Author: David Baldacci
Stars: 4
Review by: Frankenstein

Fast paced espionage.  A real page turner, hard to put down.  Great beach read!!!!
 
 

The Nazi Officer's Wife

Author: Edith Hahn Beer
Stars: 5
Review by: Ann M

Edith Hahn is born to a middle class Jewish family in Austria.  When the Nazis move into Austria, Edith flees to Munich with false identity papers.  She marries Walter Vetter, a German that becomes an officer.

Four Friends

Author: Robyn Carr
Stars: 4
Review by: Ann M

Story of 4 women, their friendships and the relationships with their significant others.  Gerri is the strong one and has to determine her future after discovering her husband had cheated on her.
 
 

Psychology: Tenth Edition in Modules

Author: David G. Meyers
Stars: 4
Review by: Doctor Bookworm

Textbook.
 
 

The Reason I Jump

Author: Naoki Higashida
Stars: 1
Review by: Mrs. D.

There are many books about Autism and most are helpful.  Not this one.  My impression is that this book was made as a coffee table book, so that you can have it out to impress others.  The translation is stilted, and I have a hard time believing that it was written by a 13 year old.  Not only is it unhelpful, but much of it is random and pointless.  So there.
 
 

One! Hundred! Demons!

Author: Lynda Barry
Stars: 4
Review by: Mrs. D.

This is a graphic novel, by a comic book writer who has been around a long time.  She writes about teenage-hood, and her ethnic background, very realistic, not  pretty.  I can always relate to her down and dirty view of her past.  She ends up being inspiring in a realistic sort of way.
 
 

Driving Lessons

Author: Zoe Fishman
Stars: 2
Review by: Mrs. D.

A sweet, simple story about figuring out what you want, as a grown-up and a spouse.  A quick read, too. 

Devil in the Details: Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood

Author: Jennifer Traig
Stars: 2.5
Review by: Sandy

I wanted to love this book but, it was just a mish-mosh.  I do admire the chutzpah it takes for a young woman to survive mental illness and become a PhD in Literature. (True story, my hand to G-d.) However, the endless descriptions of cleansing and religious rituals left me a little meshugge.  Maybe, that was the point.  Sorry, didn't mean to kvetch!
 
 

Savannah Blues

Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge

Estate sales, antiques, mystery (sort of), love story in Savannah.  Good, funny summer book.
 
 

Subway Series Reader

Author: Pete Hamill
Stars: 4
Review by: Bob E

Collection of essays by the finest sportswriters and literary figures about the history of the subway series in New York, including the NY Yankees, Brooklyn Dodgers, NY Giants, and NY Mets.  Very enjoyable but somewhat dated, published after the 2000 World Series between the Yankees and the Mets.

 
 

Anne Boleyn Fatal Attractions

Author: G.W. Bernard
Stars: 3
Review by: JL

Author presents a unique and different point view regarding Anne Boleyn.  Unfortunately, it feels like the author is arguing against  accepted theories regarding her influence and fall purely for the sake of arguing.
 
 

Elizabeth of York: A Tudor Queen and her World

Author: Alison Weir
Stars: 5
Review by: JL

Really interesting and insightful biography on the life of Elizabeth of York. Well researched.  She endured much tragedy from the death of her brothers, the two princes in the tower, and loss of several children, but was beloved by her husband, Henry VII, and her people.
 
 

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

The Night Bookmobile

Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Stars: 5
Review by: Miss Lucy

This quick-read graphic novel by the author of The Time Traveler's Wife is very different, yet familiar, at the same time, and will leave you thinking. It's a cross between The Night Circus, Doctor Who, and The Twilight Zone, with the central theme being books and reading. This book is perfect for all of the adult summer readers!

Loss of Innocence

Author: Richard North Patterson
Stars: 4
Review by: BigDa

A novel that recalls the upheaval of 1968, and reflected in the the main character's "awakening" and loss of innocence.
 

When You Lie About Your Age, the Terrorists Win

Author: Carol Leifer
Stars: 4
Review by: Miss Lucy

Don’t judge this book by its cover, or, in this case, by its title – the book has nothing to do with terrorism.  It’s a memoir, made up of a collection of essays from a comedienne who has just turned 50. But it’s totally NOT depressing. This woman is funny!!!  She's learned things in life, from the practical ("Never complain about your age to someone older than you" (People do this to ME all the time!)) to the silly ("Tequila should always be sold with an instant camera attached to it so the next day you have some idea of what happened."). She also includes a chapter on advice to men ("If your girlfriend is quiet for a while, never ask her, 'What are you thinking?' I guarantee the answer won't be,'How attractive and unannoying you are' or 'The Mets are up seven to six.'")
 
I also really liked her chapter on how she ended up acquiring seven rescue dogs.
 

The Night Bookmobile

Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Stars: 3
Review by: Mary NK

A woman finds a mysterious bookmobile full of all the books she ever read - and nothing else. She becomes so obsessed with the hope of working there that she kills herself to become like the mysterious librarian; only to learn that Night Bookmobiles are only for the living. I'm torn between the very novel & attractive concept of everything I ever read being saved, and the disturbing thought that excessive reading can lead to madness.

Absolute Batman: The Long Halloween

Author: Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale, & Christopher Nolan 
Stars: 5
Review by: Mandy Apgar

When members of the Falcone crime family get bumped off in various gloriously gory ways, Gotham detective James Gordon is forced to make an alliance with the new DA, Harvey Dent, and the Batman in an attempt to stop the murderer - dubbed "Holiday" by the press due to the acts being committed during times of celebration. Concerned that they cannot take the law far enough to stop someone so ruthless, Dent and Gordon give Batman privileged information so that he can be the muscle of the group and wallop info out of those he meets. Which is a problem, as he is already pretty busy handling the Joker - who, jealous of Holiday's press, is determined to re-establish himself as Gotham's top psycho. Consulting with the villain Calendar Man and dealing with several others along the way, Batman has to manage the murders and the monster they create when Harvey Dent becomes mentally unhinged and turns into Two Face as a indirect result of the crimes. Although Batman doesn't discover technically who the real killer was, they are revealed at the end.  A collection of the monthly series where each holiday has a related character central to the story - April Fool's deals with the Riddler, St. Patrick's with Poison Ivy, etc. One of the greatest modern Batman stories, featuring lots of lesser known villains and set in his early years, its success was a direct inspiration not only for Nolan's Dark Knight films (and he writes the introduction to this edition as well), but the series of Arkham video games.

Napoleon and St. Helena

Author: Johannes Willms
Stars: 1
Review by: Mandy Apgar

Note to writers - in order to do a travelogue it would really rather help to have a consistent point. Like "gee, this island is really great" or "God, this place is awful" as it avoids crap like this. A sort of guide to Napoleonic sites on St. Helena, the author has a real problem with tone - he cannot decide on whether or not he likes the place and often a rather acid bias shows through. Which is a shame as when he just writes for the sake of doing so he is pretty clear and consistent, just not where it matters.

Madison Square Tragedy

Author: Rick Geary
Stars: 3
Review by: Mandy Apgar

One of the cartoonist's excellent graphic novels on Victorian and early 1900s crime stories. This one centers around one Evelyn Nesbit, a naive showgirl/singer who finds herself being courted by Stanford White, the man behind the Madison Square Garden building. Known for his penchant for young girls (and having a red velvet swing inside a private room) White professes innocent intentions, but after a party where Evelyn is slipped a drugged drink, she awakens to realize she was raped. Shamed and embarrassed, she keeps silent but finally confesses the act to her later husband. Mentally disturbed already, he shoots White in order to defend his wife's "honor" and is found not guilty by reason of insanity. As usual, Geary's line work is excellent - well modeled faces and great use of dark shadows. Not one of the best of the series, but still good.
 

Aunty Lee's Delights

Author: Ovidia Yu
Stars: 3
Review by: mystery lover

I enjoyed it.  It takes place in Singapore and this give the book a different feel than the usual cozy mystery that takes place/written in this country.  It's nice not to see the same old format/outline in mysteries.
 

To Kill a Mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee
Stars: 4
Review by: Shanimal

This was a lovely book!
 

Airborn

Author: Kenneth Oppel
Stars: 5
Review by: Shanimal

This was a suspenseful novel with many interesting twists!
 

Starclimber

Author: Kenneth Oppel
Stars: 5
Review by: Shanimal

This novel was awesome!

The Magician's Elephant

Author: Kate DiCamillo
Stars: 4
Review by: Bobbi

Beautiful book.   Kate DiCamillo's books seem to have many layers.   It can be read as a children's story, but can also be read by adults who would appreciate the nuances and many deep meanings.   And even within that, I find that things can be interpreted in several different ways.   Very thought provoking and truly magical.
 

Found

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Stars: 4
Review by: Bobbi

Sci-Fi, quick read, suspense.    However, please note that this is book 1 of the series (I think there are 4 books in series).    Book ends with a cliff-hanger so you need to grab book 2 right away.   Don't get stuck at the beach without the second book and be left in suspense for the rest of your vacation!
 

Absolutely Almost

Author: Lisa Graff
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee

This is a Juvenile Fiction book...If you liked Wonder by RJ Palacio you will love this book too!
 

Locke & Key volume 4: Keys to the Kingdom

Author: Joe Hill
Stars: 4
Review by: Michelle D.

Continuing graphic novel in a series.  About a demon and his attempts to take over the world while a family of three kids tries to stop him.
 

Make Room! Make Room!

Author: Harry Harrison
Stars: 4
Review by: Michelle D.

This is the book that the science fiction movie Soylent Green is very loosely based on.  It was written in 1966 and it is very interesting in how it talks about the overpopulation of America, specifically New York City.  One scary way to look at our future if we don't consider our limited resources.
 

The First Phone Call From Heaven

Author: Mitch Albom
Stars: 3
Review by: Michelle D.

About a town where people are supposedly getting phone calls from deceased friends and family.  I like this author's writing; makes me feel better.  But the story is pretty simplistic.
 

Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story

Author: Tim Stafford & Caroline Wright
Stars: 4
Review by: 1stYearInTheClub

The authorized biography of Tony Rice, master of the guitar, IBMA bluegrass hall of fame member.  If you ask him, Tony will sign your book.
 

Olive Kitteridge

Author: Elizabeth Strout
Stars: 3
Review by: 1stYearInTheClub

A well written Pulitzer Prize winner.
 

The Night Watch

Author: Sarah Waters
Stars: 2.5
Review by: 1stYearInTheClub

It took me three weeks to finish this book.  I put it down for an entire week, but finally decided to finish it.  It gets better, but I should have just moved on to something I would have enjoyed more.
 

Beautiful Disaster

Author: Jamie McGuire
Stars: 4
Review by: Mrobustelli

Recommended by my daughter.   It was a good story and a quick, light summer read

Sally Ride: First American Woman in Space

Author: Lynn Scherr
Stars: 5
Review by: Bstoskus

A wonderfully written account of Sally Ride's life early years, her selection as the first American woman in space, her contributions to women and girls in Science careers (Sally Ride Science) and her 27 year relationship with her partner Tam.  This book tells about the behind the scenes with NASA, women breaking into male dominated careers, and Sally's struggles with fame and her identity. A great read, very touching tribute as Lynn Scherr had a personal friendship and professional relationship with Sally.

The Goldfinch

Author: Donna Tart
Stars: 4
Review by: Bstoskus

Interesting story.  Happy, sad, some mystery, and great details. The author could have used less description of drug abuse by the two young men who forged the friendship during the time in Nevada.

The Skies Belong to Us: Love and Terror in the Golden Age of Hijacking

Author: Brendan I. Koerner
Stars: 5
Review by: Autumn

An extremely engaging non-fiction read detailing the prevalence of hijackings during the 1960s, and one incident in particular that garnered international attention.  This book is very informative about the history of airport security and the development of TSA.

Me Before You

Author: Jojo Motes
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Jackie K.

The book made me both laugh and cry.
 

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Congratulations to...

... our Week #12 Prize Winners:
  • Miss Lucy
  • Beachreader

Progress So Far...

Click on image to enlarge.

Eyes on You

Author: Kate White
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati

This book was brought to my attention by our Library Director and it just came back when I came into the library.  Just knew I had to read it.  This is a story about a TV co-host that is finally getting her life back on track with both a book and a new TV show.  Then strange, threatening things start happening to her and all the blame is put on her.  Read how she fights back and has to question who can she trust every step of the way.  The entertainment business is great for this type of thriller since it is so cutthroat anyway. This book caught me by surprise.

 

By Honor Bound

Author: Kate Hill, Denise A. Agnew, & Arianna Hart
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This book is really 3 stories in one: His Sister's Kiss by Kate Hill, Major Pleasure by Denise A. Agnew and Charming Anne by Arianna Hart.  I can't tell if they were stand alone at one time, but I feel they were just put together for this military themed book.  The funny part is the "warning" on the first few pages that this book is rated "S-ensuous."  Meaning that there are a few explicit love scenes.  I checked the publication date and saw 2005 and thought pre-50 Shades days so hence the warning and laughed.
 

The stories are linked by a family starting with the parents and how they met.  Then they next story deals with their son and lastly their daughter.  There is a step daughter in the mix from the first story that seems to be left hanging, maybe in 2015?  The parents are brought together by the loss of a brother and a fellow soldier.  Things work out well and the next story is about their son and what happens when he comes home to recuperate.  The last is about the daughter and how she and a patient, patient at the hospital she works at, overcome a terrorist take-over.  This kind of reads like a Die Hard movie so just enjoy. All three are easy, summer reads.

Unwrap Me

Author: Melissa MacNeal, Susan Lyons, & Melissa Randall
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This book is really 3 stories in one:  Unwrap Me by Susan Lyons, Naughty Noelle by Melissa MacNeil and All She Craves for Christmas by Melissa Randall. I can't tell if they were stand alone at one time, but I feel they were just put together for this holiday special.  The Christmas theme is the only connection between the stories.
 
In Unwrap Me - The main character hates Christmas because of the many bad things that have happened to her during that time.  Her co-worker sends her brother-in-law over as a "secret Santa" present.  At first they are appalled, but decide that they should at least hang out together.  They soon develop a romantic relationship and slowly he changes her mind about Christmas by using the themes from the song the 12 days of Christmas.
 
Naughty Noelle is a funny, up-beat read about a newly divorced woman and her widowed mom going on a Christmas holiday to the Outer Banks.  They are greeted by one of the rental's owners and soon all their holiday dreams come true.  It really wasn't that easy, their is some light drama in the mix, but overall just a funny, hopeful, read.
 
All She Craves For Christmas is about a woman that decides to leave her modelling career in NYC and return home to New Hampshire to start phase 2 of her life.  She meets up with a boy from her past, now a man and they hit it off. All three are easy, summer reads.
 
 
 

Unzipped

Author: Foster, Denison, & Green
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This book is really three books in one:  Tantalizing by Lori Foster, His Every Fantasy by Janelle Denison and Playmates by Crystal Green.  These appear to be early written books republished as the writers become more famous.
 
In any case, the books are not part of a series, but more through the types of female characters.  Strong women trying to find their way.  Tantalizing has a woman coming into her own by trying to throw off her sister's blind date.  Little did she know that the blind data cancelled and the man in his place was just there to send the message.  Magic at first sight.  His Every Fantasy is about a woman that is reflecting upon her current love life when her companion asks her to marry him, she just can't say yes.  She goes on a self-discovery weekend with a life-long friend.  They discover they were made for each other all along. Playmates is about a PR Consultant trying to help her friend regroup using a new firm.  Her co-worker becomes a "frenemy" then lover as they both work to help their clients regroup their lives.  Nice, easy summer reads.
 
 

Heartbreakers

Author: Lori Foster
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This book is really two books in one:  Treat Her Right and Mr. November.  The books are connected as part of a series about a set of male friends and their love lives.  All three men work in some sort of paramilitary positions.  The first deals with the Paramedic and his new neighbor. Of course she isn't right for him or his family, but guess what....SHE IS!  The second book is about the Firefighter and the PR person that wants him to pose for the fund-raising calender.  She has issues and he feels the need to rescue her and so he does.   Nice, easy summer reads.
 

The Mammouth Book of Paranormal Romance 2

Author: Trisha Telep (ed.)
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This is a book of 17 paranormal romance short stories edited by Telep.  I was interested in this book because it contained some of my more favored authors such as Damsgaard, Hauf, and Adrian but like most short stories I felt, well, shorted. There is so little time to bring the story to fruition that most endings did feel rushed.  However, it is summer and these are a bunch of easy, mostly fun, reads.
 

The Sea House

Author: Elizabeth Gifford
Stars: 2
Review by: BookDancer

All the elements of a great summer beach read - a Scottish island, mermaids and selkies, mysterious double plot - never quite came together.  Could have been better.
 
 

Cavendon Hall

Author: Barbara Taylor Bradford
Stars: 4
Review by: DeckReader

Story very similar to Downton Abbey.  Enjoyable.
 
 

Private L.A.

Author: James Patterson
Stars: 3
Review by: DeckReader

A little too technical and at points sexy for me.
 
 

Evil Eclairs

Author: Jessica Beck
Stars: 4
Review by: BusyMom

Good whodunit in the Donut Shop Mystery series - who killed the local radio host?  There were plenty of people who didn't like him! This was my first book of the series, and I'll probably revisit.  Even more tempting are all the donut recipes to try out!
 
 

Secrets of Eden

Author: Chris Bohjalian
Stars: 4
Review by: Bob E

Interesting whodunit with multiple narrators and points of view, but I guessed whodunit early on. 

The Love Commandos

Author: Tarquin Hall
Stars: 4
Review by: iambetsyw

This is a very funny mystery book set in current day India. Our detective sets out to solve the mystery surrounding a kidnapping of a young man who is involved in a relationship with a woman who is of a different caste. Her father has kept her away from the love of her life and the love commandos come up with a plan to reunite the lovers, but the plan goes awry. Lots of twists and turns and memorable characters. I listened to the audio version and found it very enjoyable. A good, light summer read for mystery fans!

Nantucket Sisters

Author: Nancy Thayer
Stars: 5
Review by: LG

Best book I have read in a long time.. couldn't put it down! Great book.

The Light in the Ruins

Author: Chris Bohjalian
Stars: 4
Review by: BigDa

Set in 1955 Italy with flashbacks to war-torn WWII, a nifty mystery killer seeks revenge.
 

Delicious!

Author: Ruth Reichl
Stars: 5
Review by: Julie

A cookbook, a literary mystery, a love story, all rolled into one.
 

On a Snowy Night

Author: Debbie Macomber
Stars: 3
Review by: E.L.

Two stories in one book: The Christmas Basket and The Snow Bride.
 
 

Shelter Me

Author: Juliette Fay
Stars: 4
Review by: BookDancer

Now I've read all 3 of this wonderful author's books, and anxiously await future offerings.  Utterly real characters, pitch-perfect dialogue and believable situations render her family-focused novels eminently satisfying.  Fay's a gem.
 
 

When Doctors Don't Listen: How To Avoid Misdiagnoses and Unnecessary Tests

Author: Leana Wen
Stars: 4
Review by: Mary NK

Explains specific questions to ask when doctors want to run "routine" exploratory tests or prescribe drugs "to see if this will work". A plan for patients to take control of their own bodies & health.
 
 

Friday, August 15, 2014

Taking It All

Author: Maya Banks
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This is book 3 of the Surrender Trilogy and the one you knew was next.  This series is in the Shades category, but much lighter and older characters.  Not as good as the others and just read slower.
 
 

Delicious

Author: Ruth Reichl
Stars: 2
Review by: laz

I wanted to like this book. An interesting story of a young woman's letter writing with James Beard and the young woman who discovers the letters, but incredibly slow moving.
 
 

Dollbaby

Author: Laura Lane McNeal
Stars: 5
Review by: ADAR

First novel by author.  I will be looking for more from her.  Read some good books this summer, but this is the only one I gave a 5 to.
 

The Dog Cancer Survival Guide

Author: Dr. Demian Dressler, DVM
Stars: 5
Review by: Bobjam

My dog has cancer. Many dogs are becoming afflicted with this disease. Treatment is very expensive so those owners with pet insurance have an advantage. I want to fight to save my dog from a rare form of cancer, neuro-endocrine, so rare only 5% of dogs get this type.I know this is not your typical light summer read, but if it can help any other dog lovers then I feel I accomplished a way to help a beloved pet and comfort a distraught dog owner. The book is very clearly written. Many chapters are stand alone so you  can easily find those that help you the most. Although I do wish the index was more extensive. Also be aware that Dr. Dressler has a vested interest in some of the products he promotes, such as Apocaps and K-9 Immunity tablets. However I must say I have been supplying both to my pet and found improvement. Please consider educating yourself with a book like this one on this topic should you receive such a diagnosis for your dog. Try not to give up, take a deep
breath and find a way to keep your dog still enjoying life while fighting cancer. It is a difficult situation, but I continue fighting for my dog today although I received the devastating news last March. I look at it this way, whatever we learn fighting human cancer can be applied to our pets, so whatever we learn fighting pet cancer will eventually help people! That is my positive spin as I cherish each day with my precious dog, Shelby.
 

The Shoemaker's Wife

Author: Adriana Trigiani
Stars: 4
Review by: Jambob

If you are of Italian descent you must read this author....if not read her anyway! She writes so clearly that all her characters come alive in your mind and heart. This one is about immigrants who come to America because they want to work hard, love this country, make a better life for themselves and send some money back home to help the family. How refreshing! Of course she chooses Italian immigrants reflecting her own heritage. The time period is late 1800s to 1930s from the mountains of Northern Italy to New York when Caruso was singing at the Met to the Iron Range of Minnesota. Make yourself a cappuccino, have a biscotti and enjoy this book! Do not worry that some of her books are trilogies...each story stands alone and can even be read out of order. 

All Fudged Up

Author: Nancy Coco
Stars: 3
Review by: Jambob

A cute confection of a new cozy series. A 120 year old hotel on Mackinac is the scene of several murders involving some rare vintage wine. Allie is trying to open her hotel and make some spectacular fudge before the tourist season opens. The author includes fudge recipes which I already made...delicious. This is the third book I read this summer based on Mackinac Island....all 3 were very different genres: Love Finds You was a Christian romance and the Tale of Halcyon Crane a ghost story. Now I am convinced as a Somewhere In Time fan, I must visit this island! 

Carved in Darkness

Author: Maegan Beaumont
Stars: 5
Review by: BusyMom

On the edge of your seat thriller.  Victim turned police officer gets pulled into a kidnapping/murder case that's just a bit too close to home.
 

Kissing Christmas Goodbye

Author: M.C. Beaton
Stars: 4
Review by: BusyMom

This was my first Agatha Raisin mystery.  Enjoyable just like the Hamesh McBeth series, but I haven't got the depth of the characters yet.  Agatha Raisin runs a private detective business and investigates the death of her new client - who tells her she's about to be killed.  Lots of family twists.  An enjoyable read.
 

Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins
Stars: 5
Review by: BusyMom

Great conclusion to The Hunger Games trilogy. Not all ends were tied up the way I expected, which made for good twists.  So glad this series is out there to interest kids.  I started it so I could talk to my daughter about it- and I got sucked right in. 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

The Martian

Author: Andy Weir
Stars: 5
Review by: ToneLoc

A thoroughly entertaining book that is more technology thriller than pure science fiction given its near future time frame and use of the science and engineering being developed by NASA for the proposed Mars missions.
 
The protagonist of this novel is NASA astronaut Mark Watney, a botanist and mechanical engineer, who is left stranded on Mars when the crew of the Ares 3 mission is forced to evacuate due to a dust storm with high winds. Watney is impaled by an antenna during the evacuation, destroying his EVA suit's bio-monitor computer, and his five crewmates believe him to be dead. His injury proves relatively minor, but with no way to contact Earth, Watney must rely on his scientific and technical skills to survive. He begins a log of his experiences for some future archeologist who might discover it long after his death. NASA discovers that Watney is alive when satellite images of the landing site show evidence of his activities; they begin working on ways to rescue him.
 
Watney's inner dialogue is witty and realistic, and moves the story along. The conflicts within the NASA team on Earth rings true to crisis management in a large technical organization.
  
The Martian will satisfy both the Sci-Fi geek and the general reader alike.
 
 

Death of a Celebrity

Author: M.C. Beaton
Stars: 4
Review by: BusyMom

I'd forgotten how much I enjoy the Hamish McBeth mysteries - and this one was no exception.  When the host of a new reality "expose-all" type show is discovered dead in Hamish's parish, we learn all kinds of secrets the villagers might prefer to keep under wraps.
 

The Shortest Way Home

Author: Juliette Fay
Stars: 4
Review by: BookDancer

Discovering Juliette Fay has been my summer treat.  She writes about family life with warmth and humor.  Her characters are real and likeable; her dialogue is pitch-perfect.  Uplifting and hopeful story without being sappy.  Have to read more!
 

Whiskey Beach

Author: Nora Roberts
Stars: 3
Review by: BookDancer

Good blend of mystery and romance.  Perfect to read on the beach!
 
 

The Best New York Sports Arguments

Author: Peter Handrings
Stars: 3
Review by: Bob E

Some arguments were interesting, such as Christy Mathewson and Tom Seaver being the best New York pitchers, with Whitey Ford third.  But no one cares about Barry Bonds or Alex Rodriguez anymore because of steroids.  Bashes Wellington Mara, Derek Jeter, and Jimmy Connors with facts.  It will make you think.
 
 

The Oxford Illustrated History of the First World War: New Edition

Author: Hew Strachan
Stars: 3
Review by: Mandy Apgar

It was good for this - presenting the origins of the War in a clear and understandable way. Plenty of photos and the like, it is a new edition of an 80th anniversary book done prior. Where it faltered was not really explaining who everyone was all the time. Once things got pretty in deep, it was one name after another and not as much back story as earlier in the book.
 
 

"Taint the Meat...It's the Humanity!" and Other Stories

Author: Jack Davis, Al Feldstein, & Gary Groth
Stars: 5
Review by: Mandy Davis

I freaking loved this! It's a collection of the more famous Tales from the Crypt stories illustrated by the famous J Davis. Wonderfully written, with excellent pencils, the tales cover everything from revenge of an unseen ghost upon the tormentor of its young protector, werewolves, vampire cab drivers, to the origin of the Crypt Keeper.
 
 

The Trojan War: A New History

Author: Barry Strauss
Stars: 1
Review by: Mandy Apgar

Not at all a new history, just a boring old book that endlessly talks about how creamy and white Helen of Troy's skin was. Rehashes all the stories, all the tales, without any of the "new" one would expect from the title and with even less personality or academic respect. 

2014 Review for the National (ASBOG) Geology Licensing Exam

Author: Patti Sutch & Lisa Dirth
Stars: 2
Review by: Mandy Apgar

Not a book per se but more of a text, a study guide for those planning to achieve professional geologist (PG) certification. The good news is that it covers an awful lot of topics and many say it helps them focus their minds on what to study for the actual tests. The bad is that I have no idea how much of this is true and for the cost the authors should've made a lot less errors. I've found plenty of mistakes in chapters whose subjects I am most familiar with and many of them were basic high school earth science level errors. But people studying these might not know that! For example, there are about 5 or 6 questions on paleontology on the test, which is a lot - seems pretty obscure, doesn't it? Something most people (other than your friendly anal retentive reviewer) know little about? Mistakes on every page in the section, and one page had 8 errors of various kinds. Wish that it would've been more well edited and I caution any buyers to have a geologic dictionary and a basic text as well to check all terms and the major points.
 
 

Kill or Cure: An Illustrated History of Medicine

Author: Steve Parker
Stars: 5
Review by: Mandy Apgar

Good, very good. Another quality book from DK, the publishers of Eyewitness books. Told with clarity and purpose with plenty of photos to accompany, it is basically an adult level (but easily readable and understandable) account of the history of medicine and medical practice going all up to today. Very well done and presented neatly, no exaggeration of facts, and also respectful to the founders of medicine and those that made advances along the way - although I wished more would've been devoted to battlefield medicine other sections being so full sort of made up for it. 

Old Man River: The Mississippi River in North American History

Author: Paul Schneider
Stars: 4
Review by: Mandy Apgar

Nice. An easily readable account of the Mississippi River in North American history - its beginnings, nice sections on its wildlife, the natives who depend on it, local border towns, the steamship era, etc. all told with respect and clarity. Too many sections to mention here, but more or less everything was covered in some way.
 

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Blue Fairy Book

Author: Andrew Lang
Stars: 4
Review by: Mandy Apgar


Usually I prefer the more obscure stories, and there are quite a few in here. But what it does offer in spades are the more classic tales, the most of any of the Fairy series, and although they aren't told according to the general model all the time (Sleeping Beauty was quite different for example) the effect was still charming. For lack of a better word. The only small issue with it was all the illustrations featured the characters in Middle Eastern clothing despite many of the stories being French or German. Just seemed out of place to show Beauty dressed up as the Genie from Disney's Aladdin with a turban Marge Simpson would've been proud of instead of wearing the attire of a French country girl. 

Sea Venture: Shipwreck, Survival, and the Salvation of Jamestown

Author: Kieran Doherty
Stars: 1
Review by: Mandy Apgar

The supposed focus is on the restoration of the Jamestown Colony after his very near catastrophic destruction in Virginia. Supposed. The problem is that, interspersed with what little facts it offers, are fairy tales presented as true and the author psychoanalyzing various historical figures and then presenting what apparently was in their heads all along as fact. That anyone can find out a lot of myths attributed to Pocahontas are just that is beyond the grasp on this author. Apparently Pocahontas more or less did everything but found the darn colony herself, while torn between her two great loves of Smith and Rolfe, both of whom were practically superhuman themselves. The worst parts of the book are the analyses presented as fact - where the author basically goes "and x person knew in their hearts he was a good man, and having loved him since x time did Y and Z" to conveniently fill in gaps in the historical record.