Author:
Matthew Fitzsimmons
Stars:
4
Review by: DeckReader
Kept my interest.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States
Author:
Sarah Vowell
Stars: 4
Review by: libraryaimee
I loved this history book about the Revolutionary War and Frenchman Lafayette's assistance. I listened to it on audio which was read by the author...She has a bit of a Cindy Brady voice, but I got past it and ended up loving her narration. She has a very droll wit and her delivery is very dry and funny! If you are hazy on American History, I highly recommend this as a breezy primer!
Stars: 4
Review by: libraryaimee
I loved this history book about the Revolutionary War and Frenchman Lafayette's assistance. I listened to it on audio which was read by the author...She has a bit of a Cindy Brady voice, but I got past it and ended up loving her narration. She has a very droll wit and her delivery is very dry and funny! If you are hazy on American History, I highly recommend this as a breezy primer!
If You Only Knew
Author:
Kristan Higgins
Stars: 3.5
Review by: bandit
I thought this would be a quick read like her previous books, but actually was a much deeper book which I enjoyed.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: bandit
I thought this would be a quick read like her previous books, but actually was a much deeper book which I enjoyed.
The Deadly Mantis
Author:
Ian Thorne
Stars: 5
Review by: Mandy Apgar
There sure were a lot of irradiated critters smashing the world about back in the day. Thanks to my husband's thoughtfulness on our anniversary, Amazon, and the fine folks of the Cleveland Public Library I now have a copy of a book I used to zealously hoard as a kid. And it feels really good. When the titular mantis (who is actually quite adorable) is awoken from the Arctic by pseudo scientific means - hey, it was the 50s, give anyone a lab coat and they're immediately a scientist in these movies - he goes on another equally adorable and predicable rampage through various models. Baltimore, Newark, and other cities lie in ruin! All the while the mantis' tale is being captured by plucky gal photographer Marge Blaine and Lt Col Joe Parkman: irritating everyman and Marge's snap in an instant love interest in the end. The mantis is finally trapped in a New York tunnel and is subjected to a barrage of deadly gas and Matchbox cars. Poor guy finally gives up and poor Marge finds herself in Joe's arms. The end.
Stars: 5
Review by: Mandy Apgar
There sure were a lot of irradiated critters smashing the world about back in the day. Thanks to my husband's thoughtfulness on our anniversary, Amazon, and the fine folks of the Cleveland Public Library I now have a copy of a book I used to zealously hoard as a kid. And it feels really good. When the titular mantis (who is actually quite adorable) is awoken from the Arctic by pseudo scientific means - hey, it was the 50s, give anyone a lab coat and they're immediately a scientist in these movies - he goes on another equally adorable and predicable rampage through various models. Baltimore, Newark, and other cities lie in ruin! All the while the mantis' tale is being captured by plucky gal photographer Marge Blaine and Lt Col Joe Parkman: irritating everyman and Marge's snap in an instant love interest in the end. The mantis is finally trapped in a New York tunnel and is subjected to a barrage of deadly gas and Matchbox cars. Poor guy finally gives up and poor Marge finds herself in Joe's arms. The end.
Queen Elizabeth II: A Celebration of Her Majesty's Birthday
Author:
Tim Ewart
Stars: 4
Review by: Mandy Apgar
This I liked. It was a souvenir sort of book - so there were plenty of photographs and the text was uncomplicated and didn't get political / blame sides, etc. as bios of her ilk can get - but it did mention a few up her downs as well as the ups. Things were more evenly covered and her entire family was given a pretty wide amount of credit for helping her, including Prince Philip, who many whom have lived in the UK (myself included) think deserve a lot more than the "Prince Consort" short shift he often gets, and the recent uptake in duties of her grandchildren Harry and William as well. A nice, fairly even overall compendium. Doesn't get too gritty - but who really publishes stories about labor riots and the like in a book meant to be a little fawning - but still serves as a good starting point.
Stars: 4
Review by: Mandy Apgar
This I liked. It was a souvenir sort of book - so there were plenty of photographs and the text was uncomplicated and didn't get political / blame sides, etc. as bios of her ilk can get - but it did mention a few up her downs as well as the ups. Things were more evenly covered and her entire family was given a pretty wide amount of credit for helping her, including Prince Philip, who many whom have lived in the UK (myself included) think deserve a lot more than the "Prince Consort" short shift he often gets, and the recent uptake in duties of her grandchildren Harry and William as well. A nice, fairly even overall compendium. Doesn't get too gritty - but who really publishes stories about labor riots and the like in a book meant to be a little fawning - but still serves as a good starting point.
Long to Reign Over Us
Author:
The Royal Collection Trust
Stars: 3
Review by: Mandy Apgar
A compendium of the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II published in light of her becoming Europe's longest reigning monarch. Smallish size, said "souvenir" on the cover which explains a lot - not very much substance, but extremely well put together and presented. A nice general compendium of her reign that avoids all controversy.
Stars: 3
Review by: Mandy Apgar
A compendium of the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II published in light of her becoming Europe's longest reigning monarch. Smallish size, said "souvenir" on the cover which explains a lot - not very much substance, but extremely well put together and presented. A nice general compendium of her reign that avoids all controversy.
Wonder
Author:
R.J. Palacio
Stars: 5+
Review by: Judy
Young teen literature has really improved and this is an excellent example. It is on the Times' Best Seller list. You will really enjoy this book.
Stars: 5+
Review by: Judy
Young teen literature has really improved and this is an excellent example. It is on the Times' Best Seller list. You will really enjoy this book.
Porches & Outdoor Spaces
Author: Country Living
Stars: 3
Review by: Mandy Apgar
Title says the subject. In terms of architecture and style things are a bit too fancy for the average person - these are more so the homes of beach goers and people with vacation houses who can indulge in decorating and using upended kegs as tables. The ideas offered aren't very new or fresh really but the photos are quite nice and the overall presentation is what sells the book itself.
Stars: 3
Review by: Mandy Apgar
Title says the subject. In terms of architecture and style things are a bit too fancy for the average person - these are more so the homes of beach goers and people with vacation houses who can indulge in decorating and using upended kegs as tables. The ideas offered aren't very new or fresh really but the photos are quite nice and the overall presentation is what sells the book itself.
Tidewater Inn
Author:
Colleen Coble
Stars: 4
Review by: Barb
I listened to this predictable love story combined with some mystery and suspected murder. It was entertaining and easy to follow along with while driving. I did think that the conclusions at the end of the book were a bit abrupt. Good.
Stars: 4
Review by: Barb
I listened to this predictable love story combined with some mystery and suspected murder. It was entertaining and easy to follow along with while driving. I did think that the conclusions at the end of the book were a bit abrupt. Good.
Almost Interesting: the memoir
Author:
David Spade
Stars: 3
Review by: Shapoppa
I like David Spade's comedy, but this book didn't quite hit the mark. His life is interesting, but I was surprised that he left out big chunks of his career, notably, the sitcoms he did. Also, there was very little (I'm talking scant) discussion about his movie, Joe Dirt. He did a classy job paying homage to Chris Farley without going into minute detail about the circumstances surrounding Farley's death, or Spade's grieving process that followed, because he shouldn't have to. It's a private matter. He spoke about his mother in the beginning of the book, but never followed up on her reaction to his success. In the final chapter he gets away from the narrative, suddenly turning into an advice columnist about the dating scene. I got the feeling he was rushing to the finish line or just didn't know how to end his book. There is still enough content that makes it an interesting read, but the juvenile parts, namely the way he treats women as mere objects, makes you understand why he's still single at age 52.
Stars: 3
Review by: Shapoppa
I like David Spade's comedy, but this book didn't quite hit the mark. His life is interesting, but I was surprised that he left out big chunks of his career, notably, the sitcoms he did. Also, there was very little (I'm talking scant) discussion about his movie, Joe Dirt. He did a classy job paying homage to Chris Farley without going into minute detail about the circumstances surrounding Farley's death, or Spade's grieving process that followed, because he shouldn't have to. It's a private matter. He spoke about his mother in the beginning of the book, but never followed up on her reaction to his success. In the final chapter he gets away from the narrative, suddenly turning into an advice columnist about the dating scene. I got the feeling he was rushing to the finish line or just didn't know how to end his book. There is still enough content that makes it an interesting read, but the juvenile parts, namely the way he treats women as mere objects, makes you understand why he's still single at age 52.
Young Elizabeth
Author:
Kate Williams
Stars: 4
Review by: Mandy Apgar
A bit kitschy at times, but not too overly saccharine. The key thing to recall is is that the subject's personality really is that way. A biography of Queen Elizabeth II from her birth up to more or less her crowning, and it actually manages a few things rather well - it doesn't over sentimentalize certain key persons (her father was determined yet difficult, her mother could be beyond kind yet also steely unforgiving) and does give really good insight into her very early childhood.
Stars: 4
Review by: Mandy Apgar
A bit kitschy at times, but not too overly saccharine. The key thing to recall is is that the subject's personality really is that way. A biography of Queen Elizabeth II from her birth up to more or less her crowning, and it actually manages a few things rather well - it doesn't over sentimentalize certain key persons (her father was determined yet difficult, her mother could be beyond kind yet also steely unforgiving) and does give really good insight into her very early childhood.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Author:
Jamie Ford
Stars: 4
Review by: Barb
I think I may have liked this better the first time around. I liked the writing and the subject matter, but thought that the main characters, who were youngsters, were too intense for their ages and the love they declared for each other. It was a good read, combining history with love.
Stars: 4
Review by: Barb
I think I may have liked this better the first time around. I liked the writing and the subject matter, but thought that the main characters, who were youngsters, were too intense for their ages and the love they declared for each other. It was a good read, combining history with love.
The Night Circus
Author:
Erin Morganstern
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Lovemylibrary
If you wish you had gone to Hogwarts for school, this is a good book for you. A magical read that inspires your imagination, makes you wonder and leaves you looking for magic in the world.
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Lovemylibrary
If you wish you had gone to Hogwarts for school, this is a good book for you. A magical read that inspires your imagination, makes you wonder and leaves you looking for magic in the world.
Plainsong
Author:
Kent Haruf
Stars: 2
Review by: Chris L.
A Jerry Seinfeld type of book - a book about nothing. Small Colorado town with normal people dealing with life's ups and downs.
Stars: 2
Review by: Chris L.
A Jerry Seinfeld type of book - a book about nothing. Small Colorado town with normal people dealing with life's ups and downs.
Property of a Noble Woman
Author:
Danielle Steel
Stars: 3.5
Review by: BNbook
Good read, but sometimes too much detail.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: BNbook
Good read, but sometimes too much detail.
About That Man
Author:
Sherryl Woods
Stars: 4
Review by: Patti K
Summer, for me, is all about easy, relaxing reading and one of my favorite authors to make my dreams comes true is Sherryl Woods. I actually read the last book in this trilogy first ~ this was the first one ~ but it didn't matter. Just a nice, relaxing beach read for my backyard hammock.
Stars: 4
Review by: Patti K
Summer, for me, is all about easy, relaxing reading and one of my favorite authors to make my dreams comes true is Sherryl Woods. I actually read the last book in this trilogy first ~ this was the first one ~ but it didn't matter. Just a nice, relaxing beach read for my backyard hammock.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Silver Thaw AND New Leaf
Author: Catherine Anderson
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat' - who likes to read!
These are 1st in a new series - they were super! For the fans of Robyn Carr and the Virgin River and Thunder Point series, I would say - these 2 books were equal to her books! I can't wait to read more of her books!
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat' - who likes to read!
These are 1st in a new series - they were super! For the fans of Robyn Carr and the Virgin River and Thunder Point series, I would say - these 2 books were equal to her books! I can't wait to read more of her books!
Most Wanted
Author:
Lisa Scottoline
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat' - who likes to read!
Very fast moving story! Could not put it down!
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat' - who likes to read!
Very fast moving story! Could not put it down!