By: Ernesto Che Guevara
"An extraordinary first-person account." Includes Ernesto Guevara'a personal insights of a world that shaped his beliefs. (Non-fiction) 07/31/09
The Motorcycle Diaries
By: Ernesto Che Guevara
"An extraordinary first-person account." Includes Ernesto Guevara'a personal insights of a world that shaped his beliefs. (Non-fiction) 07/31/09
Throne Of Jade
By: Naomi Novik
This second volume in the "Temeraire" series is even better than the first. On the surface, this engaging fantasy series is about the Napoleonic wars, with dragons - Temeraire being the main (dragon) character. And the series does a marvelous job of evoking the Napoleonic era, in addition to having some very stirring and realistic sounding battle scenes. However, the heart of the series is actually the relationship between the human protagonist, Captain Laurence, and "his" dragon, Temeraire. I put "his" in quotation marks, because in this story the dragon is really his own person, and no one can own him. In fact, the place of the dragon(s) in society seems to be an emerging theme in the series, and looks likely to be a major element in the later books. The relationship between Laurence and Temeraire, and indeed the characterizations in general, are extremely well done. These are people you will care deeply about. I highly recommend Throne of Jade, and the rest of the series. (Fiction) 07/31/09
Might As Well Laugh About It Now
By: Marie Osmond
This is not a typical autobiography. Marie Osmond shows her life experiences of celebrity and family life which are heartfelt and humorous. I totally enjoyed it and loved the short story format. Review by Joan. (Non-fiction) 07/30/09
Memories Of My Melancholy Whores
By: Gabriel Garcia Marquez
As usual, Gabriel Garcia Marquez's writing is finely crafted and gorgeous. Memories of My Melancholy Whores is an intriguing novella of a ninety year old man rediscovering life and love. On the eve of his ninetieth birthday, the protagonist, an undistinguished journalist and lifelong bachelor, decides to give himself "the gift of a night of wild love with an adolescent virgin." A master piece indeed. :) (Fiction) 07/31/09
Star Trek: The Next Generation - Q-in-Law
By: Peter David
Fans of Star Trek will get some great laughs from Q-in-Law, a novel by Peter David. When the U.S.S Enterprise-D is scheduled to host a marriage between the children of two rival tribes of the Tizarin race, everyone is in a joyous mood. But when Counselor Troi’s mother Lwaxana arrives on board to attend the ceremony, she meets the omnipotent and mischief minded being known as Q. He begins his usual reality-bending antics but finds himself mysteriously drawn to the strong willed Lwaxana. As sparks fly between the two, the bride and groom begin to have doubts about each other which threaten to plunge the rival tribes into war. It’s up to Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew to save the marriage, prevent a war, and maybe even discover a connection between these two romances that no one expected. While this novel might be hard to get into for those that aren’t fans of the series, the writing is superb and I felt like I was watching an episode of the television show, and I highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of the series, or anyone who wants to get into it. I give it 4/5 stars! Review by Barron. (Fiction) 07/31/09
Kiss
By: Ted Dekker and Erin Healy
Another great book by Ted Dekker. He collaborated on this book with E. Healy who is an award winning editor and has helped out on a number of Dekker stories. The main character in this book, Shauna, is a young woman who has a complicated relationship with her father (who, incidentally, is running for the presidency . . .). Shauna wakes up one day after being in a coma and finds out that she is missing the last 6 months of her life. The story has many twists and turns and is a suspenseful tale that I thoroughly enjoyed! Shauna works hard at discovering what happened before, during and after her accident as well as figuring out who she can trust and who is out to keep her memories from returning. She also discovers that she has a special "gift" - an outcome from her so-called accident. How Shauna uses this gift is also a question she must confront. The story kept me coming back for more. There are many subplots in this story and minor characters which added interest. Review by Bonnie. (Fiction) 07/30/09
The Thief And The Dogs
By: Naguin Mahfouz
The Thief And The Dogs by the Egyptian writer Naguin Mahfouz (Nobel Laureate, Literature, 1988) is not a typical classic or literary masterpiece one would imagine a Nobel laureate to produce. Interestingly, this thin paperback reads like a James Bond thriller: packed with action, crafty thefts, murders, and the sporadic romance serves as a bonus. In its 158 pages, Mahfouz describes Said, the protagonist thief, as a self proclaimed Robin Hood who robs the wealthy for the poor. The day after his release from jail, he plots to kill his unfaithful wife, and her lover who put him in jail, and his now disloyal old mentor . The intensity builds on the psychological turmoil of Said, who frequently finds refuge in the quiet and tranquil mosque when his life is at risk. The chantings and prayers in the mosque offer a poetic contrast to Said's delusional killing instincts, which eventually leads to his own destruction. The story is full of angry monologues, the characterization straightforward, romance sporadic , ending predictable. In short, its a generous combo of James Bond, Robin Hood, and some Bonnie and Clyde all packed in one paperback, a triple dip for the summer. (Fiction) 07/30/09
Possessing The Secret Of Joy
By: Alice Walker
I enjoyed the prose; it was a well written story. I was also impressed with the continuation of the characters from The Color Purple, even though it wasn't exactly a sequel to that book. I was surprised by the murder committed by Tashi-Evelyn, but it fit into the story line. Overall, I thought the book was excellent. (Fiction) 07/30/09
Matters Of The Heart
By: Danielle Steel
Danger and obsessive love are the threads in Steel's newest book. At times, I wanted to talk some sense into Hope, the main character. Will she ever realize and accept the hopelessness of her situation? This was a real eye opener into what goes on when a woman is trapped in an abusive relationship. Review by Merrill. (Fiction) 07/30/09
Dropped Dead Stitch
By: Maggie Sefton
Knitters and mystery lovers will enjoy this intriguing mystery. The characters seem like old friends and are very down to earth. Lots of twists and turns as the plot unfolds and a killer is revealed in a surprise ending. Review by Merrill. (Fiction) 07/30/09
Black Hills
By: Nora Roberts
The black hills of South Dakota is the setting for this suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I read it in two days because I could not put it down. Lil is a really strong character who runs a wildlife refuge. She and her girlhood love Cooper are caught in a tangle of danger and suspense. Review by Merrill. (Fiction) 07/30/09
The Coming Plague: Newly Emerging Diseases In A World Out Of Balance
By: Laurie Garrett
Mayhem and death shouldn't be so interesting. Combining elements of medical detective stories with nearly apocalyptic warnings about emerging diseases and the failures of our public health systems - especially, but not only, in the third world - this book is extremely disturbing. It's also rather old, given the topic, having been published in 1994. If it were more up to date, I probably would have given it a higher ranking. Even given its age, the book has fascinating accounts of the outbreak of several recently emerged diseases, including Ebola, Lassa fever, Legionnaire's disease, AIDS, and others. If you're interested in public health issues or the topic of emerging diseases, I'd highly recommend The Coming Plague, though it should be balanced by more recent publications. (Non-fiction) 07/29/09
Mudbound
By: Hillary Jordan
This is an ALEX Award winning book (an award given out by ALA for an adult book with teen appeal). This is a historical fiction novel set in 1940s Mississippi Delta. Memphis, TN born and bred Laura falls in love with and marries Henry McAllen - an erudite college man who secretly buys a farm one day - forcing Laura to move with him and their two daughters. Other characters in the book - returning African American vet Ronsel Jackson and his parents Hap and Florence and Henry's brothers Jamie and Henry and Jamie's father Pappy - round out the cast. I say round out the cast because this book reads like a play. Each of the six characters (Pappy is the only character who does not speak with his own voice) describes the action.
It really gives a flavor of 1940s America - Ronsel's descriptions of Europe give you the feeling that you are there too. Florence and Hap have the life of sharecroppers. Henry describes the precarious life of a cotton farmer while trying to keep his family happily together. Henry's ne'er do well, alcoholic brother Jamie describes his struggles and those of the others around him. I identified most with Laura. She was thirty when she met Henry - well on her way to spinsterhood. She meets, marries and quickly has two children by Henry. Henry buys a farm without her knowledge and she is thrust into this foreign bucolic existence. She struggles to make the most of it and stays with Henry and the family.
I believe this is a very good book for anyone who wants to read about a different period of American history. It is not for the faint of heart, however. Racial violence, racial discrimination, and frank language are themes throughout the book. (Fiction) 07/29/09
The Cat Who Robbed A Bank
By: Lilian Jackson Braun
Lilian Jackson Braun has proven that cats can be smarter than people many times over in her "Cat Who" books. Koko and Yum Yum definitely teach James Macintosh Qwilleran a lot (and the reader as well). I urge everyone to read the "Cat Who" books and decide for themselves if cats can be smarter than the people they own. Review by Patricia. (Fiction) 07/29/09
The Cat Who Dropped A Bombshell
By: Lilian Jackson Braun
I've read almost all of the "Cat Who" books, and they never cease to entertain me. Ms. Braun has a way of writing that keeps you turning pages. I enjoyed her charming way of writing. Review by Patricia. (Fiction) 07/29/09
The Cat Who Went Bananas
By: Lilian Jackson Braun
I've enjoyed this book very much; it kept me turning pages. Then again, Ms. Braun has a way of writing that keeps your interest, plus the cats Koko and Yum Yum keep you entertained. Review by Patricia. (Fiction) 07/29/09
The Gift Of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
By: Joan Chittister
In the '80s, I recommended The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck to my friend. She told me that she read the first line - "Life is difficult" - and threw the book in the garbage. "Who needs to hear that!" was her comment. Joan Chittister's book reminded me of that. At times, I yelled "Oh, come on!" and shut the book. But I always went back because there are some wonderful insights about growing older. Some don't make a dent, but others resonate with wisdom. If you borrow this book, you'll find yourself renewing it at least twice. Review by Louise. (Non-fiction) 07/29/09
Vorpal Blade
By: John Ringo
This sequel to Into The Looking Glass is an odd book. It features some of the key characters from the previous book, and the same offbeat sense of humor. But very little actually happens for the first half of the book, which is spent developing characters and setting the stage for the rest of the book. For an author known for military science fiction, this is kind of unusual, and from reviews I've read, seems to have disappointed some people. However, I found it quite enjoyable, and the latter part of the book featured all the kind of action one expects from a Ringo book. Taken altogether, you have interesting characters, a spaceship built from a converted missile submarine, space exploration, ground combat, space combat, and explanations of exotic particle physics. Maybe a weird combination, but fun. (Fiction) 07/29/09
Into The Looking Glass
By: John Ringo
This is a fast paced tale of interplanetary travel, first contact with aliens, and alien invasion, with a strong sense of humor. Ringo writes a very good combat scene, but also creates a variety of quirky and engaging characters. I usually have several books going at once, but after I started this one, I had to set everything else aside for awhile. I highly recommend it, especially for those who enjoy science fiction or military fiction. (Fiction) 07/29/09
The Most Famous Man In America: The Biography Of Henry Ward Beecher
By: Debby Applegate
Henry Ward Beecher (brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe) was a world renowned minister who was raised in New England but spent the majority of his career as the dearly loved and charismatic pastor of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, NY in the mid-19th Century. (The church still exists in Brooklyn Heights and is on the National Register of Historic Places.) Beecher was a great influence in the abolitionist movement and crossed paths with notables of the time including Mark Twain and Abraham Lincoln. He was later brought down by a messy and fascinating adultery scandal that was closely followed in the media by the entire country (sound familiar?). The book won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography and is honestly one of the best biographies ever. It is over 400 pages but don't be put off - it is so well written and interesting that you can't put it down. (Non-fiction) 07/29/09
1-2-3 I Can Sculpt!
By: Irene Luxbacher
Have you been home with the kids just a feeew too many days in the rain? Well, this book will get you - and them - through the next one, or even a day when it's too HOT to go out (if that should happen). And the price is right, too! The sculptures are constructed from egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, tin foil and cotton balls plus a few embellishments. (If you need a play dough recipe, just ask the Children's Department.) And have fun! Review by Anne. (Non-fiction) 07/29/09
Shopaholic Ties The Knot
By: Sophie Kinsella
Shopaholic Ties the Knot is the third installment of Kinsella's in the "Shopaholic" series. This book picked up where Shopaholic Takes Manhattan left off. Becky, our television financial expert turned Barney's personal shopper, is headed home to England to her best friend's (Suze) wedding, when Becky's boyfriend, PR exec Luke, proposes. Becky quickly learns that Elinor (Luke's mean mother) has plans for a big wedding at the Plaza Hotel while Becky's mom is planning a wedding in Becky's garden at home. Becky becomes entangled in her own wedding game and, in the end, comes up with a brilliant scheme to make everyone happy. I find this book to be the best of the "Shopaholic" series so far. We get heavy characterization of the villains in the book, who contrast nicely with Becky and Suze (the charming leading ladies). The book didn't revolve around the planning of a wedding, or at least not in the list-making, we need this and that sense. It made reading about weddings enjoyable and funny. Becky is even more adorable in this book, and I have to say, I'm excited to continue with the series. Review by Sarah. (Fiction) 07/29/09
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