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Marisa Brooks
Bedtime Stories (DVD)
NEW REVIEW
Format: DVD Genre: Comedy/Family Film Call #: DVD #1034
I recommend the movie Bedtime Stories to anyone who has kids or is "young at heart." The movie features Adam Sandler as the maintenance man of a hotel where he did most of his growing up. His father, the original owner of the hotel, tells his son fantastical, adventurous stories at bedtime to rouse his son's imagination and feed his inquisitive nature. Sandler is asked to take care of his niece and nephew for one week and finds that storytelling is one way to pass the time with these children. Be prepared to laugh yourself silly and be in awe of the wonder that are children's imaginations (and adults, too)!
Aleigh Day
Catch by Will Leitch
NEW REVIEW
Format: Book Genre: YA Realistic Fiction Call Number: Y LEI
Lately I’ve been hard pressed to find time to enjoy a good book but Catch by Will Leitch was honestly a book that sucked me in, and I poured through it in three days. I think what I enjoyed so much about this book is it’s set in Mattoon, Illinois, so the dialog and types of activities that went on in the book hit close to home and made the book really fun for me to read. It was like hearing a story about someone at a different school, not gossip but a very interesting story that pulls you in as you learn the story of Tim Temples’ summer after graduation. Also this is a book told by a teenage boy, so expect teenage boy language, thoughts, and activities. I think any guy would have a good laugh picking up this book and reading it while being able to relate to some of the issues in it.
Help Me, Mr. Mutt! by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel
Format: Book Genre: Picture Book Call # P STE
I enjoy reading many different genres and styles of books but one group of books I don't spend a lot of time reading is children's picture books. Recently, I picked up THE cutest, funniest, kid's book I think is out there -- Help Me, Mr. Mutt! by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel. Some of the jokes might not be as easy to grasp for children as adults, but the book is loaded with eye catching illustrations and will have you laughing out loud the whole time you read it to your child.
Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz
Format: Book Genre: Fantasy
Call #: Y CRU
Since I'm the only teen employee at the library, I thought I would do my recommendation on a YA (Young Adult) book. The book I chose was Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz. This book is the first in a series depicting high class/high society New York individuals who happen to be Vampires. When the main character, Schuyler, turns fifteen new changes reveal to her just how tangled up in that society she might be. Other books in the series are Masquerade and Revelations.
Susan Franzen
Southern Fatality by T. Lynn Ocean
NEW REVIEW
Format: Paperback Genre: Mystery
Call #: F OCE
Jersey Barnes is an ex-government agent with her own security company. Just as she decides to retire from security and leave the running of the company to her partner, her boyfriend asks her to do a special favor for a friend. Soon, Jersey is in the middle of a dangerous mystery. Reminiscent of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, Jersey is a very likeable character. Her sidekicks in crime-solving are funny and colorful. The chemistry between Jersey and her pal Ox also kept me reading. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, Southern Poison.
Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
Format: Book Genre: Mystery Call #: J SPR
I am a diehard fan of Sherlock Holmes! I have read a few books lately written by writers who admire the great detective and strive to fill in details that Sir Conan Doyle left out. Case of the Missing Marquess, a juvenile chapter book, is the story of Sherlock Holmes’ sister, Enola, who has grown up in the country with her mother and knows little of her famous brother. When her mother disappears, Enola Holmes must leave the home she has always known to travel to London to ask her famous brother for help finding her mother. What happens is she must solve the mystery herself! First book in a series.
Eye of the Crow by Shane Peacock
Format: Book Genre: Mystery
Call #: Y PEA
This teen novel is the story of the young Sherlock Holmes. In this mystery, Peacock explains how Sherlock Holmes went from a gawky, lonely teen to one of the most brilliant detectives of all times. First book in a series.
Shanghai Tunnel by Sharan Newman
Format: Book Genre: Mystery Call #: F New
I loved this historical mystery! The setting of Portland in 1868 came alive! Emily Stratton, the main character, had her shortcomings but was very strong and determined not to let her late husband’s shady deals destroy her reputation, even when people keep turning up dead. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
King of the Mild Frontier by Chris Crutcher
Format: Book on CD Genre: Memoir Call #: CDBK Y CRU
This audiobook was read by the author who was a fantastic narrator. Crutcher’s memories of his childhood are funny, poignant and insightful. He also explains his real life inspiration for some of his popular novels. I was not a fan of Chris Crutcher until I listened to this book -- Now I am!
Rhonda Johnson
White Giraffe by Lauren St. Johns
NEW REVIEW
Format: Book Genre: Juvenile Chapter Book Call #: J STJ
I love books that start out and grab your interest immediately. That is the way the author starts The White Giraffe. Eleven year old Martine’s parents are killed in a fire and she is sent to live with a grandmother she didn’t know existed. The grandmother lives on a wildlife reserve in Africa. As exciting as this may seem, Martine struggles with living with a relative she doesn’t know. She does find comfort in the some of the people and the wildlife that live on the reserve, especially the mystical creature she sees one night through her window during a storm. It is a white giraffe. The story continues with many adventures with the magical creature. This book is full of adventure to the very end.
My Dog is as Smelly as Dirty Socks and Other Funny Family Portraits by Hanoch Piven
NEW REVIEW
Format: Book Genre: Juvenile Picture Book Call #: P PIV
I believe this picture book is one every teacher should have in their classroom. It is creative and funny and would be great to use as an art project or as a way to get students to use their imaginations. There are examples at the end of the book to help you think of ways to describe your own family. Spark your creativity! Read this book and see what you can come up with to describe yourself!
Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan
Format: Book Genre: Drama
Call #: J WHE
I love reading books about people from other countries. It always makes me appreciate my life here in the United States. After reading Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan, I am again reminded of my wonderful freedoms in this country. Koly, the 14 year old girl in the story, is betrothed in marriage to a boy that is on the verge of death. His family is harsh. Koly can say nothing about her situation. Although she feels like giving up, her courage is amazing. She must find her way after the death of her “husband” by learning the craft of embroidering. This is a juvenile drama that even adults will find fascinating and inspiring.
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Format: Book Genre: Humor Call #: J PEN
This book would be a great read aloud for younger elementary age. Clementine will have you laughing out loud as she tells the principal she is “allergic to sitting still”. She may have trouble “paying attention” but young readers will not want to put this one down.
Rash by Pete Hauptman
Format: Book Genre: YA Science Fiction Call #: Y Hau
The future is not so bright when a 16-year-old with anger management issues lands in jail in the tundra. With help from his high school artificial intelligence program he was working on, his running abilities, and football, Bo will make it through his ordeal. I enjoyed the satire the author uses as he imagines the future and what life could be like.
Jenny Losey
Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West by Sid Fleischman
NEW REVIEW
Format: Book Genre: Juvenile Biography Call #: J B TWA
Mark Twain is not only a fantastic literary character, he led a fascinating life. From real-life Tom Sawyer to riverboat pilot, gold prospector to world-traveler, he experienced relatively few dull moments. The author has as lively a style as his subject which makes this a truly fun read. I have never read a Sid Fleischman book I didn't love. This is a delightful look at the man who helped define literature in America.
Freakonomics: a Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
Format: Book Genre: Non-Fiction Call #: 330 LEV
This is one of the best books I've read this year. It's a truly fascinating look at human behavior from an economist’s point of view, which turns out to be an astonishingly accurate way of interpreting behavior. Levitt and Dubner have a fresh, readable, and funny style. Several of the off-beat yet strangely intuitive questions Levitt asks are: Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? In spite of it being a relatively objective study, this is an interestingly personal book. I found this to be a riveting and surprising book all the way to the very last sentence.
The House That Cleans Itself by Mindy Starns ClarkIn my never ceasing effort to conquer the piles that are my home, I'm always on the lookout for a new resource. I was truly impressed with this book. Instead of presenting a list of tips and ideas that work in limited situations, this author presents a new way of looking at home life and gives the reader a strategy for devising a plan that works in his/her own situation with a presentation that is laugh out loud funny. I have to admit that this book has helped me conquer many of my piles and was a blast to read in the bargain.
Sarah McCoy
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
NEW REVIEW
Format: Book on CD Genre: Juvenile Fantasy Call #: CDBK J DUP
In a mysterious city that glows by the power of a vast electric generator, there is a problem. The lights are going out. On an old page of paper, torn and worn, there is a mystery. Lina and Dune are convinced that they can solve it - and they are convinced that the mystery holds the key to saving their city and the people they love. City of Ember is a fantastic story. Complete with mystery, intrigue, and two loyal friends, City of Ember is the first of a remarkable series by Jeanne DuPrau. As great as City of Ember is, the next three books in the series (People of Sparks, Prophet of Yonwood, and Diamond of Darkhold) get even better.
Belong to Me by Marisa De los Santos
Format: Book on CD Genre: Drama Call #: CDBK F DEL
I listened to this book during my commute from Chenoa to Hudson and couldn't wait to finish it, so I listened to it while folding laundry and cleaning my house. This is one of the best books I have read (listened to) in a long time. If you are a book listener, than I highly recommend this one. The narrator does a spectacular job depicting the numerous characters. The central character is Cornelia Brown. The book begins detailing Cornealia and her husband’s somewhat traumatic move from the city to the suburbs. Cornealia has a difficult time "keeping up with the Joneses" but eventually develops a friendship with a perfect stranger. This book was so fascinating because there are several other important characters whose lives eventually intertwine and make each person a little better in the end.
Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
Format: Book Genre: Mystery Call #: F PAT
This is a wonderful story of an adult reuniting with her imaginary childhood friend. The main character, Jane Margaux, is daughter of famous Broadway producer Viviene Margaux. Jane spends her life thinking that she cannot live up to her mother’s expectations. She attempts to find the "perfect boyfriend" and begins producing shows. Her biggest hit is based on her adventures with Michael, her imaginary friend, specifically at the Astor court of the St. Regis Hotel. I found this book sweet and a fun story to read.
Gossamer by Lois Lowry
Format: Audiobook Genre: Drama Call #: CDBK J LOW
In Lois Lowry’s third Caudill nominated work (The Giver and Gathering Blue), the reader is given a glimpse of the stuff that dreams are truly made of. When a troubled child enters the home of a compassionate widow, their dreams and nightmares reveal dark pasts and a hopeful future. The narrator does an excellent job creating voices for the different characters. I would recommend this book for a mature juvenile reader. There are some circumstances that can be troubling to tender audiences.
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Format:DVD Genre: Comedy Call #: DVD #882
Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman are the caretakers of a magical toy store, but Mr. Magorium (Hoffman) has decided that after over 200 years of life as a magical inventor it is time for him to depart. This is a delightful movie full of wit and wisdom. It deals with the difficult idea of letting go of someone you love without talking down to kids or being overly melodramatic. While the distinguished lead actors shine as expected, the movie is highlighted by wonderful performances by Jason Bateman and young Zach Mills.
Joanna Weirman
The Shack by William P. Young
NEW REVIEW
Format: Book Genre: Fiction
Call #: LP F YOU
I appreciate the suggestion of a patron who led me to this unusual and very inspirational God-in-the-flesh book. Mackenzie Philip was in the fourth year of his Great Sadness following the abduction and murder of his youngest daughter, Missy, during a family vacation in the Oregon wilderness. Evidence of Missy's death was found in an abandoned shack—the very place where a suspicious note, apparently from God, invites him back to for a weekend visit. Who would even consider going? Mack's bold decision to accept this invitation transforms his life. This creative account of God's unshakable and loving presence may astound you. I certainly found it to be so. It's worth a second read.
Night Passage by Robert B. Parker
Format: Book & DVD Genre: Mystery Call #s: F PAR & DVD#894 (NR)
Death in Paradise by Robert B. Parker
Format: Book & DVD Genre: Mystery Call #s: F PAR & DVD #886 (NR)
Stone Cold by Robert B. Parker
Format: Book & DVD Genre: Mystery Call #s: F PAR & DVD #878 (NR)
Sea Change by Robert B. Parker
Format: Book & DVD Genre: Mystery Call #s: F PAR & DVD#947 (NR)
Thanks to my friend Tom’s suggestion that I should read some “guy books,” and hearing a National Public Radio segment about the author and his character, Jesse Stone, I picked up the movies – oops! (I’m sure I’ll get around to reading the books since I like the movies so well).
Jesse Stone (portrayed by Tom Selleck) is a tough, newly divorced, former LAPD homicide detective with a drinking problem who finds himself as the newly recruited Chief of Police in the small New England fishing town of Paradise, Massachusetts. As much as Stone would wish to assume a life of quiet desperation in this seemingly idyllic town, his training and instinct are immediately called into play to sort out the usual and not so usual happenings – bank robbers, domestic abuse, money laundering and murder. Each story is filled with mystery and intrigue as the complicated character of Jesse Stone is developed.
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith
Format: Book Genre: Mystery Call #: F MCC
This is the eighth book of the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. We find Mma. Precious Ramotswe, a proud Botswanan woman “of traditional build,” in the midst of investigating mysterious hospital deaths, missing office supplies, and a case of an errant husband. The drama is played out by the usual, and sometimes comic, antics of those close to her – Mma Makutsi, her assistant, with whom she has a minor falling out, and of course Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, the man who means so much to her. Truth and down-to-earth goodness in her proud belief in her country and its people prevail.
I found it interesting to listen to the seventh book, Blue Shoes and Happiness, on a Playaway (pre-loaded digital audio book). Narrator Lisette Lecat, a native of South Africa, really brought the series alive for me as I listened to the book in a true African tongue. I could feel the African sun and actually taste the steaming mugs of bush tea—the preferred drink in the office of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
I can’t wait to read the library’s newest arrival, The Miracle at Speedy Motors, where Mma. Ramotswe is busy helping a woman find her family. A true mystery, since the woman doesn’t even know her real name or whether any family members are still alive. Where to begin? I have no doubt the story will have interesting twists and turns while coming to a satisfying end—with maybe a miracle or two thrown in for good measure.
