Summer Reading Program: 2011

Monday, July 25, 2011

Novel Destinations 2011

Have you caught the travel bug during the Library's 2011 Summer Reading Program?
Need a few additional destinations?

Tomorrow's Treasure: East of the Sun by Linda Lee Chaikin - Christian historical fiction set in the diamond mines at the time of the Zulu War of 1878

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield - a mystery/ghost story set in England with a classic literature plot and haunting characters

A Garden in Paris by Stephanie Whitson - Christian fiction about a middle aged woman who begins life again in Paris

Thanks to all who participated in this year's Novel Destinations Adult Summer Reading Program. Hope you'll read along next year!

The views expressed in this blog are those of my own and do not represent the Library's views. Kathleen Altazan

Novel Destination: Europe

Dissolution by C.J. Sansom is a historical fiction novel set in Tudor England in 1537 recommended by Library Volunteer Vicky Kauth . Lawyer/Detective Matthew Shardlake investigates a murder at a monastery and uncovers intrigue and corruption in the first of a three part series. Enjoy!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Novel Destination: North America

The Help by Kathryn Stockett has been on the best-seller list for over 50 weeks and is soon to be a major motion picture. A naive aspiring reporter attempts to interview Southern maids who raised white folks' kids. They ran the households but were paid poorly, often had to use separate toilets from the family, and watched the children they cared for commit bigotry. Even if the information from the reporter's sources is published anonymously, the risk is great. An emotional, often funny read!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Novel Destination: The Middle East

"Finding Nouf," a debut novel by Zoe Ferraris, is a gripping mystery. A 16-year-old girl who disappeared into the desert three days before her marriage has been found dead, several weeks pregnant. The mystery of her disappearance is unveiled by an unlikely duo - a desert guide and a female medical examiner. In Saudi Arabia this borders on scandalous, and their relationship offers a fascinating glimpse inside the domestic world of men and women there.

Much more than just a mystery, this story appeals on several levels. Men and women alike will be fascinated by the personal lives of Saudi Arabia’s super-rich and to learn how devout modern Saudis struggle to keep tradition while living in a contemporary society.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Novel Destination: South America

The novel Galápagos by Kurt Vonnegut looks back at 1986 from the future through a series of twentieth-century catastrophes which had originated entirely in "large" human brains.It is a humorous take on how humanity evolved through its encounter with “the nature cruise of the century”. A Who's Who pasenger list included Jackie Onassis and Mick Jagger, but financial crisis and world hunger caused mass cancellations. Little did the remaining passengers aboard the "Bahía de Darwin" realize that they would become the Noah's Ark of future civilizations.

Not necessarily a science fiction fan, I still enjoyed this extremely creative satirical work of fiction.

Novel Destination: South America

Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut is science fiction

Having Polish ancestors, I enjoyed this book immensely. And if you enjoy Push Not The River, you'll probably also enjoy the sequel Against a Crimson Sky.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Week 2: Novel Destinations Adult Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading Program bookmark entry forms continue to be picked up though we've had many more forms picked up than entries received. Winners have been announced for the 1st week's prizes. There's still plenty of time to choose ANY book to read this week, fill in your bookmark entry form, and deposit it in the drum at the Library by Sunday, June 26. We'll draw for winners on June 27 and prize winners will be notified. Life is Great, Reading Makes it Better!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Week 1 Novel Destination: Europe

Push Not The River by James Conroyd Martin is historical fiction set in grand style in late 18th-century Poland. Combining personal and political conflict, the book is based on the unpublished diary of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska. Readers enter a romatic world of aristocrats and peasants, patriots and traitors against the backdrop of castles and manor houses.

Having Polish ancestors, I enjoyed this book immensely. And if you enjoy Push Not The River, you'll probably also enjoy the sequel Against a Crimson Sky.

Week 1: Novel Destinations Adult Summer Reading Program

Over 100 Summer Reading Program bookmark entry forms have picked up at the Library. Are you enjoying reading suggested books on Europe on the bookmark back? Or choose ANY book to read this week, fill in your bookmark entry form, and deposit it at the Library by Sunday, June 19. Prize winners will be notified.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

2014 Patron Reviews

Personal Injuries by Scott Turow gets 3 stars from Sally Soderblom. She wrote, "The book seemed much longer than it should have been, I did like the story, however." She listened to the unabridged audiobook.

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle gets 5 stars from Amanda Blomenkamp. She wrote, "Arguably, one of the best books ever written." She mentions the book is much better than the film.

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter gets 4 stars from Linda Brown. She wrote, "The main thing I get from this book is that it's never too late to do the right thing."

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty gets 5 stars from Cassie Clark.

Somerset by Leila Meacham gets 5 stars from Mary Helen Schaeferle. "... reads like Gone With the Wind crossed with The Help"

Lions Don't Need to Roar by D.A. Benton gets 5 stars from Ellen W. Payne. "Advice from executives about the best ways to survive and thrive in the workplace is excellent!", she writes.

2014 Patron Reviews

Veronica Mars #1 by Rob Thomas get 4 stars from Miranda Ables. She wrote, "It's an awesome continuation of the TV & movie... would have received 5 stars but had too much sprinkling of the F-word."

The Mortal Instruments by MiMi O'Connor received 5 stars from Brittany Velez. "After reading this book along with this series, the book is better than the movie."

Watchers by Dean Koontz gets 5 stars from Juanita Broskovak. "The Labrador Retriever, Einstein, was amazing. I laughed and cried throughout."

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kid received 5 stars from Gay Vekovius.

2014 Patron Reviews

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster gets 4 stars from Robert Podsiadlik. He writes, "A clever, whimsical adventure that provoked thought into everyday sayings and play on words."

Ironhorse by Robert Parker gets 3 stars from Jane Bratton.

Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple gets 4 stars from Lisa Williams. She writes, "Seattle is a unique city and Semple makes use of the local population's eccentricities to create a very funny and entertaining tale that pops."

Are You Afraid of the Dark by Sidney Sheldon gets 5 stars from Melissa Lewis.

2013 Patron Review

BONUS Week 7: July 15-21, 2013
Rocket Boys by H. H. Hickam receives 5 stars from Carolyn Clark. She writes, "One of my all-time favorites. Writer made the story so interesting. Didn't say this because I am from West Virginia also. Would pass this one on to friends."

Thanks Carolyn for reviewing Rocket Boys!

The public is encouraged to participate in a special Discover Tech: Rocket Boys Community Read. Read the book "Rocket Boys" (or watch the film version October Sky - to be shown at the Library Fri. Nov. 1, 1:30) and then join in on the discussion on Wed. Nov. 6, 1:30pm, moderated by John Beecroft & Phil Garner of the Issues & Viewpoints Book Discussion Group.

2013 Weekly Winners

2013 Patron Reviews

Week 6: July 8-14, 2013
Heat by Liz Moore gets a very good book 5 star rating from Melody Cooper.
Harm's Hunger by Patrice Michelle gets 5 stars from Danielle Urban. She enjoyed the romance between a young girl returning to Texas and a cowboy.
Heavenly Temptation by Becca Fisher received 5 stars from Emily Fulken. It's a story of a city man who leaves behind everything to marry an Amish woman.

Week 5: July 1-7, 2013
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee gets 5 stars from Carol Blount. A favorite, having read it several times, she always fins something she missed before.
The Hiding Place by David Bell gets 3 stars from Julie Comstock.
Faith or Frustration by Darrell Huffman received 4 stars from Wayne Kindstrom. He credits the Christian author as being empowering and enlightening.

2013 Patron Reviews

Week 3: June 17-23, 2013
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax, 4 stars from Kristi Nelson. A great read with some twists and great Southern charm!

Afraid by Jack Kilborn, 5 stars from Marie Cranfill. How far some people will go to cover up the truth!

Summer by Karen Kingsbury, 5 stars from Janet Cardwell. Families face trials by turning to God and become stronger for it.

Hank the Cowdog #2 by John R. Erickson, 4 stars from Ruth Kindstrom. A great series for kids of all ages! Funny adventures from a cow dog's perspective.

2013 Patron Reviews

Week 2: June 10-16, '13
Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guest House by Suraya Sadeed, 5 Stars from Linda Brown. Inspiring, passionate story of a woman on a mission to help refugees.
Richter 10 by Arthur C. Clarke & Mike McQuay. Patty Kotlicky says it contains an impactful, unsettling political theme of today's world, though published in '96 and set in a time 25 years in the future.
Wool by Hugh Howey, 5 stars from Melony Brock. Excellent book with many twists from an author I can't wait to read more of!
Postcard Killers 4 stars from Sally Soderblom. An enjoyable, quick summertime read that Patterson co-authored with Swedish author, Markland. A caveat: some of the events/descriptions were rather graphic.

2013 Patron Reviews

Week 1: June 3-9, 2013
Divergent by Veronica Roth, 5 Stars from Danell Rose Case
William & Kate by Christopher Andersen 2 Stars from L.G. Brown. "Disappointing details, interesting from the ground up to success story."
Steam Boats & Ferries by Duane Huddleston 5 stars from Sandra Vostatek
Wildflower Hill by Kimberly Freeman 3 stars from Janet Wheeler "Well written, better than average romance plot."
House of Reckoning by John Saul 5 stars from Sara Firment "Very good book on relationships and reconciliation with a surprise ending."

Gardeners broke ground to deliver these great movies!

A Good Year: Drink in the vineyard views
Under the Tuscan Sun: Spectacular views from an Italian villa
The Great Gatsby: Cool and calm on West Egg
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Amazing fight scenes among the trees
Atonement: A hot, humid, and sexy garden scene
Much Ado About Nothing: An Italian villa with incredible views
A Room With a View: Well-manicured English gardens and wild Italian meadows
Pride and Prejudice: Every Jane Austen movie has great gardens
The Secret Garden: An abandoned garden returns to life

2012 Readers' Reviews

Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert
Wonderful Christian fiction! Light romance that kept my interest until the last page! - Paula O.

The Summer of Us by Holly Chamberlin
A story of love, jealousy, friendship, romance, heartbreak, fear, and joy. This book has it all. 5 Stars! - Sarah M.

Predator by Patricia Cornwell
Excellent plot with plenty of twists and turns! Great mystery! The ending caught me by surprise! 5 stars! - Patty K.

Running for Cover by Shirlee McCoy
Because of a woman's ex-husband's shady dealings, someone is after her. A former city cop helps her. - Emily F.

Blue Heaven by C.J. Box
Lots of suspense and intrigue. More of a man's book. Was surprised by the ending which seemed to lose something. - Sally S.

The Lice-Buster Book by Lennie Copeland
Great book if you need to know how to get rid of lice! 4 stars! - Heather G.

Morpheus Road: The Black by D.J. MacHale
Excellent! Very Exciting! - by Jessica A.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Enjoyed it. 5 stars - T. Robin T.

Quinn by Iris Johansen
Very intriguing! Led me right to the next book, Bonnie! Can't wait. 4 stars! - Tara C.

Breaking Night by Liz Murray
Ever feel like giving up because of past failures? Be inspired by this memoir of a teen's determined struggle to succeed in her journey from homeless to Harvard. - Kathe A.

UFOS: Myths, Conspiracies, and Realities by John B. Alexander
An interesting viewpoint from an informed author that will neither satisfy skeptics or true believers, but will make you think. - Laura C.

Plum Lovin'
by Janet Evanovich
As always, Janet gives us a funny, romantic novel with a little suspense. - Tara. B

Sweep: Book of Shadows by Cate Tiernan
Sweep is a great witch series. A girl finds out she is a blood witch. - Patricia P.

Shattered Innocence by Robert Scott
A true story about an 11-year-old girl who was abducted and found 18 years later. - Ruth K.

Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler
An in-depth understanding of the names and titles of the God of the Bible in original Hebrew. - Wayne K.

Divine Justice by David Baldacci
Suspenseful page-turner! - Diane S.

The Gold of Exodus by Howard Blum
Two men search for and find the real Mt. Sinai. - Linda B.

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
With all the class struggles and how hard it is to get ahead in India, it makes me glad to be an American! - Sandra V.

Where the Wild Rose Blooms by Lori Wick
Loved it! - Jan B.

The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye
Wonderfully written picture of 1800's New York, the immigrants living there, and its 1st police force. - anonymous

2012 Readers' Reviews Continued

Snow Flower & the Secret Fan by Lisa See
Big insight into this hidden world - very well written! 5 stars. - Kristi N.

Fatal Flaw by Ginna Gray
About a romance between a detective and a surgeon and a series of killings. - Danielle U.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Amazing book about Cheryl hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone. - Julie C. A fast attack, nuclear submarine in New York City. Action packed. - Elizabeth F.

Perfect by Ellen Hopkins
Teenagers have to overcome obstacles to realize who they really are. - Tina U.

Worth Fighting For by Lisa Niemi Swayze
Great read and well written. Better than expected! - Kathy W.

An Emerging Trend for 2012

'Long May You Run' -- Marilyn Dahl, book review editor, Shelf Awareness 6/14/2012

I was in New York last week for the annual BookExpo America publishing extravaganza. It's an exhausting yet exhilarating overload of new and upcoming titles, a place where you can often spot trends. One that's picking up: books about musicians of a certain age.

(So far this year: When I Left Home by Buddy Guy, My Cross to Bear by Gregg Allman, Bruce Springsteen and the Promise of Rock 'n' Roll and, in July, The Man Who Sold the World: David Bowie and the 1970s.) Here are some good bets for the fall--reserve your copies now.

Waging Heavy Peace by Neil Young (Blue Rider, October). A memoir that is definitely not linear. Patti Smith said "It's intimate... like talking with a friend.

"I'm Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen by Sylvie Simmons (Ecco, September). Simmons, a well-known name in rock journalism, had "unparalleled access" to the elusive singer/songwriter.

Who Am I by Pete Townsend (Harper, October). A candid memoir by one of rock's iconic performers (and erstwhile book editor); at 608 pages, it should be revealing.

Life Is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett by Tony Bennett (Harper, November). I know nothing other than this is a book by Tony Bennett; therefore, it will be wonderful.

A Woman Like Me by Bettye LaVette and David Ritz (Blue Rider, September). A classic soul singer, an R&B legend, LaVette has finally become as famous as she deserves to be.

Hello, Gorgeous: Becoming Barbra Streisand by William J. Morris (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, October). The climb to fame, the formative years. Streisand before she became a legend.

Mick Jagger by Philip Norman (Ecco, October). Continuing the trend of big books, this weighs in at 624 pages, written by the author of Shout! (The Beatles) and John Lennon, among others.Elvis Presley:

A Southern Life by Joel Williamson (Oxford, December). Southern historian Williamson weaves the drama of Presley's career with the social upheavals of post-World War II.

Praise for Library Summer Reading Program

Dear Kathe,

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Adult Summer Reading Program. I'm sure that as many others, I tend to gravitate toward certain authors and genre of books, but I was glad that I decided to follow the suggested reading choices.

The titles I read weren't all my "cup of tea", but they did enlarge my literary scope. The best surprise for me was the final title that I chose to read: "The Shanghai Diary". I learned a lot from that one and was greatly enlightened by.it. Thank you for helping me to grow as a reader!

Can't wait to see what's in store for us next summer!

Sincerely,
Patty Kotlicky

2011 Readers' Reviews

Jessica Alexander thought "New Moon" by Stephanie Meyer was frustrating but very good.
Miranda Ables loved the characters in "What Alice Forgot" by Liane Moriarty. She thought the characters were well-developed with their different point of views and that Alice was especially lovable!
Patty Kotlicky thought that "Road to Ubar" by Nicholas Clapp reminded her of an "Indiana Jones" type adventure! Funny!
Patricia Franks was moved by the storyline in "Finding Nouf". She commented on how many rules there were for men and women and was intrigued by Nouf's plan to run away to "be her own boss."
Wayne Kindstrom says of "Fresh Wind and Fire" by Jim Cymbala, "the stories of how the Holy Spirit moved people to pray and sparked revival in so many ways and places moved me."
Kristi Nelson was moved by the strength of the two women and Mariam's sacrifice for Laila in "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Housseini.
Donna Forsythe gave "Kelly's Chance" by Wanda Brunstetter a thumbs up!
Ruth Kindstrom liked learning about the Amish, how they live and their religion in the book "The Amish Midwife" by Leslie Gould and Mindy Starns Clark.
Tally Eddings gave a thumbs up to "The Things We Do For Love" by Kristin Hannah.
Jennie Anderson read "The Gargoyle" by Andrew Davidson. It's a portrait of two damaged people who find each other again after a 700 year absence! Or do they?
Sandra Vostatek says of "Was it Murder?" by Mary Anne Edge that "people haven't changed much over time" in this book on the dark side of Baxter County History.
Barbara Davidson read "Darling Cassidy" by Tracey V. Bateman and enjoyed that the main character determined to make the best of things in a bad situation and to put other's needs first.