ADULT FICTION
"Of Love and Evil" by Anne Rice - "Toby O'Dare, the assassin who started on the path to redemption in Angel Time (2009), continues his quest for salvation....Toby is transported to fifteenth-century Rome to respond to the prayer of a Jewish physician named Vitale, whose best friend and patient, Niccolo, has clearly been poisoned. Given the city's virulent anti-Semitism, Vitale is at risk if the real culprit isn't discovered..... Toby must discover the origins of an angry spirit that is haunting the house Vitale lives in. Toby is surprised by the dangers he faces in a story shaped by Catholic doctrine. Readers who enjoy Rice's larger-than-life tales and elegant writing will find much to appreciate here, and the cliff-hanger ending will leave fans eager for the next installment. Kristine Huntley."- AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
"Room" by Emma Donoghue - Emma Donoghue's writing is superb alchemy, changing innocence into horror and horror into tenderness. Room is a book to read in one sitting. When it's over you look up: the world looks the same but you are somehow different and that feeling lingers for days."--Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveler's Wife and Her Fearful Symmetry
"Tick Tock" by James Patterson - Detective Michael Bennett joins forces with FBI Agent Beth Peters to root out a terrorist who is threatening New York City with a devastation of the greatest magnitude, and must simultaneously sort out his feelings for Beth and protect his 10 adopted children, all while his relationship with his children's nanny, Mary Catherine, takes an unexpected turn.
"A Visit From the Goon Squad" by Jennifer Egan - "In the hands of a less-gifted writer, Egan's time-hopping narrative, unorthodox format, and motley cast of characters might have failed spectacuarly. But it works here, primarily because each person shines within his or individual chapter that offers a distinct voice and a facsinating backstory. A few reviewers mentioned the uneven nature of the chapters and the different stylistic experiments within them. Yet, hailed as a " frequently dazzling piece of layer-cake metafiction" (Entertainment Weekly), A Visit from the Goon Squad is a gutsy novel that succeeds on all levels." - Bookmarks
ADULT BIOGRAPHY
"A Rope and a Prayer: A Kidnapping from Two Sides" by David Rohde and Kristen Mulvihill - "David Rohde has survived one of the most terrifying things that can happen to a foreign reporter. His account of captivity with the Taliban illuminates important things about courage, about war--and also about marriage. His wife, Kristen, is the real hero of this story. This is a brilliant, beautifully written book and I could not read it fast enough." --Sebastian Junger, author of "War"
ADULT NONFICTION
"The Haves and Have-Nots" by Branko Milanovic - "Charming, erudite, curious, and deeply informed about every aspect of economic inequality, Branko Milanovic takes us on a tour from Austen to Tolstoy, from ancient Rome to modern Brazil via the late Soviet Union. He explores almost all the ways of thinking about inequality that there are. And he makes it seem easy, which it definitely is not." - James. K. Galbraith
"The Longest War: The Enduring Conflict Between America and Al-Qaeda" by Peter L. Bergen - "Drawing on vast firsthand knowledge of the region and mining a huge stock of primary and secondary material, including his own interviews with combatants, the book's depth of detail and breadth of insight make it one the more useful analyses of the ongoing conflict." --Publisher's Weekly, starred review
"Never Say Die: the Myth and Marketing of the New Old Age" by Susan Jacoby - "Jacoby, a sworn enemy irrationality of every form, has some shockingly bad news: we will all die, and most of us will get old first--not 'older' but actually old. In this book, she punctures the promises that aging will eventually be 'cured'. The good news is that if we wake up from our delusions we may be better able to grow old with dignity." -- Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickel and Dimed
"The Next Decade: Where We've Been..and Where We're Going" by George Friedman - " With a unique combination of cold-eyed realism and boldly confident fortune-telling, Friedman (America's Secret War) offers a global tour of war and peace in the upcoming century...Engrossing." -- Publisher's Weekly
"The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer" by Siddhartha Mukherjee - "The Emperor of All Maladies" is an extraordinary achievement. It's hard to think of many books...that have rendered any area of modern science and technology with such intelligence, accessibility, and compassion."--The New Yorker
"The View From Lazy Point" by Carl Safina - "For Carl Safina--and for us--Lazy Point, a resuscitated shack on a lonely beach at the eastern end of Long Island, is the center of the natural world, and the point from which he travels, literally and figuratively, to the ends of the earth. Written by a brilliant stylist and deeply concerned conservationist, this book brings into sharp (and often painful) focus the plight of wildlife in a world largely indifferent to the fate of our fellow travelers on Spaceship Earth. Alive with fresh ideas to help bring our species in sync with the natural world."--Richard Ellis, author of Tuna: A Love Story
MYSTERY
"The Devotion of Suspect X" by Keigo Higashino - "What's in an alibi? In The Devotion of Suspect X, Keigo Higashino weaves a web of intellectual gamesmanship in which the truth is a weapon that leads both police and readers astray. The ingenious conclusion is so unexpected that it's difficult to imagine anyone seeing it coming. Smart, smart characters." -- Jacqueline Winspear
"I'd Know You Anywhere" by Laura Lippman - "a powerful and utterly riveting tale that skillfully moves between past and present to explore the lasting effects of crime on a victim's life..."--inside front cover
"Rogue Island" by Bruce DeSilva - "Not since Dennis Lehane's A Drink Before the War have I read a first novel as compelling and sure-handed as Rogue Island. Investigative reporter Liam Mulligan has the gritty, tough-talking charm, old-school street smarts, and sexy chivalry of a Marlowe or Spade."--James W. Hall, author of Hell's Boy
"Faithful Place" by Tana French - "Tana French is back with a brilliant thriller in Faithful Place. Hard-edged and smart, like the scene-stealing detective at the center of this haunting novel, the book is a stunning tale of love and betrayal." --Linda Fairstein author of Hell Gate and Lethal Legacy
"The Queen of Patpong" by Timothy Hallinan - "Timothy Hallinan's The Queen of Patpong is pure magic; a compelling thriller grown from a dark and treacherous soil. The brushstrokes that form the fully realized character of Rose are revealed with honesty and compassion and it's impossible not to fall for her head over heels. Hallinan is courageous in his exploration of sexual exploitation, greed and corruption. I've read no one better on the subject."--Stephen Jay Schwartz, author of Boulevard
AUDIO BOOKS
"Juliet: a Novel" by Anne Fortier, read by Cassandra Campbell - "A high-flying debut...Fortier navigates around false clues and twists, resulting in a ...love story that reads like a Da Vinci Code for the smart modern woman."--Publisher's Weekly starred review
JUVENILE FICTION
"The Adventures of Nanny Piggins" by R. A. Spratt - "The most exciting saga about a flying pig nanny ever told. There is a laugh on every page and a lesson in there somewhere. I recommend it highly."--Madeline K. Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State
"The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis" - "With humor and authenticity, this beguiling tale of summer friendship mines the small, jewellike adventures of a rural childhood...Irresistibly quirky."-- Publishers Weekly starred review
"The Red Pyramid" by Rick Riordan - "Brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane accidentally unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes the doctor to oblivion and forces his two children to embark on a dangerous journey, bringing them closer to the truth about their family and its links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharoahs.
JUVENILE NON-FICTION
"They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti - "This is the story of how a secret terrorist group took root in America's democracy. Filled with chilling and vivid personal accounts unearthed from oral histories, congressional documents, and other primary sources, this is a book to read and remember." -- inside front cover
PICTURE BOOKS
"Old Bear and His Cub" by Olivier Dunrea
"That New Animal" by Emily Jenkins
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Sunday, December 12, 2010
NEW ARRIVALS
NEW ARRIVALS
ADULT FICTION
"Cross Roads" by Fern Michaels - "A year and a half has passed since the ladies of Pinewood received their presidential pardons...But a happy homecoming at the old Virginia farmhouse is marred by the hijacking of Nikki and Kathryn's private jet. It seems their few fellow passengers are not ordinary travelers--they're an elite group of Interpol agents who truly need the Sisterhood's help."
"Call Me Mrs. Miracle" by Debbie Macomber - "Debbie Macomber brings you the gift of a story that defines Christmas and everything it means. A story that's destined to become a Christmas classic."..inside front cover
"Chasing the Night" by Iris Johansen - "Johnasen delivers an exhilarating thriller filled with her trademark paranormal elements, truly heinous villains, and intriguing multidimensional heroes. [It] will keep the author's fans on the edge of their seats."--Booklist
"Fall of Giants" by Ken Follett - "Fall of Giants stands with Ken Follett's best... Fall of Giants is classic Follett. It's long - almost 1,000 pages; it's populated with hundreds of characters whose lives are intertwined; it's set on a tumultuous world stage; it's a good read....Everything in this novel is oversized, from the scope of history it covers to the characters he creates. It's a book that will suck you in, consume you for days or weeks, depending upon how quick a reader you are, then let you out the other side both entertained and educated. That's quite the feat."
-USA Today
"Indulgence in Death" by J.D. Robb - "The latest addictive addition to Robb’s long-running series features spiky humor; a cleverly constructed, adrenaline-raising plot; and the requisite amount of sexy passion between Eve and her soulmate, Roarke. "--John Charles, Booklist
"Legacy" by Danielle Steele - "This, compelling, centuries-spanning novel brilliantly interweaves the lives of two women--a writer working in the heart of modern academia and a daring Sioux Indian on an incredible journey in the eighteenth century. The result is an unforgettable story of courage in the face of the unknown."--inside front cover
"The Red Queen" by Philippa Gregory - In a novel of conspiracy, passion, and coldhearted ambition, number one bestselling author Philippa Gregory has brought to life the story of a proud and determined woman who believes that she alone is destined, by her piety and lineage, to shape the course of history."...inside back cover
"Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks -"When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past... she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven." -- Amazon
"World and Town" by Gish Jen - "[This] novel portrays Hattie Kong, a retired high-school biology teacher who grew up in China, the daughter of an American missionary and a Chinese father descended from Confucius. After the deaths of her husband and best friend, Hattie seeks peace in the small New England town of Riverlake. But her father’s relatives are anxiously petitioning her to move her parents’ remains to the ancestral family graveyard; her great unrequited love, neuroscientist Carter, has resurfaced; and a church group has settled a traumatized Cambodian immigrant family on the property across from Hattie’s. Taking note of Chhung’s “Pol Pot facial,” Hattie takes his teenage daughter under her wing. But every relationship is jeopardized as conflicts rooted in the larger world, from a cell-phone tower to domestic violence, a gang’s trafficking, and religious hypocrisy, turn this haven into a battleground. Science is pitted against faith, karma against grace, and mayhem against forgiveness. Sharply funny and wisely compassionate, Jen’s richly stippled novel slyly questions every assumption about existence and meaning even as it celebrates generosity, friendship, and love." --Donna Seama, Booklist
ADULT BIOGRAPHY
"Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume 1" by Harriet Elinor Smith - "This volume—the first of three—makes public autobiographical dictations in which Twain unpredictably pursues the many side-excursions of his remarkably creative life. Embedded in a substantial editorial apparatus, these free-spirited forays expose private aspects of character that the author did not want in print until he had been dead at least a century.... But perhaps the most important side-excursions are those retracing the imaginative prospecting of a miner for literary gold, efforts that resulted in such works as Roughing It and Innocents Abroad. A treasure trove for serious Twain readers. --Bryce Christense, Booklist
"Cleopatra A Life" by Stacy Schiff - "What dazzles us in Stacy Schiff's Cleopatra, are not the alluring mythologies about the evasive queen, but the astonishing if rare historical facts that Schiff has meticulously and lovingly excavated. Schiff offers not just Cleopatra's story but the story of an amazing era, one that has vanished but still affects us, questioning the way we look at myth, history and ourselves"--Azar Nafisi
"Decision Points" by George W. Bush - "In this candid and gripping account, President George W. Bush describes the critical decisions that shaped his presidency and personal life."--inside front cover
The Diary of Frida Kahlo" by Frida Kahlo - "Frida Kahlo, one of the most dynamic figures of 20th-century art, has very nearly become a saint, so legendary is her tumultuous and tragic life. While there is no dearth of books about Kahlo and her work, none are as poignantly revealing as this diary, which includes her own words and pictures. We find the genesis of some of her most famous paintings, her love letters, and sketches of people she knew such as her husband, the Mexican mural painter Diego Rivera, and numerous studies for self-portraits. The most fascinating part of the book is the facsimile diary, in its exact size, reproduced here for the first time, with color illustrations. It is accompanied by an English translation with explanatory commentaries." -- Amazon
"The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt" by T. J. Stiles - "Truly remarkable....A landmark study that significantly enhances one's understanding of U.S. economic history...[Stiles is] on the most exciting writers in the field."--Foreign Affairs
ADULT NON-FICTION
" At Home: A Short History of Private Life" by Bill Bryson - "Fascinating.... Join this amiable tour guide as he wanders through his house, a former rectory built in 1851 in a tranquil English village.... [It] takes a very particular kind of thoughtfulness, as well as a bold temperament, to stuff all this research into a mattress that's supportive enough to loll about on while pondering the real subject of this book -- the development of the modern world.... Bryson is fascinated by everything, and his curiosity is infectious...[his] enthusiasm brightens any dull corner.... You'll be given a delightful smattering of information about everything but...the kitchen sink."— Dominique Browning, The New York Times Book Review
"The Dead Hand" by David E. Hoffman - "Drawing on memoirs, interviews in both Russia and the United States, and classified documents from deep inside the Kremlin, David E. Hoffman examines the inner motives and secret decisions of each side and details the deadly stockpiles that remained unsecured as the Soviet Union collapsed. This is the most fascinating story of how Regan, Gorbachev, and a previously unheralded collection of scientists, soldiers, diplomats, and spies changed the course of history."---back cover
"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents Earth (the Book) A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race" by Jon Stewart - "Stewart (America: The Book) seeks to expand his audience to aliens who might land on earth after the extinction of the human race and be puzzled over the artifacts we've left behind. ..In place of skits there are elaborate, color illustrations accompanied by captions written with his trademark deadpan humor;.. Nothing is off-limits here, not even Benjamin Franklin, whose pithy saying "Nothing is certain but death and taxes" Stewart expands upon. The book ends with a plea to the aliens to reconstruct the human race from DNA in the hope that, with guidance from the visitors, "we could overcome the baser aspects of our nature... and give this planet the kind of caretakers it deserves," revealing the tears behind Stewart's clown."--Publisher's Weekly
"Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World" by Liaquat Ahamed - "Ahamed, noted the New York Times, illuminates wise parallels between the misplaced confidence that spawned the global depression in the 1930s and the illusory calculations of risk that led to the current financial crisis. "--Bookmarks Magazine
"A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn - "...the first scholarly work to tell America's story from the bottom up--from the point of view of, and in the words of, America's women, factory workers, African Americans, Native Americans, working poor, and immigrant laborers."--inside front cover
"The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson - "The Warmth of Other Suns is a sweeping and yet deeply personal tale of America's hidden twentieth-century history--the long and difficult trek of southern blacks to northern and western cities. This is an epic for all Americans who want to understand the making our modern nation."--Tom Brokaw
MYSTERY
"Crossfire" by Dick Francise and Felix Francis - "A blissfully satisfying blend of suspense, revenge and horse-racing info in a multi-layered mystery that's presumably Felix Francis's distinctive contribution to his father's legendary series."--Kirkus Reviews
"Moonlight Mile" by Dennis Lehane - "An old case takes on new dimensions in Lehane's sixth crime novel to feature Boston PIs Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro,...Patrick and Angie are married, the parents of four-year-old Gabriella, and barely making ends meet with Patrick's PI gigs while Angie finishes graduate school. But when Amanda's aunt comes to Patrick and tells him that Amanda, now a 16-year-old honor student, is once again missing, he vows to find the girl, even if it means confronting the consequences of choices he made that have haunted him for years." --Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
"Painted Ladies" by Robert B. Parker - "Is there a more promising opening in contemporary crime fiction than Boston PI Spenser opening his office door to a new client? Instantly we get Spenser's clear-eyed view of the client, what his or her dress and stature have to say, and the rat-a-tat-tat of Spenser's wise-guy answers to the client's queries...A series of unflagging excellence."--Booklist
"Red Herring" by Archer Mayor - "Archer Mayor doesn't do quaint. He might use poetic imagery to describe the austere beauty of New England's rugged mountains and snowbound villages, but as far as their crime content is concerned, his police procedurals are about as authentic as it gets."--Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review
"The Rembrandt Affair" by Daniel Silva -" The perfect book for fans of well-crafted thrillers...the kind of page-turner that captures the reader from the opening chapter and doesn't let go."--The Associated Press
AUDIO BOOKS
"The Confession" by John Grisham -"The Confession is the kind of grab-a-reader-by-the-shoulders suspense story that demands to be inhaled as quickly as possible. But it's also a superb work of social criticism in the literary troublemaker tradition of Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle....Brilliant"--Washington Post
"The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey" by Walter Mosley - "Mosley’s dramatic departure from his Easy Rawlins and Leonid McGill crime novels appears to be a very personal one, a deeply thoughtful, provocative, and often beautiful meditation on aging, memory, family, loss, and love. Ptolemy and Robyn are truly indelible characters. Mosley’s story is ultimately life affirming, and his writing is by turns gritty and sublime. Baby boomers caring for aged parents, or thinking about their own mortality, will line up for The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. Mosley’s fans of any age will also embrace it, and every library will be better for adding it." --Thomas Gaughan, Booklist
DVD
"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers" - "This acclaimed film tells the riveting story of how one man's profound change of heart created a landmark struggle involving America's newspapers, its president and Supreme Court - a political thriller whose events led directly to Watergate, Nixon's resignation and the Vietnam War."--back cover
"How to Train Your Dragon" -"... rolls fire-breathing action, epic adventure and laughs into a captivating and original story....the unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds in this 'wonderful good-time hit!'...Gene Shalit, Today
"The Last Song" - "Miley Cyrus shines as the star of this heartwarming coming-of-age movie that will strike your emotional chords. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks (Dear John, The Notebook), The Last Song follows Ronnie (Cyrus) and her estranged father as he tries to restore the loving relationship they once had. But reconnecting with his rebellious daughter isn’t easy, so he chooses the one thing they still have in common — music. Complete with not-to-be-missed bonus features — the Miley Cyrus music video “When I Look At You,” exclusive interviews with the actress and more — this uplifting and touching drama about family, first loves and second chances is a heartfelt story to you won’t soon forget." -- Amazon
"The Expendables" - "..a tight-knit team of skilled combat vets turned mercenaries. Hired by a powerful covert operator, the team jets off to a small South-American country to overthrow a ruthless dictator. Once there, they find themselves caught in a deadly web of deceit and betrayal. Using every weapon at their disposal, they set out to save the innocent and punish the guilty."--back cover
"The Crash of 1929" - ""The Crash of 1929"captures the unbounded optimism of the age and the shocking consequences when reality finally hit, exploring a fateful year through the words and experiences of the descendants of several titans of finance."--back cover
"Date Night" - Steve Carell and Tina Fey are “a match made in comedy heaven” (Ben Lyons, E!) in this uproarious adventure about an ordinary couple in the right place...on the wrong night. Phil and Claire Foster are a sensible, suburban husband and wife slogging through their daily lives and marriage. But a case of mistaken identity sets off a n outrageous chain of events involving small-time thieves, big-city mobsters, corrupt cops and a crazed cabbie, as the Fosters’ “date night” turns into a wild ride they’ll never forget"--Amazon
"Grown Up" - Just because you grow older doesn't mean you have to grow up! ...From the people who brought you Click, comes this hilarious and heartwarming film that proves that men will be boys." --back cover
"Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" - "Filled with death-defying escapes and unexpected twists at every turn--Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a fun-filled adventure that will keep your pulse pounding long after the credits end."--back cover
"Place of Execution" - "Based on the novel by award-winning author Val McDermid, Place of Execution is a gripping psychological thriller, told in the present and the past, that blurs the lines between reality and illusion."-- back cover
"The Karate Kid" - "...an absorbing story of a preadolescent boy's struggle to find his own inner strength. .. Through an unlikely relationship with an adult, the boy not only learns to protect himself through martial arts, but develops the much more important qualities of respect and the mastery of one's own mind and body. This is an intense and often violent film that fully engulfs its viewers--be prepared to gasp and cheer out loud, and know that you may never look at the act of putting on and taking off a jacket in the same way again. (Ages 8 and older with parental guidance)" --Tami Horiuchi
"Iron Man 2" - "Robert Downey Jr. returns as billionaire Tony Stark in this thrilling sequel to the worldwide blockbuster. Now that his superhero secret has been revealed, Tony’s life is more intense than ever. Everyone wants in on the Iron Man technology, whether for power or profit…but for Ivan Vanko (“Whiplash”), it’s revenge! Tony must once again suit up and face his most dangerous enemy yet, but not without a few new allies of his own. Co-starring Mickey Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson, Iron Man 2 is a “total blast!”"--Amazon
"True Blood: The Complete Second Season" - "When we last checked in with Sookie Stackhouse, the mystery surrounding a Bon Temps serial killer had finally been solved, to the town’s infinite relief. Sookie is thrilled that her vampire soul mate, Bill Compton, has escaped with his life (or is it death?) after coming to her daylight defense. On other fronts, Sookie’s pal Tara Thornton sets down new roots with an affluent benefactor, Maryann Forrester; Sam Merlotte resolves to get in shape-shift shape after a forest foray; roguish brother Jason finds new purpose with an anti-vampire sect; and detective Andy Bellefleur licks his wounds after being proven wrong about Jason’s guilt. But just as things are settling down, some deadly new twists threaten to ratchet up the saga of Sookie Stackhouse to bloody new heights!"--Amazon
MUSIC
"One Light One Sun" by Raffi - "The most popular children's singer in the English-speaking world."--The Washington Post
JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY
"Many Rides of Paul Revere" by James Giblin - "Giblin's book sets the record straight on Paul Revere's life and his role in the American Revolution. Beginning with his father's journey to America, this biography presents a lucid account of Revere's childhood, his limited education, his training in his father's workshop, his brief military career, and his adult life as a silversmith, family man, and Revolutionary War leader....Unlike some biographies of Revere, this one does not relate (only to refute) certain legendary "facts," though it does note the ways in which the historical record contradicts the famous poem "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere," which is reprinted here. Giblin notes that Longfellow, in attempting to create an American hero rather than to write an accurate history, "more than achieved his goal." That's a gracious concession from a writer who has taken the latter path here, and with notable success." Phelan, Carolyn--Booklist
JUVENILE DVD
"How to Train Your Dragon" -"... rolls fire-breathing action, epic adventure and laughs into a captivating and original story....the unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds in this 'wonderful good-time hit!'...Gene Shalit, Today
"The Secret of Kells" - "Magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology come together in a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes in a sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times."--back cover
"Toy Story 3" - "Pixar's 3-D computer animation is top-notch as always and the voice talent in this film is tremendous, but in the end, it's Pixar's uncanny ability to combine drama, action, and humor in a way that irresistibly draws viewers into the world of the film that makes Toy Story 3 such great family entertainment."--Amazon
JUVENILE FICTION
"Trickster's Queen" by Tamora Pierce - "Aly, the hero of Trickster's Choice, continues her work for the raka rebellion, using her spying network to overthrow the evil regents and bring her mistress, Dove, to the throne. The flaccid plot and the cookie-cutter sameness to the characters make this 400-pager drag, but the magic and exotic settings, plus Pierce's trademark quips and strong female characters, give the book bounce."...THE HORN BOOK, c2005.
"Realms of the Gods" by Tamora Pierce - "Daine...is an ideal heroine--adventurous, intelligent and gifted with magical powers."--School Library Journal
YOUNG ADULTS
"Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins - "Katniss has survived her ordeal at the Quarter Quell, and she and her family are safe in District 13. Gale is there as well, but Peeta is being held at the Capitol as President Snow’s very special prisoner. Events move quickly, but realization unfolds slowly as Katniss learns that she has been a pawn in more ways than she ever supposed and that her role as the face of the revolution is one with unanticipated consequences, including a climbing death toll for which she holds herself personally responsible. Collins does several things brilliantly, not the least of which is to provide heart-stopping chapter endings that turn events on their heads and then twist them once more. But more ambitious is the way she brings readers to questions and conclusions about war throughout the story. There’s nothing didactic here, and the rush of the narrative sometimes obscures what message there is. Yet readers will instinctively understand what Katniss knows in her soul, that war mixes all the slogans and justifications, the deceptions and plans, the causes and ideals into an unsavory stew whose taste brings madness. That there is still a human spirit yearning for good is the book’s primrose of hope." Grades 6-12. --Ilene Coope, Booklist
"My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, & Fenway Park" by Steve Kluger - "In his first novel for young readers, Kluger revisits themes in his adult titles: baseball, romantic sparring, and social activism....At the center are heart-pulling romances (even a few among adults) and a broadening sense of what family means. A few plot twists will require readers to suspend belief, and the voices tend to sound alike. Still, the appealing characters are bright, passionate, and fully engaged in their lives, and many readers will lose themselves in this original, high-spirited story." Gillian Engberg.. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2008.
Sky is Everywhere" by Jandy Nelson - Lennie has always been the companion pony to her sister Bailey's race horse. When Bailey dies suddenly while rehearsing the lead in Romeo and Juliet, Lennie is thrust into the spotlight..Lennie is not prepared to deal with her grief. Nor is she equipped to confront the affection she feels for her dead sister's fiance. Adding to her emotional roller coaster is the gorgeous, musically gifted new boy in town who is clearly in love with her. Lennie is sympathetic, believable, and complex. Readers will identify with her and root for her to finally make the first steps toward healing. Nelson incorporates poems, written by Lennie and left for the wind to carry away, that help readers delve deeper into her heart. Bonus: teens unfamiliar with Wuthering Heights will likely want to find out what all the fuss is about. A story of love, loss, and healing that will resonate with readers long after they have finished reading." Shauna Yusko. 288pg. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2010.
PICTURE BOOKS
"Aggie the Brave" by Lori Ries
"Bedtime for Bear" by Bonny Becker
"Bink & Gollie" by Jate DeCamillo
"Bones and the Roller Coaster Mystery" by David A. Adler
"Born Yesterday: Diary of a Young Journalist" by James Solhein
"Button Up!" by Alice Schertle
"Cat the Cat, Who is That" by Mo Willems
"Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten" by Audrey Vermick
"Let's Do Nothing" by Tony Fucile
"The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash" by Trinka Hakes Noble
"Martha" by Gennadii Spirin
"Max Spaniel: Dinosaur Hunt" by David Catrow
"Mouse and Mole: A Winter Wonderland" by Wong Herbert Yee
"Nabeel's New Pants" by Fawzia Gilani-Williams
"Oh, Daddy" by Bob Shea
"Sea Mice and the Stars" by Kenneth Steven
"Snook Alone" by Marilyn Nelson
"What About Bear" by Suzanne Bloom
ADULT FICTION
"Cross Roads" by Fern Michaels - "A year and a half has passed since the ladies of Pinewood received their presidential pardons...But a happy homecoming at the old Virginia farmhouse is marred by the hijacking of Nikki and Kathryn's private jet. It seems their few fellow passengers are not ordinary travelers--they're an elite group of Interpol agents who truly need the Sisterhood's help."
"Call Me Mrs. Miracle" by Debbie Macomber - "Debbie Macomber brings you the gift of a story that defines Christmas and everything it means. A story that's destined to become a Christmas classic."..inside front cover
"Chasing the Night" by Iris Johansen - "Johnasen delivers an exhilarating thriller filled with her trademark paranormal elements, truly heinous villains, and intriguing multidimensional heroes. [It] will keep the author's fans on the edge of their seats."--Booklist
"Edge" by Jeffrey Deaver -“Fans of Deaver’s fiendishly clever suspensers (The Burning Wire, 2010, etc.) won’t be surprised by the nonstop deceptions, reversals, shocks and surprises, but this time they’re even more varied than usual, and, given the characters’ backgrounds, a lot more plausible. The result is his most successful thriller in years.”—Kirkus reviews (starred review)
"Fall of Giants" by Ken Follett - "Fall of Giants stands with Ken Follett's best... Fall of Giants is classic Follett. It's long - almost 1,000 pages; it's populated with hundreds of characters whose lives are intertwined; it's set on a tumultuous world stage; it's a good read....Everything in this novel is oversized, from the scope of history it covers to the characters he creates. It's a book that will suck you in, consume you for days or weeks, depending upon how quick a reader you are, then let you out the other side both entertained and educated. That's quite the feat."
-USA Today
"Indulgence in Death" by J.D. Robb - "The latest addictive addition to Robb’s long-running series features spiky humor; a cleverly constructed, adrenaline-raising plot; and the requisite amount of sexy passion between Eve and her soulmate, Roarke. "--John Charles, Booklist
"Legacy" by Danielle Steele - "This, compelling, centuries-spanning novel brilliantly interweaves the lives of two women--a writer working in the heart of modern academia and a daring Sioux Indian on an incredible journey in the eighteenth century. The result is an unforgettable story of courage in the face of the unknown."--inside front cover
"Our Kind of Traitor" by John le Carre - "Those readers who have found post–cold war le Carré too cerebral will have much to cheer about with this Russian mafia spy thriller..... Le Carré ratchets up the tension step-by-step until the sad, inevitable end. His most accessible work in years, this novel shows once again why his name is the one to which all others in the field are compared."--Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
"The Red Queen" by Philippa Gregory - In a novel of conspiracy, passion, and coldhearted ambition, number one bestselling author Philippa Gregory has brought to life the story of a proud and determined woman who believes that she alone is destined, by her piety and lineage, to shape the course of history."...inside back cover
"Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks -"When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past... she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven." -- Amazon
"World and Town" by Gish Jen - "[This] novel portrays Hattie Kong, a retired high-school biology teacher who grew up in China, the daughter of an American missionary and a Chinese father descended from Confucius. After the deaths of her husband and best friend, Hattie seeks peace in the small New England town of Riverlake. But her father’s relatives are anxiously petitioning her to move her parents’ remains to the ancestral family graveyard; her great unrequited love, neuroscientist Carter, has resurfaced; and a church group has settled a traumatized Cambodian immigrant family on the property across from Hattie’s. Taking note of Chhung’s “Pol Pot facial,” Hattie takes his teenage daughter under her wing. But every relationship is jeopardized as conflicts rooted in the larger world, from a cell-phone tower to domestic violence, a gang’s trafficking, and religious hypocrisy, turn this haven into a battleground. Science is pitted against faith, karma against grace, and mayhem against forgiveness. Sharply funny and wisely compassionate, Jen’s richly stippled novel slyly questions every assumption about existence and meaning even as it celebrates generosity, friendship, and love." --Donna Seama, Booklist
ADULT BIOGRAPHY
"Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume 1" by Harriet Elinor Smith - "This volume—the first of three—makes public autobiographical dictations in which Twain unpredictably pursues the many side-excursions of his remarkably creative life. Embedded in a substantial editorial apparatus, these free-spirited forays expose private aspects of character that the author did not want in print until he had been dead at least a century.... But perhaps the most important side-excursions are those retracing the imaginative prospecting of a miner for literary gold, efforts that resulted in such works as Roughing It and Innocents Abroad. A treasure trove for serious Twain readers. --Bryce Christense, Booklist
"Cleopatra A Life" by Stacy Schiff - "What dazzles us in Stacy Schiff's Cleopatra, are not the alluring mythologies about the evasive queen, but the astonishing if rare historical facts that Schiff has meticulously and lovingly excavated. Schiff offers not just Cleopatra's story but the story of an amazing era, one that has vanished but still affects us, questioning the way we look at myth, history and ourselves"--Azar Nafisi
"Decision Points" by George W. Bush - "In this candid and gripping account, President George W. Bush describes the critical decisions that shaped his presidency and personal life."--inside front cover
The Diary of Frida Kahlo" by Frida Kahlo - "Frida Kahlo, one of the most dynamic figures of 20th-century art, has very nearly become a saint, so legendary is her tumultuous and tragic life. While there is no dearth of books about Kahlo and her work, none are as poignantly revealing as this diary, which includes her own words and pictures. We find the genesis of some of her most famous paintings, her love letters, and sketches of people she knew such as her husband, the Mexican mural painter Diego Rivera, and numerous studies for self-portraits. The most fascinating part of the book is the facsimile diary, in its exact size, reproduced here for the first time, with color illustrations. It is accompanied by an English translation with explanatory commentaries." -- Amazon
"The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt" by T. J. Stiles - "Truly remarkable....A landmark study that significantly enhances one's understanding of U.S. economic history...[Stiles is] on the most exciting writers in the field."--Foreign Affairs
ADULT NON-FICTION
" At Home: A Short History of Private Life" by Bill Bryson - "Fascinating.... Join this amiable tour guide as he wanders through his house, a former rectory built in 1851 in a tranquil English village.... [It] takes a very particular kind of thoughtfulness, as well as a bold temperament, to stuff all this research into a mattress that's supportive enough to loll about on while pondering the real subject of this book -- the development of the modern world.... Bryson is fascinated by everything, and his curiosity is infectious...[his] enthusiasm brightens any dull corner.... You'll be given a delightful smattering of information about everything but...the kitchen sink."— Dominique Browning, The New York Times Book Review
"Broke: The Plan to Restore Our Trust, Truth and Treasure" by Glenn Beck -- "Packed with great stories from history, chalkboard-style teachable moments, custom illustrations, and Glenn Beck’s trademark combination of entertainment and enlightenment, Broke makes the case that when you’re traveling in the wrong direction, slight course corrections won’t cut it—you need to take drastic action. Through a return to individual rights, an uncompromising adherence to the Constitution, and a complete rethinking about the role of government in a free society, Glenn exposes the idea of “transformation” for the progressive smokescreen that it is, and instead builds a compelling case that restoration is the only way forward."--Amazon
"The Dead Hand" by David E. Hoffman - "Drawing on memoirs, interviews in both Russia and the United States, and classified documents from deep inside the Kremlin, David E. Hoffman examines the inner motives and secret decisions of each side and details the deadly stockpiles that remained unsecured as the Soviet Union collapsed. This is the most fascinating story of how Regan, Gorbachev, and a previously unheralded collection of scientists, soldiers, diplomats, and spies changed the course of history."---back cover
"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents Earth (the Book) A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race" by Jon Stewart - "Stewart (America: The Book) seeks to expand his audience to aliens who might land on earth after the extinction of the human race and be puzzled over the artifacts we've left behind. ..In place of skits there are elaborate, color illustrations accompanied by captions written with his trademark deadpan humor;.. Nothing is off-limits here, not even Benjamin Franklin, whose pithy saying "Nothing is certain but death and taxes" Stewart expands upon. The book ends with a plea to the aliens to reconstruct the human race from DNA in the hope that, with guidance from the visitors, "we could overcome the baser aspects of our nature... and give this planet the kind of caretakers it deserves," revealing the tears behind Stewart's clown."--Publisher's Weekly
"Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World" by Liaquat Ahamed - "Ahamed, noted the New York Times, illuminates wise parallels between the misplaced confidence that spawned the global depression in the 1930s and the illusory calculations of risk that led to the current financial crisis. "--Bookmarks Magazine
"A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn - "...the first scholarly work to tell America's story from the bottom up--from the point of view of, and in the words of, America's women, factory workers, African Americans, Native Americans, working poor, and immigrant laborers."--inside front cover
"The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson - "The Warmth of Other Suns is a sweeping and yet deeply personal tale of America's hidden twentieth-century history--the long and difficult trek of southern blacks to northern and western cities. This is an epic for all Americans who want to understand the making our modern nation."--Tom Brokaw
MYSTERY
"Bury Your Dead" by Louise Penny -"At the start of Agatha-winner Penny's moving and powerful sixth Chief Insp. Armand Gamache mystery , Gamache is recovering from a physical and emotional trauma, the exact nature of which isn't immediately disclosed, in Québec City. When the body of Augustin Renaud, an eccentric who'd spent his life searching for the burial site of Samuel de Champlain, Québec's founder, turns up in the basement of the Literary and Historical Society, Gamache reluctantly gets involved in the murder inquiry. Meanwhile, Gamache dispatches his longtime colleague, Insp. Jean Guy Beauvoir, to the quiet town of Three Pines to revisit the case supposedly resolved at the end of the previous book. Few writers in any genre can match Penny's ability to combine heartbreak and hope in the same scene. Increasingly ambitious in her plotting, she continues to create characters readers would want to meet in real life. "--Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
"Crossfire" by Dick Francise and Felix Francis - "A blissfully satisfying blend of suspense, revenge and horse-racing info in a multi-layered mystery that's presumably Felix Francis's distinctive contribution to his father's legendary series."--Kirkus Reviews
"A Holiday Yarn" by Sally Goldenbaum - "Death puts a damper on the Christmas festivities in Goldenbaum's engrossing fourth cozy featuring Izzy Chambers and the other members of her Sea Harbor, Mass., knitting circle... When "controversial fashion editor" Pamela Pisano turns up dead with a pistol in her hand on the snow-covered back porch of the Pisano family estate, it appears a clear case of suicide. Particularly distraught is Mary Pisano, Pamela's cousin, who recently inherited [the estate] and is in the process of converting the house into a bed-and-breakfast. When a painter Mary hired falls to his death off a ladder onto some granite rocks, this accident is more than a little suspicious. Of course, a killer is at work, and the knitters must tap old memories and old police records before they can bring the mystery to its unexpected conclusion."--Publishers Weekly
"Moonlight Mile" by Dennis Lehane - "An old case takes on new dimensions in Lehane's sixth crime novel to feature Boston PIs Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro,...Patrick and Angie are married, the parents of four-year-old Gabriella, and barely making ends meet with Patrick's PI gigs while Angie finishes graduate school. But when Amanda's aunt comes to Patrick and tells him that Amanda, now a 16-year-old honor student, is once again missing, he vows to find the girl, even if it means confronting the consequences of choices he made that have haunted him for years." --Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
"Painted Ladies" by Robert B. Parker - "Is there a more promising opening in contemporary crime fiction than Boston PI Spenser opening his office door to a new client? Instantly we get Spenser's clear-eyed view of the client, what his or her dress and stature have to say, and the rat-a-tat-tat of Spenser's wise-guy answers to the client's queries...A series of unflagging excellence."--Booklist
"Red Herring" by Archer Mayor - "Archer Mayor doesn't do quaint. He might use poetic imagery to describe the austere beauty of New England's rugged mountains and snowbound villages, but as far as their crime content is concerned, his police procedurals are about as authentic as it gets."--Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review
"The Rembrandt Affair" by Daniel Silva -" The perfect book for fans of well-crafted thrillers...the kind of page-turner that captures the reader from the opening chapter and doesn't let go."--The Associated Press
AUDIO BOOKS
"The Confession" by John Grisham -"The Confession is the kind of grab-a-reader-by-the-shoulders suspense story that demands to be inhaled as quickly as possible. But it's also a superb work of social criticism in the literary troublemaker tradition of Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle....Brilliant"--Washington Post
"The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey" by Walter Mosley - "Mosley’s dramatic departure from his Easy Rawlins and Leonid McGill crime novels appears to be a very personal one, a deeply thoughtful, provocative, and often beautiful meditation on aging, memory, family, loss, and love. Ptolemy and Robyn are truly indelible characters. Mosley’s story is ultimately life affirming, and his writing is by turns gritty and sublime. Baby boomers caring for aged parents, or thinking about their own mortality, will line up for The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. Mosley’s fans of any age will also embrace it, and every library will be better for adding it." --Thomas Gaughan, Booklist
DVD
"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers" - "This acclaimed film tells the riveting story of how one man's profound change of heart created a landmark struggle involving America's newspapers, its president and Supreme Court - a political thriller whose events led directly to Watergate, Nixon's resignation and the Vietnam War."--back cover
"How to Train Your Dragon" -"... rolls fire-breathing action, epic adventure and laughs into a captivating and original story....the unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds in this 'wonderful good-time hit!'...Gene Shalit, Today
"The Last Song" - "Miley Cyrus shines as the star of this heartwarming coming-of-age movie that will strike your emotional chords. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks (Dear John, The Notebook), The Last Song follows Ronnie (Cyrus) and her estranged father as he tries to restore the loving relationship they once had. But reconnecting with his rebellious daughter isn’t easy, so he chooses the one thing they still have in common — music. Complete with not-to-be-missed bonus features — the Miley Cyrus music video “When I Look At You,” exclusive interviews with the actress and more — this uplifting and touching drama about family, first loves and second chances is a heartfelt story to you won’t soon forget." -- Amazon
"The Expendables" - "..a tight-knit team of skilled combat vets turned mercenaries. Hired by a powerful covert operator, the team jets off to a small South-American country to overthrow a ruthless dictator. Once there, they find themselves caught in a deadly web of deceit and betrayal. Using every weapon at their disposal, they set out to save the innocent and punish the guilty."--back cover
"The Crash of 1929" - ""The Crash of 1929"captures the unbounded optimism of the age and the shocking consequences when reality finally hit, exploring a fateful year through the words and experiences of the descendants of several titans of finance."--back cover
"Date Night" - Steve Carell and Tina Fey are “a match made in comedy heaven” (Ben Lyons, E!) in this uproarious adventure about an ordinary couple in the right place...on the wrong night. Phil and Claire Foster are a sensible, suburban husband and wife slogging through their daily lives and marriage. But a case of mistaken identity sets off a n outrageous chain of events involving small-time thieves, big-city mobsters, corrupt cops and a crazed cabbie, as the Fosters’ “date night” turns into a wild ride they’ll never forget"--Amazon
"Grown Up" - Just because you grow older doesn't mean you have to grow up! ...From the people who brought you Click, comes this hilarious and heartwarming film that proves that men will be boys." --back cover
"Place of Execution" - "Based on the novel by award-winning author Val McDermid, Place of Execution is a gripping psychological thriller, told in the present and the past, that blurs the lines between reality and illusion."-- back cover
"The Karate Kid" - "...an absorbing story of a preadolescent boy's struggle to find his own inner strength. .. Through an unlikely relationship with an adult, the boy not only learns to protect himself through martial arts, but develops the much more important qualities of respect and the mastery of one's own mind and body. This is an intense and often violent film that fully engulfs its viewers--be prepared to gasp and cheer out loud, and know that you may never look at the act of putting on and taking off a jacket in the same way again. (Ages 8 and older with parental guidance)" --Tami Horiuchi
"Iron Man 2" - "Robert Downey Jr. returns as billionaire Tony Stark in this thrilling sequel to the worldwide blockbuster. Now that his superhero secret has been revealed, Tony’s life is more intense than ever. Everyone wants in on the Iron Man technology, whether for power or profit…but for Ivan Vanko (“Whiplash”), it’s revenge! Tony must once again suit up and face his most dangerous enemy yet, but not without a few new allies of his own. Co-starring Mickey Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson, Iron Man 2 is a “total blast!”"--Amazon
"True Blood: The Complete Second Season" - "When we last checked in with Sookie Stackhouse, the mystery surrounding a Bon Temps serial killer had finally been solved, to the town’s infinite relief. Sookie is thrilled that her vampire soul mate, Bill Compton, has escaped with his life (or is it death?) after coming to her daylight defense. On other fronts, Sookie’s pal Tara Thornton sets down new roots with an affluent benefactor, Maryann Forrester; Sam Merlotte resolves to get in shape-shift shape after a forest foray; roguish brother Jason finds new purpose with an anti-vampire sect; and detective Andy Bellefleur licks his wounds after being proven wrong about Jason’s guilt. But just as things are settling down, some deadly new twists threaten to ratchet up the saga of Sookie Stackhouse to bloody new heights!"--Amazon
MUSIC
"One Light One Sun" by Raffi - "The most popular children's singer in the English-speaking world."--The Washington Post
JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY
"Many Rides of Paul Revere" by James Giblin - "Giblin's book sets the record straight on Paul Revere's life and his role in the American Revolution. Beginning with his father's journey to America, this biography presents a lucid account of Revere's childhood, his limited education, his training in his father's workshop, his brief military career, and his adult life as a silversmith, family man, and Revolutionary War leader....Unlike some biographies of Revere, this one does not relate (only to refute) certain legendary "facts," though it does note the ways in which the historical record contradicts the famous poem "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere," which is reprinted here. Giblin notes that Longfellow, in attempting to create an American hero rather than to write an accurate history, "more than achieved his goal." That's a gracious concession from a writer who has taken the latter path here, and with notable success." Phelan, Carolyn--Booklist
JUVENILE DVD
"How to Train Your Dragon" -"... rolls fire-breathing action, epic adventure and laughs into a captivating and original story....the unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds in this 'wonderful good-time hit!'...Gene Shalit, Today
"The Secret of Kells" - "Magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology come together in a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes in a sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times."--back cover
"Toy Story 3" - "Pixar's 3-D computer animation is top-notch as always and the voice talent in this film is tremendous, but in the end, it's Pixar's uncanny ability to combine drama, action, and humor in a way that irresistibly draws viewers into the world of the film that makes Toy Story 3 such great family entertainment."--Amazon
JUVENILE FICTION
"Trickster's Queen" by Tamora Pierce - "Aly, the hero of Trickster's Choice, continues her work for the raka rebellion, using her spying network to overthrow the evil regents and bring her mistress, Dove, to the throne. The flaccid plot and the cookie-cutter sameness to the characters make this 400-pager drag, but the magic and exotic settings, plus Pierce's trademark quips and strong female characters, give the book bounce."...THE HORN BOOK, c2005.
"Realms of the Gods" by Tamora Pierce - "Daine...is an ideal heroine--adventurous, intelligent and gifted with magical powers."--School Library Journal
YOUNG ADULTS
"Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins - "Katniss has survived her ordeal at the Quarter Quell, and she and her family are safe in District 13. Gale is there as well, but Peeta is being held at the Capitol as President Snow’s very special prisoner. Events move quickly, but realization unfolds slowly as Katniss learns that she has been a pawn in more ways than she ever supposed and that her role as the face of the revolution is one with unanticipated consequences, including a climbing death toll for which she holds herself personally responsible. Collins does several things brilliantly, not the least of which is to provide heart-stopping chapter endings that turn events on their heads and then twist them once more. But more ambitious is the way she brings readers to questions and conclusions about war throughout the story. There’s nothing didactic here, and the rush of the narrative sometimes obscures what message there is. Yet readers will instinctively understand what Katniss knows in her soul, that war mixes all the slogans and justifications, the deceptions and plans, the causes and ideals into an unsavory stew whose taste brings madness. That there is still a human spirit yearning for good is the book’s primrose of hope." Grades 6-12. --Ilene Coope, Booklist
"My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, & Fenway Park" by Steve Kluger - "In his first novel for young readers, Kluger revisits themes in his adult titles: baseball, romantic sparring, and social activism....At the center are heart-pulling romances (even a few among adults) and a broadening sense of what family means. A few plot twists will require readers to suspend belief, and the voices tend to sound alike. Still, the appealing characters are bright, passionate, and fully engaged in their lives, and many readers will lose themselves in this original, high-spirited story." Gillian Engberg.. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2008.
Sky is Everywhere" by Jandy Nelson - Lennie has always been the companion pony to her sister Bailey's race horse. When Bailey dies suddenly while rehearsing the lead in Romeo and Juliet, Lennie is thrust into the spotlight..Lennie is not prepared to deal with her grief. Nor is she equipped to confront the affection she feels for her dead sister's fiance. Adding to her emotional roller coaster is the gorgeous, musically gifted new boy in town who is clearly in love with her. Lennie is sympathetic, believable, and complex. Readers will identify with her and root for her to finally make the first steps toward healing. Nelson incorporates poems, written by Lennie and left for the wind to carry away, that help readers delve deeper into her heart. Bonus: teens unfamiliar with Wuthering Heights will likely want to find out what all the fuss is about. A story of love, loss, and healing that will resonate with readers long after they have finished reading." Shauna Yusko. 288pg. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2010.
PICTURE BOOKS
"Aggie the Brave" by Lori Ries
"Bedtime for Bear" by Bonny Becker
"Bink & Gollie" by Jate DeCamillo
"Bones and the Roller Coaster Mystery" by David A. Adler
"Born Yesterday: Diary of a Young Journalist" by James Solhein
"Button Up!" by Alice Schertle
"Cat the Cat, Who is That" by Mo Willems
"Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten" by Audrey Vermick
"Let's Do Nothing" by Tony Fucile
"The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash" by Trinka Hakes Noble
"Martha" by Gennadii Spirin
"Max Spaniel: Dinosaur Hunt" by David Catrow
"Mouse and Mole: A Winter Wonderland" by Wong Herbert Yee
"Nabeel's New Pants" by Fawzia Gilani-Williams
"Oh, Daddy" by Bob Shea
"Sea Mice and the Stars" by Kenneth Steven
"Snook Alone" by Marilyn Nelson
"What About Bear" by Suzanne Bloom
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Library Ratings
The November/December 2010 Vermont Magazine has this letter.
"Just a quick not to say I enjoyed the article on Carnegie libraries. It is truly a testament to the state that "Vermont has the highest number of libraries per capita." I would recommend the Greensboro Free Library to your attention..."a library serving their townspeople in special and important ways." Having just finished a capital campaign and a major renovation, the Greensboro Free Library is even more user friendly, downright comfy and truly a community asset."
"Just a quick not to say I enjoyed the article on Carnegie libraries. It is truly a testament to the state that "Vermont has the highest number of libraries per capita." I would recommend the Greensboro Free Library to your attention..."a library serving their townspeople in special and important ways." Having just finished a capital campaign and a major renovation, the Greensboro Free Library is even more user friendly, downright comfy and truly a community asset."
Jane Hoffman
Greensboro and New York City
Monday, September 13, 2010
NEW ARRIVALS
ADULT FICTION
"The Burning Land" by Bernard Cornwell - In "The Burning Land" Bernard Cornwell draws readers once again into a thrilling, violent world "with the hypnotic skill of an old seer seated about an ancient campfire" (Wall Street Journal), continuing the epic, rousing saga of the birth of England and the legendary king who made it possible-- back cover
"Freedom: A Novel" by Jonathan Franzen - “Jonathan Franzen’s new novel, Freedom, like his previous one, The Corrections, is a masterpiece of American fiction . . . Freedom is a still richer and deeper work—less glittering on its surface but more confident in its method . . . Like all great novels, Freedom does not just tell an engrossing story. It illuminates, through the steady radiance of its author’s profound moral intelligence, the world we thought we knew.”—Sam Tanenhaus, The New York Times Book Review (cover review)
"The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - "The still, radiant center of an ambitious and remarkable novel, Prince Myshkin – the idiot—stands above and apart from characters who vividly and violently embody the passions and conflicts of nineteenth century Russia. An almost comically innocent Christ figure, Myshkin is a “wholly beautiful man” in a land of sinners, a man whose faith in the power of beauty contrasts sharply with the materialistic mores of his society. In him, his creator, Dostoyevsky, sees Russia’s redemption."—back cover
"The Passage" by Justin Cronin - "Justin Cronin has written a wild, headlong, sweeping extravaganza of a novel. "The Passage" is the literary equivalent of a unicorn: a bona fide thriller that is sharply written, deeply humane, ablaze with big ideas, and absolutely impossible to put down." -- Jennifer Egan, author of "The Keep"
"Tinkers" by Paul Harding - "An old man lies dying. As time collapses into memory, he travels deep into his past where he is reunited with his father and relives the wonder and pain of his impoverished New England youth. At once heartbreaking and life affirming, Tinkers is an elegiac meditation on love, loss, and the fierce beauty of nature."--back cover
ADULT NON-FICTION
"Colossus: Hoover Dam and the Making of the American Century" by Michael Hiltzik - "Fascinating. A construction epic..of a beautiful immensity, a piece of infrastructure without compare..reflecting Depression-era America [and] astutely conveying the characters of its creators. Hiltzik marvelously captures the times of the Hoover Dam." — Booklist
"The Dead Hand: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and Its Dangerous Legacy" by David E. Hoffman - "Revealing, alarming and compelling throughout...This richly reported account vividly chronicles the insanity of the arms race" -- T.J. Stiles, Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Finnigan's, Slaters and Stonepeggers: A History of the Irish in Vermont" by Vincent E. Feeney - "If it is true that we are not real until we are recorded in history, then this book makes the Irish in Vermont real. It is a must for all Irish Americans in Vermont, and for everyone else, for that matter. It is all our story." -- Greg Delanty, poet, Saint Michael's College
BIOGRAPHY
"Imperfect Ending" by Zoe Fitzgerald Carter - "In her wise and moving memoir, journalist Zoe Carter tackles a difficult subject -- her mother's decision to end her own life after years of severe illness. Under what circumstances can her family make peace with this choice? Many of us will find ourselves facing this kind of dilemma as our parents move toward death, and I cannot imagine a better guide than this thoughtful, compassionate book." -- Julie Metz, author of "Perfection: A Memoir of Betrayal and Renewal"
MYSTERY
"Alexandria" by Lindsey Davis - "Especially captivating...a hilarious portrayal of academia circa A.D. 77, replete with rancorous board meetings, pretentious intellectual wrangling, and petty professional jealousies." -- The Wall Street Journal
JUVENILE FICTION
"Life in the Boreal Forest" by Brenda Z. Guiberson - Each of the stunning paintings in this catalog of the Boreal Forest, the great northern forest, is breathtakingly beautiful. They are in the style of Audubon and other great naturalist painters. They breathe life into the creatures, give texture to their fur and feathers and capture a sense of place…” -- The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
"Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg & Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson - "Holding true to the original title for adults, Three Cups of Tea, this moving story will amaze and inspire young readers...This truly exceptional and moving title should not be missed." --School Library Journal, starred review
PICTURE BOOKS
"All the World" by Elizabeth Scanlon
"Benny and Penny in the Big No No" by Geoffrey Hayes
"Gruffalo" by Julia Donaldson
"Pearl & Wagner: One Funny Day" by Kate McMullen
"The Burning Land" by Bernard Cornwell - In "The Burning Land" Bernard Cornwell draws readers once again into a thrilling, violent world "with the hypnotic skill of an old seer seated about an ancient campfire" (Wall Street Journal), continuing the epic, rousing saga of the birth of England and the legendary king who made it possible-- back cover
"Freedom: A Novel" by Jonathan Franzen - “Jonathan Franzen’s new novel, Freedom, like his previous one, The Corrections, is a masterpiece of American fiction . . . Freedom is a still richer and deeper work—less glittering on its surface but more confident in its method . . . Like all great novels, Freedom does not just tell an engrossing story. It illuminates, through the steady radiance of its author’s profound moral intelligence, the world we thought we knew.”—Sam Tanenhaus, The New York Times Book Review (cover review)
"The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - "The still, radiant center of an ambitious and remarkable novel, Prince Myshkin – the idiot—stands above and apart from characters who vividly and violently embody the passions and conflicts of nineteenth century Russia. An almost comically innocent Christ figure, Myshkin is a “wholly beautiful man” in a land of sinners, a man whose faith in the power of beauty contrasts sharply with the materialistic mores of his society. In him, his creator, Dostoyevsky, sees Russia’s redemption."—back cover
"The Passage" by Justin Cronin - "Justin Cronin has written a wild, headlong, sweeping extravaganza of a novel. "The Passage" is the literary equivalent of a unicorn: a bona fide thriller that is sharply written, deeply humane, ablaze with big ideas, and absolutely impossible to put down." -- Jennifer Egan, author of "The Keep"
"Tinkers" by Paul Harding - "An old man lies dying. As time collapses into memory, he travels deep into his past where he is reunited with his father and relives the wonder and pain of his impoverished New England youth. At once heartbreaking and life affirming, Tinkers is an elegiac meditation on love, loss, and the fierce beauty of nature."--back cover
ADULT NON-FICTION
"Colossus: Hoover Dam and the Making of the American Century" by Michael Hiltzik - "Fascinating. A construction epic..of a beautiful immensity, a piece of infrastructure without compare..reflecting Depression-era America [and] astutely conveying the characters of its creators. Hiltzik marvelously captures the times of the Hoover Dam." — Booklist
"The Dead Hand: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and Its Dangerous Legacy" by David E. Hoffman - "Revealing, alarming and compelling throughout...This richly reported account vividly chronicles the insanity of the arms race" -- T.J. Stiles, Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Finnigan's, Slaters and Stonepeggers: A History of the Irish in Vermont" by Vincent E. Feeney - "If it is true that we are not real until we are recorded in history, then this book makes the Irish in Vermont real. It is a must for all Irish Americans in Vermont, and for everyone else, for that matter. It is all our story." -- Greg Delanty, poet, Saint Michael's College
BIOGRAPHY
"Imperfect Ending" by Zoe Fitzgerald Carter - "In her wise and moving memoir, journalist Zoe Carter tackles a difficult subject -- her mother's decision to end her own life after years of severe illness. Under what circumstances can her family make peace with this choice? Many of us will find ourselves facing this kind of dilemma as our parents move toward death, and I cannot imagine a better guide than this thoughtful, compassionate book." -- Julie Metz, author of "Perfection: A Memoir of Betrayal and Renewal"
MYSTERY
"Alexandria" by Lindsey Davis - "Especially captivating...a hilarious portrayal of academia circa A.D. 77, replete with rancorous board meetings, pretentious intellectual wrangling, and petty professional jealousies." -- The Wall Street Journal
JUVENILE FICTION
"Fork in the Trail" by Laurie Calkhoven - "Girls are able to select their own endings in this interactive story that takes place on the campus of Innerstar University! Readers can imagine themselves as the main character, a girl who has learned all about the trees and flowers that grow in the woods around campus. When it's time for a hike in the woods, she leads the way. But when she and a few friends get lost in the thick of the forest, can she bring them back to safety? With more than 20 different endings, girls will enjoy this book again and again to see how different decisions change the story. Plus, each book comes with a secret access code to unlock additional endings online! " -- Product Description, Amazon
JUVENILE NON-FICTION"Life in the Boreal Forest" by Brenda Z. Guiberson - Each of the stunning paintings in this catalog of the Boreal Forest, the great northern forest, is breathtakingly beautiful. They are in the style of Audubon and other great naturalist painters. They breathe life into the creatures, give texture to their fur and feathers and capture a sense of place…” -- The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
"Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg & Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson - "Holding true to the original title for adults, Three Cups of Tea, this moving story will amaze and inspire young readers...This truly exceptional and moving title should not be missed." --School Library Journal, starred review
PICTURE BOOKS
"All the World" by Elizabeth Scanlon
"Benny and Penny in the Big No No" by Geoffrey Hayes
"Gruffalo" by Julia Donaldson
"Pearl & Wagner: One Funny Day" by Kate McMullen
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
NEW ARRIVALS
MYSTERY
"The Search" by Nora Roberts - "Number-one New York Times-bestselling author Nora Roberts presents a novel set in the Pacific Northwest, where an island provides sanctuary, the lush forests seduce the unwary, and a man and a woman find in each other the strength to carry on." - inside front cover
"Scarlet Nights" by Jude Deveraux - "As Deveraux continues her series, she brings to life the sort of sweet and spunky heroines who attract the muscular men her fans expect and enjoy. So this is another guilty-pleasure romance of suspense that will hook readers and leave them with a smile."-- Patty Engelman, Booklist
"Ice Cold" by Tess Gerritsen - "Tess Gerritsen's relentless, inventive novel takes readers on a pulse-pounding thrill ride through a mysteriously isolated town...as a silent watcher waits." - back cover
"Hangman: A Decker/Lazarus Novel" by Faye Kellerman - "Murder, a missing woman, and a sociopath from the past sweep Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus into a labyrinth of mystery and danger in this electrifying new tale of suspense from New York Times bestselling author Faye Kellerman...." --inside front cover
YOUNG ADULTS
"Saving Sky" by Diane Stanley - " In this provocative title, award-winning author Stanley asks young readers to consider what courage might look like in an America under psychological and physical siege...Readers will have much to discuss after finishing this beautifully written, disturbing book." -- Frances Bradburn, Booklist
"Shiver" by Maggie Stiefvater - "Grace and Sam met six years ago when she was attacked by werewolves. Sam changed from a yellow-eyed wolf to a yellow-eyed boy and carried her home. Although bitten, Grace survived and did not change, the only werewolf victim ever to do so....This novel is perfect for Twilight fans or a Romeo and Juliet list. It is sensuous, intense, riveting, and so very satisfying." --Bonne Kunzel, VOYA
"Linger" by Maggie Stiefvater - "In Shiver, Grace watched Sam struggle to remain human instead of succumbing to the call of the wild, brought on by the bitter Minnesota cold. In this sequel, Sam, now human, watches Grace, the only victim of a werewolf attack who didn't turn, go through the same struggle as her body demands that she take the form of a wolf....This riveting narrative, impossible to put down, is not only an excellent addition to the current fangs and fur craze but is also a beautifully written romance that, along with Shiver, will have teens clamoring for the third and final entry..."--Bonnie Kunzel, VOYA
JUVENILE NON-FICTION
"Binky, The Space Cat" by Ashley Spires - "The ink-and-watercolor illustrations in this graphic novel perfectly capture idiosyncratic feline behaviors, and readers will instantly recognize the truth in Binky's perception of reality and appreciate the humor...With plenty of visual gags and a cute hero, this book is perfect for kids who are transitioning from easy readers to early chapter books, while the dry humor will also keep strong readers engaged."--Eva Volin, Booklist
PICTURE BOOKS
"Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink" by Victoria Karr
"The Dollhouse Fairy" by Jane Ray
"Leonardo the Terrible Monster" by Mo Willems
Sunday, August 8, 2010
NEW ARRIVALS
MYSTERY
"Sizzling Sixteen"by Janet Evanovich - "Stephanie Plum, half-Italian, half-Hungarian, a shrewd mixture of smarts and dumb luck, works for her cousin Vinny as a bail bondswoman in Trenton, New Jersey. Vinny, however, is in deep fecal matter, owing too much money to the very scary guys who have kidnapped him. Stephanie, office manager Connie, and Lula, plus-sized and focused (if not on the job at hand), manage to spring Vinny (more than once) and find a lot of money to pay what he owes. Along the way, they facilitate a cow stampede and an alligator escape; are assisted by a bunch of Hobbit con-goers; and find their office going up quite thoroughly in flames. Stephanie wrecks the usual car and ping-pongs between the hot and dangerous Ranger and the hot and domestic Morelli. Ranger says the “love” word to Stephanie, but it is Morelli at the end, offering her a pink, lacy thong. In the first few pages, Evanovich both catches readers up on the hilarious and cockeyed history of the preceding 15 books and gives fans a little more of everything they want, including the return of beloved stoner Mooner. Funny, scary, silly, and sweet." --GraceAnne A. DeCandido -- Booklist
"Whiplash" by Catherine Coulter - "In Coulter's fab 14th FBI paranormal romantic thriller (after KnockOut), FBI special agents Dillon Savich and his wife, Lacey Sherlock, look into the possible haunting of a U.S. senator by his dead wife as well as a more earthly crime: Germany's Schiffer Hartwin Pharmaceutical, which has its U.S. headquarters in Connecticut, might be deliberately withholding an inexpensive cancer fighting drug, Culovort, to force cancer patients to require the far more expensive Eloxium, in short supply. The FBI probe dovetails with one by PI and part-time ballet teacher Erin Pulaski, who's hired by a Yale professor worried about his cancer-stricken father being affected by the shortage. In a wild coincidence, Bowie Richards, the FBI special agent in charge of the New Haven field office, also hires Erin—to babysit his daughter, a ballet student of hers. The attraction between Bowie and Erin grows as they help Dillon and Lacey crack a complicated double case. Coulter fans will want to see more of this new crime-fighting duo." (June)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. -- Publisher's Weekly
"Sizzling Sixteen"by Janet Evanovich - "Stephanie Plum, half-Italian, half-Hungarian, a shrewd mixture of smarts and dumb luck, works for her cousin Vinny as a bail bondswoman in Trenton, New Jersey. Vinny, however, is in deep fecal matter, owing too much money to the very scary guys who have kidnapped him. Stephanie, office manager Connie, and Lula, plus-sized and focused (if not on the job at hand), manage to spring Vinny (more than once) and find a lot of money to pay what he owes. Along the way, they facilitate a cow stampede and an alligator escape; are assisted by a bunch of Hobbit con-goers; and find their office going up quite thoroughly in flames. Stephanie wrecks the usual car and ping-pongs between the hot and dangerous Ranger and the hot and domestic Morelli. Ranger says the “love” word to Stephanie, but it is Morelli at the end, offering her a pink, lacy thong. In the first few pages, Evanovich both catches readers up on the hilarious and cockeyed history of the preceding 15 books and gives fans a little more of everything they want, including the return of beloved stoner Mooner. Funny, scary, silly, and sweet." --GraceAnne A. DeCandido -- Booklist
"Whiplash" by Catherine Coulter - "In Coulter's fab 14th FBI paranormal romantic thriller (after KnockOut), FBI special agents Dillon Savich and his wife, Lacey Sherlock, look into the possible haunting of a U.S. senator by his dead wife as well as a more earthly crime: Germany's Schiffer Hartwin Pharmaceutical, which has its U.S. headquarters in Connecticut, might be deliberately withholding an inexpensive cancer fighting drug, Culovort, to force cancer patients to require the far more expensive Eloxium, in short supply. The FBI probe dovetails with one by PI and part-time ballet teacher Erin Pulaski, who's hired by a Yale professor worried about his cancer-stricken father being affected by the shortage. In a wild coincidence, Bowie Richards, the FBI special agent in charge of the New Haven field office, also hires Erin—to babysit his daughter, a ballet student of hers. The attraction between Bowie and Erin grows as they help Dillon and Lacey crack a complicated double case. Coulter fans will want to see more of this new crime-fighting duo." (June)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. -- Publisher's Weekly
Monday, July 26, 2010
NEW ARRIVALS
FICTION
"House Rules" by Jodi Picoult - The prolific Picoult crafts a cunning whodunit that explores what it's like to be not only a teenager with Asperger's syndrome but also an AS kid accused of murder...Told from multiple viewpoints, ...the mystery unfolds at a spellbinding pace. But Picoult also does an exceptional job communicating the complexities of Asperger's syndrome and the challenges confronting AS families." Carol Haggas. 544 pg. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
" Spies of the Balkans" by Alan Furst - "With extraordinary authenticity, a superb cast of characters, and heart-stopping tension as it move from Salonika to Paris to Berlin and back Spies of the Balkans is a stunning novel about a man who risks everything to fight back against the world's evil. " --inside front cover
"Matterhorn" by Karl Marlantes - "an unforgettable novel that transforms the tragedy of Vietnam into a powerful and universal story of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice; a parable not only of the war in Vietnam but of all war, and a testament to the redemptive power of literature." -- inside back cover
"Secrets of Eden" by Chris Bohjalian - "Secrets of Eden is both a haunting literary thriller and a deeply evocative testament to the inner complexities that mark all of our lives."--inside front cover
"Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" - by Helen Simonson - "Change is threatening the little world of Edgecombe St. Mary. Lord Dagenham is about to sell of part of his ancestral estate to developers, and Pakistanis have taken over the village shop. Major Ernest Pettigrew is definitely old school, but he has been lonely since his wife died, and though he is prey to various unattached ladies it is with shopkeeper Mrs. Ali that he forms a bond, nourished by their mutual interest in literature. Meanwhile, his ambitious son Roger comes to town with a sleek American girlfriend and starts renovating a nearby cottage. And the village ladies are busy hatching plans for the annual Gold Club dance,...There is a great deal going on in these pages---sharply observed domestic comedy, late-life romance, culture clash, a dash of P.G. Wodehouse, and a pinch of religious fundamentalism."--Booklist
NON-FICTION
"Change Your Brain, Change Your Body" by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. - "Whether you're just coming to get your body into shape, or are already fit and want to take it to the next level, Change Your Brain, Change Your Body is all you need to start putting the power of brain-body connection to work for you today." --inside front cover
"Broke, USA From Pawnshops to Poverty, Inc. - How the Working Poor Became Big Business" by Gary Rivlin - "Timely, shocking, and powerful, Broke, USA offers a much-needed look at why our country is in a financial mess and gives a voice to the millions of ordinary Americans left devastated in the wake of the economic collapse."--inside back cover
BIOGRAPHY
"Nomad" by Ayaan Hisi Ali - "Nomad is a portrait of a family torn apart by the clash of civilizations. But it is also a touching, uplifting, and often funny account of one woman's discovery of today's America. While Hirsi Ali lives much of what she encounters, she fears we are repeating the European mistake of underestimating radical Islam. She calls on key institutions of the West...to enact specific, innovative remedies that would help other Muslim immigrants to overcome the challenges she has experienced and to resist the fatal allure of fundamentalism and terrorism."--inside front cover
MYSTERY
"Private" by James Patterson - "Private, the world's most powerful investigative firm, takes on three twisted, almost unsolvable crimes. James Patterson's most electrifying series yet." --inside front cover
"61 Hours" by Lee Child - "The countdown has begun. Get ready for the most exciting 61 hours of your life. #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Child's latest thriller is a ticking time bomb of suspense that builds electric tension on every page." -- inside front cover
"This Body of Death" by Elizabeth George - "...Detective Inspector Lynley returns, still grieving the deaths of his wife and unborn child in Cornwall, but moving forward, assisting New Scotland Yard in an investigation involving a young woman whose body was found in a London cemetery. George intersects this plotline with a real-life case, the Bulger kidnapping, involving the harrowing kidnapping and murder of a toddler by three boys. Re-imagining this case, with all the details a novelist can bring to bear, seems in bad taste at best. Except for Inspector Lynley, whose character is always intriguing, the two plots limp along, making little headway. In addition, the new love interest that George provides for Lynley seem contrived." -- Connie Fletcher, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2010
AUDIO BOOK
"The Lion" - Nelson DeMille - "As suspenseful, gripping and prophetic as The Lion's Game, The Lion is a chilling novel about global terrorism -- and the consequences of fighting a war with no end in sight. Told with his signature dry wit and filled with the fast-paced action for which he is famous, this is DeMille at his very best." -- back cover
JUVENILE FICTION
"The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan - "Hilarious and action-packed, this third adventure in the (Percy Jackson and The Olympian's) series finds Percy faced with his most dangerous challenge yet--the chilling prophecy of the Titan's curse."--back cover
YOUNG ADULT
"Fang" by James Patterson - "The Maximum Ride series' flock of winged children is of Africa for a photo op while providing humanitarian aid. Then, Max's rival, Angel, prophesies that best-friend Fang will be the first to die and it will happen soon. When Dr. Gunther-Hagen introduces Max to Dylan, a gorgeous new bird kid who has been designed to be Max's perfect mate, Max's voices tell her Dylan is perfect for her. But how does this affect her commitment to Fang? This will excite the legions of fans waiting for this installment in the flock's story." --Booklist
DVD's
"House Rules" by Jodi Picoult - The prolific Picoult crafts a cunning whodunit that explores what it's like to be not only a teenager with Asperger's syndrome but also an AS kid accused of murder...Told from multiple viewpoints, ...the mystery unfolds at a spellbinding pace. But Picoult also does an exceptional job communicating the complexities of Asperger's syndrome and the challenges confronting AS families." Carol Haggas. 544 pg. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
" Spies of the Balkans" by Alan Furst - "With extraordinary authenticity, a superb cast of characters, and heart-stopping tension as it move from Salonika to Paris to Berlin and back Spies of the Balkans is a stunning novel about a man who risks everything to fight back against the world's evil. " --inside front cover
"Matterhorn" by Karl Marlantes - "an unforgettable novel that transforms the tragedy of Vietnam into a powerful and universal story of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice; a parable not only of the war in Vietnam but of all war, and a testament to the redemptive power of literature." -- inside back cover
"Secrets of Eden" by Chris Bohjalian - "Secrets of Eden is both a haunting literary thriller and a deeply evocative testament to the inner complexities that mark all of our lives."--inside front cover
"Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" - by Helen Simonson - "Change is threatening the little world of Edgecombe St. Mary. Lord Dagenham is about to sell of part of his ancestral estate to developers, and Pakistanis have taken over the village shop. Major Ernest Pettigrew is definitely old school, but he has been lonely since his wife died, and though he is prey to various unattached ladies it is with shopkeeper Mrs. Ali that he forms a bond, nourished by their mutual interest in literature. Meanwhile, his ambitious son Roger comes to town with a sleek American girlfriend and starts renovating a nearby cottage. And the village ladies are busy hatching plans for the annual Gold Club dance,...There is a great deal going on in these pages---sharply observed domestic comedy, late-life romance, culture clash, a dash of P.G. Wodehouse, and a pinch of religious fundamentalism."--Booklist
NON-FICTION
"Change Your Brain, Change Your Body" by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. - "Whether you're just coming to get your body into shape, or are already fit and want to take it to the next level, Change Your Brain, Change Your Body is all you need to start putting the power of brain-body connection to work for you today." --inside front cover
"Broke, USA From Pawnshops to Poverty, Inc. - How the Working Poor Became Big Business" by Gary Rivlin - "Timely, shocking, and powerful, Broke, USA offers a much-needed look at why our country is in a financial mess and gives a voice to the millions of ordinary Americans left devastated in the wake of the economic collapse."--inside back cover
BIOGRAPHY
"Nomad" by Ayaan Hisi Ali - "Nomad is a portrait of a family torn apart by the clash of civilizations. But it is also a touching, uplifting, and often funny account of one woman's discovery of today's America. While Hirsi Ali lives much of what she encounters, she fears we are repeating the European mistake of underestimating radical Islam. She calls on key institutions of the West...to enact specific, innovative remedies that would help other Muslim immigrants to overcome the challenges she has experienced and to resist the fatal allure of fundamentalism and terrorism."--inside front cover
MYSTERY
"Private" by James Patterson - "Private, the world's most powerful investigative firm, takes on three twisted, almost unsolvable crimes. James Patterson's most electrifying series yet." --inside front cover
"61 Hours" by Lee Child - "The countdown has begun. Get ready for the most exciting 61 hours of your life. #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Child's latest thriller is a ticking time bomb of suspense that builds electric tension on every page." -- inside front cover
"This Body of Death" by Elizabeth George - "...Detective Inspector Lynley returns, still grieving the deaths of his wife and unborn child in Cornwall, but moving forward, assisting New Scotland Yard in an investigation involving a young woman whose body was found in a London cemetery. George intersects this plotline with a real-life case, the Bulger kidnapping, involving the harrowing kidnapping and murder of a toddler by three boys. Re-imagining this case, with all the details a novelist can bring to bear, seems in bad taste at best. Except for Inspector Lynley, whose character is always intriguing, the two plots limp along, making little headway. In addition, the new love interest that George provides for Lynley seem contrived." -- Connie Fletcher, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2010
AUDIO BOOK
"The Lion" - Nelson DeMille - "As suspenseful, gripping and prophetic as The Lion's Game, The Lion is a chilling novel about global terrorism -- and the consequences of fighting a war with no end in sight. Told with his signature dry wit and filled with the fast-paced action for which he is famous, this is DeMille at his very best." -- back cover
JUVENILE FICTION
"The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan - "Hilarious and action-packed, this third adventure in the (Percy Jackson and The Olympian's) series finds Percy faced with his most dangerous challenge yet--the chilling prophecy of the Titan's curse."--back cover
YOUNG ADULT
"Fang" by James Patterson - "The Maximum Ride series' flock of winged children is of Africa for a photo op while providing humanitarian aid. Then, Max's rival, Angel, prophesies that best-friend Fang will be the first to die and it will happen soon. When Dr. Gunther-Hagen introduces Max to Dylan, a gorgeous new bird kid who has been designed to be Max's perfect mate, Max's voices tell her Dylan is perfect for her. But how does this affect her commitment to Fang? This will excite the legions of fans waiting for this installment in the flock's story." --Booklist
DVD's
"The Lightning Thief" - Modern and mythical worlds collide in this thunderous fantasy-adventure... Percy Jackson is no ordinary teenager...he's just learned he's the son of Poseidon and is accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt - the most powerful weapon ever created! With storm clouds brewing, Percy embarks on an incredible cross-country journey to prove his innocence, recover the bolt and prevent a war amongst the gods that could destroy our world! -- back cover
"An Education" - When Jenny, ...a bright young school girl who longs for adulthood, meets David, a dashing older man, he introduces her to his vibrant world of glamorous friends, chic jazz clubs and her own sexual awakening. Will she let this affair ruin her dreams of attending Oxford, as her headmistress fears? -- back cover
"CopOut" - Officers Jimmy Monroe and Paul Hodges have their weapons drawn on a gun-wielding killer. They agree to shoot on three. But, wait, does that mean 1..2..shoot or 1...2...3.. then shoot? Punches hit hard and laughs hit harder ...as bickering-but-got-your-back Brooklyn buddy cops. -- back cover
"Brooklyn's Finest" - Experience the volatile and deadly world of one of New York's most dangerous precincts through the eyes of the men and women pledged to protect and serve. -- back cover
"The Blind Side" - "This real-life story of family and of Michael's growth into a blue-chip football star will have you cheering with its mix of gridiron action and heartwarming emotion.--back cover
"Shutter Island" - When U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels arrives at the asylum for the criminally insane on Shutter Island, what starts as a routine investigation quickly takes a sinister turn. As the investigation unfolds and Teddy uncovers more shocking and terrifying truths about the island, he learns there are more places that never let you go. -- back cover
"Alice in Wonderland" - Alice, now 19 year old, returns to the whimsical world she first entered as a child and embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny.--back cover
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