Harborfields Public Library Book Look Blog

Oscar Nominated & Inspired by Books: Real Steel

2012-02-01T13:04:00.000-05:00

Imagine a future in which the sport of boxing has gone high-tech. Human boxers have been replaced by massive humanoid robots. And former champions of flesh-and-blood are obsolete... Richard Matheson's classic short story is the basis for Real Steel, a gritty, white-knuckle film starring Hugh Jackman. But “Steel,” which was previously filmed as a powerful episode of the original Twilight Zone television series, is just one of over a dozen unforgettable tales in this outstanding collection, which includes two new stories that have never appeared in any previous Matheson collection. Also featured is a bizarre satirical fantasy, “The Splendid Source,” that was turned into an episode of The Family Guy.

Available in book, audio book, DVD, and Blu-ray formats.

Real Steel is nominated for Visual Effects.

The Amazing Read Book Review: A Study in Scarlet

2012-02-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

Name: Matthew F.
Title: A Study in Scarlet
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Review: In light of the overwhelming number of spin-offs of Sherlock Holmes in the movie theatres and on television, I recommend reading A Study In Scarlet as a way to find your way back to the foundation of the legendary adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. There is much debate among Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts about which is the "best" Sherlock Holmes story but for someone who has not previously read Sherlock Holmes, this is the story I would recommend because it encompasses the origin of the duo as well as a thorough explanation of how Sherlock Holmes can determine who the guilty party is.

If parents give this book to children to read I must incorporate a warning that some of the characterizations and plot may be offensive. The two primary examples of this is the reference to homeless children as
"ragged street Arabs" and the portrayal of Mormon culture throughout the second half of the plot.

Overall though, this is a very good mystery that begins the legendary association between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson for those readers mature enough to understand that the above references are archaic and improper characterizations of religion in modern times.

Rating: 4

Oscar Nominated & Inspired by Books: Moneyball

2012-01-31T12:41:00.001-05:00

Moneyball: the art of winning an unfair game explains how Billie Beene, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, is putting into play a new kind of thinking and ball playing with a compilation of statistics, locker room knowledge, and players rethinking what they know about playing baseball, demonstrating how success can be obtained without spending enormous sums of money.

Available in book, large print, audio book, and DVD formats

Moneyball is nominated for Actor in a Leading Role (Brad Pitt), Actor in a Supporting Role (Jonah Hill), Best Picture, Film Editing, Sound Mixing, and Writing (Adapted Screenplay).

Oscar Nominated & Inspired by Books: The Help

2012-01-30T15:02:00.000-05:00

In Jackson, Mississippi, in 1962, there are lines that are not crossed. With the civil rights movement exploding all around them, three women start a movement of their own, forever changing a town and the way women - black and white, mothers and daughters - view one another.

Available in book, large print, audio book, and DVD formats

The Help is nominated for Actress in a Leading Role (Viola Davis), Actress in a Supporting Role (Jessica Chastain, Octavia Spencer), and Best Picture.

Just the Facts - Book Discussion Recap from January 26th

2012-01-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

It was a cold and rainy night, but probably better that the weather in Antarctica. Many thanks to the eleven adults and one beautiful three-year-old girl who ventured out last night to attend the book discussion.

Our book last night was The Endurance: Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic adventure by Caroline Alexander. Shackleton’s plan was to become the first to cross the Antarctic continent by foot and dog sled. Plans don’t always work out and when the ship became frozen in and then crushed by the ice, it became a matter of survival for Shackleton and his expedition of 28 men. The book is the story of Shackleton’s leadership and his ability to save his men by leading them on an 800 mile journey to an uninhabited island and then continue on to the nearest whaling station to affect a rescue. Topics covered in our conversation included the pre-war era in which polar exploration took place, the reasons for it, the ability of people to withstand that kind of torment and whether we could do so today, how to kill and butcher a penguin, why some people need to attempt the near impossible, and much more. Most of the people attending agreed that Ernest Shackleton was a very special leader and man. We ended by making our own plans for an expedition to Antarctica.

Our next book, Churchill: a biography by Roy Jenkins, will be discussed on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 7:00 pm. The book is available at the Circulation desk.

The Amazing Read Book Review: The Shakespeare Thefts

2012-01-18T13:08:00.001-05:00

Name: Alyce S.
Title: The Shakespeare Thefts: in search of the first folios
Author: Eric Rasmussen

Review: When I mentioned that I was reading this book to a friend who concentrated in Shakespeare studies in college, she said that she could not "get into" the book. I understand. I forged on because the story was so compelling; where are all of the copies of Shakespeare's first folio? The author and his team have spent a great deal of their lives tracking down extant copies of the folio, and recently published "SFF: A Descriptive Catalogue" that is referenced so many times in this book that I wonder if TST is merely a teaser for the earlier book.

But the most egregious impediment to enjoyment of TST is the writing. There are no segues. The author's mid-sentence tense changes, I suspect written to build up suspense (WAS the folio found, or IS the folio still missing /IS the thief in jail or WAS he falsely accused), only confuse and annoy. Oh, what this could have been in the hands of a skilled storyteller. Skip the body and head right to the end notes, where the most intriguing tidbits can be found.

Rating: 2

The Amazing Read Book Review: Phantoms

2012-01-17T10:57:00.000-05:00

Name: Matthew F.
Title: Phantoms
Author: Dean Koontz
Review: Dean Koontz is a very good writer of suspense/horror fiction and this book is consistent with his other works. Phantoms is a story where the mystery slowly and quietly unveils the near omnipotent power of a purely evil villain. A small group of dedicated civilians and police officers must try to survive after the villain decimates the entire fictional town of Snowfield, CA. While you may find that this novel very slowly develops, the novel has enough action sequences in short staccato bursts to keep the reader engaged and guessing as to who will survive.

Without revealing too much of the story, there is one drawback which is that the novel grants the villain far more omnipotent power than is explained in the novel. The villain in the novel is, for example, able to enter messages onto a computer screen without typing or any apparent access to another computer. The villain can also turn utilities such as phones and electricity on and off at will. The problem is that while the villain is unquestionably powerful, there is no explanation as to how it can operate complex computer systems or utilities. While the villain must have these powers to move the story along and create an eerie setting, the lack of an explanation is a plot hole that can be somewhat distracting.

Overall, I would highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys curling up with a good suspense/horror novel on a winter night. The villain is satisfyingly evil enough for the reader to believe it could remorselessly attack a whole town and the suspense is strong enough to keep the reader guessing if anyone will survive. You will have to read the book to find out if anyone does.

This is the first book I have read for Harborfields Public Library's "The Amazing Read" and I was not disappointed. If you like this book I would highly recommend that you read Dean Koontz's novel The Taking as it is similar in theme and tone, but in my own view, with more interesting main characters.
Rating: 3

Publishers vs. Libraries: An E-Book Tug of War (New York Times)

2012-01-11T16:56:00.000-05:00

By Randall Stross
Published: December 24, 2011

LAST year, Christmas was the biggest single day for e-book sales by HarperCollins. And indications are that this year’s Christmas Day total will be even higher, given the extremely strong sales of e-readers like the Kindle and the Nook. Amazon announced on Dec. 15 that it had sold one million of its Kindles in each of the three previous weeks.

But we can also guess that the number of visitors to the e-book sections of public libraries’ Web sites is about to set a record, too.

And that is a source of great worry for publishers. In their eyes, borrowing an e-book from a library has been too easy. Worried that people will click to borrow an e-book from a library rather than click to buy it, almost all major publishers in the United States now block libraries’ access to the e-book form of either all of their titles or their most recently published ones.

Click here to read the rest of this New York Times article...

THE AMAZING READ

2012-01-04T11:05:00.001-05:00

Are you ready for the reading adventure of your life? Travel the globe and experience different cultures by reading or listening to your choice of books. You may register for The Amazing Read, complete with "Detours" and "Fast Forwards," starting January 9th at the Reference Desk. After you complete 2012 pages and race to the "Pit Stop" with your reading log by February 29th, you will be eligible to win a raffle prize.

Click here for the reading club rules

JUST THE FACTS - December 22, 2011

2011-12-23T15:47:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to the people who took a break from their holiday festivities to attend the book group last night. And thanks also for bringing the wonderful cookies and fudge.

Our book last night was At Home: a short history of private life by Bill Bryson. By taking the reader on a room-by room tour of his own mid-Victorian English home, the author provides background and history of many things we take for granted, such as window panes, plumbing, central heating, sewage systems and the reason salt and pepper are on every table. Extrapolating from the common facets of daily life, he explains how the great scientific and social discoveries of the nineteenth century led to the development of a social safety net, the discovery of vitamins and minerals, the revolution in food preservation, the lives and need for servants, the development of public parks and gardens, and much more. With so many topics on the table, the conversation was lively and varied. All who attended enjoyed the book very much.

Our next book, The Endurance: Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition by Caroline Alexander, will be discussed on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 7:00 pm. The book is available at the Circulation desk. Happy holidays to all.

Page to Screen: We Bought a Zoo

2011-12-16T14:44:00.000-05:00

December 23rd – We Bought a Zoo
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Matt Damon, Elle Fanning
Synopsis: This heartwarming memoir adaptation directed by Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous), follows a family as they move to the countryside to own and operate a struggling zoo.

Based on: We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee (2009)
A former British newspaper columnist describes how he uprooted his family to the English countryside and purchased a dilapidated zoo, home to more than two hundred exotic animals, which he planned to refurbish and reopen as a family business, a scheme complicated by a lack of money, skeptical staff, family tension, and his wife's devastating illness.

AudioFile's Best Audiobooks of 2011: Multi-Voice Productions

2011-12-15T11:28:00.000-05:00

The Best Advice I Ever Got by Katie Couric
Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney
The Clumsy Ghost & Other Spooky Tales
Great House by Nicole Krauss
She Walks in Beauty by Caroline Kennedy
Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult
Storm Runners by Roland Smith
The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell
You Have to Stop This by Pseudonymous Bosch

New York Times: The 10 Best Books of 2011

2011-12-14T11:05:00.000-05:00

NYTimes - Published: November 30, 2011

Choosing our 10 Best Books of the Year was not an arbitrary process, but neither was it a scientific one. How could it be, when the editors here, like all readers, respond subjectively to any work of fiction or nonfiction? The one guideline for the 10 was that they had to have been reviewed in our pages sometime in the past 12 months.

Our 100 Notable Books of the Year were narrowed down to this final list, which contains a contingent of four first novels, Stephen King’s 52nd novel (by our count), and nonfiction books that are models of their various forms — biography, memoir, history, argument and scientific analysis.

Fiction
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
11/22/63 by Stephen King
Swamplandia! by Karen Russell
Ten Thousand Saints by Eleanor Henderson
The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht

Nonfiction
Arguably: Essays by Christopher Hitchens
The Boy in the Moon: A Father’s Journey to Understand His Extraordinary Son by Ian Brown
Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
A World on Fire: Britain’s Crucial Role in the American Civil War by Amanda Foreman

Newsday's Best Books of 2011

2011-12-14T09:15:00.000-05:00

Newsday critics share their 11 favorite reads of 2011

1. The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
2. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
3. Big Girl Small by Rachel DeWoskin
4. Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard
5. The Stranger's Child by Alan Hollinghurst
6. Blood, Bones & Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton
7. Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante
8. Van Gogh: the life by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith
9. The Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
10. The View From Lazy Point by Carl Safina
11. The Beauty and the Sorrow by Peter Englund

AudioFile's Best Audiobooks of 2011: Author-Readers

2011-12-13T11:03:00.000-05:00

The Chasm by Randy Alcorn
My Reading Life by Pat Conroy
Townie by Andre Dubus III
Bossypants by Tina Fey
The False Friend by Myla Goldberg
Best of the Best by Tim Green
I Love a Broad Margin to My Life by Maxine Hong Kingston
Drama by John Lithgow
Here Comes Trouble by Michael Moore
Best Friends, Occasional Enemies and My Nest Isn't Empty, It Just Has More Closet Space by Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella
Simple Times by Amy Sedaris

AudioFile's Best Audiobooks of 2011: Biography & History

2011-12-11T13:16:00.001-05:00

Chapters From My Autobiography by Mark Twain
Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff
The Greater Journey by David McCullough
In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Malcolm X by Manning Marable
My Dog Tulip by J.R. Ackerley
No Biking in the House Without a Helmet by Melissa Fay Greene
NPR American Chronicles: The Civil War
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

AudioFile's Best Audiobooks of 2011: Mystery & Suspense

2011-12-08T10:02:00.001-05:00

Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
The End of the Wasp Season by Denise Mina
Fallen by Karin Slaughter
Pirate King by Laurie R. King
Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett
The Return by Håkan Nesser
The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen
Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich
The Troubled Man by Henning Mankell

Page to Screen: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

2011-12-05T14:40:00.002-05:00

December 21st – The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara
Synopsis: Larsson’s posthumous books, all of which have been adapted to the Swedish-screen, are now being made into English films. Book 1 in the Millennium series, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is being directed by the award-winner David Fincher (Fight Club, The Social Network).

Based on: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2008)
Forty years after the disappearance of Harriet Vanger from the secluded island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger family, her octogenarian uncle, convinced that she had been murdered by someone from her own deeply dysfunctional clan, hires journalist Mikael Blomqvist and Lisbeth Salander, an unconventional young hacker, to investigate.

AudioFile's Best Audiobooks of 2011: Nonfiction & Culture

2011-12-04T12:43:00.002-05:00

Boomerang by Michael Lewis
Forgotten Continent by Michael Reid
Haiti After the Earthquake by Paul Farmer
The King's Speech by Mark Logue
NPR: The First 40 Years
This I Believe: Life Lessons
Those Guys Have All the Fun by James Andrew Miller
The Worm by Mark Bowden

BookPage's Best Books of 2011

2011-12-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

"What makes a good book? That topic has been discussed even more frequently than usual in 2011, amid controversies over England’s Man Booker Prize and our own National Book Award.

In a year filled with best-selling biographies, anticipated debuts and long-awaited releases from literary heavyweights, our editors have voted on their favorites and come up with a list that encompasses all of the above while leaving room for a few surprises. Though our choices run the genre gamut—and reader preferences are, after all, intensely personal—we guarantee that every title manages to do the one thing every good book should: carry you away."

Here are some highlights from their list:

#1: State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

#3: The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach

#4: Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie

#8: Townie by Andre Dubus III

#12: The Swerve by Stephen Greenblatt

#13: Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks

#20: When She Woke by Hillary Jordan

AudioFile's Best Audiobooks of 2011: Fiction & Classics

2011-12-01T09:37:00.000-05:00

Fiction & Classics

Beautiful Maria of My Soul by Oscar Hijuelos

Everything That Rises Must Converge by Flannery O'Connor

Faith by Jennifer Haigh

The Golden Bowl by Henry James
The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
On Canaan's Side by Sebastian Barry
Say Her Name by Francisco Goldman
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
The Story of Danny Dunn by Bryce Courtenay
The Sweet Relief of Missing Children by Sarah Braunstein
Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante

Page to Screen: Tinker Tailor Solider Spy

2011-11-29T14:35:00.002-05:00

December 9th – Tinker Tailor Solider Spy
Starring: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth
Synopsis: The film, based on British author le Carré’s novel of the same name, delivers a thrilling story of a Soviet hunt for a British double agent in the 1970s.

Based on: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré (1974)
George Smiley is assigned to uncover the identity of the double agent operating in the highest levels of British Intelligence.

Page to Screen: We Need to Talk About Kevin

2011-11-23T14:31:00.001-05:00

December 2nd – We Need to Talk About Kevin
Starring: Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller
Movie Synopsis: Told through the eyes of Eva (Swinton), as she recounts the events that lead up to her psychologically disturbed son Kevin’s school massacre.

Based on: We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (2003)
The mother of a teenage boy who killed seven fellow students and two adults in a high-school shooting writes a series of letters to her estranged husband on their son's upbringing and questions what she fears may be her own part in the tragedy.

Just the Facts Book Discussion - November 17, 2011

2011-11-21T16:48:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the eleven people who braved a truly nasty evening to show up last night.

Our book was Born to Run: a hidden tribe, super athletes, and the greatest race the world has never seen. The book is an exploration of the world of ultra-marathoners, a tribe of indigenous people in Mexico whose culture is built around long distance running and, most importantly, the role that running played in the evolution of human beings and society. The author, Christopher McDougall, builds his book around a cast of eccentric athletes, scientists and a reclusive madman with a dream named Caballo Blanco. The author covers many topics including athletics, anthropology, biology, evolution and much more. Our discussion last night was just as varied and quite lively. We spoke about the book, of course, but also our own experiences of going barefoot, high heels versus flats, the size of our butts, exercise, persistence hunting and Mexico. Some people, myself included, enjoyed the book very much, although I thought it would have been helped by photographs and an index. Others found it repetitive and suited to a magazine article than a book. All agreed that the author presented new and interesting theories from experts about people and running and running’s role in human history and evolution.

Our next book, Bill Bryson’s At Home: a short history of private life, will be discussed on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 7:00pm. The book is available at the Circulation desk. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

2011 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNERS

2011-11-21T13:37:00.000-05:00

FICTION

Winner: Jesmyn Ward, Salvage the Bones
Finalists:
Andrew Krivak, The Sojourn
Téa Obreht, The Tiger's Wife
Julie Otsuka, The Buddha in the Attic
Edith Pearlman, Binocular Vision

NON-FICTION
Winner: Stephen Greenblatt, The Swerve: How the World Became Modern
Finalists:
Deborah Baker, The Convert: A Tale of Exile and Extremism

Mary Gabriel, Love and Capital: Karl and Jenny Marx and the Birth of a Revolution

Manning Marable, Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention
Lauren Redniss, Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie, A Tale of Love and Fallout

POETRY

Winner: Nikky Finney, Head Off & Split
Finalists:
Yusef Komunyakaa, The Chameleon Couch
Carl Phillips, Double Shadow
Adrienne Rich, Tonight No Poetry Will Serve: Poems 2007-2010
Bruce Smith, Devotions

YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE
Winner: Thanhha Lai, Inside Out & Back Again
Finalists:

Franny Billingsley, Chime

Debby Dahl Edwardson, My Name Is Not Easy
Albert Marrin, Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy
Gary D. Schmidt, Okay for Now

Page to Screen: My Week with Marilyn

2011-11-18T14:22:00.003-05:00

November 23rd – My Week with Marilyn
Starring: Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne
Movie Synopsis: Written by Colin Clark, a production assistant on 1956 filming of "The Prince and the Showgirl," this film tells the story of Clark’s encounter with icon Marilyn Monroe as she films the movie with Laurence Olivier while also honeymooning with new husband Arthur Miller.

Based On: My Week with Marilyn by Colin Clark (1996)
In 1956, 23-year-old Colin Clark began work as a lowly assistant on the set of "The Prince and the Showgirl," the film that united Sir Laurence Olivier with Marilyn Monroe. The blonde bombshell and the legendary actor were ill suited from the start. Clark was perceptive in his assessment of what seemed to be going wrong in Monroe's life. Before long, Monroe and Clark spent an innocent week together in the English countryside and Clark became her confidant and ally.

Page to Screen: Hugo

2011-11-13T14:11:00.002-05:00

November 23 – Hugo
Starring: Johnny Depp, Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Jude Law, Ben Kingsley
Movie Synopsis: The adaptation of Selznik’s beloved children’s book is being released in 3D and directed by Martin Scorsese. Hugo tells the story of an orphaned boy living in a Paris train station who finds himself caught up in an unforgettable adventure.

Based on: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznik (2007)
When twelve-year-old Hugo, an orphan living and repairing clocks within the walls of a Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toy-seller and his goddaughter, his undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardized.

Page to Screen: A Dangerous Method

2011-11-09T14:04:00.002-05:00

November 23rd – A Dangerous Method
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Keira Knightley, Michael Fassbender
Movie Synopsis: This historical film depicts the volatile relationship between psychotherapists Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, and the woman who comes between them before the start of World War I.

Based on: A Most Dangerous Method: the story of Jung, Freud, and Sabina Spielrein by John Kerr (1993)
In 1907, Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung began what promised to be both a momentous collaboration and the deepest friendship of each man’s life. Six years later they were bitter antagonists, locked in a savage struggle that was as much personal and emotional as it was theoretical and professional. Between them stood a young woman named Sabina Spielrein, who had been both patient and lover to Jung and colleague and confidante to Freud before going on to become an innovative psychoanalyst herself.

Have You Heard? Library eBooks are now available for Kindles!

2011-11-09T10:28:00.000-05:00

Visit the Live-brary.com Free Downloads site to browse through its collection of downloadable audio books and eBooks - which finally includes eBooks compatible with the Amazon Kindle!

If you do not see a particular title that you are looking for, fill out a Purchase Request form. The Live-brary.com Downloads team makes every effort to purchase the materials you request. Some Publishers do not make certain titles or authors available to this service, even though you may be able to purchase them to own.

Page to Screen: The Descendants

2011-11-05T13:54:00.002-04:00

November 18th – The Descendants
Starring: George Clooney, Judy Greer, Matthew Lillard
Synopsis: Clooney stars in this dramedy as a wealthy land owner in Hawaii who tries to connect with his two daughters as the life of his wife hangs in the balance.

Based on: The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings (2007)
A descendant of royalty and one of the largest landowners in Hawaii, Matthew King struggles to deal with his out-of-control daughters - 10-year-old Scottie and 17-year-old Alex - as well as his comatose wife, whom they are about to remove from life support.

"Revelations from a Tech Giant"

2011-11-04T10:34:00.000-04:00

Steve Jobs was already gravely ill with cancer when he asked author Walter Isaacson to write his biography. Jobs told Isaacson to write a honest book - about his failings and his strengths.

Click here to watch the segment "Steve Jobs" that aired on 60 Minutes on Oct. 23, 2011 on CBS.

Walter Isaacson's book is available in multiple formats from the library in regular print, large print, and as an audio book.

Page to Screen: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn (Part 1)

2011-11-01T10:44:00.001-04:00

November 18th – The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn (Part 1)
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
Movie Synopsis: Split into two films, Breaking Dawn, is Meyer’s conclusion to the sensational bestselling series. In part 1, newly married couple Bella and Edward find themselves in a world of misfortune that threatens their new family.

Based on: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (2008)
To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife have led her to the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or to pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fates of two tribes hangs.

Page to Screen: The Rum Diary

2011-10-30T13:44:00.002-04:00

October 28th – The Rum Diary
Starring: Johnny Depp, Giovanni Ribisi, Aaron Eckhart
Movie Synopsis: Depp plays a young journalist who takes a freelance job in San Juan, Puerto Rico in the 1950s. There, he is thrust into a world of culture, romance and money.

Based on: The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson (1998)
Begun in 1959 by a 22-year-old Hunter S. Thompson, The Rum Diary is a brilliantly tangled love story of jealousy, treachery, and violent alcoholic lust in the Caribbean boomtown that was San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the late 1950s. The narrator, freelance journalist Paul Kemp, irresistibly drawn to a sexy, mysterious woman, is soon thrust into a world where corruption and get-rich-quick schemes rule and anything (including murder) is permissible. Exuberant and mad, youthful and energetic, this dazzling comedic romp provides a fictional excursion as riveting and outrageous as Thompson’s Fear and Loathing books.

2011 Man Booker Prize Winner: The Sense of an Ending

2011-10-20T12:30:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, October 18th, Julian Barnes was named the winner of the 2011 Man Booker Prize for Fiction for The Sense of an Ending.

Tony Webster and his clique first met Adrian Finn at school. Sex-hungry and book-hungry, they would navigate the girl-less sixth form together, trading in affectations, in-jokes, rumour and wit. Maybe Adrian was a little more serious than the others, certainly more intelligent, but they all swore to stay friends for life. Now Tony is in middle age. He's had a career and a single marriage, a calm divorce. He's certainly never tried to hurt anybody. Memory, though, is imperfect. It can always throw up surprises, as a lawyer's letter is about to prove.

Julian Barnes is the author of ten previous novels, three books of short stories and three collections of journalism. Now 65, his work has been translated into more than thirty languages. In France he is the only writer to have won both the Prix Médicis (for Flaubert's Parrot) and the Prix Femina (for Talking it Over). He was awarded the Austrian State Prize for European Literature in 2004 and the David Cohen Prize for Literature in 2011 for his lifetime achievement in literature. Julian Barnes has been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize three times previously, for Arthur and George (2005), England, England (1998) and Flaubert's Parrot (1984). He lives in London.

Book Look Review: How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World

2011-10-16T13:03:00.001-04:00

Title: How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World: the art of living with style, class and grace
Author: Jordan Christy
Review: Great, quick read especially for young girls on the proper behavior in a "show all" world.
Rating: 5
Reviewer: Anonymous

Book Look Review: Outsourced

2011-10-11T19:41:00.001-04:00

Title: Outsourced
Author: Dave Zeltserman
Review: Four down-on-their-luck software engineers plan to knock over a bank. As typical, complications arise including the Russian Mafia, Police and feuding within their circle.
Rating: 5
Reviewed by: Howard S.

Book Look Review: The Aloha Quilt

2011-10-08T15:59:00.000-04:00

Title: The Aloha Quilt
Author: Jennifer Chiaverini
Review: Another story from the Elm Street Quilt Series. Bonnie Markham, one of the quilters, has an opportunity to help a friend set up a quilt camp in Maui, Hawaii. This was the perfect chance for her to get away from the divorce proceedings going on with her ex-husband.
Rating: 5
Reviewed by: Debbie H.

Book Look Review: Lucid Intervals

2011-10-06T14:25:00.000-04:00

Title: Lucid Intervals
Author: Stuart Woods
Review: A Stone Barrington mystery that is always tongue in cheek and fun. This one was about an inept client and the head of the English CIA.
Rating: 5 (highest)
Reviewed by: Rita A.

Book Look Review: The Kitchen House

2011-10-01T10:36:00.000-04:00

Name: Leona C.

Title: The Kitchen House

Author: Kathleen Grissom

Review: Lavinia, a white indentured,servant girl is loyal to the slaves that become her family, but is tested when she is accepted into the world of the "big house". I loved this book!!!

Rating: 5

Book Look Review: Treason at Lisson Grove

2011-09-27T12:38:00.001-04:00

Name: Barbara F.

Title: Treason at Lisson Grove: A Charlotte & Thomas Pitt novel

Author: Anne Perry

Review: At the top of her game here... Very absorbing page turner.

Rating: 5

Book Look Review: The Last Lie

2011-09-25T12:39:00.001-04:00

Title: The Last Lie
Author: Stephen White
Review: National celebrity is accused of rape with similarities to a notorious case.
Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Martin M.

Book Look Review: Little Bee

2011-09-21T14:43:00.000-04:00

Name: Doris B.

Title: Little Bee

Author: Chris Cleave

Review: A heartbreaking story of a Nigerian girl seeking asylum in England and the harshness of the immigrant detention centers. When a British woman tries to help her, she gets involved in a tragedy. Sometimes the story was so harsh I had to stop reading. Well written and a book you won't forget.

Rating: 4

The Smartest Card in Your Wallet

2011-09-20T13:25:00.000-04:00

Jeff Stahler cartoon from The Columbus Dispatch on September 28, 2010

Book Look Review: The Year We Left Home

2011-09-18T14:50:00.001-04:00

Name: Jill D.

Title: The Year We Left Home

Author: Jean Thompson

Review: Well written story of a Midwestern family spanning more than 30 years, following each member as they find their place in the world.

Rating: 5

September is Library Card Sign-up Month!

2011-09-12T17:58:00.003-04:00

Get yours today!

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Minding Frankie

2011-09-06T16:56:00.000-04:00

Name: Susan S., Marie L. & Rosemary M.

Title: Minding Frankie

Author: Maeve Binchy

Review: A tale of a more modern day Dublin, but a little too "neat" to be believable. Tells the story of how a community will come together to take care of a baby when a mother passes away. A delightful story; full of great characters.

Rating: 3, 4 & 4

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Ice Cold

2011-08-27T14:29:00.000-04:00

Names: Monica W.
Title: Ice Cold
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Review: Maura Isles meets an old friend and gets invited to go skiing for the weekend. They get stranded in a town and everything goes from bad to worse.
Rating: 5

Book Look Review: Citizens of London

2011-08-26T09:45:00.000-04:00

Name: Ryan A.
Title: Citizens of London
Author: Lynne Olson
Review: Eye opening account of the Americans that played key roles in cementing our alliance with Great Britain before and during World War II.
Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Then Came You

2011-08-24T13:51:00.001-04:00

Names: Susan S., Virginia A.
Title: Then Came You
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Review: "Chick Lit that deals with some strong topics: surrogacy, egg donors, and social climbing." "A great story... how lives of four women are woven together."
Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Night Birds

2011-08-23T13:53:00.001-04:00

Name: Meryl E.
Title: Night Birds
Author: Thomas Maltman
Review: Fascinating story of the Dakota Indians and the settlers of 1876. Violence and hardship suffered by all because of beliefs and nature itself. It makes one wonder how they survived and brought us here.
Rating: 5

391 Places for Free Books Online

2011-08-22T20:32:00.000-04:00

This is a listing of 391 sites that legally offer free books (eBooks) for download or for online viewing.

The listing here is in alphabetical order. Given the size of this list now, it may be easier to search by genre.

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mother

2011-08-22T10:15:00.002-04:00

Title: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
Author: Amy Chua
Reviews: Members had mixed feelings about this widely publicized book. "Memoir of Chinese American mother trying to raise her children in the traditional Chinese way with mixed results." "Interesting perspective on parenting." "The author's cold smugness is really hard to take."
Ratings: 5, 4 & 2

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Catching Fire

2011-08-20T12:38:00.001-04:00

Name: Dorothy G.

Title: Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Review: Not fair to call these books "young adult" literature. I'm afraid many older adults will just pass them by. This is the second book of the Hunger Games Trilogy and it is every bit as good as the first!

Rating: 5

2011 Novel Destinations Raffle Winners

2011-08-19T15:27:00.000-04:00

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: I'll Walk Alone

2011-08-19T12:34:00.002-04:00

Name: Josephine A.

Title: I'll Walk Alone

Author: Mary Higgins Clark

Review: Great author; read all of her books. This one was a real mystery!

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

2011-08-18T16:50:00.000-04:00

Name: Lauri L.

Title: Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

Author: Fannie Flagg

Review: Elner Shinfissel falls out of her fig tree setting off a series of events that will humorously change lives forever!

Rating: 4

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Fly Away Home

2011-08-17T13:00:00.002-04:00

Name: Allison R.
Title: Fly Away Home
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Review: The Woodruff family is devastated by the news that their father is a philanderer. His wife and daughters handle the situation differently.
Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: When You Are Engulfed in Flames

2011-08-17T10:48:00.001-04:00

Name: Dianne G.

Title: When You Are Engulfed in Flames

Author: David Sedaris
Review: This book of short essays had me laughing out loud at times. (if you don't laugh at the 'Stadium Pal' - get your funnybone checked!!) A good quick read that was very entertaining.
Rating: 4

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Maine

2011-08-16T11:35:00.001-04:00

Name: Maureen B.
Title: Maine
Author: J. Courtney Sullivan
Reviews: Three generations of same family head to a cottage in Maine. They each have burdens from the past and hope to resolve some of them during their stay.
Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Your Brain on Food

2011-08-15T16:32:00.000-04:00

Name: Janet H.
Title: Your Brain on Food
Author: Gary L. Wenk
Review: Everyone should read this book on how chemicals in food control your thoughts and feelings.
Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy Series

2011-08-15T12:54:00.001-04:00

Thinking about starting Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy? Here's what Adult Reading Club members say about the blockbusters The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest: "very fast pace" "lots of unexpected outcomes" "names were difficult," "sick story..too gruesome for me," and "takes a bit but you will be hooked."

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Road

2011-08-14T11:47:00.001-04:00

Name: Dianne G.

Title: The Road
Author: Cormac McCarthy
Review: This dark, chilling novel is about a father and son surviving the devastation of America. Read as 'audio' book and the suspense was intense as the two struggled for food and to stay safe as they headed toward the coast. Depressing yet uplifting at times.
Rating: 4

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: A Visit from the Goon Squad

2011-08-13T10:55:00.003-04:00

Name: Mary A. & Dianne G.

Title: A Visit From the Goon Squad

Author: Jennifer Egan

Review: "This book is like reading short stories and looking for the threads to keep them together... not your traditional novel." "A tough start until you get used to the author's style of writing - though this book will linger with you for a while."

Rating: 3 & 4

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Pocket 47

2011-08-12T10:44:00.001-04:00

Name: Howard S.

Title: Pocket-47

Author: Jude Hardin

Review: Nicholas Colt lost family and band members in a plane crash and was the sole survivor. Now turned private eye, he's hired to find a young girl gone missing, while the truth about the crash is revealed.

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Confession

2011-08-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

Name: Meg L.
Title: The Confession
Author: John Grisham
Review: Fast paced, riveting from beginning to end. A must read!!
Review: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review : Smokin' Seventeen

2011-08-11T09:33:00.001-04:00

Title: Smokin' Seventeen

Author: Janet Evanovich

This popular author keeps her faithful fans laughing with Stephanie Plum's "madcap life, this time with three people who want to see her dead."(Joyce F.) Meanwhile "her family wants her to marry Dave, an old high school friend, who, as it turns out, is the killer they are all looking for." (Leona C.) "Pure fun. I laughed out loud." (Debra L.)

Ratings: 3, 4, 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Lake of Dreams

2011-08-10T19:36:00.000-04:00

Name: Rita A.

Title: The Lake of Dreams

Author: Kim Edward

Review: A woman cannot get over her father's death because of guilt. She comes home from Japan to her family home where she finds papers and letters related to a family member. This changes everything.

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Lies that Chelsea Handler Told Me

2011-08-10T16:39:00.002-04:00

Name: Leah C.

Title: Lies that Chelsea Handler Told Me

Author: Chelsea's family, friends, and other victims

Review: Friends and family of Chelsea Handler recount lies and pranks she has pulled on them. Absolutely hilarious book! Great beach book!

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Bone Garden

2011-08-10T10:05:00.000-04:00

Name: Noreen S.
Title: The Bone Garden
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Review: A thrilling and suspenseful narrative of a murder that happened over 2 centuries ago. A young girl buys a house and finds a skull in the backyard. She then finds out the history from the previous owners.
Rating: 5

2011 Man Booker Prize for Fiction - Longlist

2011-08-09T19:08:00.001-04:00

The longlist for the 2011 Man Booker Prize for Fiction - the ‘Man Booker Dozen' - was announced on Tuesday, July 26th. The 13 books on the list include: one former Man Booker Prize winner; two previously shortlisted writers and one longlisted author; four first time novelists and three Canadian writers. A total of 138 books, which were chosen by a panel of five judges, were considered for the ‘Man Booker Dozen' longlist. They are:

Julian Barnes - The Sense of an Ending
Sebastian Barry - On Canaan's Side
Carol Birch - Jamrach's Menagerie
Patrick deWitt - The Sisters Brothers
Esi Edugyan - Half Blood Blues
Yvvette Edwards - A Cupboard Full of Coats
Alan Hollinghurst - The Stranger's Child
Stephen Kelman - Pigeon English
Patrick McGuinness - The Last Hundred Days
A.D. Miller - Snowdrops
Alison Pick - Far to Go
Jane Rogers - The Testament of Jessie Lamb
D.J. Taylor - Derby Day

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

2011-08-09T13:48:00.000-04:00

Name: Debbie H., Carol H. & Debbie H.
Title: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Author: Jamie Ford
Treasures of long ago have been found in the basement of the Panama Hotel... friendships, hardships, prejudices and love... well written... couldn't put book down!
Rating: 5 (by all three)

Novel Destinations Lands This Friday

2011-08-09T09:10:00.001-04:00

You have until 9 pm on Friday, August 12th to claim your prizes and enter your raffle tickets for a chance to win one of the seven (7) baskets. Although the 2011 Adult Summer Reading Club journey is coming to an end, you can continue to find suggestions of books to read and listen to on our Book Look Blog.

Winners of the raffles will be picked on Monday morning and and posted here. Good luck to all our reading club members!

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Memory Palace

2011-08-08T20:11:00.000-04:00

Name: Susan D. & Marjie L.
Title: The Memory Palace
Author: Mira Bartok
Review: An amazing account of a woman's life with a mother as a schizophrenic... and how she coped, including changing her name and why.
Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Walden

2011-08-04T13:18:00.001-04:00

Name: H. Peters
Title: Walden
Author: Henry David Thoreau
Review: The classic essay by Thoreau while living off the land at Walden Pond. Interesting stories about life in 19th century New England, nature and philosophical observations
Rating: 4.5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Portrait of a Spy

2011-08-03T10:14:00.001-04:00

Name: Shirl C.
Title: Portrait of a Spy
Author: Daniel Silva
Review: When Daniel Silva writes a new book, it's like getting news of an old friend! Gabriel Allon, a world-class art restorer, Israeli spy, and terrorist hunter supreme once again saves us from harm. It's too much like reading the newspapers today though so scary. Loved it.
Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Adriana Trigiani's "Valentine" series

2011-08-02T15:04:00.002-04:00

Many members are reading Adrianda Trigiana's Valentine series about the Roncalli and Angelini families. Though Very Valentine received a consistently favorable 5 rating, Brava Valentine got mixed reviews: 5's, 3's and even a disappointing 1! While Meg L. loved the "imaginitive scenic descripitions", Rosemary M. thought it was a "waste of her time!".

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Blood, Bones & Butter

2011-08-01T19:13:00.000-04:00

Name: Alyce S.
Title: Blood, Bones & Butter
Author: Gabrielle Hamilton
Review: Despite her ugly self absorption, enormous conceit, and very serious martyr complex, Hamilton has managed to create an engaging memoir. Well-written passages that - sometimes - include brutal honesty about her past are satisfying enough to salvage a story that begs for more self-reflection and insight.
Rating: 4

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Dreams of Joy

2011-08-01T10:20:00.001-04:00

Dreams of Joy by Lisa See is a "fabulous" sequel to Shanghai Girls and received 5 rating from Judy K., Andrea M. and Marianne M.

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

2011-07-31T13:24:00.001-04:00

Name: Carol S.

Title: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Author: Jamie Ford

Review: Very well written; a wonderful beautiful story; couldn't put book down!

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Envy the Night

2011-07-30T14:01:00.001-04:00

Name: Shirl C.

Title: Envy the Night

Author: Michael Kortya
Review: In a fishing lake town in Wisconsin, strangers arrive to reek havoc with the local population. But as the story unfolds, it's all related to events of the past. A very good story.
Rating: 4

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Cutting for Stone

2011-07-28T18:32:00.002-04:00

Name: Lin S.

Title: Cutting for Stone

Author: Abraham Verghese

Review: Twin brothers Mario and Shiva Stone are left orphans after their mother (an Indian nun) dies shortly after childbirth and their father, a famous white British surgeon, disappears. Set in Ethiopia and NYC. Slow in parts.

Rating: 3

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Pillars of the Earth

2011-07-28T12:35:00.001-04:00

Name: Emanuela M.

Title: The Pillars of the Earth

Author: Ken Follett

Review: One of the best books I've ever read! Once you start reading it, you don't want to leave it until you arrive on the last page! Wonderful!

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Hold Tight

2011-07-27T14:46:00.001-04:00

Name: Laura A.
Title: Hold Tight
Author: Harlan Coben
Review: Gripping, suburban setting. Teenage rebellion leads to disaster. Parents support their children through anything. This interwoven story is full of let-downs, revenge and deception.
Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Devil Red

2011-07-27T09:38:00.002-04:00

Name: Howard S.
Title: Devil Red
Author: Joe R. Lansdale
Review: Hap and Leonard investigate a homicide and fall into a vampire cult. The killer's signature is a red devil's head which turns up on other murders.
Rating: 4

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Watchman

2011-07-26T19:11:00.001-04:00

Name: Shirl C.

Title: The Watchman

Author: Robert Crais
Review: A minor traffic accident in the wee hours urns into an international conspiracy thriller. Very Good.
Rating: 4

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Unfamiliar Fishes

2011-07-26T15:35:00.000-04:00

Name: Alyce S.

Title: Unfamiliar Fishes

Author: Sarah Vowell
Review: I learned so much about the annexation of Hawaii that in all fairness I cannot give UF less than 3 stars. But the story just didn't flow, and I found myself too often rereading passages to follow along. I get the feeling Sarah's deadline was looming and she didn't have time to go over it one last time. Too bad.
Rating: 3

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: River of Doubt

2011-07-24T13:58:00.001-04:00

Name: H Peters

Title: River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's darkest journey
Author: Candice Millard
Review: Page-turning story of Teddy Roosevelt's trip up the River of Doubt in the latter part of his life. Great Book. Comes complete with tropical jungles,deadly rapids, and cannibals.
Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The House of Paper

2011-07-22T12:14:00.002-04:00

Name: H Peters

Title: The House of Paper
Author: Carlos María Domínguez
Review: Short novel about an obsessive book collector gone over the edge. Interesting perspective on reading and books. Great illustrations by Peter Sis
Rating: 3

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Mockingjay

2011-07-21T14:07:00.000-04:00

Name: Dianne G.

Title: Mockingjay
Author: Suzanne Collins
Review: This book was surprisingly better than expected. There were still some parts I read quickly since I had to know what was going to happen. More than just a story this series makes you think of the conseqences of war and where we may be headed in the future. Or are we there now?
Rating: 4

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Does This Make My Assets Look Fat?

2011-07-19T11:26:00.000-04:00

Name: Jeanine R.

Title: Does This Make My Assets Look Fat?

Author: Susan L. Hirshman

Review: Great guide to finances in a way that anyone can understand. It was a feel good read.

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: I Remember Nothing

2011-07-18T15:05:00.000-04:00

Name: Gene K.

Title: I Remember Nothing: and other reflections

Author: Nora Ephron

Review: Clever author meets old-ish age. A riot! Especially "google" moments.

Rating: 4

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Sing You Home

2011-07-15T09:46:00.000-04:00

Name: Anonymous

Title: Sing You Home

Author: Jodi Picoult

Review: Major life changes for main character. Interesting story but predictable Jodi Picoult storyline. Great as book-on-tape because it comes with song tracks every few chapters.

Rating: 3

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Bossypants

2011-07-13T13:24:00.000-04:00

Name: Dorothy G.

Title: Bossypants

Author: Tina Fey

Review: Tina Fey is an amazing comedian. She is clever, so witty, with a wide range of interests. She includes it all in the hilarious story of her life, both before, during and after Saturday Night Live. Read and enjoy!

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: Labor Day

2011-07-12T16:35:00.000-04:00

Name: Dianne G.

Title: Labor Day
Author: Joyce Maynard
Review: Who wants to read about Labor Day on the 4th of July weekend? You should! This book is about the relationships between a young boy coming of age, his divorced parents and an escaped convict that holds the family hostage for that long weekend and ultimately a lifetime. Good read.
Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Beekeeper's Apprentice

2011-07-12T16:33:00.000-04:00

Name: Michael F.

Title: The Beekeeper's Apprentice

Author: Laurie R. King

Review: An intelligent 15 year-old girl trips over Sherlock Holmes as he is observing the behavior of bees. In the summer of 1915 a friendship begins that becomes a partnership of equals. This is the beginning of a first rate mystery series.

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Snake Stone

2011-07-12T12:35:00.000-04:00

Name: Kate A.

Title: The Snake Stone

Author: Jason Goodwin

Review: Jason Goodwin has done it again! Yashim is my favorite eunuch detective (okay.. also the only??). For me the murders are thrid place to the writing about Istanbul and Persian food.

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Fifth Witness

2011-07-08T11:10:00.000-04:00

Name: Fred D.

Title: The Fifth Witness

Author: Michael Connelly

Review: This is one of Connelly's best, hard to put down. He pulls you in one direction, only to surprise you in the last few pages. Great read!

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: I Am Number Four

2011-07-07T14:33:00.000-04:00

Name: Cindy C.

Title: I Am Number Four

Author: Pittacus Lore

Review: Aliens on Earth. He looks like a normal teenager. But he certainly isn't. A science fiction coming-of-age story.

Rating: 5

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: The Paris Wife

2011-07-06T15:54:00.000-04:00

Name: Frank M.

Title: The Paris Wife

Author: Paula McLain

This is a fictionalized account of Hadley Mowrer, Ernest Hemingway's first wife, her marriage and life in Europe during the 1920's. It's an interest read for Hemingway fans.

Rating: 3

Adult Summer Reading Club Review: When You Are Engulfed in Flames

2011-07-05T09:36:00.000-04:00

Name: Bryan C.

Title: When You Are Engulfed in Flames

Author: David Sedaris

Review: Very funny essays/stories about a person trying to quit smoking. Laughed out loud more than once.

Rating: 4