More reads from summer readers

Here are some Reader Reviews submitted by participants in this year's Adult Summer Reading program, The Art of Reading. We have plenty more recommendations to post, so keep checking back for additional ideas for your reading lists!

	The Rule of Nine by Steve Martini: "First time I've read this author but not the last. He has an odd way of ending his story -- He leaves you up in the air as to how it ends. Interesting." --Donna R. Find it in the catalog!
	Trojan Odyssey by Clive Cussler: "Trojan Odyssey was a little hard to get into the main tale but once there you didn't want to stop reading. This was a new author for me. Very good." --Donna R. Find it in the catalog!
	Eight Days to Live by Iris Johansen: "This was a fast-paced read just as smart as most Iris Johansen books are. I found it interesting to delve more into the character of Jane. I enjoyed learning more about her, especially her power of dreams. I also enjoyed the character of Seth Caleb. We didn't get to know him as well in the previous Eve Duncan book. He is a very interesting character and there's a good dynamic between Seth and Jane." --Doreen L. Find it in the catalog!
	True Valor by Dee Henderson (book 2 in Uncommon Heroes series): "Overall, I liked the book. I thought the first book in the series was much easier to follow. I did have trouble keeping track of characters and military language at first." --Molly N. Find it in the catalog!
	True Honor by Dee Henderson (book 3 in Uncommon Heroes series): "I enjoyed this book. I thought it was much better than book two in the Uncommon Heroes series. It is a good read for a mystery that is purely fantasy. I was a little disappointed at how unrealistic some parts were but overall, a good read." --Molly N. Find it in the catalog!
	True Courage by Dee Henderson (book 4 in Uncommon Heroes series): "I really enjoyed this book! It was by far the best in Henderson's Uncommon Heroes series. However, it didn't relate to any of the other books in the series in that none of the recurring characters were present. If you enjoy mysteries this is a good read." --Molly N. Find it in the catalog!

Summer Party Time Cocktails!

 

Planning a summer get-together soon?  Liven up the party by trying out some new summer cocktails. Find your new favorite recipe in one of these mixed drink cocktail books and remember to drink responsibly!

Rum Drinks: 50 Caribbean Cocktails, from Cuba Libre to Rum Daisy (2010) by Jessica B. Harris. 

Call No.: 641.874 HAR

Written by a food scholar, this book provides the history of rum with a special emphasis on it's role in the Caribbean.  There is also a indepth explanation on different ingredients used and proper glasses.

Make me one!:  Mojito (p. 71), Yellowbird (p.110), and Zombie (p. 124).

Find It in the Catalog!

Knack Bartending Basics: More than 400 Classic and Contemporary Cocktails for Any Occasion (2009) by Chery Charming. 

Call No.: 641.874 CHA

A good primer on different types of alcohol, how to serve them, and gives several different types of mixed drink recipes.  Drinks are divided into categories like "Twisted Classics," "World Flag Shots" and "Healthy and Green Drinks."

Make me one!: Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini (p. 73), Hemingway Champagne (p. 132), Strawberry Lemonade (p.157)

Find It in the Catalog! 

Mix Shake Stir: Cocktails for the Home Bar: Recipes from Danny Meyer's Acclaimed New York City Restaurants (2010).

Call No.: 641.874 MEY

This book is gorgeously photographed and full of interesting twists on classic recipes as well as lesser known cocktails.  

Make me one!: Thai Basil Bliss (p. 88), R and R- a rose and raspberry bourbon sweet tea (p. 139), Strawberry-Ginger Mojito (p. 165), Blood Orange Margarita (p. 177).

Find It in the Catalog!  

Trader Vic's Tiki Party: Cocktails and Food to Share with Friends (2005) by Steve Siegelman.

Call No.: 641.874 SIE 

Your go-to-guide for kitschy 1960's style tiki recipes!  Cool for retro parties.  The book also has alcohol-free cocktails for non-drinkers and designated drivers. 

Make me one!: Banaquiri (p.58), Pogo stick (p. 82), Shark's Tooth (p. 86). 

Find It in the Catalog!  

What We've Been Reading: Other People's Rejection Letters

I consider myself a curious person, which is a nice way of saying that I have a hard time minding my own business.  So naturally I'm a big fan of burgeoning Schadenfreude genre, that include collections of people's mail, awkward photographs, or darkest secrets including editor Bill Shapiro's other book Other People's Love Letters.

This book is relatable. Almost everyone has been and will be rejected numerous times in their lifetime and have probably had the unpleasant experience of rejecting someone else.  But you also get the creepy rush of reading something you're not supposed to have seen.  What's not to love?

There is a wide mix of rejection letters including romantic, business, academic and even medical.  Who knew there were so many ways to get rejected?  Some of the letters are funny.  My personal favorite is a profane letter issued from a Cleveland council man to a repeat offender/ drug dealer in his ward. He refers to the drug dealer as "dumber than mud" and that's actually one of the nicer things in his letter. Some of the letters are sad or written in cold business or legal terms.  The book also features letters to and from famous people, including MoMA turning down a Warhol painting (whoops!) and F. Scott Fitzgerald telling his daughter what he really thinks of her (it's not pretty).  Best of all the book has a post-script, letting you know how things turned out for some of the rejectees. So check out this book, it's less creepy that listening to your neighbors' conversations by pressing a glass against their wall!

Find It in the Catalog!

Recommended reads from summer readers

Here is a selection of books read in the Adult Summer Reading program so far!

Candi E. recommends two of Alice Sebold's books:


The Lovely Bones: "I loved this book. I did not want to put it down. It kept my interest from beginning to end."


The Almost Moon: "Yet another book that I could not put down by this author. Throughout the whole book she keeps you wanting more and more."

Adult Summer Reading

Sign-up for the Adult Summer Reading Program starts today at the Information Desk. Our theme is The Art of Reading, and you will find several book displays around the library featuring books with characters who are musicians, poets, artists, dancers, or writers.

When you sign up you will receive a reading log and a colorful Dundee Library pen. Then, all you need to do is read, listen, or download five books before August 7th. If you want to read more than five books, then return your first reading log and pick up another one. Read as much as you want! Each reading log is an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing for a Kodak Easyshare digital camera. We also have a second Grand Prize Drawing for anyone who submits any Reader/Movie Reviews. All you have to do is write your opinion about a book you've read on the sheet. Or, if you attend any of the free movie screenings at the library in June or July you can share your opinions in a Movie Review. Movies at the library in June: Up in the Air, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Bright Star. Movies in July: E.T., Dear John, and Shutter Island. Reader Reviews are available at the Information Desk, and Movie Reviews will be available at each movie screening in the Meeting Room.The Reader/Movie Review Grand Prize will be a canvas tote bag filled with prizes: a $25 gift card to Classic Cinemas, journal, poet's notebook, booklight, pen set, and $10 gift card to Michael's.

Get Crafty: Manly Crafts

Crafts are usually associated with girly items like crochet tissue boxes, frilly ornaments, or homemade stationary. About as manly as a cosmopolitan.  Luckily, there has been a wave of craft books with a more masculine edge.  Women may still be interested in the crafts in these books, but guys don't have worry about their friends mocking their hobby.  Since Fathers' Day is coming up, you might consider making your dad something rather than getting him another paperweight or tie.  Dads can find something in these books to make with their kids too. 

Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects for Dads and Kids to Share (2010) by Ken Denmead.
Call No.: 790.13 DEN 
Sample crafts include: binary calendar, cyborg Jack O' Lantern, Ethernet cuff links
Find It in the Catalog!

Handy Dad: 25 Awesome Projects for Dads and Kids (2010) by Todd Davis. 
Call No.: 745.592 DAV
Sample Crafts include: stunt dummy/ abominable snowman, water-pressurized rocket, water-balloon launcher
Find It in the Catalog!

Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Build Implements of Spitball Warfare (2009) by John Austin.
Call No.: 530.078 AUS
Sample crafts include: maul gun, bow and arrow pen, viking catapult, penny bomb and much more!
Find It in the Catalog!

Help Yourself: Undateable by Ellen Rakiete and Anne Coyle

Are women constantly running away at your approach?  Perhaps you're just unlucky in love.  Or maybe it's your flip-ups.  Who do you think you are anyway, Dwayne Wayne?  Or maybe it's your creepy, Old West mustache or your awe-inspiring bling.  Find out what fashion and dating faux pas are roadblocks in your way to finding love by checking out Undateable: 311 Things Guys Do That Guarantee They Won't Be Dating or Having Sex.  Including chapters on what not to wear, what not to say and what not to do, Undateable will transform you from a loser to a lady killer...

Okay, probably not, but it is a fun book to flip through and laugh at all the clueless guy pictures.  Most women will probably recognize some of the transgressions from friends, former (or current) beaus, and family members.  It is pretty affirming to learn that you aren't the only person who finds a guy who owns a cat or refers to his "inner child" a little off-putting.  All of the things listed in the book are fixable and most guys (and girls) are guilty of at least a couple infractions.

Find It in the Catalog!