Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Recommended reads from adult summer reading program


The Quilter's Kitchen by Jennifer Chiaverini
Find it in the catalog!
"One of the Elm Creek Quilter books (number 13 in a series of 20). Has lots of recipes. In fact ordered this book from book store to keep recipes forever. Good way to pick a book to buy."

-- Pat

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
by Michael Chabon
Find it in the catalog!
"It is a gripping page-turner, immersive and very well-written. One of my favorite novels ever!"

-- Katie

The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles
Find it in the catalog!
"As a period piece it is a fascinating read, as an examination of the west's disdain for 'alien' cultures it is a challenge. The prose is eerie and unsettling, in the best possible way!"

-- Todd

Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Galbadon
Find it in the catalog!
"The second installement of the Outlander series continues to thread more storylines that crop up around the main characters Jamie and Claire. A very long book and very long series -- like 10 books. Great author!"

-- Cinde

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
Find it in the catalog!
"Genova writes a clever book about the development of character through struggles and obstacles. The main character, a wife and mom, deals with a brain injury resulting in a book I couldn't stop reading. I felt as though I was learning about the inner workings of the human brain as well as heart."

-- Patty

Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Find it in the catalog!
"It was very engaging from the beginning to the end. You read this story from three strangers perspectives and watch how their lives become connected. Author did a good job of keeping the story plot a mystery throughout book!"

-- Tanya

Save as Draft by Cavanaugh Lee
Find it in the catalog!
"As I read, I sat and smiled like a loon in some parts. Met my husband vis internet, so 'email moments' did remind me of our courtship. A romance for today's modern age."

-- Ronda

Every Day by David Levithan
Find it in the catalog!
"Even though it is a teen book, it addresses stereotypes, the idea of love and how we define who we are as humans. It was a quick read with a surprising ending."

-- Marissa

The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
Find it in the catalog!
"It gives great financial advice that we should be teaching our children. Very useful. Great tips."

-- Karen

Sweetgrass by Mary Alice Monroe
Find it in the catalog!
"A book based in South Carolina about the struggle and love rooted in a Southern family and the love of their home. It is a wonderful story of hope, acceptance, love and forgiveness."

-- Abigail

Obsession in Death by J.D. Robb
Find it in the catalog!
"I am a fan of Eve Dallas, Roarke and supporting cast. Reading these books is like putting on a robe and slippers. The characters are familiar and the bad guy always loses."

-- Maureen

The Grantchester Mysteries: Sidney Chambers and the Forgiveness of Sins by James Runcie
Find it in the catalog!
"It reminds me of the Father Brown series on PBS. As with any mystery series, one wonders why the community members continue to live in such a mystery-ridden town! But the characters are amusing and nothing is too far-fetched-- perfect summer read."

-- Sue

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman
Find it in the catalog!
"It is very relatable for most people. As teenagers, we have dreams and aspirations. Sometimes we forget what is important to us as adults."

-- Ofelia

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Find it in the catalog!
"It is a great book. It tells of the Amish life, love, and forgiveness."

-- Stacy

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Staff recommended reads for summer reading

Non-Fiction:

Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations
by Peter Evans and Ava Garder
Find it in the catalog!

"It's  a very candid side of Ava. It's beautifully written and the flow is fast paced and jam-packed. You can hear Ava's voice throughout as though you are listening in on the conversations."

-- Samantha, Randall Oaks Library

When Books Went to War
by Molly Guptill Manning
Find it in the catalog!

"A little bit of history during WWII -- facts everyone will find to be interesting. A must read."

-- Carrie, Account Services

Fiction:

Where They Found Her 
by Kimberly McCreight
Find it in the catalog!

"You never see the ending coming. I didn't want to put this book down. I also recommend this author's other book too-- Reconstructing Amelia."

-- Katie, Children's Services


Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
Find it in the catalog!

"Daring sword, fights, magic stones, a Highlander in a kilt! Historical fiction + romance + political intrigue = a dramatic adventure through 1700s Scotland with one of the most exciting female leads I know."

-- Samantha, Children's Services

The Blood Red Indian Summer
by David Handler
Find it in the catalog!

"This caught my attention because it was a mystery about athletes who behave badly and the fools who admire them anyway."

-- Gemma, Security Monitor

Teen:
Gabi, a Girl in Pieces
by Isabel Quintero
Find it in the catalog! 

"You can related so much to this teenage girl. I love the fact that she's your typical Hispanic teenage girl, she loves to write, especially poetry, finds love and loves to eat. The cover stood out to me, it looked weird and I fell in love with the character Gabi!"

-- Elizabeth, Children's Services
I'll Give You the Sun
by Jandy Nelson
Find it in the catalog!

"It was a sad but interesting read. The subject is more appropriate with teens (older) and adults."

-- Mary, Children's Services

Prodigy
by Marie Lu
Find it in the catalog!

"It is the second book in a great trilogy and the end has an interesting twist!"

-- Rosana, Children's Services


Claymore
by Norihiro Yagi
Find it in the catalog!

"It's a graphic novel with great cinematic qualities. I have to applaud the artist! I found the secret identities compelling and became suspicious of every character in the best possible way."

-- Kristen, Information Services

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Book Bite: "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen


“To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.”
-- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

Monday, June 1, 2015

Some of Us Have Rhythm, and Maybe Some of Us Don't...

Books and Music, and What We're Going to Do This Summer! (click to view)


Some of us have rhythm, and maybe some of us don't, but we all have lots of books and lots of fun planned for Summer Reading!
Come on in to one of our locations, and sign up everybody in your family!!!