Every so often, there’s a book that makes me stay up reading despite the fact that I’m very tired. Every Day, by David Levithan, was one of those book...moreEvery so often, there’s a book that makes me stay up reading despite the fact that I’m very tired. Every Day, by David Levithan, was one of those books. It’s a young adult novel about A, who wakes up each morning in a different body living a different life. A’s life has always been this way and it (A considers itself genderless) has always tried to not screw up the host’s life that day. That is until it spends a day in Justin’s body and falls in love with his girlfriend, Rhiannon. After that fateful meeting, A uses its host bodies to try and get back to her. They start a relationship, but the problems of A’s existence eventually catch up with them.
For some reason, my mind focuses on the bad things about this book–it gets a bit preachy, Rhiannon is underdeveloped and the ending is kind of creepy. But I still really liked it. Maybe it’s the concept itself that I like so much. I also really sympathized with A, because it couldn’t have any lasting relationships. So, I wanted it all to work out between A and Rhiannon. Anyway, I recommend Every Day to anyone who thinks the basic concept sounds interesting.(less)
Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland is the delightful fictionalized story of Clara Driscoll and the years she worked with Louis Comfort Tiffany at...moreClara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland is the delightful fictionalized story of Clara Driscoll and the years she worked with Louis Comfort Tiffany at his New York studio. Clara Discoll was the head of the Tiffany Women’s Division and possibly the person who conceived the idea for the iconic Tiffany stained glass lamps.
According to Susan Vreeland, Clara Driscoll’s story came to life through letters she wrote to her mother and sisters:
“By a remarkable coincidence, three individuals unknown to each other, a distant relative of Clara Driscoll, a Tiffany scholar, and an archivist at the Queens Historical Society, each aware of only one collection of Clara’s letters, brought the correspondence to the attention of two art historians steeped in the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany, Martin Eidelberg and Nina Gray. Astonishingly, they were informed of two treasure troves of letters within just a few days of each other in 2005–one collection owned by Kelso House Museum in Kent, Ohio and housed at Kent State University Library, the other owned by the Queens Historical Society.”
From these letters comes a remarkable story about a woman who forged her way in New York City at the turn of the twentieth century. Clara struggles with being a professional woman at a time when women’s rights in the workplace were not recognized as well as her personal desire for her work to be recognized and attributed to her. Clara’s story unfolds with the backdrop of New York City life, the plight of new immigrants, the evolution of the decorative arts at Tiffany Studios on the heels of the Arts and Crafts Movement and her personal desire for love and companionship.
Susan Vreeland creates a wonderful, compelling story that makes me want to head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or other places where Tiffany’s work is displayed in order to see the beautiful creations that Clara poured her heart and soul into designing and creating. I listened to the book and Kimberly Farr’s narration was excellent. ~~Enjoy~~ --Kara
The husband and wife team of Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead have created a delightful picture book that won the Caldecott Award for its illustratio...moreThe husband and wife team of Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead have created a delightful picture book that won the Caldecott Award for its illustrations. Philip wrote the sweet text and Erin won the prestigious award for her artwork done in woodblock printing and pencil. This is the first book she has ever illustrated so look for more picture books by her in the future. The story is about the zookeeper, Amos McGee, who has to stay home one day because he’s got a cold. At the City Zoo he usually would play chess with the elephant, run races with the tortoise, sit quietly with the penguin, lend a handkerchief to the rhinoceros, and read stories to the owl. In quid pro quo fashion the animals decide to go to the zookeeper’s house and help him feel better. Elephant plays a game of chess with Amos, the tortoise plays hide-and-seek with him, the penguin takes a nap and keeps Amos’s feet warm, the rhino provides a handkerchief when Amos needs to sneeze, and owl pours a cup of tea and reads a story aloud before turning out the light. The story has a nostalgic feel and is very endearing. This is a great choice for a gift (especially for a child who is sick) and I can’t wait to use it in storytimes at the library and at preschools doing outreach visits out in the community. Congratulations to the author/illustrator for a wonderful picture book that will be loved for many years to come. --Katherine
When a scientific expedition in South America is attacked by vampire bats, you get a pretty good idea where this book is headed. When the army tries t...moreWhen a scientific expedition in South America is attacked by vampire bats, you get a pretty good idea where this book is headed. When the army tries to militarize vampirism, you know it will end badly. Six year old Amy gets snatched from a convent to become the next test subject, because the army needs a child, and Amy’s as anonymous as they get. Amy’s kinda weird before the vampirization process, having already caused a riot at the zoo, among the animals.
Amy survives the ensuing vampire holocaust, which wipes out all but a handful of humans, who survive in well-lit walled compounds, powered by failing batteries. A hundred years later, Amy shows up at one of those outposts, and a few people decide to return her to Colorado, in hopes the army, which created her, can save them.
Writer’s Workshop alum Justin Cronin takes his time, showing events, but only explaining them, obliquely at that, hundreds of pages later. He goes thru lots of characters, and multiple points of view. The Passage is the first of a trilogy, which is probably years from completion. I’ll be waiting. --John
Boys in grades 5-8 will especially like this adventure story, inspired by a true adventure on the high seas, about a 14 year-old Japanese boy, Manjiro...moreBoys in grades 5-8 will especially like this adventure story, inspired by a true adventure on the high seas, about a 14 year-old Japanese boy, Manjiro, who wants to become a samurai. The setting begins in 1841 when he and four friends are rescued on an island off Japan by an American whaling ship. Over the next ten years he travels to many faraway places. He becomes an expert whaler and deals with much prejudice on board ship and on land. Manjiro learns a new language and comes to understand that the Americans are not so barbaric after all. Befriended by Captain Whitfield, Manjiro is treated like a son back in Bedford, Massachusetts. The reader will enjoy hearing about various adventures as Manjiro grows into manhood, but will Manjiro ever get to return to his homeland and see his mother again? First time author Preus has done a lot of research in preparation for telling this story. She includes a glossary of words, an epilogue talking about the real Manjiro (or John Mung) character and his life, including details about his later life promoting friendship and understanding between the two nations of Japan and the United States. Also included are further background information and a bibliography and suggested reading. Many of the original drawings by the real Japanese boy thought to be the first Japanese person to set foot in America are included throughout the book. A Newbery Honor Award book, this is first class historical fiction for adolescents. --Katherine
There are so many wonderful things to say about this book … where do I begin? 25-year-old Julie Jacobs has made a habit of avoiding big decisions in h...moreThere are so many wonderful things to say about this book … where do I begin? 25-year-old Julie Jacobs has made a habit of avoiding big decisions in her life mostly because of the animosity she feels for her twin sister Janice. Julie is heartbroken when her Aunt Rose, the person who raised her, dies. She is more devastated when she learns that Aunt Rose left her entire estate to Janice except for a key to a mysterious lock box in Sienna, Italy and a cryptic story about family treasures.
Julie sets out to find her fortune in Italy; however, she also finds that others are looking for the treasure and her life is at risk. Julie discovers that she is descended from Giulietta Tolomei who inspired generations of stories and poetry as Juliet in the Romeo and Juliet stories. Julie also learns that ancient superstitions and vendettas are still a part of modern-day Sienna life. While some want her to find the treasure, others thwart her efforts for fear of reviving ancient curses. She also realizes Romeo may hold the key to the mystery and the prize – but where is Romeo?
Anne Fortier created a wonderful story full of mystery, suspense, love, family secrets, and self-discovery. The characters are well developed, there are many plot twists, and she creates a wonderful sense of place with the backdrop of famous places in Siena including Piazza del Campo, Piazza dei Salimbeni, and the Fountain of Fontebranda.
I listened to the first 3/4 of the story and Cassandra Campbell’s narration is fabulous. I was impatient to finish (I had to know what happened) so I read the last 1/4 of the book in one sitting. I was in Sienna about seven years ago and this book makes me want to go back, walk the ancient streets, visit the museums, and enjoy the beautiful Tuscan views. This book is highly recommended. ~~Enjoy~~ --Kara
I always enjoy when the newest installment in Patrick Taylor’s “Ballybucklebo” (also called “Irish Country”) series is released. Set in the fictional...moreI always enjoy when the newest installment in Patrick Taylor’s “Ballybucklebo” (also called “Irish Country”) series is released. Set in the fictional Northern Ireland Ulster town of Ballybucklebo in 1965, country doctors Fingal Flahertie O’Reilly and Barry Laverty are fully immersed in the daily activities of the charming town. From horse swindlers, to bacterial meningitis, to saving a the undertaker from choking, their days are full of adventure.
When Laverty is jilted by the love of his life he reexamines his commitment to stay in the small town. O’Reilly sets out to convince him that he can establish a meaningful life there. Although I thought the storyline around Laverty’s broken heart drug on more that I cared for (ok … he was a bit of a whiner), I thoroughly enjoyed being transported to Ireland through the pages of this book.
I love listening to Patrick Taylor’s books on disc. John Keating narrates most of the recordings and his voice is wonderful! Listening makes you feel like you are in Northern Ireland. I find myself wanting to slip into an Ulster dialect and use words like, “Bugger, “Banjaxed,” and “Eejit.” So jigs and reels, get away on with you! Call the cows home and take a listen. You’ll be glad you did. ~Enjoy~ --Kara
As a librarian, I’m often told I “have to” read one book or another. No, I don’t. If enough people tell me that tho, I’d be nuts not to listen, especi...moreAs a librarian, I’m often told I “have to” read one book or another. No, I don’t. If enough people tell me that tho, I’d be nuts not to listen, especially when their recommendation is ratified by over a year and a half on best-seller lists. Still, this took me a while.
Skeeter, just graduated from college and living with her parents again, wants to write. She gets a job composing a housekeeping column in the local paper, but, knowing nothing about cleaning, questions Aibileen, a friend’s maid. Looking for a book-length topic, Skeeter settles on telling the stories of Black domestic workers, and after considerable early resistance, recruits enough volunteers.
It’s a hot, even dangerous topic, given the background of the Civil Rights Movement, and the virulently racist nature of Hilly, Skeeter’s best friend queen bee of Jackson society. All the book’s participants could get fired or worse. Much worse.
It’s pretty estrogenic , and a white author writing about Blacks in Jackson, Mississippi in the early ’60′s was initially a little hard to swallow. The characters grew on me tho, and the book is nicely plotted. A good read. --John
The 2011 All Iowa Reads book is Stephanie Kallos‘ Sing Them Home. I just listened to this book on disc and thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to di...moreThe 2011 All Iowa Reads book is Stephanie Kallos‘ Sing Them Home. I just listened to this book on disc and thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to discussing this book with others as a part of the All Iowa Reads program in 2011!!
Sing Them Home is set in the small Welsh community of Emlyn Springs, Nebraska and focuses on the Jones family. Everyone in Emlyn Springs knows the Jones family because their matriarch, Hope Jones, was carried away by a tornado and was never seen again. Hope’s family, including her husband, three children, and best friend, are unable to move on because of the questions surrounding Hope’s disappearance. Hope’s children, Larken, Gaelan, and Bonnie, struggle with identity issues and long for answers about their mother. Excerpts from Hope’s diary are woven into the story to give Hope’s perspective of life in Emlyn Springs as well as insights into her thoughts and character.
Sing Them Home offers a strong sense of place and the characters are well developed and memorable. Initially I was unsure about the story (yes, it’s long) but when I got to the end of the book I was sad that it was over. Stephanie Kallos is an excellent writer and weaves an enjoyable story that is warm, sometimes funny, and offers many themes for discussion. ~~Enjoy~~ --Kara
Must Love Dogs and Wildwater Walking Club author Claire Cook’s new chick-lit novel is about love, forgiveness, and self discovery. Jill is a single mo...moreMust Love Dogs and Wildwater Walking Club author Claire Cook’s new chick-lit novel is about love, forgiveness, and self discovery. Jill is a single mother who dreams about traveling around the world. Instead she has been raising her daughter alone for seven years and helping other women plan dream vacations. When her husband reappears and wants to rejoin her family, Jill has to come to terms with her personal dreams and how she wants to live her life. All of Claire Cook’s novels deal with personal reinvention in one way or another, and this is a strong theme in Seven Year Switch. Not surprising from an author who wrote her first novel in her mini-van at 5:00 AM while her daughter was at swim practice.
The novel is short and some themes could have been cultivated a bit more; however, it’s a quick and fun read. ~~Enjoy~~ --Kara
Dara’s in Djibouti to shoot a documentary about Somalian pirates. She’s assisted by Xavier LeBo, her 73 year old cameraman, security, and could-be lov...moreDara’s in Djibouti to shoot a documentary about Somalian pirates. She’s assisted by Xavier LeBo, her 73 year old cameraman, security, and could-be lover. They encounter Billy, a billionaire with CIA fantasies, Helene, who’s auditioning to become Billy’s wife, Idris, a rich and stylish pirate, Harry, a diplomat/gunrunner, and Jama, a terrifyingly effective al Qaeda operative.
“Why do bad guys take themselves so seriously?”
“Cause they dumb.”
This is Elmore Leonard’s key insight into the criminal mind. His bad guys are schemers, but self-deluded. Idris and Harry want to sell Jama to the American embassy for a million dollar reward, then convince themselves they can get 25 million. Jama, once he escapes, intends to kill Dara, tho he’s pretty sure they could have a great conversation first.
Once again, Leonard doesn’t so much plot the story as create the characters and turn them loose in the wild, to see where that takes him. He’s a master. --John
Sarah’s Key author, Tatiana de Rosnay’s new book, A Secret Kept, is the story about a family unable to communicate because of past secrets and unresol...moreSarah’s Key author, Tatiana de Rosnay’s new book, A Secret Kept, is the story about a family unable to communicate because of past secrets and unresolved grief. Because Sarah’s Key is one of my favorite books (if you haven’t read it, you should – see my previous blog post if interested), I was very curious about de Rosnay’s second book. Although it did not have the emotional impact of Sarah’s Key, it is a wonderful work of fiction.
Antoine Rey decides to give his sister, Mélanie, a 40th birthday to remember so he plans a weekend at Noirmoutier Island in France where they spent many happy summers during their childhood. It is nearly 30 years after the death of their mother and he hopes to rekindle some of the happiness he remembers from their childhood. The visit reminds Mélanie of something deeply disturbing that she witnessed during their last summer there, and when Mélanie tries to tell Antoine about her memory she is so upset she drives the car off the road.
Mélanie’s reaction adds to Antoine’s curiosity about his mother’s death and he decides to investigate further. Antoine is in the process of coming to terms with a recent divorce and feels very distant from his children. Antoine realizes that he must heal the past in order to live in the present and look to the future.
I thought de Rosnay’s writing was strong and I enjoyed the character development and sense of place the author created. ~Enjoy~ --Kara
Deep Creek is a historical novel that recounts the story of an 1887 massacre of more than 30 Chinese gold miners in a remote area of Idaho along the S...moreDeep Creek is a historical novel that recounts the story of an 1887 massacre of more than 30 Chinese gold miners in a remote area of Idaho along the Snake River. The story begins when a small town judge and former sheriff, Joe Vincent, takes his ten year old daughter, Nell, fishing and Nell ends up snagging a body…and then another one, and another one. The Chinese miners working for the Sam Yup Company have been brutally murdered and their bodies mutilated. Vincent ends up working with a representative of the mining company, Lee Loi, and metis mountain guide Grace Sundown to track the killers and bring them to justice. The characters are compelling, the story is intriguing, but the history is what really caught me up in this book. Dana Hand is a pen name for Will Howarth and Anne Matthews who have collaborated on eighteen books of nonfiction, many of them on American history. They know their stuff. The Wild West is portrayed in all it’s glory and excitement, but the dark side of land deals, exploitation, and casual, often violent, discrimination against Chinese immigrants and American Indians is the back story. This is a Mystery, a Western and a character study — not an easy read, but a rewarding one. --Susan
I finished a book! I’ve recently gone through a rough period of trying to find a book that would hold my interest…after starting and not finishing 4 b...moreI finished a book! I’ve recently gone through a rough period of trying to find a book that would hold my interest…after starting and not finishing 4 books, the 5th book was a winner! That book was The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant, and it’s a wonderful tale. Our narrator is Pia Kolvenbach, and she recounts the events that occurred when she was 10 years old, living in the small German town of Bad Münstereifel. There are strange goings-on here, most notably the sudden and complete disappearance of a classmate of Pia’s, and the stories that begin to come out about the town and the people in it only add to the mystery. At the same time, Pia finds herself in the role of school outcast (owing to a peculiar and unfortunate accident that befalls her grandmother), her only friends being another boy held in similar standing and a kindly old man who regales them with tall tales about the area. The world of her parents, and their adult problems, also crashes in at times, and all of this makes for a year of upheaval and adventure. A sort of modern fairytale of its own, with very likable characters and well-written dialogue, this book was endearing and hard to put down. --Candice From ICPL Staff Picks Blog(less)
National Book Award author Julia Glass’ new book, The Widower’s Tale, centers around the Darling family patriarch, Percy, and his wonderful old home i...moreNational Book Award author Julia Glass’ new book, The Widower’s Tale, centers around the Darling family patriarch, Percy, and his wonderful old home in rural Massachusetts. Percy served as a librarian for Harvard’s Widener Library, and since his retirement he’s struggled a bit to find his place in the world. Percy has a close relationship with his grandson, Robert, who is a premedicine student at Harvard; however, Percy feels a bit withdrawn from his two daughters and other family and friends. When Percy agrees to an up-scale preschool moving into his barn, formerly his deceased wife’s dance studio, in order to give his struggling daughter a job, many people suddenly come into Percy’s life and he’s unsure how to respond. Many additional characters add depth to the story and help Glass weave many subplots together. These characters include Arturo, Robert’s ecowarrior roommate; Celestino, an illegal Guatemalan immigrant with ties to a Harvard Archeaology professor and his family; Sarah, a stained glass artist with a young son; and Ira, a teacher at the preschool.
All-in-all this is a delightful book that weaves together plot, subplots, and characters into a wonderfully engaging story. I listened to most of the story and Mark Bramhall’s narration was perfect. Julia Glass is one of my favorite authors and her books are always a treat to be savored. ~~Enjoy~~ --Kara
On the first page of William Gibson’s latest book, he describes a character’s clothing this way: “wrapped in Japanese herringbone Gore-Tex, multiply f...moreOn the first page of William Gibson’s latest book, he describes a character’s clothing this way: “wrapped in Japanese herringbone Gore-Tex, multiply flapped and counter-intuitively buckled.”
On the same page, Gibson describes a taxi: “Pearlescent silver, this one. Glyphed in Prussian blue, advertising something German, banking services or business software; a smoother simulacrum of its black ancestors, its faux-leather upholstery a shade of orthopedic fawn.”
Folks, this is TMI, not in the sense of being embarrassingly personal, but in that it impedes the flow of the story. OTOH, the actual plot is maybe the least interesting aspect of Zero History. Did you know there are secret brands? Know what aubergine is? Piblokto? An Ekranoplan? The Wild Hunt? International Klein Blue? Keep a line open to Google, and you can learn some fascinating stuff.
Most of the characters return from 2008′s Spook Country. Former rock star Hollis Henry once again finds herself roped into working for Hubertus Bigend, a marketing genius, who suspects the cutting edge has moved away from him again. Former addict Milgrim, after extensive and expensive treatment financed by Bigend, finds himself coming back to life after a lost decade.
The story itself boils down to a generic industrial espionage yarn with a kidnapping twist, but the characters are pretty cool. If you read this tho, read it for Gibson’s laser prose and arcane knowledge. Orthopedic fawn, huh? --John
Janet Evanovich fans will enjoy the first novel in her Unmentionable Series, Wicked Appetite, that features the character Diesel from the “In Between...moreJanet Evanovich fans will enjoy the first novel in her Unmentionable Series, Wicked Appetite, that features the character Diesel from the “In Between The Numbers” Plum series. Ancient Stones coveted by treasure hunters over the centuries have made their way to Salem, Massachusetts and cupcake baker Lizzy Tucker has special skills that help find the stones. Diesel is sent to protect Lizzy as bad guy Gerwulf Grimoire is hunting for clues to find the stones. The ancient stones are tied to the Seven Deadly Sins; consequently, clues take the form of pride, greed, lust, envy, wrath, sloth and gluttony.
Of course it would not be an Evanovich book with out crazy sideline stories and zany characters. Lizzy’s house, inherited from her Aunt Ophelia, may be haunted and guys from the local Spook Patrol are camped out on Lizzy’s lawn. Lizzy’s friend Glo is convinced that she has witch-like abilities and Carl, the monkey from previous Evanovich books, ends up in Lizzy’s care.
I thought this book was very funny and my family wondered what was going on when at points I was laughing so hard I had tears running down my cheeks. If you are looking for entertainment that doesn’t take a lot of thought, this is a great book. ~Enjoy~ --Kara From ICPL Staff Picks Blog(less)
I just finished Jacqueline Winspear’s new Maisie Dobbs mystery and absolutely loved it. And as much as I enjoyed this book, I’m equally delighted abou...moreI just finished Jacqueline Winspear’s new Maisie Dobbs mystery and absolutely loved it. And as much as I enjoyed this book, I’m equally delighted about how I discovered it. Recently I was in Ames for the day, had a lot of down time between appointments, and was not enjoying the book that I took with me. I had my laptop so I navigated to ICPL’s eBook offerings and settled on this book. I was immediately drawn into the story and the world of Maisie Dobbs (and delighted to be reading an eBook so easily).
Maisie Dobbs is a psychologist and investigator who lives in London. In The Mapping of Love and Death, the remains of World War I soldier and cartographer Michael Clifton are discovered in France and Maisie is hired to find a mysterious woman who wrote letters to Michael during the War. Maisie soon realizes that Michael was murdered and her inquiries are a catalyst for more violence in order to cover up the crime.
Jacqueline Winspear grew up in England but currently lives in the United States. Her interest in World War I comes from her childhood experiences with her Grandfather who was wounded The Battle of the Somme in 1916. From this she observed how much pain and suffering came from The Great War and the profound effect this war had on many lives.
I’m looking forward to reading more Maisie Dobbs mysteries. ~~Enjoy~~ --Kara
Super smart comic dystopic romance is more like it.
Lenny’s about to turn 40, which bothers him, as he works for a life extension company, and his frie...moreSuper smart comic dystopic romance is more like it.
Lenny’s about to turn 40, which bothers him, as he works for a life extension company, and his friend the boss, seems well on his way to immortality. Worse, his girlfriend, Eunice is only 24 and about a third his weight. Tho he moons for her like a puppy, she finds his body kind of gross, his fashion sense ridiculous. Even worse, he likes to read books, or “bound, printed, nonstreaming media artifacts,” and everyone knows books smell.
America’s falling apart. The National Guard have checkpoints on every corner, attacking the homeless people who live in parks. The Chinese are about to foreclose. People can’t be bothered, as they’re in thrall to their apparati, which stream a constant flow of data–cholesterol levels, news, celebrity gossip, porn, how you feel about everyone in the room. Credit scores show up on public screens, so High Net Worth Individuals can be identified and marketed to. A good credit score is the one thing Lenny has going for him. His Male Hotness scores regularly place him in the lowest tenth percentile of any group he finds himself in.
The story is told by chapters that alternate entries in Lenny’s diary, and Eunice’s text messages and chats with her friends and family. Eunice the abused daughter of a Korean podiatrist, accepts the mindless consumerism of the day, and affects the casual vulgarity of children raised on porn.
This is very funny, pretty sad, relentlessly, exhaustingly clever, and an author I want more of.(less)
“”Pricks,” she mutters. She should just quit. Hand in her resignation. Never set foot in this place again. Leave thise idiots in the dirt. Yes, there...more“”Pricks,” she mutters. She should just quit. Hand in her resignation. Never set foot in this place again. Leave thise idiots in the dirt. Yes, there it is: the chair–over there, behind the watercooler. She hurries over and grabs it. ‘Get their own damn chair.’ She rolls it to its rightful place at the copydesk, unlocks her drawer, and lays out her tools: a cushion for her lower back, an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, RSI wrist braces, antibacterial wipes. She decontaminates the keyboard and the mouse. ‘Impossible to feel clean in this place.’”
Tom Rachman does several things very well in his debut, but characterization is clearly his strength. He collects a dozen story/chapters about people connected to an international newspaper headquartered in Rome. One story is broken up to provide segues between the others. Better yet, some characters appear frequently, first as the subject of the story, then seen from other angles by other characters.
Rachman has a sharp eye for human frailty, a bittersweet sense of humor, and a talent for twists at story’s end that recalls O. Henry. Christopher Buckley raved about this in the New York Times Book Review. An ambitious, accomplished first novel, and great fun. --John
Whenever I saw someone reading Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca or saw it sitting on a shelf, I always said to myself, “I need to read that.” I’ve been told...moreWhenever I saw someone reading Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca or saw it sitting on a shelf, I always said to myself, “I need to read that.” I’ve been told by many that I need to read it. DuMaurier’s novel is always compared to Jane Eyre, which is one of my favorites. I’m happy to say that I finally picked it up and I have to ask, “What took me so long?”
One would think our narrator is lucky to marry Maxim de Winter. She marries above her station, no longer needs to remain as a paid companion to that gossipy rich American woman, and is now the mistress of the famous Manderley estate. Sure, Mr. de Winter seems a little sad and lonely, but who can blame him? He lost his wife, Rebecca, in an unfortunate boating accident less than a year ago. However, it seems to be a little more than that. It’s as if the bright, beautiful, intelligent Rebecca hasn’t left Manderley after all. Her things are still in every room. Her bedroom remains the same as the day she died. And all the servants seem to be comparing our poor heroine to their former mistress, especially the creepy Mrs. Danvers.
Rebecca is a page-turner, so make sure you pick it up when you know you have the time to devote yourself to this book. You won’t want to do anything else. --Anne
There’s just something about listening to a story read aloud. Especially when you find a magic combination between author and performer. And I’ve foun...moreThere’s just something about listening to a story read aloud. Especially when you find a magic combination between author and performer. And I’ve found that in Elizabeth Lowell’s Blue Smoke & Murder, performed by Carol Monda.
I’ve never read Elizabeth Lowell before. I was heading out on a 4 day road trip and I wanted something to listen to. A friend suggested Elizabeth Lowell, so I grabbed the first book on cd I found on the shelf.
And off I went – into the high stakes world of Western Art and Art Auctions. Jill Breck is a white water river guide, who was raised in the west in a family full of strong women. When her great aunt dies in a mysterious fire, Jill inherits all that’s left of the family ranch – including 12 mysterious paintings.
Paintings she remembers seeing once in childhood – but was told never to ask about or talk about again. Paintings that have been hidden her whole life. Paintings that just might be the works of one of the most famous Western artists who ever lived. But someone wants those paintings to never see the light of day. And they want Jill dead too! Jill calls in a favor and turns to St. Kilda Consulting for help.
Zach Balfour is a “consultant” at St. Kilda Consulting. His areas of expertise cover the art world, art auctions, information analysis, fire arms and muscle cars. Acting as a “bullet catcher” is not his favorite assignment – but he’s more than qualified for the job.
I don’t know which was better – Lowell’s writing or Monda’s performance. But together they were magic. And since this book is #4 in the Lowell’s series featuring St. Kilda Consulting, I have more new books on my list of must reads!
A best selling author in Sweden, this is the first of author Camilla Lackberg’s books to be translated into English. It tells the story of Erica Faick...moreA best selling author in Sweden, this is the first of author Camilla Lackberg’s books to be translated into English. It tells the story of Erica Faick, a writer who has come back to the tiny resort town of Fjallbacks to put her parents’ house in order after their death. While there, a childhood friend who she has not been close to in years dies of an apparent suicide. Erica’s search for the truth and an understanding of what had happened to her once good friend in the years that have passed slowly reveals clues and a complicated set of possibilities. The tale is a little Agatha Christie-ish with many motives and characters and a strong sense of time and place. Erica teams up with another childhood friend and local police officer, Patrik, who has an almost pathetically incompetent boss. If you like Scandinavian mysteries you’ll like this book. --Susan
Carl Hiaasen‘s latest largely abandons his usual environmental themes for a look at the culture of celebrity. If you like Hiaasen, all I need say is t...moreCarl Hiaasen‘s latest largely abandons his usual environmental themes for a look at the culture of celebrity. If you like Hiaasen, all I need say is that both Skink and Chemo appear. Skink, former governor of Florida, is now a one-eyed hermit, who lives on road kill. Chemo’s a 6′ 9″, pockmarked ex-con with a short fuse and a weed whacker attached to the stump of one arm. Two of my favorite killers.
Mix in a talentless, out-of-control singer of the Britney ilk, and the actress who serves as her body double for the paparazzi, when the singer’s passed out drunk or otherwise wasted (it’s pretty steady work). The actress is the smart, funny attractive character Hiassen always includes among the slimeballs, tho it’s usually a guy. There’s also a paparazzi, into whose ear Charlie Sheen once peed, who kidnaps the actress, thinking she’s the singer. He wants a series of photos, since she’ll be a hot commodity once she dies, which he figures will be any day now.
Hiaasen delivers his usual over-the-top fun in his first adult novel since 2006′s Nature Girl. --John
The three Proctor brothers raise dairy cattle. For decades they have neither laundered nor bathed, and their stench is legendary. When one of them die...moreThe three Proctor brothers raise dairy cattle. For decades they have neither laundered nor bathed, and their stench is legendary. When one of them dies suspiciously in the bed they share, the law steps in, so it’s just a matter of time until the marijuana operation their nephew runs gets discovered. This is very Faulknerian, with asynchronous storytelling, multiple points of view, a rural setting, and some degraded, nearly subhuman characters. The story itself is less successful than the telling. A variety of narrators voice the different characters in sections sometimes as short as a single line. Either darkly comic or relentlessly depressing, depending on one’s perspective, this is a good bet for collections of literary fiction. --John From ICPL Staff Picks Blog (less)
Often mentioned as essential reading among books about the Vietnam War, The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien is far, far more than a collection of...moreOften mentioned as essential reading among books about the Vietnam War, The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien is far, far more than a collection of wartime experiences. It can be read for the narrative: rice paddies, claymores, jungle, fear, lost buddies; but it hits hardest when it reminds the reader that we are all made up of the things we carry, both real and imaginary. This is a book about the power of storytelling, both to ourselves and to others, and how the stories we tell shape the lives we choose to live. In addition to the title story, my favorite entry in the collection was the last one, “The Lives of the Dead” where a childhood sweetheart dies of a brain tumor. Here, the author unabashedly uses imagination, willpower, and the strength of story to make his love be “not quite so dead.” Because of story, she is with him still, both dead and undead, as are his companions in Vietnam. He shares them all with us. And we carry them along. --Hal
When The Color Purple came out in 1982, a reviewer noted how uncommon it was for a characters in a book to get happier as the story went on. Stories n...moreWhen The Color Purple came out in 1982, a reviewer noted how uncommon it was for a characters in a book to get happier as the story went on. Stories need conflict, and this usually involves characters suffering. This year’s All Iowa Reads selection, Driftless, is another book where, people’s lives improve, often in surprising ways, like the very religious invalid who finds herself on a date with a hoodlum at a dogfight.
Rhodes gets so much right, starting with these characters, who change and grow before our eyes. You know people like this, just from living around here. His prose is pretty great, too, as when he describes the small town of Words, Wisconsin. “The town stood in its own shadow of better times, when families depended on agriculture for their livelihood, on work for exercise, on common sense for intelligence, on each other for entertainment, and on faith for health.”
Rhodes’s personal story is also pretty compelling. Nice choice, All Iowa Reads. --John
Wolf Hall was recently named the winner of the 2009 Man Booker prize for fiction, and all of a sudden there were all these glowing reviews about a boo...moreWolf Hall was recently named the winner of the 2009 Man Booker prize for fiction, and all of a sudden there were all these glowing reviews about a book I’d never heard of. Having finished it the other night, I can say they were spot-on!
Mantel re-imagines the court of Henry VIII, through the eyes and voice of Thomas Cromwell. Those of you who watch The Tudors are probably up on who Cromwell is. Many of you might have some sort of inkling of the statesman who made it possible for Henry to marry Anne Boleyn and helped dissolve the Catholic monasteries. (If you thought he was someone who caused a wee bit o’ trouble in Ireland, you’ve got the wrong Cromwell.) Cromwell is widely remembered for his calculating mind and ruthless ambition, but Mantel portrays him in full and he benefits from it. For sure, he’s all about the numbers, and knowing who owns what, and how that can help the king (and himself). Here, we also see a man who is scarred by a miserable childhood, who loves his wife and children, who is fond of good food and culture, and who is loyal to those he serves.
One of the best things about this book is the feeling of ‘knowing’ that you get while reading it. Many events that are described have weight and a sense of direction–the moment Henry is told that the baby is not a boy, or when Cromwell first meets the young Jane Seymour–and they inexorably lead towards that day in Cromwell’s future that we already know about. Wolf Hall ends well before that moment, and I think it’s a testament to Mantel’s powerful writing that I was happy to not see the end of Thomas Cromwell. --Candice
Voices by Arnaldur Indridason is the third mystery in a series starring Inspector Erlendur Sveinsson and it is set in Reykjavik. In the midst of holid...moreVoices by Arnaldur Indridason is the third mystery in a series starring Inspector Erlendur Sveinsson and it is set in Reykjavik. In the midst of holiday festivities the doorman at an upscale hotel who plays Santa Claus is found stabbed — in his costume with his pants around his knees. This is not a “cozy” mystery. Erlendur is a dour loner, concerned over his drug-addicted daughter, bothered by memories of his brother’s death, and ignoring well-meaning co-workers who are trying to make holiday plans for him. He discovers the victim was once a child singing star, but his life changed when his voice did and he has long been estranged from his family.
The cover of Voices calls this book a thriller, I would call it a dark psychological study with a significant depression level evident in most of those involved–more Iowa Winter reading than sunny beach reading. If you like Ian Rankin or Henning Mankell I think you’ll like this book. --Susan
Set in the midwest, mostly in a university town (author Lorrie Moore teaches at the University of Wiscosin) A Gate at the Stairs is a coming of age no...moreSet in the midwest, mostly in a university town (author Lorrie Moore teaches at the University of Wiscosin) A Gate at the Stairs is a coming of age novel. Tassie Kelgin is a university student trying to make ends meet and seeking companionship since her roommate has a new boyfriend. She is hired as a nanny by a strange (as in, not midwestern) sophisticated older couple who are trying to adopt a child. At the same time she begins a relationship with a “Brazilian” boy. Set shortly after 9/11 this novel explores issues of racism, family, and love. Although there is a building sense of impending doom, I was unprepared for the tragedy when it came. Still, there is a great deal of humor as Tassie describes her reactions to what is going on around her, and the writing draws you in to a compelling story. --Susan
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