4.01 avg rating — 2,123 ratings

"Welcome to Lost. Where do people and things go when they are lost? Well, they go to Lost. After Lauren finds out her mother is losing her battle with cancer, she begins to drive until she comes to Lost--and is unable to leave. The town of Lost is strange to say the least and most of the inhabitants are crazy and some are even dead. Lauren learns to survive there and eventually finds a place for herself there as she tries to figure out what she "lost" so that she can go home. Oddly creepy, this book is compelling and I really enjoyed it. Not my usual read and while creepy and a bit dark it doesn't stray into the horror genre. I highly recommend it if you are looking for something different to read.

Reviewed by: Jan Gillis, Reference Desk Library Assistant"

4.01 avg rating — 594,068 ratings

"The Big Bang Theory meets the Harlequin Romance. Ultra-geeky geneticist and university professor Don Tillman decides that he needs a wife and like any scientist he approaches the problem as though it were a science experiment. He soon discovers that science may not be the best way to find love when he meets Rosie, a bartender who dyes her hair bright red, wears combat boots, and meets none of the criteria that Don is looking for in a wife. He denies his attraction to Rosie until, of course, he loses her. Funny but serious as Don learns some lessons about stereotypes and the roles we play, becoming what other people think we are, and how important it is to be yourself.

Reviewed by: Jan Gillis, Reference Desk Library Assistant"

3.85 avg rating — 84,225 ratings

"This romance was clichéd, trite, and sappy but I stilled enjoyed it anyways. Famous handsome teen idol/rock star falls for a beautiful maid working at his summer home (no, I am not kidding). The road to true love is rocky but love prevails. Being a rock star you just know he has to write her a moving love song (not kidding there either). But I couldn't help myself, I still enjoyed the book. It was like a guilty pleasure. The biggest issue I had with it is that she is under age and, of course, he is world-weary and older (I don't remember how old he was, older than her but not by much). This was actually a fairly clean read in that there really wasn't any swearing, violence, drug use, or drinking but there were three really steamy sex scenes that move this book from a PG-13 rating to R. And even though the main character is in her senior year of high school, I would recommend it only for college age and above. (The sex scenes are REALLY steamy and as a mom of a teenager I like to pretend--and hope--my teen is still ignorant about some things
Reviewed by: Jan Gillis, Reference Desk Library Assistant"

3.90 avg rating — 200,896 ratings

"When I picked up this book I expected a glib, humorous account of Jenny Lawson's upbringing but it was so much more than that. The author grew up in poverty in rural Texas. Her father was a taxidermist who was (shall we say) a little off and then (just to make things harder) she suffers from general anxiety disorder. I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down. Just a warning: being from rural Texas, the language is rough.
Jan – Library Assistant"

3.80 avg rating — 39,840 ratings

"This has to be one of the oddest biographies I've read. The extravagance of the life of Hugette Clark is mind boggling and beyond belief but makes compelling reading--almost like watching a train wreck. You can't look away or in this case put this book down. The tale actually starts with her father the Copper King of Montana who was at one time richer than Rockefeller and just as big a spender as his daughter. In the 1920s, he spent 10 years and $15 million building a house on millionaire row in New York that was at the time the most expensive private residence in the United States. The family lived in it for 13 years and sold it for considerably less when Hugette's dad died. Because it was so expensive to maintain that it had to be torn down because no one else could afford to or wanted to maintain it. Her dad built an empire but did not plan for a succession in the business so family income began to dwindle as his empire was sold off. Very shy and reclusive, Hugette avoided the lime-light and little is known about her private life but that she lived with great extravagance and ran her personal fortune into the ground maintaining several multi-million-dollar estates some of which she had never even visited and giving huge gifts to family, employees (she gave her nurse over $31M in gifts in a 20-year period), and sometimes people she never met. She spent her remaining 20 plus years in the hospital (by choice) and died owing the IRS more than $84M in gift taxes. Even after reading about it, it is hard to believe but makes for a compelling read.

Reviewed by: Jan Gillis, Reference Desk Library Assistant"

4.34 avg rating — 33,287 ratings

"I still love this series. Everyone of these books has been funny, entertaining, and quick reading. Synopsis of the series: Charley Davidson is a PI who can talk to dead people, which is not as straight forward as it seems. Because the dead can talk to her, they tend to follow her around which makes for some awkward situations to say the least and while she often helps the police out they don't really trust her and they think that she is crazy. What I really like about the series is Charley's attitude; she could lead a very depressing life but instead of wallowing in all the bad, she is wise cracking and funny, and always tries to help other people (dead or alive) often at great expense to herself.

Reviewed by: Jan Gillis, Reference Desk Library Assistant"

3.85 avg rating — 13,162 ratings

"Kate runs a matchmaking agency. Slade is a lawyer who wants to protect his sister by proving that the agency is a hoax, just out to milk the lonely hearts of the world. Of course, there is instant attraction which leads to true love.
No deep meaning here but a pleasant, quick read.

Reviewed by: Jan Curtis, Children’s Head Librarian"

3.91 avg rating — 45,644 ratings

"This is a great feel good read. The banter between the main characters is perfect! Just the right blend of funny and romance."

4.17 avg rating — 18,520 ratings

"This picks up where Brillance left off and things just get more complicated. In the first book, "Brilliants" are people (only 1% of the population) with abnormal gifts, which is basically anything beyond the norm, like being able to see patterns and predict outcomes with a high degree of accuracy. Federal agent and brilliant Nick Cooper (whose gift is to be able to read people's intentions and future actions through their body language and past behaviors) hunts other brilliants that have gone rogue and elude regular law enforcement. His mission in book one is to kill the brilliant John Smith who is leading a brilliant terrorist faction. I won't tell you what happens in case you want to read the first book, but events in books 2 are building until the United States finds itself on the brink of a war between "Norms" and "Abnorms" and Nick Cooper tries to keep the world from falling apart. Not as good as the first but still a good read.

Reviewed By: Jan Gillis, Reference Desk Library Assistant"

4.28 avg rating — 32,485 ratings

3.92 avg rating — 20,030 ratings

"I still love this series and always look forward to new books. As usual, Atticus is caught as a pawn in the games of the gods in this 7th book. This outing though adds two new voices and the chapters alternate between Granuile, Owen (a new character) and Atticus. I don't remember Hearne using this device in the other books and I'm not sure I like it but still it moved right along. This series should be read in order.

Reviewed by: Jan Gillis, Reference Desk Library Assistant"

4.04 avg rating — 4,118 ratings

"Readers of Dick Francis mystery novels won’t be disappointed with this release by his son, Felix Francis. The tradition continues as Sid Halley returns to investigate a series of questionable races. Alerted by Sir Richard Stewart, chairman of the racing authority, to the possibility of fixed races, Sid refuses to follow up. But, the death of Sir Richard and the threat to deliver a whitewashed report about the suspected race-fixing or face serious consequences to his family puts Sid in a bind. The threats escalate and Sid is forced to take matters in his own hand and meet the enemy head-on. Felix Francis does justice to his father’s memory in writing this fast moving and at times hilarious novel. You don’t have to be an expert in horse racing to enjoy it.

Reviewed by: Chris, Library Assistant"

3.73 avg rating — 21,811 ratings

"Once again, super sleuth and master baker, Hannah Swensen is at her best solving a murder at the annual Lake Eden Christmas Buffet. With everyone stranded at the community center by a blizzard, Hannah solves the mystery of who stole her mother’s antique Christmas cake knife AND how it ended up in the new Las Vegas showgirl wife of Martin Dubinski.
Joanne Fluke has so much fun with the wacky and delightful characters of Lake Eden. Their names, alone (i.e. Mary Kay Hinklemeyer) make you laugh when you read this. This book is a great, quick “anytime of the year" read with over 50 recipes in the back to try.

Reviewed by: Chris, Library Assistant"

3.88 avg rating — 20,424 ratings

"With two, yes two, marriage proposals, Hannah Swensen is in a dilemma as the whole town places bets on who she'll choose. Just in time, Hollywood glamour arrives in the shape of a studio filming a movie in Lake Eden and using Main Street as the movie set. When the director is murdered, it's up to Hannah and her two sisters to "help" solve the case. Suspects abound...could it be the chauffeur, Connor? Ross Barton, Hannah's college friend? Burke Anson, the hunk actor? This has a "quirky" ending that can only happen in Lake Eden. As always, yummy desserts are produced and distributed by the Cookie Jar and the recipes are included in the book.

Submitted by Chris, Library Assistant"

3.67 avg rating — 2,895 ratings

"The author shares her journey of becoming self-sufficient in her rental apartment in Idaho. She discusses homemade bread, running a sled dog team, raising chickens, failing at beekeeping, putting her maimed rabbit down, using vintage appliances, and more. This was a quick read as the author is witty, humbly honest, and a great storyteller. Each chapter concludes with related instructions, tips, supply lists, and/or recipes. The back of the book includes great resources. My husband and I read this out loud together on a long road trip and we both found ourselves laughing and thoroughly enjoying the book (I cried during the rabbit chapter)"

4.11 avg rating — 9,509 ratings

"Why are we so busy? DeYoung wondered the same thing, and this book chronicles his journey to discover the answer. He is a straight shooter, and gets to the core of human nature. I found myself saying, Yes, that's me! This is an easy read, and truly is a short book.

Reviewed by: Yvonne, Assistant Director"

4.25 avg rating — 2,557 ratings

"Great-grandpa was unable to read and write when he was a child, so his diary was a cigar box full of matchboxes, each containing a token which represented a time in his life. For example, a ladies broach found on the ship to Ellis Island; an olive pit that his mother gave him to satisfy his hunger when they were too poor to buy food.
A lovely story, and beautiful illustrations.

Reviewed by: Yvonne, Assistant Director"

3.74 avg rating — 1,433 ratings

"This is not the sort of book that I usually read but it caught my attention so I gave it a try. I couldn't put it down. The book focuses around the teacher and the students in a class about death at Kean University. Some of their stories are truly horrific. But beneath these stories about all of the horrible things that humans do to each other, there is an underlying spark of hope, determination, and courage. Not as much of a downer as you would think, this book focused on persevering and making the world a better place for yourself and others. You will remember this book for a long time after you have finished it.
Reviewed by: Jan Gillis, Reference Desk Library Assistant"

4.13 avg rating — 4,375,560 ratings

"Wow! I don't usually enjoy books that are popular, but this one just raced along from start to finish. This dystopian fiction book made more sense to me than the Hunger Games and I could imagine some of the scenes very vividly since I have been to Chicago. A great start for this trilogy and I look forward to reading the rest
Reviewed by: Jan Gillis, Reference Desk Library Assistant"

3.85 avg rating — 31,285 ratings

"This second book of the Hannah Swensen Mystery series is just as much fun as the first! When Hartland Flour chooses cozy but cold Lake Eden, Minnesota for it's first annual Dessert Bake-Off, Hannah feels it's the perfect chance to showcase The Cookie Jar Bakery and get some free publicity. When a fellow judge, Coach Boyd Watson is found dead, face down in Hannah's strawberry shortcake dessert, Hannah's work as a behind the scenes detective begins. Have fun reading as Hannah tries to solve this mystery AND juggles two prospects for a husband. You'll love the recipes in this book, too.

Reviewed by Chris, Library Assistant"

3.68 avg rating — 71,814 ratings

"OK, it's time to start reading a fun murder mystery series by Joanne Fluke. This is the first book of Hannah Swensen Mystery series...the sleuth is master cookie baker, Hannah Swensen. Hannah, the owner of The Cookie Jar, busies herself with supplying the locals of Lake Eden, Minnesota with yummy desserts while fending off her mother's attempts to find her a husband. When the most beloved delivery man from the Cozy Cow Dairy is found murdered with Chocolate Chip Crunchies scattered around him, Hannah sets out to track down the killer. The more Hannah snoops, the more suspects turn up. You'll have some thoughts on the killer's identity by the time you reach the surprise ending. This book is filled with humor and actual recipes for delicious cookies to try your hand at.

Reviewed by Chris, Library Assistant "

3.88 avg rating — 2,161 ratings

"Suspense Fiction
This book is a combination of murder mystery and Wall Street business. The head of the Federal Reserve System and the CEO of the New York Stock Exchange are murdered on their way to talk to the President. The CEO texts his estranged son a mysterious word, just before he is killed. Though the father and son have been estranged for many years the son decides to find out who murdered his father. The son has excellent contacts along with his ex-wife being an FBI agent so he has help along the way. The murder is tied into the son's business as a hedge fund manager. Most of Reich's books use the business world as a back drop which, to me, adds interest.
Sue Mooi
Library Assistant"

3.50 avg rating — 3,029 ratings

"Bibliography
A woman's dream of living the simple life unravels into debt, heartbreak, and perpetual ragged cuticles as Mary Jo Link faces divorce and tries to survive with three sons on a farm in the Traverse Bay area. Armed with a sense of humor and the support of her sons, she makes repairs, grows food, enters the largest zucchini contest, raises chicken and does everything in her power to give a sense of normalcy to their lives. With an infectious optimism, she tells the story of how she holds on to her sons, saves the farm from foreclosure, and finds her way back to a life of richness and meaning on the land she loves.
Chris P.
Library Assistant"

4.36 avg rating — 1,193,615 ratings

"Junior Fiction
Auggie is a 5th grade boy living in New York City. He has been home schooled and is entering a private school for the first time. Along with the normal anxieties associated with this event is the fact that Auggie has a severe physical deformity. He just wants to be accepted as a normal 5th grader but that is not what happens. The book tells the story from Auggie's point of view as well as his family and friends. With all the concern about bullying now this book is a good lesson in learning to accept people who are different than the norm. Looking up the deformity Auggie suffers from will help you appreciate his struggles more.
Sue Mooi
Library Assistant"

4.02 avg rating — 556,098 ratings

"Fantasy Fiction
Diana Bishop is a witch from a long line of witches but she refuses to use her magic unless necessary. One day while she is doing research for her doctorate in the Bodleian Library, she discovers an enchanted manuscript. Soon after returning it, vampires, daemons and other witches start following her. She discovers that they want the enchanted manuscript that she found and she is the only one that can get it for them. This book was a great blend, of history, mystery, romance and of course, fantasy. Initially I was intimidated by this hefty book but once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. This is the first book in a trilogy and I can't wait to read the next one!
Janelle M.
Fiction Librarian"

3.85 avg rating — 58,075 ratings

"Suspense Fiction
Having read all of Janet Evanovich's books, I was curious as to whether she could whet my appetite with a new series. The answer is YES! This novel teams FBI Special Agent Kate O'Hare with con man Nicolas Fox in the dangerous but hysterical job of stopping a corrupt investment banker, hiding out on a private Indonesian island. They gather up a ragtag team of flamboyant actors, wanted wheelmen, and Kate's dad and on their way encounter high-speed chases, pirates, and Toblerone bars! This was a fun book to read and I look forward to more in the series.
By Chris
Library Assistant"

3.69 avg rating — 6,196 ratings

"Historical Fiction
This is the story of Elizabeth Van Lew, a resident of Richmond, VA during the Civil War, who risked everything by caring for Union prisoners of war. Born in Richmond but educated in the North, Elizabeth pledged her loyalty to the Lincoln White House when the war began and showed courage in "clandestine combat" as she gathered military intelligence and spirited it to the Union forces in the North. She hit secrets in the most ingenious places including the inside of hollowed out eggs! She risked everything as her actions threatened not only her reputation but her life. Her home became a station in the Richmond Underground as she helped orchestrate escapes from the dreaded Libby Prison, all of this under the guise of humanitarian aid. The reach of her spy ring was vast - from clerks in the Confederate War and Navy departments to the very home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis. Jennifer Chiaverini is the author of the Elm Creek Quilts series and doesn't disappoint us with this novel.
Chris
Library Assistant"

really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 15,225 ratings

"Mystery Fiction
In this newest novel, Cotton Malone stumbles into a high-stakes diplomatic showdown - an international incident fueled by geopolitical gamesmanship and shocking Tudor secrets. A long buried secret calls into question the legitimacy of the entire forty-five year reign of Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch, who completed the conquest of Ireland and seized much of its land. Operation King's Deception aims to solve a centuries old mystery that could rock Great Britain to its royal foundations. A more personal agenda... a twisted game of revenge in which Malone's son is a pawn also plays out in the story. This is a "stand alone" book. You don't have to read other Cotton Malone books to enjoy it.
Chris
Library Assistant"

3.94 avg rating — 95,175 ratings

"If your looking for a good light hearted read then look no further.

Minerva Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Even if he is gorgeous and successful Calvin Morrisey. Cal knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs."

3.87 avg rating — 37,713 ratings

"This is my "new" favorite series. Similar to the Janet Evanovich books but not as slapstick, the dialogue is great and it is very funny (if you like dry humor). Izzy Spellman is the oldest daughter in the family PI business and is being pressured to take over the business. Izzy spends most of her time dodging her mom's efforts to find out who she is dating (wire-taps and tailing), solving cases and getting comfortably tipsy, but when her little sister goes missing things get serious. This is book one in the series. ~Jan, Library Staff"

4.10 avg rating — 92,486 ratings

"Yes, I love to read urban fantasy! This book is a light read (compared to most urban fantasies)--kind of like Percy Jackson for adults. Atticus O'Sullivan, the last of the Druids, has his peaceful life in Arizona disturbed when an angry Celtic god tracks him down seeking vengeance for an ancient slight. The dialogue is funny and Atticus's wolfhound is hysterical. A quick read, it was a nice change from all of the dark and angst ridden urban fantasies currently popular. This is book one in the series. ~Jan, Library Staff"

3.91 avg rating — 16,099 ratings

"This police/crime fiction book set in the Time of Troubles in Ireland in 1981 is the first in the Troubles Trilogy. It was an interesting look at what policemen in Ireland face daily and overall a very dark book. Sean Duffy, a young, witty, Catholic detective in the almost entirely Protestant constabulary, is trying to track down a serial killer who is targeting gay men. As a Catholic policeman, Duffy is suspected by both sides and there are layers of complications because homosexuality is illegal in Northern Ireland in 1981. One of the victims was involved in the IRA, but was last seen discussing business with someone from the Protestant UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force). Not as hard to follow as it sounds, it was suspenseful and a quick read"

3.99 avg rating — 2,437 ratings

"I'm not actually much for outdoorsy type memoirs but something about rowing across the Atlantic by yourself with no safety net struck a chord with me. Tori McClure became the first woman to row across the Atlantic solo in a kayak--just her and everything she could take on her kayak--no support crew, just an emergency radio (which being submerged in salt water didn't really work most of the time). After reading this book, you truly appreciate how big a challenge this was. I read this in one sitting and passed this on to my father who also enjoyed it."

3.58 avg rating — 23,164 ratings

"Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in a hotel? Tomsky a veteran hospitality employee, provides sometimes more than you may want to know. This entertaining read provides information about guests strange requests, how to get more out of your hotel stay and who actually has the power to take items off your bill, or upgrade your room. Tomsky interweaves the book with stories about his life and dreams and why he stays."

4.08 avg rating — 834,287 ratings

"Well written and an enthralling story. This story is told through the eyes of Jack, a five year old boy whose mother was kidnapped seven years earlier and has been confined to a small, soundproof room since. They are visited occasionally by Old Nick, their abductor who delivers food, but is not a nice man. Jack describes his little world, their routine and his relationship with his mother with great detail, because it is all he has ever known. When his mom decides to develop a plan of escape, Jack is concerned. He has never been outside Room. Will they get away? And if so, then what?"

4.11 avg rating — 6,892 ratings

"This was my favorite Elm Creek Novel by far! Another of the Elm Creek Quilters series is set in Creek’s Crossing, Pennsylvania. In the years leading up to the Civil War, the story begins with friends and neighbors taking sides in the abolitionist debate, and as the events unfold, an extraordinary young heroine, Dorthea Granger, passes from innocence to wisdom against the harrowing backdrop of the American struggle over slavery. Armed with the Sugar Camp quilt and its mysterious symbols, she must evade slave catchers and outwit unscrupulous neighbors, embarking upon a heroic journey that allows her to discover her own courage and resourcefulness – unsuspected qualities that may win her the heart of the best man she has ever known"

3.90 avg rating — 6,341 ratings

"This is a great “read” at Christmastime or anytime of the year. Christmas comes to the present day Elm Creek Quilters as some prefer a quiet, subdued holiday and others want to deck the halls brightly. Elm Creek Manor is full of secrets, from a Christmas tree with unusual properties to the sublime Bergstrom strudel recipe. An unfinished Christmas quilt in seasonal fabrics and patterns is discovered in the attic and Sylvia Bergstrom Compson, master quilter, reveals the handiwork spans several generations and as she examines the array of quilt blocks each family member contributed but never completed, memories of Christmases past emerge."

3.90 avg rating — 4,392 ratings

"You don’t have to be a Civil War “buff” to enjoy this book! Another of the Elm Creek Quilts series tells a powerful tale of love and sacrifice during the Civil War. While the women work, hope, and pray at home, the men they love confront loneliness, boredom, and harrowing danger on the bloody battlefields of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Anxious for news, the women share precious letters around the quilting circle, drawing strength and comfort from one another as they witness from afar the suffering and deprivation their husbands , brothers, sons, and sweethearts must endure."

4.01 avg rating — 9,279 ratings

"You don’t have to be a quilter to enjoy this book! The second book in the Elm Creek Quilts series reunites us with the Elm Creek Quilters in a continuing tale of friendship and loyalty. Quilting is a metaphor for the way we stitch our lives together, piece by imperfect piece. A round robin quilt is created by sewing concentric patchwork or applique’ borders to a central block as it is passed around a circle of friends. The Elm Creek Quilters begin this project as a gift for their beloved Sylvia. As each woman adds a border to the central block, she contributes her story to the ongoing history of Elm Creek Manor. The quilt serves as a symbol of the complex, lasting ties that unify mothers and daughters, sisters and friends."

3.29 avg rating — 3,104 ratings

"This book gives new dimensions to our understanding of the holy family as we see them as people with wants and needs of their own. A short, poignant novel that explores the relationship of Mary and Joseph as they await the birth of Jesus. We meet Mary as a young, curious young woman and Joseph as a serious, young man who is taken with her vitality and loveliness. We watch their relationship grow as they become engaged and then must deal with an unplanned pregnancy"

4.15 avg rating — 621 ratings

"Looking to start enjoying fresh eggs? Thinking of raising a few hens? Essential information is given as well as fun side facts like the words (and music) to "Cluck Old Hen". Even seasoned chicken owners will enjoy this thorough and fresh approach to raising chickens."

4.06 avg rating — 180,268 ratings

"There is lots of Irish "atmosphere," great characters and it's pleasantly creepy."

4.07 avg rating — 513,209 ratings

"Alice is a 39 year old woman who falls off an exercise bike and loses her memory of the last 10 years of her life. The book deals with how she adjusts to being 10 years out of date. ~LDL Staff"

4.24 avg rating — 90,182 ratings

"Develops into a complicated legal thriller with a few surprises to sweeten the plot. It can get a little "wordy" in spots, but is definitely worth the trip."

4.34 avg rating — 289,769 ratings

3.86 avg rating — 1,048,561 ratings

"This is a great story from the writer of the Twilight series, but this is nothing like Twilight."

3.66 avg rating — 737 ratings

"This is a great look at what it was like to live in these hospitals and the heart wrenching effects of disease."

3.85 avg rating — 3,688 ratings

"This novel in verse is poignant and yet a good read – especially for people working through their own traumatic pasts or friends and family helping others. (Young Adult Fiction) ~LDL Staff"

4.15 avg rating — 977 ratings

"When I read the summary on the dust jacket, I wasn’t sure I’d like this novel. It seemed that the subject matter might be a little disturbing. As it turned out, I couldn’t put it down. ~LDL Staff"

3.86 avg rating — 167,298 ratings

"This is right up my reading entertainment alley. The Alchemyst, first book of the series kept me reading even though it didn’t swoop me away with the “must finish this book now” feeling like Harry Potter or Inkheart did, I was never bored. I just finished the fourth book in the series and still looking forward to book five. ~LDL Staff"

3.74 avg rating — 16,319 ratings

"This science fiction novel has just the right blend of science fiction details, spaceships, intergalactic relations (wars), aliens, romance, and action to be one of my favorite science fiction reads. Reader be warned: while this is primarily a science fiction book, it does have a few racy sections! ~LDL Staff"

3.64 avg rating — 1,863 ratings

"A weird blend of travel book, environmental awareness, and character profiles, this book was funny, disturbing, enjoyable and surprising. Blackwell’s humor keeps it moving along nicely, his adventures trying to experience the most polluted places in the world are interesting as are the locals that he meets. His explanations of the polluted sites and what make them polluted are easy to understand and amusing. My favorite chapters were about Chernobyl (and his so-called radiation poisoning), the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (adventures at sea garbage spotting), and China (learning to recycle electronics from an eight-year-old boy). ~LDL Staff"

3.59 avg rating — 1,386 ratings

"Part Rembrandt biography and heists thriller; there is never a slow moment. Most of the thefts are surprisingly low tech and almost all of them are outrageous and fun to read about. ~LDL Staff"

3.79 avg rating — 3,163 ratings

"This is the story of a woman who ended up heading a survivors of 9/11 group. Many of the facts of her story turned out to not be true. Good story but I would have liked more psychological insight into a person who would live a double life for years, especially since she did not get any financial remuneration for any of the work she did and did not claim benefits that she could have as a survivor. ~LDL Staff
"

4.32 avg rating — 360,267 ratings

"Still Alice is the story of a brilliant woman's descent into early onset Alzheimer's. I hesitated to read the book because it sounded so depressing, but once I started, I couldn't put it down. Still Alice was very insightful and gave an understanding of the changes in a person's life with this terrible disease. ~LDL Staff"

3.65 avg rating — 611 ratings

"Sylvia takes you into the spirit world to see how people from Paul Newman to Princess Diana are doing. And don't forget Michael Jackson! Very interesting reading what she has to say about the 39 more celebrities. ~LDL Staff"

3.92 avg rating — 10,589 ratings

"This biography tells the story of an up and coming protégé of the famous Julliard School of Music in the 1970’s who is suddenly hit with a series of schizophrenic episodes, ending his career. ~LDL Librarian"

3.61 avg rating — 1,340 ratings

"If you are or ever were an Elvis fan you will appreciate these books by Peggy Webb. Elvis is a hound dog (of course) who thinks he is the real Elvis. ~LDL Staff"

3.38 avg rating — 219 ratings

"Two friends set across the United States in their previously diesel-fueled car that was converted to run on cooking oil in order to examine alternatives for cleaner energy. The friends learn that Al Gore lives in an energy-hogging mansion (and even drive by it) and visit a wind turbine farm, all while scavenging for the greasy and heart-clogging lifeblood of their converted car, used cooking oil. ~ LDL Administration"

4.28 avg rating — 426,121 ratings

"This book is beautifully written and I learned a great deal about what happened in Russia during the reign of Stalin. My favorite book, of late. ~LDL Staff"

4.09 avg rating — 175,878 ratings

"Fast-paced, this book is hard to put down. ~LDL Staff"

4.02 avg rating — 88,215 ratings

"One of the most beautiful stories I have ever heard. I never wanted to stop listening. The author just makes you feel like you are right there in the story. This audio or book is a wonderful story. ~ LDL Staff"

3.22 avg rating — 315 ratings

"Who hasn’t wondered about past loves and what would happen if we were to meet up with them again? When Eva’s lost love wanted to meet with her, she decided something needed to change first… her weight. A fun read! ~ LDL Librarian"

3.87 avg rating — 6,125 ratings

"Kelle was a young, upper-class mom in Florida expecting a beautiful, healthy second daughter. As the baby was delivered she discovered that the newborn had Down syndrome. In this memoir, this popular blogger explores her journey in bonding with her new daughter and finding the joys and challenges of being the mother to a marvelous, special needs daughter. ~ LDL Librarian"

3.51 avg rating — 39 ratings

"This is a very quick and easy to read book. This is a must read for all grandparents...remember you are young, dynamic, generous, having fun, and you LOVE grand parenting. ~ LDL Staff"

3.55 avg rating — 17,114 ratings

"What a great book! I picked it up because the movie is soon to come out. You won't be able to put the book down and the ending will surprise you. ~LDL Staff"

3.73 avg rating — 4,970 ratings

"This is a window into the world of an Army Base from moments leading to deployment to the return of its "men". The stories were gripping and it was hard to put the book down from edge to finish. ~LDL Staff"

3.62 avg rating — 21,868 ratings

"A great book about lessons learned about the power of love, devotion and forgiveness. ~LDL Staff"

4.16 avg rating — 194,100 ratings

"In the media, we often see young boys of distant countries carrying weapons and fighting wars. If you have ever wondered what could have happened to these children to make them want to be a part of the brutality of war, this book is a must read...highly recommended as twelve year old Beah’s amazing story of survival. Well written and a voice for child soldiers worldwide. ~LDL Librarian"

3.65 avg rating — 181,272 ratings

"After spending months studying different theories on happiness, Rubin spends a year trying to become a happier person. ~LDL Staff"

4.31 avg rating — 1,472,592 ratings

"Lots of action and just the right amount of science fiction detail make this book a great read. ~ LDL Staff"

3.91 avg rating — 4,718 ratings

"From Hamlet’s humiliating first day of school to realizing her dreams, this story is a fun read full of humor and even some romance. ~LDL Staff"

4.05 avg rating — 9,649 ratings

"This great read appeals to young men and women alike and is full of humor, romance, teenage angst and, of course, a rock band! ~LDL Staff"

3.27 avg rating — 96,096 ratings

"This book starts slowly with much character development but starts to pick up speed and morphs into an engaging ghost story of sorts. ~LDL Administration"

3.78 avg rating — 5,199 ratings

"Beaven takes his wife and toddler daughter on a wild ride for a year as he attempts to live in a way that minimizes or negates his environmental impact. It was an extreme year but Beaven's journey serves to highlight some steps, both easy and hard, that those concerned about the environment can take. A documentary by the same name complements the book. ~LDL Administration"

3.88 avg rating — 25,731 ratings

"Move over Sneaky Pie Brown, Koko, and Midnight Louie! Chet is by far the best animal detective around. This mystery, written by Spencer Quinn, is told entirely from the viewpoint of a dog. Chet, a K-9 school drop-out with a short attention span, works with his owner Bernie at their private detective agency. When they take a missing person case that has ties to the Russian Mafia things get dicey, but it’s Chet to the rescue! Chet is a charming narrator (smart but not too smart) and adds a sweet doggy flavor to the novel.
~LDL Staff"

3.99 avg rating — 17,098 ratings

"It is hard to believe that this book is nonfiction--it reads just like a Grisham novel! This great courtroom drama was made into a movie, but the book is better! ~ LDL Library Assistant"