Welcome to the Baltimore County Public Library.

December 2010

The Coldest Winter: America and the Korean War
By David Halberstam

The Korean War remains one of America’s least understood conflicts. In June 1950, North Korean troops crossed the border into South Korea and began a bloody march that nearly routed South Korean and American forces from the Korean peninsula. The American military eventually regrouped and fought its way into North Korea, only to be blindsided by an enormous Chinese army. After three years of combat, the war was fought to a standstill.

In The Coldest Winter author David Halberstam explains how and why this happened. As Halberstam notes, miscalculations on both sides caused the war to spiral into a costly conflict. The major personalities involved in the planning and execution of the war, particularly American General Douglas MacArthur, are closely examined.

But Halberstam doesn’t stop there. In vivid, gripping prose he tells the stories of ordinary American foot soldiers, who were outnumbered, poorly equipped and often had to fight under brutally cold conditions. As Halberstam points out, the sacrifices of these soldiers paved the way for the successes of modern day South Korea. – Tim (WH)

The Hunger Games
By Suzanne Collins

This young adult novel, which has become popular with adults as well as teens, takes place in a future in which the U.S. has been replaced by a dictatorship divided into 12 districts which is governed by The Capitol. As a reminder of who is in power, the government holds an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games where 24 contestants, chosen by lottery from the 12 districts, must fight to the death with the lone survivor being crowned the winner. The story is told by Katniss, a Hunger Games participant who comes from a poor family devastated by the death of her father. The other participant from her district is a baker’s son named Peeta who has been in love with Katniss since childhood. This is a tale of government power gone awry, poverty vs. wealth, love vs. survival, and the moral and ethical choices that come into play when life and death are at stake. If you like a compelling novel that is shrewdly plotted, fast paced and has characters you genuinely care about, then pick up a copy of The Hunger Games. – Dave (WH)

Airhead
By Meg Cabot

Meet Emerson Watts, tomboy, gamer and all around anti-girly-girl. In a classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Em Watts falls victim to a tragic accident, waking up in the body of Supermodel Nikki Howard. Bound by contracts her parents signed in order to save her life, Em must become Nikki, face of the Stark corporation. This first book in this young adult trilogy is suspenseful, full of plot twists, misunderstandings and romantic entanglements. A fast-paced page turner that will delight teens and adults alike. – Sandy (WH)

Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms: Who and What You See Before You Die
By David Kessler

Kessler, protégé of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, and nurse by trade, is one of the most well-known experts on the subject of death and dying. In this intriguing, profound book Kessler examines the topic of deathbed visions and the perspective of family members and health care workers. The tales of these deathbed experiences are poignant and illustrate the lifting of the curtain between life and death during the last moments of life. Told with compassion, reverence and sometimes humor, this book would appeal to not only those seeking spirituality or grieving, but those looking for a meaningful book to read. I found I had to stop and put it down several times, but it was well worth the read. – Sandy (WH)

Labor Day
By Joyce Maynard

Thirteen-year-old Henry and his agoraphobic mother Adele make a rare trip to PriceMart on Labor Day weekend and their lives are changed forever. Henry meets Frank, a friendly stranger who gives him a baseball hat. While Henry is reluctant, his naive mother offers Frank a ride and then an invitation to stay in their home. Adele has been detached and lonely after her divorce and is captivated by Frank’s charm and how kind and comfortable he is with her son. Their relationship quickly develops romantically and Henry begins to view Frank as a father figure. They are devastated to discover after watching the news that Frank is an escaped convict accused of murder looking for a place to hide. After holding them hostage for a short time, Frank explains the extenuating circumstances and the story of his crime and conviction. Henry and Adele are then faced with the excruciating dilemma of whether or not they should turn this kind and loving man into the authorities or help him escape. Eventually the decision is taken out of their hands. Maynard creates a suspenseful story of love, coming of age and complex moral decisions. In an emotional but not predictable ending, readers will wonder should you never forgive or should you believe in a person. – Sandy (WH)

November 2010

Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey
By Maira Kalman

Fireboat is a charming and moving picture book by the equally appealing illustrator and New York Times blogger Maira Kalman. In the 1930s, a fireboat is commissioned to help eradicate flames in New York City’s bustling harbor-side ports and piers. Over the decades, with business at the ports on the decline, the John J. Harvery is reluctantly retired. All but forgotten, a group of friends decide to invest in the Harvey and the iconic boat is restored as a decommissioned landmark. When the events of 9/11 take place however, the Harvey, in the most unlikely of circumstances, comes to New York’s rescue once again, proving it is “not scrapped, not useless, not forgotten.” Fireboat is a warm and colorful true story honoring a tireless American servant. – Brad (WO)

13 Words
By Lemony Snicket

The reliably offbeat Snicket delivers an absurd picture book that reacquaints readers with compelling vocabulary such as “panache,” “haberdashery” and “mezzo-soprano” all the while propelling the story of a withdrawn bird and her friend’s attempts to placate her with fancy head gear. Curious illustrations and gonzo storyline may appeal more to adult readers than children, but it’s a bright and amusing read that you’ll want to share with others to gauge their reaction. – Brad (WO)

Pop
By Gordon Korman

Pop delves into the lives of a variety of high school kids, no surprise there, but it also deals with how Alzheimer’s affects the lives of everyone in the family, leaving them removed from acquaintances and lonely in dealing with this devastating disease. There is suspense, some humor and some learning about an important disease tied up neatly in this text. Even if you don’t like football, you will enjoy the story of “The King of Pop,” his life story and how he is able to easily relate to an isolated teen from out of town. The main characters are all male, making it a good reader’s advisory for boys. I read this because it is a Black-Eyed Susan Teen nominee. My other favorites from that list are Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan and Funny How Things Change by Mellisa Wyatt, also with strong male characters and easy to recommend. – Nancy (WO)

Brava, Valentine
By Adriana Trigiani

Brava, Valentine is beautifully written. The character's picturesque adventures in Tuscany, Manhattan and Buenos Aires, leave the reader wanting more, and since this is the second part of a trilogy there is more to anticipate. Italian or not, family is family and there is plenty here to amuse and warm the heart. Her characters are never boring and the surprise extended family in South America allows the reader to travel along and share a few surprises. The book is full of life and love, which makes it very appealing. If you have never read this author, take a chance on any of her books, this one does not let you down. Brava, Adriana Trigiani! – Nancy (WO) 

Room
By Emma Donoghue

Room is not an easy book to read. In fact, I had a nightmare about it after I'd read the first 50 pages, but, oh is it worth it! The book is narrated by Jack, the five-year-old son of Ma. Ma was kidnapped by Old Nick when she was 19, and it is now 7 years later. Their world is enclosed in an 11x11 room in which Ma gives Jack as normal a life as she can. When suddenly their world changes and Jack learns about 'outside,' his world is turned upside down. Ordinary things like climbing steps, rain and human contact are all things he must learn to live with. Because Room is written from a child's point of view, the reader is spared the graphic horror of Ma's 7 years in captivity. It is only through Jack's observations that we can use our imagination to understand the frightening and lonely life that Ma lived in for so long. Emma Donoghue does a remarkable job portraying all of her characters in this disturbing but amazing book. This will be a favorite among book clubs. – Martha (WO)

Till You Hear from Me
By Pearl Cleage

Pearl Cleage, one of my favorite authors, has done it again. She takes us on a journey filled with new world politics, old school common sense and ideologies. In this novel she coins the phrase “post racial blacks,” those African Americans who are highly educated and feel removed from the struggles of their ancestors and the civil rights movement. Ida B. Wells Dunbar reluctantly returns home to the small town of West End Atlanta, after receiving a call from a family friend that her dad, the Reverend Dunbar, isn’t well. In fact, many people in town are questioning his sanity. She has told her father that she is working for President Barack Obama and he has told everyone in West End. The problem … She isn’t working for the new administration. – Michelle (WO)

The Cookbook Collector
By Allegra Goodman

This is Austen updated for the dot-com era, taking place between 1999 and 2001 among a group of brilliant 20-somethings. Emily Bach is the CEO of Veritech, a Web-based data-storage startup in trendy Berkeley. Emily is low-key, pragmatic, kind, serene – the polar opposite of her younger sister, Jess, a hippie dippy postgrad who dates a tree hugger and works at an antiquarian bookstore owned by a retired Microsoft millionaire. When Emily confides her company's new secret project to her boyfriend, who works for ISIS, a competitor of Veritech, as a proof of her love, the stage is set for issues of loyalty, trust and greed. Goodman's characters ponder what is most valuable: a company's stock, a person's promise, a forest of redwoods, a collection of rare cookbooks? Lots of suspense and conflict as both Veritech and ISIS issue IPOs, career paths collide, social values clash and misjudgments threaten to split up romantic duos. I was surprised that I didn’t get bored with the dot-com stuff. It was an exciting view into what went on at the dawn of that era. The sisters were a wee bit stereotypical (Sense and Sensibility), but well developed enough that I soon forgot about that. – Lynn (WO)

October 2010   

The Lost Children
By Carolyn Cohagan

A young girl named Josephine Russing is ignored by her father until one day when she follows a mysterious boy named Fargus into the tool shed and is transported into an alternate reality, a town named Gulm where an evil “man” named The Master rules with an iron fist with his two “evil” minions The Brothers. The only people in this town are terrified adults, as all the children have been stolen and are missing. But things aren’t always what they seem. Finding out why her father ignores her, where all the missing children have gone and who the Master and The Brothers really are makes for one extremely exciting story. The ending is so surprising and makes the entire book worth reading multiple times. The main character Josephine is so feisty and spunky, you wish and feel as though she were real. The book is thrilling, funny, and heartwarming. It’s become one of my favorites! – Amanda (AR)

The Shadows in the Street

By Susan Hill

This is the fifth installment in the Chief Inspector Simon Serrailler series. Well-drawn, interesting characters and a well-constructed plot make this excellent crime fiction reading --- vintage Susan Hill. Serrailler and his team of new detectives must solve the murders of local prostitutes and the disappearance of the wife of the bishop of the local cathedral. Simon's sister, Dr. Deerbon, is also dealing with the recent death of her husband from a brain tumor. This series is for anyone who enjoys Elizabeth George, P. D. James and Ruth Rendell. – Linda (AR)

The Invisible Bridge
By Julie Orringer

In 1937 Andreas Levi is overjoyed to receive a prestigious scholarship to the Ecole Speciale, in Paris, to study architecture. This opportunity, life changing in many ways, is the beginning of a love story of epic scope, set against the inevitable and horrific events of World War II. Andreas has left his family behind in Hungary. In time, circumstances force him to return to Budapest with his wife Klara, whose complicated past curtails her freedom. Andreas must serve for years in the Hungarian forced labor service. The cruel winters and inhuman treatment result in the death of many thousands of young Jewish men. Andreas and his brothers are separated from their families at a time when the Jews are beginning to be forced into ghettos and ultimately sent to concentration camps.

Based upon her grandfather’s stories of his life in Europe during the war years, and the particular experiences of the Jews of Hungary, Orringer’s first novel is a compelling romance, and a well researched historical narrative story, told with vivid description and unforgettable detail. – Gail (AR)

Diamonds Are Forever
By Ian Fleming

Meet the real James Bond. The strong, dashing, brave, yet vulnerable and ever observant hero of the British Secret Service. With only his license to kill and trusty beretta pistol, he is assigned to infiltrate a diamond smuggling ring that stretches from Africa to Las Vegas. Bite your nails as you read of his narrow escapes, cunning maneuvers and just plain luck. Through this adventure, he falls for a young female named Tiffany Case, whose rough childhood brings no shock that she is connected to the long reaching tenticles of the infamous Spangled Mob. Prepare to sit on the edge of your seat as you read about high speed car chases on the Vegas strip and masked button men giving the works to those who cross them. Enjoy reading about James's extravagant tastes, and his precision right down to the meals he eats and the (many) drinks he orders. Laugh and relax, and find yourself charmed by how real James is in this book, from his banter with his American friend, Felix Leiter, and his loyalty to his boss, M, and Great Britain. The fourth book in the series of 007 mysteries does not disappoint the reader, bringing thrills, chills, happiness and sorrow to the audience. – Rich (AR)

Kick-Ass
Movie

Did you ever want to be a superhero? Why aren’t there more superheroes? Dave Lizewski, an ordinary New York teenager asks these same questions. After being mugged, Dave decides to become a superhero, so he orders a costume online and becomes “Kick-Ass.” He soon finds out why there aren’t more superheroes – because it hurts. Overcoming all odds, though, Kick-Ass quickly becomes a phenomenon. If you like comic books and graphic novels, you’ll certainly enjoy this movie. The most entertaining aspect of this movie is watching eight-year-old Hit Girl (Chloe Moretz) take down the bad guys. – Erin (AR)

September 2010

The Bright Side of Disaster
By Katherine Center

In her last month of pregnancy, Jenny begins her day by hearing that a woman her fiancé knew slightly has died in a plane crash. By the end of the day, her fiancé has left her, and the next day she goes into labor. So begins The Bright Side of Disaster, by Katherine Center, which follows Jenny through labor, birth and negotiating the travails of being a single mother, all the while hoping that her fiancé will come back. Jenny is funny and "real," sort of like a best friend that you sometimes want to shake! This book is a very fast, fun read and comes highly recommended. – Susan Lee (CA)

The Devil’s Rooming House: The True Story of America’s Deadliest Female Serial Killer
By M. William Phelps

The summer of 1911 was one of the hottest on record in New England. Temperatures soared over 90 degrees for several days in a row. It was hard on the very young and the very old ... and over 2,000 people perished from the heat wave. The town of Windsor, CT was not immune to these sudden deaths, but some of them were not due to the heat wave. The Archer Home for Elderly People and Chronic Invalids was frequently visited by the coroner late at night, and bodies were whisked off the premises before anyone would be frightened. Sister Amy Archer did her best to care for the dozens of ailing elderly in her house, but they seemed to be dying at an alarming rate. In fact, investigators found that 60 people had died there since the home opened in 1907 ... but Widow Archer seemed like such a NICE woman.

Surely there could be no foul play involved with this seemingly upright woman and the inmates of her establishment. Certainly the high quantities of arsenic purchased from the druggist were to combat the home’s terrible rodent problem ... besides, it was difficult to prove arsenic poisoning in 1911, as it was an ingredient in many of the embalming fluids of the time. Perhaps it was odd that so many of her inmates died from excruciating pain in the abdomen and creeping paralysis that the local doctor would describe as morbis cholera.

This suspenseful and informative crime history is a page-turner until the very end. It was also the inspiration for the entertaining dark comedy Arsenic and Old Lace. History shows that sometimes the quiet, kindly looking ladies are the most dangerous. – Monty (CA)

Shutter Island
Movie

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this thrilling Martin Scorsese film. Leo plays U.S. Marshal and WWII vet Teddy Daniels, who is sent to investigate an escape at a remote island in Boston Harbor that is used as a facility for the criminally insane. As events pass and the suspicious behaviors of the head doctor, Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley), and Dr. Naehring (Max von Sydow) pique Teddy's interests, this film will take you on a path thinking something just isn't right. Teddy grows more and more paranoid about the activities on the island as he reveals his wife's murderer is on the island. Highlighted by a soundtrack of 20th century music by Penderecki, John Cage and others, and Martin Scorsese's brilliant pacing and turnon- a-dime plot lines, this movie leads you on a nervous trail of clues that keeps you guessing as to where the story will go next. As always, Scorsese makes a social point, with the handling of the mentally ill in society. Important side roles are provided by Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen's – Rorschach) as the murderer of Teddy's wife and Michelle Williams as Teddy's wife. I strongly suggest renting this, and make sure you have two hours to be completely undisturbed. Maybe even take notes! – Rich (CA)

July & August 2010

The Almost Moon
By Alice Sebold

The author of The Lovely Bones takes us on an unexpected and intimate journey into the mind of Helen, a woman in her 40s who murders her elderly mother. In the 24 hours following he mothers death, Helen reflects on her past and her relationship with her mother. Did she do the "right" thing? Will the police find out it was her? This tale is excellent for discussion and makes you wonder what side of morality you would stand on. – Alysia (CO)

Look Again
By Lisa Scottoline

Ellen Gleeson is a single mom who adopted her son two years ago. One day Ellen receives a Missing Children card in the mail. Normally this would be something Ellen would just toss in the wastebasket, but after a quick glance, her heart stops. This little boy looks exactly like her son. Follow Ellen in her compelling search for the truth about he

 r young

 son's adoption. – Alysia (CO)

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand
By Helen Simonson

Available in book and spoken book on CD, this extremely well-written book is a romantic and very British delight. The book begins with central character, “The Major,” grieving over the recent loss of his brother, dealing with his fawning grown son and quietly establishing a friendship with local shop owner Mrs. Ali. It’s a study in decorum, class structure and all types of relationships, particularly those between family members. There’s a laugh and a sentimental sigh on every page. Readers will not want the story to end. – John (CO)

Await Your Reply
By Dan Chaon

“What kind of person decides that they can throw everything away and reinvent themselves?” Lucy runs off with her charismatic high school teacher for a promised life of riches and travel. Ryan, presumed dead after an accident, tracks down his birth father to a remote cabin filled with computers. Miles’ life is stalled by intermittent communiqués from his brilliant twin who disappeared decades before. The lives of these three lost souls gradually intertwine in a creepy and seductive literary thriller. Elegant prose and subtle allusions to classic tales of horror propel this contemporary meditation on the ephemeral nature of identity by a National Book Award nominee. – Jo (HE)

Still Missing
By Chevy Stevens

Chevy Stevens’ debut novel Still Missing is a fascinating work of fiction that reads like true crime. As the main character, Annie, recounts her story to her therapist, the reader is taken back to the horrific existence she spent in captivity with her kidnapper and the aftermath of her trying to live a “normal” life after her captivity ends. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. The character development of Annie and the mystery surrounding why her psychopathic kidnapper, known simply as The Freak, chose Annie as his victim kept me turning the pages. I wondered what would happen next and rooted for this woman to be able to reclaim her life, particularly as I learned more about what she was forced to endure during her year in captivity. I first started this book at night, and a few pages into it I had to put it down to arm the burglar alarm system. I’m still thinking about this book, weeks after I finished reading it. – Heidi (AO, M&D)

James Taylor & Carole King- Troubadour Reunion World Tour 2010

June 23, 2010, Verizon Center, Washington D.C.

On a hot summer night, one sat up high and one sat down low (and paid a lot more money) and had a marvelous evening filled with great songs bringing back great memories. It did not really matter where you sat because the revolving center stage ensured a great view for all. James Taylor and Carole King played many of their best known hits to an audience that sang along nearly word for word. How lucky are we that we can relive this wonderful evening again and again thanks to the wonderful CD/DVD, Live at the Troubadour (call # CD Popular K)! – Lisa  & Lou (CO)

The Devil’s Rooming House
By M. William Phelps

In the summer of 1911, a reporter at the Hartford Courant became suspicious of the number of deaths occurring at the Archer Home for Elderly People and Chronic Invalids. The proprietress, known locally as “Sister Amy,” was offering beds for $1,000 for lifetime care. But when Amy Archer’s money began to run out and she needed to make room for new paying clients, she devised a devious plan to rid herself of her current guests using a cocktail of lemonade and arsenic. It was not until she chose to eliminate the wrong man that her schemes would come to light. This true story inspired the hit Broadway play Arsenic and Old Lace. – Doug (NO)

Making Rounds with Oscar
By David Dosa

A puzzling and intriguing true story of a nursing home cat who can sense when a patient is about to die. He cuddles up with them in their bed, and sure enough, the patient passes away within hours. He was even known, in one instance, to scratch on the wall of an adjoining room, when the patient’s door was closed … somehow sensing that the patient inside was going to die. We also hear the stories of the families of these patients and how they reacted to Oscar. We learn of the heartbreak of these family members, watching their loved ones slowly go downhill … but always praising this miracle cat who made the final hours so gentle. A story for every cat lover, as well as those who read medical “mysteries.” – Barb (NO)

June 2010

Spooky Little Girl
By Laurie Notaro

The story of Lucy Fisher, Lucy is an ordinary girl with ordinary problems, or so she thought. In a matter of days, Lucy’s life changes dramatically. She not only loses her job and her fiancé, but her life as well. This comedic story follows Lucy through “ghost training.” She must stay in limbo until her unfinished business on Earth is complete. Unfortunately for Lucy, she doesn’t know what that is. We follow Lucy as she haunts her ex-fiancé and his new girlfriend. With the help of her deceased grandmother and friends, Lucy works to unravel the mystery of her life so she can enjoy the afterlife in peace. Lucy’s story is both amusing and engaging. – Kimberly (ES)

Homicide: A Life on the Killing Streets
By David Simon

Author/Journalist/Producer David Simon spends a year in the life of a Baltimore City homicide detective. This true crime drama provides a real life depiction of the strategy and hard work needed to catch some of the world's worst sociopaths and the bureaucratic pressure they deal with behind the scenes. It is the basis of the Emmy Award-winning TV series Homicide: Life on the Streets and played a prominent role in Simon's creation of the HBO series The Wire. – Justin (ES)

Bulldog Drummond
By Sapper (H. C. McNeile), read by Roy McMillan (Audiobook)

If you want old fashioned, two-fisted, save-theworld adventure, Bulldog Drummond should be on your list. Captain Hugh Drummond, veteran of the trenches and bored with post-war life, advertises for adventure and gets it several times over. When he takes up the cause of a young woman whose father is dogged by shady characters, he uncovers an international cartel intent on taking over the world. An inspiration for James Bond, Bulldog Drummond has all of the dash and heroism needed to take on the cartel and then some. Bulldog Drummond combines the action of a pulp novel with a literate prose comparable to Conan Doyle or Josephine Tey, and reader Roy McMillan’s delivery is a perfect fit to the bracing narrative. – Robert (ES)

Trumpet Child (Music CD)
By Over the Rhine

Ohio-based Over the Rhine is a band that defies category, from singer Karin Bergquist’s bluesy torch song delivery to the music itself, which is an amalgam of jazz, New Orleans brass band, blues, piano bar, country, and who knows what else. While on paper it may seem impossible, the band succeeds in combining these disparate influences into a fluent, substantial, and wonderful sound perfectly complemented by quirky, poetic lyrics. If you like eclectic music, you will be hooked from first notes of “I Don’t Wanna Waste Your Time,” and when Bergquist begins to sing the deal is clinched. If you are tired of overly produced pop, Over the Rhine’s Trumpet Child is the antidote. – Robert (ES)

The Buddha (DVD)
Directed by David Grubin

Beautifully filmed, Grubin’s film traces the life of Siddhartha Gautama from his birth into a powerful and wealthy ruling family in northern India through his rejection of a life of luxury, and search for, and achievement of, enlightenment, the balance of his life spent travelling throughout India teaching others how to find serenity through “The Middle Way.” Through interviews with academics, Buddhist practitioners, and the Dalia Lama, the film also examines the Buddha’s teachings, visits Buddhist holy sites, and reveals the world of a philosophy which has had a wide and profound effect on the world. This is a great introduction for people who, like me, have only a superficial knowledge of the Buddha and his philosophy. – Robert (ES)

May 2010

The Island
By Elin Hilderbrand

Two generations of women spend a summer in the family beach house on Tuckernuck Island. They come together to heal and escape their troubles but find drama and family secrets instead. -Jamie (AO)

Bon Courage
By Ken McAdams

A year after they are married, 60-somethings Ken and Bing head to France to celebrate their honeymoon. When they fall in love with a picturesque village, they decide to stay and buy a fixer-upper – and quickly learn home renovation in the French countryside may be more than they bargained for.-Jamie (AO)

The Invisible Bridge
By Julie Orringer

This sweeping WWII saga deals with complex issues of love, loyalty, family and the redemptive power of love. Andras Lévi, a Hungarian Jew, leaves Budapest to study architecture in Paris where falls in love with Klara, a fellow Hungarian with a dark secret. Soon the growing anti-Semitism sends them back to Hungary where Andras publishes

 a subversive newspaper until the Nazis invade. -Jamie (AO)

The Imperfectionists
By Tom Rachman

Once upon a time, being an American journalist for an English–language newspaper in Rome would have seemed exotic and exciting. But with the newspapers death knell sounding, those left at the end are pondering the existence of their chosen career field as well as pondering life itself. -Jamie (AO)

Awkward Family Photos
By Mike Bender

Based on the hit Web site, AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com, this full color book features never-before-seen photos and hilarious personal stories behind the forced poses, bad hair and matching outfits. Nothing says awkward better than an uncomfortable family photograph! -Jamie (AO)

Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging ‘70s
By Dan Epstein

Beginning with the LSD-tripping Dock Ellis throwing a no-hitter for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1970 to the worst on-field riot in baseball history thanks to the White Sox “Disco Demolition” in 1979, this pop culture history of base

 ball in the 1970s highlights an era noted as a turning point for America’s pastime. -Jamie (AO)

What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life: Ageless Secrets of Style
By Kim Johnson

Gross Based on a popular column Gross wrote for More magazine, this book examines the life shifts experienced by women, and how those changes should be reflected in their closets. She also shares advice about fashion, style and the graceful evolution of a woman as her defined roles change. -Jamie (AO)

Hellhound on His Trail: The Stalking of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the International Hunt for His Assassin
By Hampton Sides

From veteran journalist and award-winning author Sides, a complete taut narrative account of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and subsequent investigation and manhunt for his killer. A story you think you know until you read the real story. -Jamie (AO)

April 2010

Queen of Your Own Life
By Kathy Kinney & Cindy Ratslaff

This book is sub-titled “The Grown-up Woman’s Guide to Claiming Happiness and Getting the Life You Deserve.” Long title! It was published by Harlequin, though it’s nonfiction. It is aimed to inspire woman near, or reaching middle age. The two authors hosted gatherings (Crown Ceremonies) for friends, and later strangers – the participants got a certificate at the end and a crown-shaped rhinestone pin proclaiming them Queens of their Lives. There are seven chapters each titled by one of the Seven Gifts (steps to take). Each chapter is full of little famous quotes from inspiring women – these are called The Crown Jewels (each noted by a graphic of a crown.) This is a short, easy to read self-help type book that many women may enjoy. (Kathy Kinney played Mimi on the Drew Carey show – so it has celebrity appeal.) – Cindy (PA)

The Sonnet Lover
By Carol Goodman

After the apparent suicide of one of her best students, Dr. Rose Asher travels to Italy to research the possibility of a heretofore unknown 16th century poet. The dead student had found several sonnets written by a woman he was convinced was the Dark Lady referred to in Shakespeare's sonnets. In Italy, it becomes clear that several people surrounding Dr. Asher have their own agendas for the poems and their assumed location – agendas they're willing to kill for. Similar to the Da Vinci Code, this book weaves the past into the present. It parallels the historical mystery of Shakespeare's Dark Lady with the contemporary mystery of the location of the unknown poet's sonnets, her identity and who is willing to kill for the poems. – Rose (PE)

The Diary
By Eileen Goudge

As they are packing up their mother's house, Sarah and Emily find a diary their mother kept the year before she married their father. They are stunned to learn that their mother, practically engaged to their father Bob, fell in love with a man named AJ. What they find out about their parents as they read the diary challenges many of the assumptions they had about their parents’ life together. The story weaves past and present as we and the daughters discover how little we know of our parents’ lives before we are born and how surprising those lives can be. If you like Nicholas Sparks' books, you'll enjoy this one. – Rose (PE)

Sports Camp
By Rich Wallace

This is Riley Liston’s first year at Camp Olympia. He is 11 years old and small for his age. Most of the other campers are 12 or 13 and seem gigantic to him. Riley tries to fit in as his cabin competes against the other cabins at sports. This sports competition is one of the most important things to the camp. At times he is the weakest link, except when it comes to swimming. Lake Surprise, where they swim takes place, is the source of many scary camp legends. Will he meet Big Joe the giant snapping turtle rumored to live in the lake? Can Riley improve his swimming to win the respect of the boys in his cabin and the camp? Read this novel to find out.

This would be a good book for summer reading for ages 9-13. The small size and larger print make for easy reading. – Nancy (PA)

Emeril 20-40-60: Fresh Food Fast
By Emeril Lagasse

The numbers refer to how many minutes its takes to make the recipe. The attractive cover is in color with a grinning Emeril making a pan of pasta. Each of the minute categories contain recipes from soup to desserts. Quite a few of the recipes include a colorful picture of the dish. Some recipes use common ingredients, but there are plenty of challenging recipes for the more experienced cooks. Emeril’s name recognition should make this a popular cookbook for our collection. – Nancy (PA)

Fear the Worst
By Linwood Barclay

If you’ve never read a Linwood Barclay novel, then this book would be a good one of his to read first. Very similar to Harlan Coben, he grabs you right from the start. In this book, the main character, Tim, has discovered that his daughter, Sydney, is missing. After visiting her place of employment and finding she no longer works there, he discovers that many of the characters are hostile to him and not who they seem to be. As a result, Tim goes on a wild roller coaster ride in his search for Sydney that not only puts him in danger, but others as well. You will definitely enjoy this latest novel by Linwood Barclay. – Denise (PA)

March 2010

The Declaration
By Gemma Malley 
 

My name is Anna. Surplus Anna. My parents  broke the Declaration and were put in prison.  I hate them. I didn't ask to be born But I have  a chance to redeem their sins. In England  Surpluses can be Useful, not like in some  countries where they are killed like animals. If  I work hard enough and become employable I  can show my gratitude to the Legal people. I  would like to be a Valuable Asset.  Anna's world has attained mankind's greatest  dream – longevity through drugs. But first you  must sign the Declaration – and relinquish  your right to have children. Anna is a child born  illegally – an outcast, a slave, a Surplus. This is her story.  – Cheryl (PI) 

20th Century Boys 
By Naoki Urasawa  (A Graphic Novel Series) 

So you know that game of make believe that  kids play where they save the world. Well of  course, first you have to create a threat to  face. Now what would happen if the imaginary  organization you created became a reality  when you were in your 30s, and only you and  your old friends from the playground could save  the day. And so opens the first volume of the  20th Century Boys Series.  – Chris (PI)

Dracula the Un-dead 
By Dacre Stoker 

Bram Stoker's great-grand nephew leads us to  think the fascination for blood runs in the family.  It is an extremely exciting supernatural read  for vampire fans with a great deal of historical  accuracy incorporated into the book. For example,  Jack the Ripper is mentioned several times.  Some of our old favorites return, including Mina  and Jonathan, Jack, Arthur and Van Helsing.  Quincy, Mina and Jonathan's son, makes his  debut with acting aspirations even though his  father forces him to attend law school.  The book begins in 1912, 25 years after  Dracula's presumed death. It is definitely  a page turner and the details are brilliantly  written. Again, like Stoker's original novel,  the book explores the true nature of evil. If  you are intrigued by terror, you will find this a gripping book and a great follow up to the  horror classic. Bram Stoker would be proud of  his descendent.  – Kathy (PE)

Three Top Talking Books of 2009 -Cherrie (RA)

Tiger in the Well
By Philip Pullman
 

This young adult title, one of the Sally Lockhart  mysteries, reminds one of a Sherlock Holmes  mystery. Set in 1881 London, plucky Sally gets  involved in a plot to defraud and exploit Jewish  immigrants. The foggy London streets and the  poverty of Victorian England are evocatively  portrayed.

#1 Ladies Detective Agency
By Alexander McCall-Smith

With the audio version you have the wonderful  accents of Botswana that bring alive the  character of Precious Ramotswe, lady  detective, and her mysterious cases.

Thirteen Moons
By Charles Frazier 
 

Set in Tennessee in the late 1700s and early  1800s, this historical title portrays the story of  Will, a 12-year-old orphaned, bound boy who is  sent to run a trading post in the mountains. He  falls in love and becomes intimately involved  with the fate of the Cherokee Nation that was  forcibly removed during the infamous Trail  of Tears. The sometimes close relationships  between the Native Americans and the settlers  are well portrayed and the period comes alive  with the use of local accents. Read by Will  Patton, his gravelly voice lends authenticity to  the time and place.

Blue Heaven 
By C.J. Box 

A northern Idaho community is rapidly  expanding as more people escape to it,  including so many former cops from L.A. that it  has adopted the name of “Blue Heaven.” Many  lives are linked when two kids disappear after  witnessing a murder: the single mother trying  to provide a decent life for the kids, a former  cop who has come to close his only remaining  open murder case, the rancher trying to save  his land from all the change and the former  cops who want to bury it all, including the  kids. The story is told from many perspectives  and shows how we all have to pay for past  decisions, good or bad. It gets off to a slow  start as it sets the stage for the characterdriven  story, though being suspense more than  mystery, it builds nicely to where you won’t be  able to put it down.  – Diane (RO/PE) 

Perfect Match 
By Jodi Picoult

Nina, a prosecutor for York County, Maine sees  how imperfect the justice system can be for the  youngest of rape and sexually abused victims.  Then one day it is discovered that Nathaniel,  Nina's 5-year-old son, has become a victim.  Nina and her husband Caleb are put through  a whirlwind of emotions. It is now them who  have to decide how to seek justice for their son  in the imperfect system.  This is the story of parents’ love for their child  and just how far parents really would go to  truly protect them.  – Maria (PE)

Rainwater
By Sandra Brown 

Rainwater is a historical fiction novel set  in 1934 Texas during the dustbowl and  depression. Ella, the owner of a boardinghouse,  must keep her house full of guests in order  to provide for herself and her disabled son  Solly. David Rainwater, a relative of the  town's doctor, rents a vacant room and takes  an interest in Solly. David spends time each  day with him, making Ella realize that Solly  can learn more than she thought. David also  becomes involved in the community, putting  himself in danger which follows him to the  boarding house.  Rainwater is different from the kind of novel  that Sandra Brown usually writes. I thought the  history seemed accurate and the description of  Solly's mental disability was well researched  – Jean (PE)

February 2010

An Offer You Can’t Refuse
By Jill Mansell

Seventeen-year-old Lola is madly in love with upper class Dougie Tennant who has gone on to a university outside of London. Middle class Lola, who works in a fish and chip shop, is definitely not what Mrs. Tennant wants for a daughter-in-law. When Mrs. Tennant unexpectedly picks Lola up after work, she offers her 10,000 pounds if she will agree to never see Doug again. Lola assures her that she really loves Doug and that she can’t be bought off. On her return home, Lola discovers her stepfather Alex in the process of packing up his things and moving out. Alex has amassed a large gambling debt to spare Lola and her mother any unpleasantness, he is going to leave town. Lola accepts the money to save her family and leaves town. Ten years later, Lola returns to London and she meets up with Doug. When Doug finds out that Lola took money from his mother, he refuses to have anything to do with her. This is a great light read for those who enjoy a little romance without all the desperation and drama about finding the perfect man. – Barbara (PI)

A Gate at the Stairs
By Lorrie Moore

Lorrie Moore writes a quiet story sure to resonate with readers. This coming-of-age tale compels the reader first with its poetic prose and then with its complex characters. It’s either a love of lyricism or of strong characters that will suck the readers in or lose them, as this isn’t a plot-driven novel. The story features themes of class, race and the sorrows of people; but, at core, it’s a story about a farm girl and the relationship she finds herself in with a woman intent on adopting a child. Weather conditions and landscapes of the Midwest lend themselves to the emptiness that suits Moore’s sad characters. It may not be the happiest read of the season, but it sure is memorable. – Amanda (PI)

Friend of the Family

By Lauren Grodstein

Pete Dizinoff has led a charmed life as a respected doctor, devoted husband, and friend to many in the affluent community of Round Hill, NJ. So where has he gone wrong when it comes to his son Alec? Pete and his wife Elaine have given Alec the world, and yet he disappoints by dropping out of prestigious Hampshire College. An artist, 20-year-old Alec wants to travel Europe and see great works for himself rather than study them from afar. To make matters worse, the daughter of Pete’s closest friends comes back to town after years of a hippie existence. Laura, who is 10 years Alec’s senior, originally left Round Hill to escape the notoriety that has followed her since high school, when she committed an unspeakable act. Pete is horrified by this young woman and what she represents, especially when she sets her sights on his son. Grodstein’s descriptive prose and intelligent turns of phrase will keep the reader immersed as Pete’s privileged world of family and reputation begin to dissolve around him. – Paula (PI)

Lethal Legacy
By Linda Fairstein, narrated by Barbara Rosenblat

This legal thriller takes listeners into the behind the- scenes world of the New York Public Library – eccentric benefactors, secret underground stacks, the last resident family, forgeries and, of course, murder. The story opens with the investigation of an assault and later murder of a young conservator. ADA Alexandra Cooper and her partner NYPD detective Mike Chapman follow the leads to some of Manhattan’s grandest homes and seediest neighborhoods. Their team includes a map librarian whose knowledge of the history of the city helps them to uncover family secrets crucial to the case. Read by the talented Barbara Rosenblat, this audiobook is the perfect distraction from beltway traffic jams! – Teresa (PI)

Jazz

I used to get a little nervous at the mention of jazz any more “contemporary” than about 1969. It’s not that there’s been a falling off of musical talent in the world since the heyday of jazz – whenever you consider that to have been. It’s more a question of the artists’ ability to tread a fine line between tradition and originality, meaning not trying too hard to be either easy-listening or hip (-hop). But having investigated the recommendations of some recent surveys published online by DownBeat magazine, I discovered that there is plenty of excellent stuff coming out these days to alleviate anyone’s fears that America’s greatest art form came “free” of its moorings and died a “smooth” death. Start with Ben Allison and Man Size Safe, Little Things Run the World (2007), a solid collection of dark-trending compositions whose groove and instrumentation suggest the fingerprints of Quincy Jones. Then, just try to resist getting pulled right in by the funky “Little Walter Rides Again,” leading off Medeski/ Scofield/Martin & Wood’s Out Louder (2006). This disc, along with Mistico from the Charlie Hunter Trio (2007), provides some outstanding guitar work along with a wealth of distinctive keyboard stylings which bring life to mostly original tunes, but also a few covers. Sweden’s Esbjörn Svensson Trio demonstrates with their ’06 release Tuesday Wonderland that the status of “popular in Europe” – which they are – doesn’t automatically mean you’re a weenie. What Allmusic calls a “gloriously schizophrenic experience” features the robust piano and keyboards of EST’s namesake leading the way through 11 unself-conscious, fun fusion tunes. Also not to miss: John Zorn, The Dreamers (2007) and a disc recorded live at the Village Vanguard, Follow the Red Line, by Chris Potter Underground. Among the catalogs of all these artists is a wealth of more good stuff, and as has always been true with jazz, there is a lot of overlap among styles, groups and players. This small sampling of recordings should provide all the entrée you need to the vibrant world of contemporary jazz.. – Allan (PI)

January 2010

Stitches: A Memoir

By David Small
 

David Small, an award-winning author and illustrator, has written an excellent, haunting memoir of his life growing up in Detroit in the 1950s with a dysfunctional and oppressive family. Stitches, written as an adult graphic novel/biography, presents the sad and often terrifying story of David’s life, portrayed in pictures that make you feel as though you are watching a film. David begins his memoir as a small boy of 6, living with an abusive, controlling and psychologically disturbed mother, a clueless, uncaring father and an older brother. His mother instills dread, fear and despair into everyone in the family. As it becomes more clear to us that the mother suffers from demons from her own dysfunctional family, little David tries to survive and make sense out of what goes on in his family, even though he can’t begin to understand how disturbed everyone actually is. Around the time that David is 11, a lump is discovered in his neck by one of his mother’s friends. Because his parents are so criminally uncaring, they let the lump go unchecked until he is 14 years old before they finally have it diagnosed. The lump is found to be cancer, and David has resulting surgeries which leave him unable to talk. The worst part of all is that his parents never told him the lump he had was cancer. We also learn that his father, a doctor, had given him massive doses of radiation therapy as a young child for his sinus infections, and most likely had given him the cancer in the first place. David’s story will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is truly amazing that he overcame his horrible upbringing, and went on to become a successful and well adjusted adult.– Michelle (RE)

Jacob’s Cane

By Eliza New

Experience the triumphs and tragedies with Eliza’s family as they adjust to the new world. Despite the loss of many family members, both Bernhard Baron and Jacob Levy attain success in the manufacturing business. Bernhard establishes Carrera’s Black Cat cigarette manufacturing company in Mornington Crescent, England, and Jacob establishes Levy’s International Shrinking company in Baltimore, MD. The family attains success after many hardships and Eliza explains how. The author successfully develop s a wellrounded portrayal of each family member. She also provides interesting and accurate historical references supported with examples of prominent people and socio-economic data for each time period. The story follows a logical sequence of events during five generations of the family. Eliza’s family sage is interesting from beginning to end.  If you enjoy reading family sagas, then read this book.– Terry (RA)

We Shall Remain

PBS DVD series

This is an amazing DVD aired on PBS through April and May. The three discs include “After the Mayflower” (Wampanoag), “Tecumseh’s Vision” (Shawnee), “Trail of Tears” (Cherokee), “Geronimo” (Apache) and “Wounded Knee” (Lakota).

 Very unique, it is told from the perspective of American Indians. It doesn’t try to provide a definitive record or revel in an epic tragedy. Instead, it attempts to create intimate portraits of individuals.

The series begins in the 1600s with the Wampanoag of New England, to show early contact with Europeans, and to end in the 1970s with American Indian activists’ occupation of Wounded Knee. In between, the series plays out stories of Native icons Geronimo, Tecumseh and the Cherokees’ Trail of Tears. The intent is to take viewers on a journey across the continent and 300 years. What connects the five films is the tenacity of their characters. This is not a solely indigenous concept. This country is founded on people striving, being tenacious and moving forward. This is a look at that, through Native eyes. I enjoyed the series as both sides of my family were represented – the Wampanoag and Lakota – although I felt that the second siege of Wounded Knee was biased.– Toi (RA)

Al Capone Shines My Shoes

By Gennifer Choldenko

This is the lively and entertaining sequel to the Newbery Honor Book Al Capone Does My Shirts. The setting is 1935 Alcatraz Island and it follows the lives of the families who live there along with the prisoners. Narrator, Moose Flanagan’s father, works as a prison guard and Moose manages to get himself involved with the notorious gangster Al Capone. When Capone asks Moose for a favor in return for helping get Moose’s autistic sister Natalie into a good school, Moose doesn’t know what to do. The story is suspenseful, with lively characters, colorful gangsters and lots of perfectly paced action. The close relationships between the families who live on the island and the prisoners make for interesting reading. An easy sell when children ask for historical fiction, it is recommended for ages 9-12. – Nancy (RA)

Creature ABC

By Andrew Zuckerman

We all know the plot of this book. After all, there are very few surprises in an alphabet book – straight through from A-Z, right? Zuckerman shows us just how incorrect that thinking is. He has taken us on a dazzling journey through the alphabet. The artwork which consists of photographs and pen and ink drawings is stunning. The layout is captivating and will be sure to keep a young audience’s attention. The animals are shown in dramatic poses that are truly remarkable. Please consider spending some time with this wonderful book. You may never look at animals the same way again. – Barb (RA)