Book Chat: One of Our Thursdays is Missing

One of Our Thursdays is Missing by Jasper Fforde
*****
"I really like Jasper Fforde's books and this one was no exception. They really make you think with all the references to other books and characters." -Amy Rech

Book Chat: The Man Who Tasted Shapes

The Man Who Tasted Shapes by Richard E. Cytowic
****
"A remarkable book discussing the rare disorder of synesthesia. This lack of seperation between the senses allows people to taste shapes, feel colors, or see sounds. Through his research the author makes the case that consciousness is not rational." -Mark Tolbert

Book Chat: Salvation in Death

Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb
****
"One of about 40 books in the 'In Death' series. Well told story where many puzzle pieces fall in place as the investigation procedes - related crimes and people. Even after it is known who did it and why, the story continues for how they get caught." -James Whitfield

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Have you ever been nervous about stepping out and trying something new? The young bird in If I Never Forever Endeavor by Holly Meade is safe inside his comfortable nest. He is considering giving his new wings a try. There is a great big, wonderful world to explore but what if he tries and his wings don’t work? We all face situations where we might succeed or we might fail. This book is about the decision to try something new and one possible outcome.

Sandra Markle’s Butterfly Tree is a beautiful story about Jilly and her mom exploring one of the many wonders of nature. One afternoon while playing on the beach Jilly sees something in the distance. At first it looks like black pepper raining in the blue sky. As the black rain comes closer, it turns into an orange cloud and eventually disappears into the nearby woods. Jilly and her mom set out to follow the orange cloud and make an amazing discovery. Check out this book and find out what amazing discovery they make.

Book Chat: The Passage

The Passage by Justin Cronin
***
"Mixed feelings on this book. It is a government project gone wrong - so wrong that it turns half the world into vampires. It is obviously the 1st of twelve books to come. After 800+ pages and to realize the end is 11 books away is devastating!" -Amy Grelinger

Book Chat: The Daily Coyote

The Daily Coyote by Shreve Stockton
*****
"Love this book! Very well written and extremely interesting. all about love, survival, and trust in the wilds of current day Wyoming. Nonfiction and couldn't be more compelling!" -Caroline Hale

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

This Plus That Life’s Little Equations is a creative collection of unexpected combinations that add up to something really special. Author, Amy Krouse Rosenthal puts together two or more common things that together add up to something special. Whether it’s leaves + hot soup = fall or laughter + keeping secrets + sharing = best friend this book will make kids and adults see the simple things in life are the best things in life. Read this thought provoking book and see what kind of life’s little equations you can come up with.

It’s time for bed but Kitty Cat is still busy playing peekaboo, tickling her toes and using her imagination. Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are you Going To Sleep? by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson is a fun rhyming book most parents and kids will be able to relate to. Will Kitty Cat ever be ready to go to bed? Find out in this cute book colorfully illustrated by Laura J. Bryant.

Pierre is a ten-year-old boy who longs to cook in his parent’s French restaurant, La Bonne Vache. Pierre spends as much time as he can in the kitchen hoping for an opportunity to show his cooking skills. Unfortunately, his parents don’t think he is old enough to cook and tell him to go outdoors and play. One day Pierre meets a food critic who is on the way to the restaurant. Read The Boy Who Wanted To Cook by Gloria Whelan and find out what happens when the food critic visits the restaurant and see if Pierre has a chance to prove himself.

Book Chat: The Long Goodbye

The Long Goodbye: A Memoir by Meghan O'Rourke
*****
"O'Rourke's memoir is an intimate portrayal of a daughter's anguish upon the death of her fifty five year old mother. With excruciating honesty, O'Rourke explores the depths of her sorrow, and finds herself lost in a culture that has difficulty acknowledging grief." -Aja Drake

Book Chat: Full Dark, No Stars

Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King
*****
"Even after all these years, Stephen King is STILL the master of all things dark and gruesome. Each of the four stories in this book explores what seemingly 'normal' people will do under 'extraordinary' circumstances. This book is not for the delicate reader, but rather for those who love to explore the human condition - no matter how morbid. By the way - King's fourth story was inspired by Wichita's own brush with evil - BTK." -Lesa Albin

Book Chat: Unbroken

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
*****
"The biography of Louis Zamperini, the Olympic Champion, who was interred in a Japanese POW camp during WWII. His survival and resiliency is told by the author of Seabiscuit, Laura Hillenbrand." -Kay Swartz

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Pinkalicious Pink Around The Rink by Victoria Kann is an I Can Read! Beginning Level 1 book perfect for kids ages 4 to 8. Pinkalicious gets a big surprise from her mommy…new ice skates! She loves her new skates, except for one thing. They are boring white. After she colors her ice skates cotton candy pink, she is ready to go ice skating. Read this fun, laugh out loud story and find out what happens when Pinkalicious’ new pink skates hit the ice.

Dog lovers will have fun reading Little Lucy by Ilene Cooper. This Step Into Reading Level 3 book is perfect for kids reading on their own Grades 1 - 3. Bobby and his parents take their cute little beagle, Lucy, on a trip to the lake. Will Lucy like the lake water? What happens when she breaks free from her leash? Kids will enjoy reading about Lucy’s fun adventures at the lake.

Have you ever just wanted a puppy but somehow ended up getting a dinosaur instead? Too Many Dinosaurs by Mercer Mayer is a story about a little boy who cannot get a puppy, so he buys an old dinosaur egg from a yard sale. Before he knows it, the dinosaur egg hatches and he has a baby triceratops. Read this magical book with fun, colorful illustrations and find out what happens when the angry mama dinosaur shows up, followed by a whole herd of dinosaurs.

Book Chat: We Two

We Two: Victoria and Albert, Rulers, Partners, Rivals by Gillian Gill
*****
"This is a book about the life and love of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert. It starts at the beginning of their lives through his death in 1861 at 42. It is a fascinating look at Royalty and how the English and European Royalty functioned. Victoria and Albert were first cousins." -Amy Spurgeon

Book Chat: One Thousand White Women

One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodds by Jim Fergus
***
"Biggest surprise was when I read the author page in back of book, after reading the book, it was wrote by a man! Delves into the feelings and actions of women who were 'sold' to the indians by the government to help savages to learn the white man's way. The women learned the indian's life was more civil than whites in many ways." -Cindy Longhofer

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

A young boy buys a rhinoceros for a pet and he has no idea what he is getting into.  The rhinoceros doesn’t chase a ball or a frisbee.  He doesn’t roll over or do any kind of tricks.  He is nice but just kind of keeps to himself.  After talking to a rhinoceros expert, he finds out rhinoceroses only do two things, pop balloons and poke holes in kites.  My Rhinoceros by John Agee is a perfect reminder people should not give up on anyone even a pet rhinoceros.

Have you ever really wanted to have a party even though it is not your birthday or a special holiday? If so, you will enjoy the newest “Little Princess” story I Want A Party! by Tony Ross.  It’s not her birthday or even Christmas but the Little Princess wants to have a party.  She plans the best party ever for her friends.  Oops! She forgets one tiny detail with really big consequences.  Be sure to read this fun story and find out what happens. 

Louise The Big Cheese is back in Louise The Big Cheese And The Back-To-School-Smarty-Pants by Elise Primavera.  When a new school year starts Louise decides she wants to get straight A’s. She thinks if she does everyone will want to be her friend and maybe she will even get to skip a grade.  Her new teacher Mrs. Pearl is very strict and everyone tells Louise she never, ever gives out A’s.  Louise tries but never seems to get an A.  As you will read in this story, sometimes growing up and gaining wisdom come with a few growing pains.

Book Chat: The Lace Reader

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
****
"If you enjoy fortune telling, witches, and natural intuition, then this book will keep you captivated. As the author does a great job presenting the life of a family who possesses a gift and the price they have to pay for owning it. Lace reading, withces, and the coming of a newly created religion all become intertwined creating a chain of agony to generations of one family." -Diana Madrigal

Book Chat: The Day After the Dollar Crashes

The Day After the Dollar Crashes by Damon Vickers
**
"Vickers began the book well by talking about the problems our country is facing. However, his solutions were generally terrible. Instead of talking about the root of these problems, he went into an in-depth preview of the "New World Order" will look like once everything settles down in a few years. Unfortunately, his vision of what the world will be in a few years is not based on reality." -Peter Cook

Book Chat: Hard Times

Hard Times by Charles Dickens
****
"I always enjoy Dickens and was not disappointed. I agree with Dickens that Imagination and Emotion is just as important as Fact and Logic." -Calantha Tillotson

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

It is no fun to be sick at home feeling yucky with nothing to do. That is exactly what happens in the book Llama Llama Home With Mama by Anna Dewdney. Llama Llama stays home from school because he isn’t feeling so well. Soon Mama Llama is sneezing and sniffling too. Who is going to take care of Mama Llama? This book is perfect for anyone not feeling well, who needs a little cheering up.

When winter doldrums come to the zoo, the animals chase them away by putting on a zoozical. A zoozical is a song-and-dance extravaganza performed by the animals in the zoo. Since winter weather is keeping all the kids from coming to the zoo a zoozical seems like a perfect fix. Kids will love the singing, dancing, and adventure in ZooZical by Judy Sierra. When all the animals in the zoo get along as friends and pool their talents together, it’s a magical night.

Have you ever heard of a cat that likes water? Splish, Splash, Splat! by Rob Scotton is about a cat named Splat who thinks water is scary and wet and it makes him soggy. Splat is having a bad day. First his mom tells him he is going to have a play date with Spike, someone who will break his toys. Then she tells him he is going to start swimming lessons at school. What will happen when Splat figures out that he and Spike both do not like water and will this help them become friends? Find out in this fun book that shows kids when you face your fears you might be surprised at how much fun you can have.

Book Chat: I Remember Nothing

I Remember Nothing and Other Reflections by Nora Ephron

*****

"This is witty and wonderfully irreverent and validates the feelings of women of a certain age. The reflections include losing things, absolutely forgetting important moments in life, and the sense that life is passing by. It is a series of short but smart chapters and some just include lists like 'What I Won't Miss - dry skin, Fox, Joe Lieberman, mammograms;' and 'What I Will Miss -  my kids, fireworks, the dogwood, twinkle lights.'" -Elma Broadfoot

Book Chat: Sea of Thunder

Sea of Thunder by Evan Thomas
*****
"This book, written on the World War II Naval campaigns in the Pacific, is one of the better books on the subject. Thomas provides a sweeping overview from 1941-1945 on the naval war in the Pacific and the result is a page-turner that covers both the facts of the war and the motives that drove the American and Japanese into battle." -Peter Cook

Book Chat: Room of Marvels

Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith


*****

“This is a wonderful book to help heal the heart after the death of a loved one. It is an easy read but definitely makes you think about life, death, and life after death. I bought a copy for a friend of mine whose husband just died.” –Mary Anne Maupin

Teens' Top Ten Nominees, Part VII: Vampires and Werewolves

Okay, so maybe last week’s realistic drama titles aren’t your thing. Maybe you wanted to hear more about Paranormal Romance. You’re not alone: most of the titles nominated for the Teens’ Top Ten this year have paranormal characters. If you didn’t see anything you wanted on the other blog post, perhaps you’ll find a title here.

Hex Hall and Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
It’s unusual for two books from the same series to be nominated to the list in the same year, but it’s happened for the first two books of the new Hex Hall series by Rachel Hawkins. The series follows sixteen-year-old witch Sophie after she is sent to a reform school for delinquent witches and faeries, or Prodigium, when a botched spell at her normal school attracts too much attention from her human classmates. As the series unfolds, Sophie learns more about her mysterious powers, her family’s dark secrets, and her supernatural classmates. A third book is scheduled for release in March of 2012.

Red Moon Rising by Peter Moore
In a world where vampires are the social elite and wulves are second class citizens treated like criminals, half-vamp Danny likes to pretend his other half is human. Unfortunately, it’s not true: his father is a wulf. As Danny grows older, it’s getting harder to hide his half-wulf heritage. If anyone finds out, he’ll be forced to live as an inmate at a government compound during each full moon, but living as an unregistered wulf is illegal: if he’s caught, his punishment will be even more severe.

Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith
In this exciting sequel to Tantalize and Eternal, Quincie would like to run her restaurant in peace, but dying and becoming a vampire kind of messes up your schedule. As Quincie tries to clear her werewolf boyfriend of murder charges and stop an evil vampire overlord from ending the world, her newly hired waiter turns out to be an angel with plans of his own. Quincie’s soul is at stake… no pun intended.

That’s all for this year’s Teens’ Top Ten nominees! Voting closes this week on Friday, September 16th. The winners will be announced during Teen Read Week in October. Remember, all of these titles and more are available at the Andover Public Library.

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Did you ever have trouble keeping your hands to yourself when you were in kindergarten? Harry, in Kindergators Hands Off, Harry! written by Rosemary Wells, understands just how hard that is. Miss Harmony and Harry’s classmates teach him about how to respect personal space and how to use his hands to help people not hurt them. This book is perfect for reading at home or sharing with a classroom full of kids.

Jim Arnosky’s Thunder Birds is a great resource for kids to learn about nature’s flying predators. Nature is full of many large, powerful birds. Thunder Birds is a collection of birds that hunt prey or catch fish. Giant fold-out pages are filled with magnificently detailed illustrations along with many interesting facts and characteristics about each predator. The inner explorer in kids and adults will come alive as they read through this informative book.

Have you ever had fun throwing your friend a surprise party? In Happy Birthday Hamster by Cynthia Lord, Dog has a big surprise for his friend Hamster. They go shopping all day on Hamster’s birthday but Dog doesn’t seem to remember his best friend’s birthday. Is there a big surprise for Hamster when he gets home? Read this fun book with rhyming verse and see if Hamster is surprised or disappointed.

Cheri's Book Picks

What if the winning submission for a 9-11 memorial comes from a Muslim? This novel by Amy Waldman, is making ripples in the book world. The Submission takes place two years after the WTC buildings fall to the ground. Over 5,000 architects and artists anonymously submit their interpretation of what the memorial for the victims should be, and a jury of a select few picks the winner. When the envelope is opened, the winner is Mohammad Khan, an American Muslim. Viewpoints from survivors, families of the dead, the media, and the artist all clash in this portrait of a broken city. This is a piercing and personal look at the juxtaposition of how we should feel about freedom of speech and expression, and how we actually do feel about it when faced with this kind of an issue.

The book Reluctant Hero by Michael Benfante takes us back to September 11, 2001. This is a true account of a sales manager for a telecommunications company on the 81st floor of the WTC North tower. He was working at his desk when the first plane struck 12 floors above him. He helped gather stunned employees and get them moving down the stairs. On his way down, he and a co-worker met a woman in a wheelchair on the 68th floor. They spent the next 96 minutes carrying her down the stairs and out of the tower just moments before it fell. Michael Benfante shares this compelling and emotional story and allows the reader a look inside his experiences.

Kate White’s The Sixes is a thriller set in a college town. Combine bodies washing up on the shore, a deadly but secret society of girls, and a police investigation that leads to the discovery of a serial killer, and you have a potboiler. Nasty pranks turn deadly, and there are disturbing revelations about the ‘quiet’ little town .

The book Mice, by Gordon Reece follows a mother and daughter who, after living most of their life afraid of almost everything, find themselves in a situation where they are forced to kill an intruder. The daughter Shelley suffered emotional and physical abuse from school bullies that led to her being set on fire. After she withdrew from school, she and her mother move to an outlying area, and their goal is to ‘disappear’. When threatened, they find they have more courage than most. A very interesting read, with lots of twists and turns.

Book Chat: Sister Mine

Sister Mine by Tawni O’Dell

****

“'Sister Mine’ is a third novel by Tawni O’Dell set in a Pennsylvania coal county. This book does a good job of portraying people in the coal mining industry and small town coping. The characters seemed real. The story had good flow. Sister Mine is gritty, tragic, and deadly funny. It’s written well and I would recommend it.” –Mary Evans

Teens' Top Ten Nominees, Part VI: Drama

Magical fantasy realms are not to everybody's tastes. Some people want serious literature about serious topics: death and dying and forbidden romance and real world issues. Unfortunately, readers often have to wade through a lot of trashy fiction in order to find the good stuff. These Teens' Top Ten nominees are great for those readers who don't like a lot of fluff in their books. Keep in mind that some topics are better suited for mature readers.

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Shy and quiet Lennie has always lived in the shadow of her outgoing older sister, Bailey. When Bailey dies unexpectedly, Lennie struggles with her grief as well as with the attention her family’s tragedy brings. Meanwhile, Lennie must now decide between two boys in her life: Toby, who was Bailey’s boyfriend, understands Lennie’s grief in a way that other people can’t, but Joe, the new boy in town, helps Lennie forget her grief and live her own life when she’s with him.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Spoiled rich girl Samantha dies in a car accident, never knowing how her own behavior affects the people around her, but then she is forced to relive the last day of her life every day for seven days. As she repeatedly moves through her last day, she comes to understand how her choices impact others and exactly what she stands to lose by her death.

I Am J by Cris Beam
J thinks of himself as a boy but is biologically a girl. Family and friends believe this is a phase he will outgrow, but as J becomes a teenager he only grows more uncomfortable with his feminine body. When his loved ones don’t understand his request to begin testosterone treatments, he runs away to enroll in a school for gay and transgender teens. Will he find the love and acceptance he seeks there?

All of these titles and more are available at the Andover Public Library. If you enjoy these titles, don’t forget to access the Teens’ Top Ten page and vote for your favorites. Voting is open until September 16th.

Cheri's Book Picks

Gabriel Allon, an art conservator and sometimes Mossad agent, is drawn once again into the world of espionage and intrigue. In Portrait of a Spy by Daniel Silva, Gabriel works to stop deadly bombings by a network of terrorists whose efforts desire to bring down the United States and free world. Incredibly well written, as always; the book you won’t be able to put down.

The Astounding, the Amazing, and the Unknown by Paul Malmont is a blend of a true episode in WW II history, and an imagined cast of science fiction novelists and comics artists. Included are Isaac Asimov, L. Ron Hubbard, Robert Heinlein, Nikolai Tesla, and others. Working together in a covert military lab, these gentlemen are tasked with creating weapons based on scientific fiction technology—ray guns, weather-control, force fields etc. Oddly enough, they have difficulty in actually making this happen. It’s a funny and fast trip back to the future filled with POW! and BAM! The characters are well developed with their individual oddities…who would have thought?

The new book, Queen Elizabeth I by Margaret George is an incredible read, even if you’re not a historical fiction fan. It covers her court during her later years. There are glimpses of her early reign, but as she grew older, many in her court began to squabble over who will be her heir. Elizabeth was a woman of fierce intellect, desire and quite proud of her position, known forever as ‘The Virgin Queen’ of England. William Shakespeare, Kit Marlowe, Sir Walter Raleigh and others are an influence to the court and to the queen. Royalty from Spain, France, and Italy vie for attention, and bring drama to the book. Masterfully researched, Ms. George brings the queen to life.

Book Chat: The Women

The Women by T.C. Boyle

****

"Interesting story about the wives and mistresses who helped to shape the life of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Not written in chronological order and using Miriam as a central character the book could be confusing to someone who doesn't already know some of the history." - Suzanne Eastman

Teens' Top Ten Nominees, Part V: Fantasy

Today’s young adults have grown up with Harry Potter, so it’s not surprising that many of the Teen’s Top Ten nominees fall into the fantasy category. But these aren’t your normal happy-ever-after fairy tales. With dark settings, gritty themes, and some scary moments, these books will appeal to readers who want a magical story with a little depth to it.

The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card
In a world where magic is commonplace, Danny worries he is a “drekka”, or non-magical person, until the day his powers finally manifest. Unfortunately, Danny turns out to be a gate mage, and gate magic, which allows the mage to create gates to instantly transport themselves from one place to another, is punishable by death. Now Danny must use his newfound powers to escape those who would have him killed, leaving behind everything he has ever known or loved as he learns to trust the powers that he does not yet fully understand.

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Meghan has always been a bit different and when she turns sixteen, she learns why: she’s actually a princess, daughter of a faery king. When her brother is kidnapped by the faery courts, Meghan ventures into their world to win him back, confronting her destiny during a deadly war. This is the first in a three book series with a fourth book due out in October.

The False Princess by Ellis O’Neal
Princess Nalia has lived a privileged life in the royal city of Vivaskari, but after her sixteenth birthday she learns that she is not the real princess – she is a decoy meant to spare the real princess from an evil omen. Kicked out of the palace, Nalia, now called Sinda, struggles to fit in and find her place in a home she doesn’t know.

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
Sisters Rosie and Scarlett March have devoted their lives to hunting the Fenris, men who can take the form of wolves, to avenge the murder of their beloved grandmother, but after eight years on the job, the Fenris are growing harder to kill. With the help of Silas, a woodsman who is deadly with an axe, the sisters plan a deadly trap to exterminate a gathering of Fenris before the wolves can carry out their murderous plans.

All of these titles and more are available at the Andover Public Library. If you enjoy these titles, don’t forget to access the Teens’ Top Ten page and vote for your favorites. Voting is open until September 16th.

Cheri's Book Picks

When Robert Ludlum died, many readers thought that Jason Bourne had been put to rest…o yee of little faith! Eric Van Lustbader has been penning Bourne novels for several years, and is doing a mighty fine job of it. The latest, The Bourne Dominion, finds Jason searching for a cadre of terrorists, and partnering with a Russian spy agency. The book moves from Columbia to Munich; then leads to Damascus as Bourne tries to avert a catastrophe. Fast paced, lots of action, and you can feel Matt Damon racing through the streets in his hot cars and motorcycles.

The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan opens with a scene in which Jake, the last werewolf on earth, is contemplating what the promise of death may hold for him. He’s depressed [I’m sure many werewolves are] and lonely. Jake’s lived for 201 years, and the WOCOP [World Organization for Control of Occult Phenomena-but I’m sure you already knew that] is chasing down and killing off all werewolves. He’s the last…..or is he? Could that be a female ww he meets in a chance encounter? Is it possible that there is hope after all? The author presents this original and bold novel in a very amusing tongue-in-cheek fashion that is delightful to read.

Book Chat: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl with the Dragon Tatto by Stieg Larsson

****

"I enjoyed this book. It was suspenseful and a great mystery read. The characters were interesting and intriguing. Some parts were very graphic, but memorable." -Dietra Leastman

Local Couple Share Fossil Finds at the Library

Seventeen years ago, Joe and Ardis Cruz jumped out of their car and into a Kansas field looking for gems, rocks and fossils. They now have collected “tens of thousands” of items and they’re showing about 150, including shark teeth, dinosaur bones and a 50-pound tortoise, at the Andover Public Library through September.

“We had no idea what we were looking for,” noted Ardis Cruz as she talked about that first field trip with the Gem and Mineral Club. But they learned a lot about Kansas fossils and are still learning.

Eleven years ago, they joined the Paleo Prospectors, a group that leases land from ranchers in several states. “We know how to look for road cuts that might lead us to something in a field,” Ardis adds. That something includes a bison skull that “is a few hundred years old”, petrified wood, fossilized leaf plates and dinosaur bones. Hunting dinosaurs is a particular focus of the Paleo Prospectors.

The Andover couple has made friends from Florida to Washington and Puerto Rico. "We’d love to take a trip to Florida where we can wade in creeks and hunt whale vertebrae and Ice Age animals,” Ardis explained.

They are excited about sharing some of their finds at the Andover Library because “you never know what might trigger the next geologist,” Ardis adds. They’ve turned their home basement into a museum with cases and shelving to display their finds, and show by appointment only to scout groups, churches, schools and home schools. Appointments can be made by calling 733-8727.

Teens' Top Ten Nominees, Part IV: Humor

For the past four weeks, we’ve been introducing the twenty five titles on this year’s Teens’ Top Ten list. From now until September 16th, you can visit the official Teens’ Top Ten page to vote on your favorite book. The winners will be announced during Teen Read Week, October 16 to 22. If you’ve read and enjoyed any of the nominees, go vote for it!

This week, I’ve got a couple of humorous titles for you.

You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaudoin
Dalton Rev is no ordinary teenager – he’s a private eye – and he’s just been summoned to Salt River High to solve a murder. Facing off against the school’s cliques in this twisted tale full of dark humor, Dalton has to solve the murder, stay alive, and get the girl. Mystery fans shouldn’t miss this one.

Zombies vs. Unicorns by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
As awesome as it would be to see an all out smack down between zombies and unicorns, that’s not what this book is. Black and Larbalestier compiled a great collection of short stories about either zombies or unicorns by some of today’s best YA authors (including Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Cassandra Clare) and published them together in this volume, asking readers to use the stories as evidence to decide who would win in a fight. The stories run the gamut of serious and funny, sweet and scary.

Love, Inc. by Yvonne Collins
When Zahara, Kali, and Syd meet in a support group for children of divorcing parents, they discover that they’ve all been dating the same guy. Working together, they put an embarrassing end to his cheating ways. However, when word gets out about their successful revenge, the girls have friends asking if they can do it again – Love, Inc., opens for business.

Find these and other titles at the Andover Public Library

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Every kid loves to go on a school field trip. Amelia Bedelia can’t wait to go on her class field trip to Fairview Farm to learn how to collect eggs, milk the cow, ride a tractor, plant seeds, have a picnic lunch and lots more. Amelia Bedelia’s First Field Trip by Herman Parish will make you laugh as the young Amelia Bedelia discovers what life on the farm is all about.

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters a lullaby by Jane Yolen is a rhyming tale about a day in the life of two monsters. Did you know monsters go to school, play with friends, eat snacks and even go to bed? Check out this fun book and learn more about these crazy creatures.

Wouldn’t it be great if dogs could talk? RRRALPH by Lois Ehlert is an imaginative story about Ralph, the talking dog. Read RRRALPH and see just how many creative words he can say.

Book Chat: 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's

100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's by Jean Carper
*****
"An excellent guide to the steps we all can take to prevent (or delay) Alzheimer's disease, including diet and vitamin recommendations and how we benefit through societal interactions long-term." -Elly Fitzig

Gallery Reception: Rita Zaudke

Those attending a reception for Rita Zaudke on August 11 in the library art gallery were surrounded by the scenes and senses of Italy. Rita travels to her native country to capture "Beautiful Italy" in acrylics and watercolors. "I thought we had an elegant look at the reception," noted Zaudke, who particularly liked the many screened windows that "let in the light without affecting the paintings".

Zaudke went on to say, "We artists can be very fussy at times wanting just the perfect exhibit, the right setup, the right atmosphere, etc. We want people to feel about our work the way we did when we created it.

At the Andover Library Gallery, I was able to create an Italian theme that expressed the way I felt about Italy. I wanted to transport people, for a few minutes, from Kansas to my place of birth, Italy. The library staff and volunteers were VERY ACCOMMODATING from allowing arrangement of the room in a manner most complementary to the exhibit, as well as assisting with fine details of the reception."

Zaudke's paintings will remain on display at the library through August 26.

Teens' Top Ten Nominees, Part III: Dystopian SF

Ah, dystopian science fiction. The ultimate feel-good literature.

Sometimes, things just aren’t going to go your way. There will be pop quizzes. Dad will not let you have the car on Friday. Your favorite shirt will be irrevocably stained.

But at least you’re not living under the oppressive rule of a totalitarian government.

There, now. Feel better?

Anyway, these YA titles from the Teens' Top Ten nominees are great examples of dystopian SF. Don't let the "YA" classification fool you, though: these books are full of death and despair and are not for sissies.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
The conclusion to the gripping Hunger Games series does not disappoint. Katniss Everdeen survived the deadly Hunger Games twice, but her trials aren’t over yet and the stakes are about to get much higher. The rebels of District 13 believe Katniss is the perfect figurehead for their war against the Capitol, a war which would risk everyone Katniss cares for. If you haven’t read Hunger Games yet, now is the time.

Drought by Pam Bachorz
Ruby and her people, the Congregation, have been slaves for two hundred years, forced daily to perform the hard labor of harvesting life-giving Water for the evil Darwin West and his cruel Overseers. When Ford, a new Overseer, falls in love with Ruby, Ruby begins to consider escape. There’s just one problem: the secret ingredient that gives the Water the power of life is Ruby’s blood.

Matched by Ally Condie
In Cassia’s world, the Society chooses everything for you: your job, your mate, the date of your death. Cassia has always trusted their choices, but at the ceremony where Cassia’s chosen mate will be revealed, a glitch causes two faces to appear on the computer screen. Now Cassia is faced with a choice between the life she’s always known and a life where she chooses her own destiny.

Lies by Michael Grant
In the first book of the Gone series, every resident of Perdido Beach who is fifteen or older disappears in one night. The remaining population is trapped in the town by a mysterious barrier. From there, the series is like Lord of the Flies, only the characters have super powers. By Lies, the third book, Sam and his friends struggle to survive food shortages, old enemies resurface, and a fire on the beach quickly threatens to overtake the whole town. These books are huge, with two billion characters and plot twists, so it’s probably best to start with the first book.

Look for these titles at the library. Coming next week: humor.

Book Chat: MacArthur's War

MacArthur's War by Douglas Niles and Michael Dobson
*****
"An alternate history of World War II where a full scale invasion of Japan's home islands is required. Portrays people on all sides and at all levels of command very well - leading to an in-depth understanding of the human consequences of the invasion that never was." -Patrick Daigle

Teens' Top Ten Nominees, Part II: Paranormal Romance

You can’t throw a stick these days without staking a YA vampire-romance novel. Ever since Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series turned out to be ridiculously popular, publishers have decided paranormal romance novels are their ticket to the Gravy Train. The YA market is crawling with vampires, werewolves, angels, faeries, and even zombies (because true love improves the rotten smell), so it’s not surprising that a good chunk of the Teens’ Top Ten nominees fall into this category. What IS surprising is that there are no nonparanormal romance novels on the list. So if you’re feeling romantically inclined, it’s time to choose up sides: Team Edward or Team Jacob. Apparently, Team Normal Boy is no longer in the game.


The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
In Victorian England, Tessa Gray’s search for her missing brother takes a dangerous turn when she is captured by the mysterious Dark Sisters and learns that she has shape-shifting powers. When she is rescued by a group calling themselves Shadowhunters, she discovers that there are magical and supernatural beings who live alongside mortals, hidden from normal society. This series takes place in the same world as Clare’s Mortal Instruments books but 145 years in the past. If you’re unfamiliar with Mortal Instruments, don’t sweat it: this new series can be read on its own. Book two is scheduled for release this December.

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
When Calla, a Guardian wolf, broke her masters’ laws to save a hiker from a bear attack, she unknowingly changed the course of her own destiny, entwining her fate with that of the hiker, a boy with secrets of his own. This is the first book in an exciting new series that will appeal to all the Team Jacob fans out there. Werewolves FTW! Book two, Wolfsbane, is already available.

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
In this sequel to Fitzpatrick’s Hush Hush, Nora struggles with doubt as Patch, her guardian angel boyfriend, grows increasingly distant. When Scott, an old family friend, moves back to town, Nora finds herself drawn to him, but can she trust him? This book makes more sense if you’ve read book one. Book three comes out in October.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Evie has the ability to see through “glamours”, the illusions that allow paranormal creatures such as faeries to appear normal. Using her ability, she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA) finding and protecting the world’s paranormals. After a break-in at the agency and the appearance of a shape-shifting boy, someone starts hunting down paranormals and Evie’s own life may be in danger. This is the first book in a planned trilogy; book two, Supernaturally, is already available.

Find these and other titles at the Andover Public Library. Next week, we'll talk about something less romantic - namely, SF dystopian fiction.

Book Chat: The Siege

The Siege by Stephen White
****
"Very taut, suspenseful tale of terrorism at Yale University. A parent's moral dilemma coupled with a new kind of terrorism combine to make a fast-paced thriller mystery." -Mary Counts

Teens' Top Ten Nominees, Part I: Action and Adventure

Teens, maybe you’ve noticed, but there are a ton of good-looking “young adult” books on the shelves at the book store lately. The problem is not all of them are good. If you’re like me, you sort the good books from the lousy books by going to the bookstore and reading the opening chapters of everything that looks shiny until your eyes bleed.

Or, if you’re more of what they call a “normal person” you can wait for someone else to make a list of books that are really good and choose all your reading from there. (*cough* Slacker. *cough cough*)

If that's your game, I have good news! The Teens' Top Ten Nominees are twenty five recent young adult books that teens across the nation have declared to be actually good.

"But, Tori," you say, "Why are there twenty five of these so-called Top Ten titles?"

That's where you come in. If you've read and enjoyed any of the titles from the list of twenty five nominees, from August 22 to September 16 you can visit the Teens' Top Ten official website to vote for your favorite book. The ten books with the most votes will be announced during Teen Read Week, October 16 to 22.

Every Monday until September 16, we'll be highlighting the twenty five nominees one genre at a time. When voting opens, we'll post links to the online ballot as well. If you see a title that interests you, come check it out from the library.

Action and Adventure titles

Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson
Patterson's Maximum Ride series follows the adventures of a "flock" of genetically engineered winged teenagers as they undermine the efforts of an evil organization of scientists determined to destroy the world. In this, the seventh book, Angel, the youngest member of the flock, takes a leading role as Max and the others face off against a doomsday cult. If you've never read the Maximum Ride series, this one probably won't make much sense to you; consider starting with book one, Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment. The books are action packed and fast paced with great, unpredictable plot twists.

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
In Leviathan, Alek, the Austro-Hungarian prince, fled for his life after the assassination of his father, the Arch Duke, and found himself aboard the airship Leviathan. Now, in the sequel, Alek and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy, have escaped in the Ottoman Empire, where Alek may have found a way to stop a war. This series will appeal to fans of history and steampunk. Also, airships and explosions. Look forward to book three, Goliath, in late September.

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
John Smith is no ordinary teenager: he's an alien from the planet Lorien, one of only nine left alive, and has powers beyond those of mere humans. Unfortunately, his race is being hunted to extinction by their enemies, the Mogadorians. When John learns that three of the other Loriens are already dead, he knows that he is next. Will he run, or make his stand? This book was adapted into a movie starring Alex Pettyfer and is the first book in a planned series. Book two, The Power of Six, comes out this month.

Action and adventure not your thing? Tune in next week for some paranormal romance.

Cheri's Book Picks

In Rule 34 by Charles Stross, Liz, the head of the ICI [Innovative Crime Investigation] department in Scotland follows and monitors the internet for trends to determine if people are engaging in illegal activities. Disturbing activity draws them into an investigation that involves international murder and conspiracy.

Jennifer Weiner’s new book Then Came You, brings together three women, each with different agendas. As events unfold, they touch each other’s lives in peripheral ways, never expecting to actually meet. As often happens, their best laid plans go awry, and they come together in a very unexpected way. Ms. Weiner weaves a wonderful story of compassion and love.

Margaret Truman, former president Harry Truman’s daughter, has written scores of books about intrigue in and around Washington, D.C. The newest title Monument to Murder opens up in Savannah, but quickly moves to D.C., as a secret government organization is revealed, and murders they commit are deemed acceptable in the name of patriotism. Once the truth is revealed, it may bring down the current administration. A novel of superb intrigue and suspense.

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Bring On The Birds introduces kids to birds of all shapes, sizes and colors. Kids will see how birds can dance, dive, hang and even hide. Susan Stockdale’s simple rhyming text and bright, bold illustrations teach young readers about both exotic and familiar birds in their natural habitat.

Old Man Fookwire is a grump. The only thing he likes is birds. All summer long he paints pictures of the birds that visit his backyard. When summer turns to fall, Old Man Fookwire grows sad because he knows the birds will fly south for the winter. He builds beautiful birdfeeders to feed the birds and try to get them to stick around. But the birds aren’t the only ones who want to eat the delicious seeds and berries. Read Those Darn Squirrels! by Adam Rubin and see what happens when a grumpy old man and some mischievous squirrels try to out wit each other.

Amelia Bedelia is back! Go West, Amelia Bedelia! is a fun book that will guarantee laughs by Herman Parish. In this book, Amelia Bedelia goes west to visit her uncle’s dude ranch. Kids and adults will find themselves laughing out loud at Amelia Bedelia’s confusion of common phrases and literal meaning. There is never a dull moment on the ranch when Amelia Bedilia is visiting.

Book Chat: The Dressmaker of Khair Khana

The summer reading program may be over, but we enjoyed reading your book chats so much that we've decided to post them to the blog periodically. Comment and let us know how you feel about the books you've read.

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
*****
"We have no idea what happens behind the walls and veils of the Muslim world. This is the true story of the life of educated women during and after Taliban rule. made me realize how lucky I am." -Lois Neufeld

Tell us what you think about the Adult Summer Reading Program.

First, I want to thank the Friends of the Andover Public Library organization for sponsoring our first-ever adult summer reading program.

Secondly, thank you to all the participants.  I hope each of you enjoyed reading this summer and found new authors to try from our posted book chats.

Lastly, I want your input on whether you liked the program and if you have any suggestions for future adult summer reading programs.  Feel free to comment below or send comments/suggestions to jheaney@andoverlibrary.org.

Enjoy the rest of your summer.  Happy reading!

Sincerely,

Janelle at Andover Public Library

The check in pile was particularly large the day after summer reading, but Janelle handled it with grace.

Summer Reading Prize Winners

The summer reading program is over!
Here are the results of our prize drawing on July 15th:

Adult Summer Reading Prizes

1st prize: The Nook = Ken Gibbs

2nd prize: $50 Hereford House gift card = Stacey Davis

3rd prizes: $25 Metro Grill gift cards = Cathy Stuhr and Lesa Albin

4th prizes: $10 Scooters gift cards = Karen Osborne and Joann Schmidt

Blog participation prize: $10 Dairy Queen gift card = Michelle Thiessen

Children’s Summer Reading Prizes

YMCA Swim Party = Paris Phillips

Zoo Passes = Josiah Glennen

Music Theatre Tickets = Ruth Anne Dunn

Exploration Place Passes = Tristan Groen


Congratulations to our winners and thanks to everyone who participated!

Book Chat: Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

****

"Each summer I select one 'classic' to read, and this summer I selected Jane Eyre since the movie came out again. This is also a re-read (read 30 years ago!). First time I read it I felt that it was a tragedy. Much like a Greek tragedy. This time I read it I found Jane to have all the characteristics of a modern woman. She rises up from adversity and manages to keep her head on straight with determination and true good characters. Charlotte Brontë writes her setting and characters with vivid and amazing word choices. (Does she use the same word twice?) I enjoyed this much more the second time and think that reading this as an adult brings a world more insight into the true depth of the intended story. No longer does this seem like a Greek tragedy, but rather a story of triumph and happiness one makes for themselves." -Suzanne Eastman

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Harry and Horsie want some cookies, but mom put the cookie jar way up out of reach. They decide to build a CookieBot, a robot that will be able to reach the cookies. Read CookieBot! A Harry And Horsie Advernture written by Katie Van Camp and see what happens when CookieBot runs completely out of control. Colorful, retro style comic book illustrations are a perfect match for this fun adventure.

The Little Little Girl With The Big Big Voice is a fun story about a little girl in search of a new animal friend to play with, but her big voice scares all of the animals away. Will she ever find one that isn’t frightened by her “roaring” voice? Find out in this colorfully illustrated book written by Kristen Balouch.

Karma Wilson’s, Hogwash!, is a clever story about a Farmer trying to give his pigs a spring cleaning. No matter how hard he tries he can’t give his pigs a bath. His wild imagination helps him come up with all sorts of tricks but the pigs always manage to out smart him. Read this crazy story and find out what happens to Farmer when he finds himself stuck in the mud.

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Fergus, the pig, and his little brother, Dink, love to walk up and down the beach searching for treasure. The waves leave them all sorts of treasures like seaweed, pebbles, and shells. What happens one day when they find a treasure bigger than anything they’ve ever found before? Find out in the Pig Kahuna by Jennifer Sattler, a great story about conquering fears.

Tweak Tweak by Eve Bunting is a sweet story about Mama Elephant and Baby Elephant as they take a walk and Baby Elephant sees many new animals for the first time. He is curious about the other animals and has lots of questions for Mama, some about what the other animals can do but mostly questions about what little elephants can do. Read this cute story and learn with Baby Elephant about frog, monkey, the songbird, the butterfly, the crocodile and even Baby Elephant.

Agnes Morley grew up on a cattle ranch in New Mexico. She was no girly-girl. Her parents sent her to Stanford University hoping it would make a lady out of her. Instead she decided to make history and play women’s basketball. Basketball Belles: How Two Teams and One Scrappy Player Put Women’s Hoops on the Map by Sue Macy is a story about the first women’s college basketball game ever between Stanford and Berkeley. Read how a lady can be tough and strong as well as refined and polite. A lady can even play basketball.

Summer Reading Programs end this Friday, July 15th at 2pm.

Our adult and children's summer reading programs end at 2pm this Friday, July 15th. Please turn in your completed book chats or log sheets before the deadline. Drawing for the children's prizes will be shortly after 2pm and the adult prizes will be around 2:15pm this Friday. Need not be present to win.

Thank you to the Adult Summer Reading Program participants who have entered the special drawing for blog followers. We will have that drawing for a $10 gift card to Dairy Queen for those participants who comment on a post and post their full name below their comment by 2pm on Friday, July 15th. Limit 3 entries.

Ideas for comments....

I read that book also and I felt is was....
I read a book that was very similar to this book. It is ....
If you like this book, I highly recommend....

Cheri's Book Picks

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is delightful to read, filled with ancient books, centuries old witches, demons and vampires who live among us and continue to fight age-old battles. The author has a knack for keeping you turning the pages.

Two deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey is intriguing. Daniel, who lives in California, wakes up on a beach in Maine, unable to remember his name or what drove him there to attempt suicide. Mr. Sakey is an excellent storyteller.

That brings us to What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. Dumped on her head in her spin class, Alice wakes up and her only memories take place in what happened over 10 years ago. Is she still married? She has kids..when did that happen? And why can't she stand her 'new' friends? Why is her husband in Brazil? I liked this book a lot.

I have to include a couple of suspense filled, action packed books, and Bloodmoney by David Ignatius has it all. Spies, travel and turncoats.

William Dietrich's new book Blood of the Reich fits into the same category, but with a different twist. It takes place in present day, flipping back to the World War II era for background. Super-colliders, the SS, and murder abound.

Alafair Burke's book Long Gone is a good read....her characters are well developed and the plot is filled with twists and turns.

Flashback by Dan Simmons is a great look at post-apocalyptic America. The U.S.economy has imploded, [imagine that!] and Texas has seceded and formed its own government. A difficult and grim future is ahead. A new drug called 'flashback' is at the heart of the problems, and plays a huge part as foreign countries attempt to move in to 'help'.

Book Chat: The Fleet Street Murders

The Fleet Street Murders by Charles Finch

****1/2

"Book 3 in the Charles Lenox series. Historical mystery set in 1867 London featuring the deaths of two journalists from rival newspapers in a twisting plot. Good read! Recommend reading Book 1, A Beautiful Blue Death, first, since it's plot is the basis for part of this story." - Karen Demel

Book Chat: Wizards First Rule

Wizards First Rule by Terry Goodkind

"This book was one of the best books I have read in a long time. The world that Goodkind creates is magnificent. It is worth the time." - Tommie Brooks

Book Chat: The Inner Circle

The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer

****

"From page one I was hooked on the story. Literally spent my free time reading the next pages to get the answers to the mystery." - Dan Cole

Book Chat: The Enchanted April

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim

****

"What do you get when you take four total strangers, a castle, and a plethora of flowers set somewhere on the Italian coast? That's easy, The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim. The Enchanted April is a light and often humerous story of 4 women, each at a different place in their lives, renting a castle in Italy for the month of April (hence the name). The story explores how females relate to each other while trying to deal with the men in their lives. The characters are well developed and the descriptions of the flowers, while thorough and enticing, add to the picture and atmosphere of the story instead of bogging it down. I was intrigued by the way that people lived and interacted with each other. I want to go to Italy to experience the magic of San Salvatore (the castle).

It was sweet and real. However, since The Enchanted April was written in the 1920s, it lacks some of the more probing scandal you might be looking for, but it is an easily read, feel-good, enjoyable story that might offer some fodder for self-reflection without a lot of drama." -Katy Carroll