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.