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Staff
Picks
As part of our reader advisory services, SRLS staff members read
and review a variety of fiction and non-fiction books each month.
January 2012-March 2012 
ADULT FICTION
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Sheila B. Evans, Library Director, Hoke County
Decked by Carol Higgins Clark
March 2012 |
Originally published in 1992, & first in the author’s Regan Reilly series (now with 15 titles), ‘Decked” takes private investigator Regan from her 10-year college reunion in Oxford, England to a danger-ridden cruise back across the Atlantic with a former professor’s eccentric aunt, her parents ( trying to travel incognito – mom is a famous mystery author!), a thief or two….and a killer. A lighter, more humorous read than her mom’s books. http://www.carolhigginsclark.com/
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Bonita Collins, Director of Techinical Services, Sandhill Regional Library System
The One by Cheryl Robinson
March 2012 |
Olena Day is at a crossroads. She is in love with a much younger man who is very insecure about her love for him because of a medical condition. So, what does Olena do, she goes on a show similar to “The Bachelorette” to find her soul mate. Olena travels the world and spends time with several men to see who will be the one to win her heart. This was an interesting read and kept my interest throughout. Cheryl Robinson did it again….. http://cherylrobinson.com/
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Donald Perkins, Library Manager, Hampton B. Allen Library, Anson County
My Last Bullet by Robert Hart, available as free electronic book from Barnes & Noble
March 2012 |
Johnny Gage just got out of Federal prison. He was pulling time that he didn’t owe. Now he wants his payback. Chubby, Must be paid back! Now Johnny will stop at nothing to settle the score, nothing Chubby throws at him will stop him. Not even Killing Johnny’s new girlfriend, however, Johnny takes revenge for that too. Fast paced and a double digit body count makes for a quick action packed read. 1 st in the Johnny Gage trilogy.
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Phil Barton, Interim Library Director, Moore County Public Libraries
Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian
March 2012 |
The Night Strangers is the latest work of bestselling author the Chris Bohjalian. The book is a poignant and dramatic ghost story. The story focuses on Chip and Emily Linton and their twin ten-year-old daughters. Chip, an airline pilot, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after having to ditch his plane in Lake Champlain after engine failure. Unlike the Miracle on the Hudson, however, most of the passengers aboard Flight 1611 die. The family retreats to a rambling Victorian house in northern New Hampshire where they hope to rebuild their lives and find peace and serenity in the quaint town of Bethel. What the family finds is far from peaceful and serene, including the dead body of a child in their basement as well as some ghosts of dead passengers from the plane crash. Emily finds herself wondering about the women in this village - self-proclaimed herbalists - and their intense interest in her fifth-grade daughters. Bohjalian has crafted a novel that is both a compelling story of a family in trauma and a psychological thriller that is sometimes frightening. Fans of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones and Margaret Atwood's Cat's Eye and The Robber Bride will likely find this novel appealing. http://www.chrisbohjalian.com/
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Adrienne Williams, Supervisor, Leath Memorial Library, Richmond County Public Libraries
Capital Wives by Rochelle Alers
January 2012 |
Bethany, Deanna and Marisol are married to some of Washington, D.C.'s most influential men. When they meet at a fundraiser, they forge a deep, unexpected friendship. Although these ladies are on the guest list at every high-profile political and social event, beneath the glamour, all three are struggling to hide the void in their marriages. As their friendship deepens, Bethany, Marisol and Deanna help each other decide how far they'll go to fulfill their desires. http://www.rochellealers.org/
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Bonita Collins, Director of Techinical Services, Sandhill Regional Library System
Ruthless by Shelia Goss
January 2012 |
Uriah wants his wife Sheba to meet his boss David King. Upon meeting David, Sheba is infatuated and so is David; however, David is determined to have Sheba at any cost. He devises a plan to seduce Sheba and have her for himself. Sheba is soon caught up in David’s web but at what cost? Is being with David worth the price in the end for Sheba?
This novel is a spin-off of Ms. Goss’ previous novel, Delilah. Delilah is Sheba’s long lost sister and has ulterior and selfish motives of her own.
Overall this was a good read but it was a little predictable. The novel is similar to Redeeming Waters by Vanessa Davis Griggs.. http://sheliagoss.com/
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Carmella Johnson, Supervisor, Hamlet Public Library, Richmond County Public Libraries
Leaves of Hope by Catherine Palmer
January 2012 |
Beth decides to surprise her widowed mother Jan with a visit at her new lake house. While she is there she discovers a box with her name on it. Beth ignores her mother’s warning not to go through any of the boxes. She opens up the box to find a tea set with a note inside. She learns that the father whom she loved was not her birth father. Beth feels betrayed by everyone who knew the truth, especially her mother. She decides to find out the truth about her father even if it means defying her mother’s wishes. She begins to search for her birth father. She slowly discovers the true meaning of love, reconciliation, and forgiveness.
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Carol G. Walters, Regional Director, Sandhill Regional Library System
Holly Blues by Susan Wittig Albert
January 2012 |
When I am on overload, I look to Albert
for a quick, wonderful, reliable escape.
McQuaid's ex-wife, always trouble, shows up at the Holidays and it takes China, Ruby and McQuaid to bail her ut.....always in a
delightful way...
Always a quick read...
Always well written...
Always a pleasure! http://www.susanalbert.com/
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Donald Perkins, Library Manager, Hampton B. Allen Library, Anson County
When the Tripods Came by John Christopher
January 2012 |
This is a prequel to Mr. Christopher’s Tripod trilogy. The tripods are vehicles for alien invaders. The first invasion seems rather laughable. Three tripods land, and are destroyed with ease, or self destruct. However, the invaders prepare for their next invasion. By using subliminal messages over television waves, they are able to “hypnotize” enough people to make the tripods welcomed for their next visit. Once on the ground this time, the invaders then start installing metallic mesh “caps” on everyone. These caps insure the control of humans by the alien invaders. There are some, however, that do not wish to be capped. These people try to get to Switzerland, the last stand of human freedom. This only lasts a little while; humans have yet to find a way to fight mind control. However, a small group finds their way to a remote part of the Swiss Alps and start a resistance. How long can the humans last, will they ever be able to defeat their alien overlords? Read the original trilogy to find out. http://www.gnelson.demon.co.uk/tripage/jc.html
ADULT NON-FICTION
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Alice Thomas, Library Director, Moore County Public Libraries
A Girl Named Zippy & She Got Up off the Couch by Haven Kimmel
March 2012 |
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These are two very funny memoirs from an author who was born in Indiana but now lives in Durham, NC. Haven Kimmel writes about her childhood in Mooreland (population 300) in a family that could probably be considered just this side of “white trash.” Her dad gambled away her pony and nicknamed her “Zippy” after a circus monkey. Regarding her third-grade picture (seen on the cover of the book), she recalls that her sister often dressed her in brown because it hid blood stains.
Complete with family photos, these are scrapbooks for anyone who grew up in a small town in the 1970s. One chapter is titled “A Short List of Records My Father Threatened to Break Over My Head If I Played Them One More Time.” This list includes “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" by Paul Simon; “Beep Beep (The Little Nash Rambler)" by The Playmates, and "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" by Elton John.
I particularly liked She Got Up Off the Couch, which concerned how the author’s mother went back to college, learned to drive, lost a hundred pounds, and became the family breadwinner. Or, as her daughter writes, she "stood up, brushed away the pork rind crumbs, and escaped by the skin of her teeth." http://www.havenkimmel.com/HK/Haven_Kimmel.html
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David R. Atkins, Library Director, Montgomery County Public Libraries
And she danced for the king -- memoirs of a Rockette by Peggy Morrison and Ro Trent Vaselaar
March 2012 |
This is a slice-of-life autobiography of Peggy “Peg” Morrison. A young lady from the mid west who followed her passion and dream to become a dancer. Peg Morrison danced her way from New York to Europe, South America and the United States. In 1940, she joined the most prestigious dance troupe in the world...The Radio City Rockettes. A nice change from the scandalous, tell-all biographies that are frequently churned today. This is mostly a compilation of letters that Peggy wrote to her family during her dancing career. This memoir covers the time period of the early 1930s through the early 1940s and the United States involvement in World War II. Peggy left the Rockettes in 1941when she became married Earl Macherey
Carol G. Walters, Regional Director, Sandhill Regional Library System
Live from New York: An uncensored history of Saturday Night Live
by Tom Shalesand James Andrew Miller
March 2012 |
Authors Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller interviewed stars, writes and guests of Saturday Nightr Live. The interesting aspect to me (who only occasionally watches SNL) was the origin of many writers and comics. Senator Al Franken was a writer ealy on along with Billy Crystal, Adam Sandler and others. Penny Marshall was invited on as a perfromer before she was even known for Laverne and Shirley. The beginning which I did not know about was because the King of Late Night, Johnny Carson, did not want NBC to stop airing reruns of the Tonight Show. So they had to look for something different that would appeal to late night and Saturday night audiences.
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David R. Atkins, Library Director, Montgomery County Public Libraries
One Minute After You Die: A Preview of Your Final Destination
by Erwin W. Lutzer
January 2012 |
This is a Biblical examination of eternity and what lies on the other side of the gossamer veil that divides this life from the next. The author discusses other religious and popular beliefs about the afterlife in a respectful manner while giving references from the Holy Bible to support his beliefs. The study is written in layman’s terms and is highly readable. The persuasiveness and power of this book is found in the simplicity of Erwin Lutzer’s presentation. An informative (but not depressing) book on the difficult topic of heaven, hell and death. http://erwinlutzer.com
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
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Martha Ann Ferguson, Supervisor, Moore County Public Libraries
Goose Girl by Shannon Hale – electronic format (Nook Book)
March 2012 |
In this re-telling of Grimm’s fairy tale, crown princess, Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee is “born with her eyes closed and a word on her tongue, a word she could not taste”. A magical, fanciful tale unfolds as Ani grows and discovers she is able to understand and talk to animals. For her first five years, Ani is under the care of her Aunt and hears many tales of magical abilities. NOT the kind of abilities the Sovereign Mother has in mind for the future Queen of Kildenree. Ani’s mother announces she has selected Ani’s younger brother to be the king. Ani is to be sent off to the neighboring county of Bayern to marry the prince but Ani’s maid-in waiting, Selia, has other plans. While journeying to Bayern Ani escapes the deadly plot set in motion by Selia. Ani disguises herself as a commoner and becomes Isi, the Goose Girl but she is still in danger of being discovered and killed. Does Ani escape with her life and regain her rightful identity? http://www.squeetus.com/stage/main.html
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Jesse Gibson, Library Director, Richmond County Public Libraries
Steampunk: Poe [Hardcover]
By Edgar Allan Poe
March 2012
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A wonderful new look at an old legend. My favorite poems and stories are collected here, with a visual new twist. What a great way to expose the younger generation to the tales of Poe. I found myself starring at the art work trying to find evidence of “steam,” and 9 out of 10 times I found it. Even though this is the same text as the originals, I also began to usher in these new themes into the stories, especially when reading it to my younger ones.
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Martha Ann Ferguson, Supervisor, Moore County Public Libraries
Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
January 2012 |
Using free verse, Guadalupe Garcia McCall incorporates Spanish words in such a way that even if a reader knows no Spanish it is understandable (a glossary is included). The infusion of the Spanish enhances the flavor of this coming of age story. Lupita, eldest of eight children, must navigate between the cultural and geographic differences of Mexico and Texas. During Lupita’s freshman year of high school she discovers her mother has been diagnosed with cancer. Mami is the glue that holds the family together especially since Lupita’s father, Papi, is working hard to support their family - frequently having to be absent for extended periods of time. Lupita’s natural gift for words brings her solace and courage in the difficult times as she takes charge of her siblings. The story flows quickly with the power of emotions leaving the reader both sad and hopeful. http://guadalupegarciamccall.com/
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Kit Brewer, Supervisor, Hampton B. Allen Library, Anson County
Theodore Boone: The Abduction by John Grisham
January 2012 |
is is the 2 nd in the Theodore Boone series by John Grisham for Young Adults. Theo is a 13 year old kid who wants to be a lawyer…and may not have to wait ‘til he’s grown to be one. Kids and adults check with him about how to deal with legal matters. So when his friend April is missing, an escaped convict who is pen pals with April shows up in the area, and a body is dragged from the river, of course Theo must do all he can to see if April is dead, kidnapped, or has run away from home…Read-on to see what happens……
JUVENILE NON FICTION
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Jesse Gibson, Library Director, Richmond County Public Libraries
The LEGO Ideas Book: Unlock Your Imagination by Daniel Lipkowitz
January 2012 |
is is a wonderful book for all of your junior engineers. It will surely get your biggest Lego fan’s attention. Although the creations in the book are captivating, one must keep in mind of the keyword in the title—“Ideas.” If you are looking for detailed instructions, you will be disappointed. Also, a good portion of the projects cater to specialty parts. With that being said, I’m one who could never give a book about Lego’s, any bad marks. http://www.lego.com
JUVENILE FICTION
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Adrienne Williams, Library Supervisor, Leath Library, Richmond County Public Libraries
The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis
March 2012 |
We first met Deza Malone in Christopher Paul Curtis’s “Bud, not Buddy”. Both stories took place during the Great Depression. Unfortunately, the Great Depression took a toll on everyone, so Deza’s father leaves in search of work and the rest of the family soon has no choice but to follow. Along the way, Deza’s brother Jimmie leaves Deza and her mother to join some other musicians. He leaves them a note with the promise to write, to send money, and for Deza to continue doing well in school. Deza and her mother continue on the perilous journey and Despite the hardships, loss, and racism that defined the times, Deza never loses faith in her dreams or her devotion to bringing her family together again. The way she thinks, the way she acts, and even the way she looks at her situation, shows a great deal of maturity for a 12 year old. I don’t believe I could have they accepted what was dealt to them and fought through the toughest time in history.
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Adrienne Williams, Library Supervisor, Leath Library, Richmond County Public Libraries
Homer the Library Cat by
Author Reeve Lindbergh; Illustrator Anne Wilsdorf
March 2012 |
Homer is a quiet cat who lives with a quiet lady in a quiet house. One day while the quiet lady is out, a loud noise scares Homer right out the window. There he begins his journey to find that quiet he is used to. After a few experiences in the noisy world outside his quiet house with the quiet lady…Homer finally finds a quiet place…guess where? Yep…the library. This was a delightful book written in a rhyming fashion and would be most entertaining to children ages 4 and up.
ALSO RECOMMENDED
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| The Love Goddess' Cooking School |
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| The Rembrandt Affair |
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| The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs: A Scientific Mystery |
Sandra Markle |
Juvenile Non Fiction |
| The Dog Who Lives at the Waldorf |
James Brough |
Juvenile Fiction |
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