New book lists are generated every month for the nonfiction, fiction and paperback fiction orders that we place. Presently, we have them available to peruse on the New Fiction and New Nonfiction shelves near the entryway at the main branch.
Beginning in January, I will be emailing the lists to anyone who is interested in this information. You may request to be placed on the mailing list by responding to this entry or by emailing me directly at jxbalas@reading.lib.pa.us.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Book Reviews
I have had some very positive reactions to the ASRP participants' comments that have been posted on the blog throughout this past summer. I always enjoy hearing what people have to say about the books that they read; it's my favorite part of coordinating our summer reading program. So I would like to hear more from you!
If you would like to share your thoughts, positive or negative, about the books that you are reading, I will start posting them here. You may submit them as a comment to this entry or email them to me directly at jxbalas@reading.lib.pa.us
Links to a Few Book Review Sites:
BIBLIOfemme - An Irish bookclub
BiblioReview.com - A gateway to online book reviews and author reviews
brothersjudd.com - (I like the categories and the grading system very much.)
Harriet Klausner - (I can't believe this woman read all these books! So jealous of her ability.)
See also Metacritic in the links column.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out. Thanks in advance!
If you would like to share your thoughts, positive or negative, about the books that you are reading, I will start posting them here. You may submit them as a comment to this entry or email them to me directly at jxbalas@reading.lib.pa.us
Links to a Few Book Review Sites:
BIBLIOfemme - An Irish bookclub
BiblioReview.com - A gateway to online book reviews and author reviews
brothersjudd.com - (I like the categories and the grading system very much.)
Harriet Klausner - (I can't believe this woman read all these books! So jealous of her ability.)
See also Metacritic in the links column.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out. Thanks in advance!
Friday, September 15, 2006
One Book One Community: Our Region Reads
An epic tale of fathers and sons, of friendship and betrayal, that takes us from Afghanistan in the final days of the monarchy to the atrocities of the present.
The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption and it is also about the power of fathers over sons-their love, their sacrifices, their lies.
The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption and it is also about the power of fathers over sons-their love, their sacrifices, their lies.
One Book, One Community: Our Region Reads
And the Reading Public Library
Present
A Discussion of the Book and Afghani Culture with Habida Popal
Thursday, October 12, 2006
6:30—8:00
The Manor at Market Square
803 Penn St., Reading, PA
Please register by calling 610-655-6355 or by visiting the Reference Desk at the Reading Public Library,100 South Fifth St. Reading, PA
Please register by calling 610-655-6355 or by visiting the Reference Desk at the Reading Public Library,100 South Fifth St. Reading, PA
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
ASRP Grand Prize Winner!
Congratulations to Jessica Yost, our 2006 Adult Summer Reading Program Grand Prize Winner.Thanks to everyone who participated in the program; we had another great summer!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
ASRP Comments - Final week!
Whose Voice the Waters Heard by Robert Vaughn
Exciting novel of interesting characters in a favorite time frame of mine – World War II Pearl Harbor. Lots of historical facts. Loved it!
Fair Warning by Hannah Alexander
This thriller keeps you guessing who is the killer for the entire story up to the end. Great read!
Ricochet by Sandra Brown
Over 20 years ago, Sandra Brown began her writing career with series romances. Later on she wrote a few historicals, then switched to full size romances and romantic suspenses. Ricochet, her most recent novel, is loaded with suspense and romance. Lead character Detective Duncan Hatcher is obsessed with putting the “bad guys” behind bars and when Judge Cato Laird releases Hatcher’s #1 Nemesis by declaring a mistrial, then puts Hatcher in jail for contempt, the judge also shows up on Hatcher’s s---list! Then Hatcher and his partner are called to the judge’s home to investigate a murder and find Laird’s trophy wife Elise holding the gun after killing an intruder. Hatcher’s obsession turns to the beautiful Elise, although he doesn’t believe a word of her version of the shooting. Brown’s twists and turns will have your head spinning, but she irons out all of the wrinkles in the last chapter, then adds a lengthy epilogue so the reader can bask in the “happily ever after” ending.
Moving Target by Elizabeth Lowell
Excellent story! On of the best books I’ve read this summer.
The Broken Hearts Club by Ethan Black
Good thriller. Quick read. Will try another book by this author.
Shiver by Lisa Jackson
Great mystery! Would recommend!
Over the Line by Cindy Gerard
This is book 4 in Gerard’s Bodyguard series, and although I’ve not read her earlier books, I had no trouble following her story line when characters or situations from previous books were mentioned. Gerard seems to have an Army Ranger “thing” going on in this series… much like Brockmann’s Navy Seals series… only I prefer Brockmann’s in depth character development as the Seals work as a team. Gerard writes an interesting “whodunit” with lots of suspense, many dead bodies, and red herrings to lead the reader on a merry chase trying to solve the mystery within.
Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher’s First Year by Esme Raji Codell
Excellent Book! A must read for all teachers!
Terrorist by John Updike
Good story line but as usual he goes into too much detail – I just skip the long explanations.
Exciting novel of interesting characters in a favorite time frame of mine – World War II Pearl Harbor. Lots of historical facts. Loved it!
Fair Warning by Hannah Alexander
This thriller keeps you guessing who is the killer for the entire story up to the end. Great read!
Ricochet by Sandra Brown
Over 20 years ago, Sandra Brown began her writing career with series romances. Later on she wrote a few historicals, then switched to full size romances and romantic suspenses. Ricochet, her most recent novel, is loaded with suspense and romance. Lead character Detective Duncan Hatcher is obsessed with putting the “bad guys” behind bars and when Judge Cato Laird releases Hatcher’s #1 Nemesis by declaring a mistrial, then puts Hatcher in jail for contempt, the judge also shows up on Hatcher’s s---list! Then Hatcher and his partner are called to the judge’s home to investigate a murder and find Laird’s trophy wife Elise holding the gun after killing an intruder. Hatcher’s obsession turns to the beautiful Elise, although he doesn’t believe a word of her version of the shooting. Brown’s twists and turns will have your head spinning, but she irons out all of the wrinkles in the last chapter, then adds a lengthy epilogue so the reader can bask in the “happily ever after” ending.
Moving Target by Elizabeth Lowell
Excellent story! On of the best books I’ve read this summer.
The Broken Hearts Club by Ethan Black
Good thriller. Quick read. Will try another book by this author.
Shiver by Lisa Jackson
Great mystery! Would recommend!
Over the Line by Cindy Gerard
This is book 4 in Gerard’s Bodyguard series, and although I’ve not read her earlier books, I had no trouble following her story line when characters or situations from previous books were mentioned. Gerard seems to have an Army Ranger “thing” going on in this series… much like Brockmann’s Navy Seals series… only I prefer Brockmann’s in depth character development as the Seals work as a team. Gerard writes an interesting “whodunit” with lots of suspense, many dead bodies, and red herrings to lead the reader on a merry chase trying to solve the mystery within.
Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher’s First Year by Esme Raji Codell
Excellent Book! A must read for all teachers!
Terrorist by John Updike
Good story line but as usual he goes into too much detail – I just skip the long explanations.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
ASRP Comments
Second Genesis by Donald Moffitt
Very interesting, real scifi far in the future.
God's Soldiers by Jonathan Wright
A good book, but not an in-depth study and history of the Jesuits.
Secret Desires of a Soccer Mom by Robyn Harding
The ending of the book is not usually the way you would expect it to end. Halfway through the book, I had it all figured out, or so I thought. I was pleasantly surprised to find I was completely off track. This was another really great book to read.
The Men I Didn't Marry by Janice Kaplan
A fun book! Hallie did what many women in her situation wish they could. This book held my interest from the beginning to the end.
Net Force: Night Moves by Tom Clancy
I liked the different perspectives, and style of changing between characters.
Into the Storm by Suzanne Brockmann
This is Brockmann's 10th hardcover with Navy Seals Team 16 on alert! In 2000, her first novel featured Tom Paoletti as a CO of Team 16. In 2004 Paoletti quit the Seals and formed his own group of experts consisting of many ex's... Seals, police, FBI, CIA, etc. Now Paoletti's team, Troubleshooters, Inc. and Team 16 are staging a fierce but friendly training seccion to hone their survival skills in the remote wilderness areas of New Hampshire. The first half of Into the Storm is filled with training exercises starring many of Brockmann's "returning characters," but the tension explodes in the last half of the book when the teams are in position for their wilderness maneuvers and their "hostage" disappears. This friendly training session is now a full fledged search and rescue with both teams joined together during a vicious snowstorm to find their "hostage." When a horibbly mutilated body wearing Paoletti's hostage's jacket is discovered, they realize their search is not only for their hostage, but now for a sereal killer as well. When one Brockmann book ends, you find yourself eagerly awaiting her next story... the wait begins...
Dawn of a Thousand Nights by Tricia Goyer
Great story with actual facts and newspaper truths of World War II setting. Could not put it down.
Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith
Very intense... hard to put down.
Smart vs. Pretty by Valerie Frankel
Cute book.
Cover of Night by Linda Howard
A little far-fetched, but good read.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Her last relationship left her scarred in many ways; that's way she found it so hard to trust.
The Constant Gardener by John Le Carre
A wonderful book. Even though it was fiction, it makes you wonder about big business and politics.
Hot Ice by Cherry Adair
Couldn't put this book down. Lots of action.
At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
Sparks is a good story teller - life lessons learned.
Very interesting, real scifi far in the future.
God's Soldiers by Jonathan Wright
A good book, but not an in-depth study and history of the Jesuits.
Secret Desires of a Soccer Mom by Robyn Harding
The ending of the book is not usually the way you would expect it to end. Halfway through the book, I had it all figured out, or so I thought. I was pleasantly surprised to find I was completely off track. This was another really great book to read.
The Men I Didn't Marry by Janice Kaplan
A fun book! Hallie did what many women in her situation wish they could. This book held my interest from the beginning to the end.
Net Force: Night Moves by Tom Clancy
I liked the different perspectives, and style of changing between characters.
Into the Storm by Suzanne Brockmann
This is Brockmann's 10th hardcover with Navy Seals Team 16 on alert! In 2000, her first novel featured Tom Paoletti as a CO of Team 16. In 2004 Paoletti quit the Seals and formed his own group of experts consisting of many ex's... Seals, police, FBI, CIA, etc. Now Paoletti's team, Troubleshooters, Inc. and Team 16 are staging a fierce but friendly training seccion to hone their survival skills in the remote wilderness areas of New Hampshire. The first half of Into the Storm is filled with training exercises starring many of Brockmann's "returning characters," but the tension explodes in the last half of the book when the teams are in position for their wilderness maneuvers and their "hostage" disappears. This friendly training session is now a full fledged search and rescue with both teams joined together during a vicious snowstorm to find their "hostage." When a horibbly mutilated body wearing Paoletti's hostage's jacket is discovered, they realize their search is not only for their hostage, but now for a sereal killer as well. When one Brockmann book ends, you find yourself eagerly awaiting her next story... the wait begins...
Dawn of a Thousand Nights by Tricia Goyer
Great story with actual facts and newspaper truths of World War II setting. Could not put it down.
Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith
Very intense... hard to put down.
Smart vs. Pretty by Valerie Frankel
Cute book.
Cover of Night by Linda Howard
A little far-fetched, but good read.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Her last relationship left her scarred in many ways; that's way she found it so hard to trust.
The Constant Gardener by John Le Carre
A wonderful book. Even though it was fiction, it makes you wonder about big business and politics.
Hot Ice by Cherry Adair
Couldn't put this book down. Lots of action.
At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
Sparks is a good story teller - life lessons learned.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
ASRP Comments
Cover of Night by Linda Howard
One of her best! - Very suspenseful.
Compatible Cats by Karen Leigh Davis
Very interesting, learning about my bad cats, but I love them anyway.
House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus
Very compelling. I was in suspense despite the fact that I had already seen the movie (there were some differences, but both were owrthwhile).
The Girl Who Walked Home Alone by Charlotte Chandler
Disappointing biography of Bette Davis.
Between a Wok and a Hard Place by Tamar Myers
Fun reading.
The Confessions of Max Tivoli by Andrew Sean Greer
Interesting and unusual. Good narration. The book makes for good discussion.
The Strand by Ellen Santilli Vaughn
A great suspense novel. I really appreciate reading books like that that have no vulgarity.
The Touch by Colleen McCullough
Enjoyed this novel about New South Wales, later known as Australia.
Well of Tears by Celia Dart-Thornton
This author can write an excellent adventure tale.
12 Sharp by Janet Evanovich
Can't wait for 13!!!
Forbidden Pleasures by Bertrice Small
On the cover is a blurb from the Literary Times... "Small is the reigning queen of erotica, romance, love, and lust!" That about sums up this book. It's not for the shrinking violet or faint of heart reader... Emily Shann, a romance author billed as the contemporary Barbara Cartland, is ordered by her publisher to write sexier stories or they'll not renew her contract. The only problem Emily has, and it's a big one, is that she is a 31 year old virgin. Not to worry Emily... here comes your new editor... he's almost 40, he's had lots of sex, and he is drop dead gorgeous with a British/Irish accent. Small is over the top on this one... parts were uncomfortable for me to read... so I closed my eyes... yes, her story is a sex manual for the "erotic reader."
The Third Twin by Ken Follett
Frighteningly possible with today's science.
Hitched by Carol Higgins Clark
The best of the Regan Reilly mysteries!
Lipstick on a Pig by Torie Clarke
A must read for anyone in the field of communication.
Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud
Not easy reading - my first attempt at Freud. Though I don't agree with everything he said, I thought it was interesting and insightful.
One of her best! - Very suspenseful.
Compatible Cats by Karen Leigh Davis
Very interesting, learning about my bad cats, but I love them anyway.
House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus
Very compelling. I was in suspense despite the fact that I had already seen the movie (there were some differences, but both were owrthwhile).
The Girl Who Walked Home Alone by Charlotte Chandler
Disappointing biography of Bette Davis.
Between a Wok and a Hard Place by Tamar Myers
Fun reading.
The Confessions of Max Tivoli by Andrew Sean Greer
Interesting and unusual. Good narration. The book makes for good discussion.
The Strand by Ellen Santilli Vaughn
A great suspense novel. I really appreciate reading books like that that have no vulgarity.
The Touch by Colleen McCullough
Enjoyed this novel about New South Wales, later known as Australia.
Well of Tears by Celia Dart-Thornton
This author can write an excellent adventure tale.
12 Sharp by Janet Evanovich
Can't wait for 13!!!
Forbidden Pleasures by Bertrice Small
On the cover is a blurb from the Literary Times... "Small is the reigning queen of erotica, romance, love, and lust!" That about sums up this book. It's not for the shrinking violet or faint of heart reader... Emily Shann, a romance author billed as the contemporary Barbara Cartland, is ordered by her publisher to write sexier stories or they'll not renew her contract. The only problem Emily has, and it's a big one, is that she is a 31 year old virgin. Not to worry Emily... here comes your new editor... he's almost 40, he's had lots of sex, and he is drop dead gorgeous with a British/Irish accent. Small is over the top on this one... parts were uncomfortable for me to read... so I closed my eyes... yes, her story is a sex manual for the "erotic reader."
The Third Twin by Ken Follett
Frighteningly possible with today's science.
Hitched by Carol Higgins Clark
The best of the Regan Reilly mysteries!
Lipstick on a Pig by Torie Clarke
A must read for anyone in the field of communication.
Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud
Not easy reading - my first attempt at Freud. Though I don't agree with everything he said, I thought it was interesting and insightful.
Friday, September 01, 2006
ASRP Comments
Judge and Jury by James Patterson
Didn't put it down. 419 pages and I wanted more. This has to be made into a movie.
True Betrayals by Nora Roberts
I love her style and content.
Even Vampires Get the Blues by Katie MacAlister
I like vamp books. Hers are comical and action packed. I really enjoyed this one.
Night Fever by Diana Palmer
Got very engrossed in the story immediately.
Bad Boys Southern Style by JoAnn Ross, et. al.
This Brava / Kensington anthology just didn't holds my interest... stories were slow and characters needed more substance. For a switch, though, the women are all commitment-phobic, and the "Southern Bad Boys" will try anything to change their minds. It takes a special author to write a completely fulfilling short story/ novella, none of these three accomplished that.
Captain's Wife by Douglas Kelley
A very good story.
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolpho Anaya
Well-written - about the struggle a young child goes through in search of answers about faith.
Lover's Knot by Emilie Richards
The title, Lover's Knot, is actually a quilt pattern and the 3rd book in Richards Sheandoah Album series. I haven't read book 1 or book 2, but each is a stand alone story with overlapping characters showing up in each book. Isaac
Didn't put it down. 419 pages and I wanted more. This has to be made into a movie.
True Betrayals by Nora Roberts
I love her style and content.
Even Vampires Get the Blues by Katie MacAlister
I like vamp books. Hers are comical and action packed. I really enjoyed this one.
Night Fever by Diana Palmer
Got very engrossed in the story immediately.
Bad Boys Southern Style by JoAnn Ross, et. al.
This Brava / Kensington anthology just didn't holds my interest... stories were slow and characters needed more substance. For a switch, though, the women are all commitment-phobic, and the "Southern Bad Boys" will try anything to change their minds. It takes a special author to write a completely fulfilling short story/ novella, none of these three accomplished that.
Captain's Wife by Douglas Kelley
A very good story.
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolpho Anaya
Well-written - about the struggle a young child goes through in search of answers about faith.
Lover's Knot by Emilie Richards
The title, Lover's Knot, is actually a quilt pattern and the 3rd book in Richards Sheandoah Album series. I haven't read book 1 or book 2, but each is a stand alone story with overlapping characters showing up in each book. Isaac
Monday, August 28, 2006
ASRP Comments
Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella
An English noodle and her down to earth sister. Light reading.
Emperor: The Gates of Rome and The Field of Swords by Conn Iggulden
Deviates from historical facts too much. I prefer C. McCoullough's "Ceasar" books.
Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury
Touching story about an adopted boy.
Great story! Not sure if I were faced with the circumstances what I would choose!
Quilter's Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Enjoy reading abou the Amish and a simpler way of life.
Cover of Night by Linda Howard
Since discovering author Linda Howard about 20 years ago, I always eagerly anticipated her "next book," and Cover of Night was no exception. This romantic suspense, however, has less romance than her other stories. It's loaded with suspense though, and Howard sets her scene in the rural town in Idaho and places her characters in an aweful situation. The town os being held hostage by a group of killers, and the townspeople must band together to figure out what the killers want. This story not only has strong lead characters, but the clever folks in Trail Stop, Idaho will amaze you with their strength and contribute to a real nail biter. I would have enjoyed a nice long romantic epilogue, but there's always next time!
Price of Silence by Kate Wilhem
Enjoyed this one very much. The past will eventually catch up with you.
Edge of Battle by Dale Brown
Change of pace for me. I liked the fast pace of this one. Ripped from the haedlines type story. Drugs and Mexico.
The Closers by Michael Connelly
My first book by this author. I'll definitely read more.
Paperwhite Narcissus by Cynthia Riggs
Makes one wish one was on the Vineyard at this time.
Surf's Up by Nina Bangs, et al.
The cover of this anthology says "3 new stories that'll make you sweat," but the only thing about this book that made me sweat was the photo on the cover! Check it out, reader, and then breeze through the stories. Denison's story is an ok contemporary with the recently divorced female jewelry designer and a "hunky" male ex-jewel thief/bar owner. This sotry isn't long enough to flesh out the characters. Disappointed in Davidson's novella about ghosts. You'll have to read this one and form your own opinion because I found it too bizarre for words. Bang's story is about a journalist doing research on a "fluff piece" at the Castle of Dark Dreams, where all sorts of paranormal "beings" exist. Kristin, the journalist, is trying to debunk the idea that vampires inhabit the Castle... until she meets Taurin. Is that just really good makeup, or is Taurin the real thing? Surprisingly funny story.
Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
Amazing. Couldn't put it down.
Scorpion's Gate by Richard A. Clark
Fiction that could become the future. Very thought provoking. Entertaining and enjoyable even though I normally read murder mysteries.
Leading from the Front by Angie Morgan
Interesting book on women in management.
An English noodle and her down to earth sister. Light reading.
Emperor: The Gates of Rome and The Field of Swords by Conn Iggulden
Deviates from historical facts too much. I prefer C. McCoullough's "Ceasar" books.
Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury
Touching story about an adopted boy.
Great story! Not sure if I were faced with the circumstances what I would choose!
Quilter's Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Enjoy reading abou the Amish and a simpler way of life.
Cover of Night by Linda Howard
Since discovering author Linda Howard about 20 years ago, I always eagerly anticipated her "next book," and Cover of Night was no exception. This romantic suspense, however, has less romance than her other stories. It's loaded with suspense though, and Howard sets her scene in the rural town in Idaho and places her characters in an aweful situation. The town os being held hostage by a group of killers, and the townspeople must band together to figure out what the killers want. This story not only has strong lead characters, but the clever folks in Trail Stop, Idaho will amaze you with their strength and contribute to a real nail biter. I would have enjoyed a nice long romantic epilogue, but there's always next time!
Price of Silence by Kate Wilhem
Enjoyed this one very much. The past will eventually catch up with you.
Edge of Battle by Dale Brown
Change of pace for me. I liked the fast pace of this one. Ripped from the haedlines type story. Drugs and Mexico.
The Closers by Michael Connelly
My first book by this author. I'll definitely read more.
Paperwhite Narcissus by Cynthia Riggs
Makes one wish one was on the Vineyard at this time.
Surf's Up by Nina Bangs, et al.
The cover of this anthology says "3 new stories that'll make you sweat," but the only thing about this book that made me sweat was the photo on the cover! Check it out, reader, and then breeze through the stories. Denison's story is an ok contemporary with the recently divorced female jewelry designer and a "hunky" male ex-jewel thief/bar owner. This sotry isn't long enough to flesh out the characters. Disappointed in Davidson's novella about ghosts. You'll have to read this one and form your own opinion because I found it too bizarre for words. Bang's story is about a journalist doing research on a "fluff piece" at the Castle of Dark Dreams, where all sorts of paranormal "beings" exist. Kristin, the journalist, is trying to debunk the idea that vampires inhabit the Castle... until she meets Taurin. Is that just really good makeup, or is Taurin the real thing? Surprisingly funny story.
Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
Amazing. Couldn't put it down.
Scorpion's Gate by Richard A. Clark
Fiction that could become the future. Very thought provoking. Entertaining and enjoyable even though I normally read murder mysteries.
Leading from the Front by Angie Morgan
Interesting book on women in management.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
ASRP Comments
Copy Cat by Erica Spindler
Kept me guessing until the end. I like that. I hate when you can guess the ending halfway through the book.
Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson
I enjoyed the storyline of this latest of the Goldy Schulze series. The recipes are always a plus!
Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry Lindsay
A strange dark subject but humorous in spots. I can picture it as a TV series.
Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper
If you're in the mood for a spooky murder mystery with more "dark side" horror than Dark Vader brought to Star Wars, Kay Hooper's series is for you. Sleeping with Fear is book 3 in her series and heroine Riley Crane is an FBI Special Crimes Unit clairvoyant who specializes in the occult, the dark side. She's "drawn" to Opal Island, S.C. to investigate strange occult activities, and from chapter 1 you'll be hooked trying to figure out who Riley can trust and who's really behind the "black forces." Hooper also creates a great hero in Ash Prescott... ok, maybe I shouldn't have told you that... he does have a "secret connection"... I didn't solve this mystery until it was revealed in the last chapter. WOW!
Bishop's Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Entertaining - Read it in one day!
Sex, Lies, and Vampires by Katie MacAlister
Very campy. Amusing. I love vamps, and this was a different side of them.
Suzannah's Garden by Debbie Macomber
Always like her. A very human approach to everyday things. I recommend.
Lost in the Garden by Philip Beard
Clever and humorous.
Raiders of the Lost Corset by Ellen Byerrum
As bad as the title.
False Impression by Jeffrey Archer
A master story teller. He gets your attention from the beginning and he runs with a fantastic story of cheating, murder, Van Gogh and other art treasures. Wonderful read.
Kept me guessing until the end. I like that. I hate when you can guess the ending halfway through the book.
Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson
I enjoyed the storyline of this latest of the Goldy Schulze series. The recipes are always a plus!
Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry Lindsay
A strange dark subject but humorous in spots. I can picture it as a TV series.
Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper
If you're in the mood for a spooky murder mystery with more "dark side" horror than Dark Vader brought to Star Wars, Kay Hooper's series is for you. Sleeping with Fear is book 3 in her series and heroine Riley Crane is an FBI Special Crimes Unit clairvoyant who specializes in the occult, the dark side. She's "drawn" to Opal Island, S.C. to investigate strange occult activities, and from chapter 1 you'll be hooked trying to figure out who Riley can trust and who's really behind the "black forces." Hooper also creates a great hero in Ash Prescott... ok, maybe I shouldn't have told you that... he does have a "secret connection"... I didn't solve this mystery until it was revealed in the last chapter. WOW!
Bishop's Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Entertaining - Read it in one day!
Sex, Lies, and Vampires by Katie MacAlister
Very campy. Amusing. I love vamps, and this was a different side of them.
Suzannah's Garden by Debbie Macomber
Always like her. A very human approach to everyday things. I recommend.
Lost in the Garden by Philip Beard
Clever and humorous.
Raiders of the Lost Corset by Ellen Byerrum
As bad as the title.
False Impression by Jeffrey Archer
A master story teller. He gets your attention from the beginning and he runs with a fantastic story of cheating, murder, Van Gogh and other art treasures. Wonderful read.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Cats in the Library
We have quite an assortment of cats in at RPL, and there are more prowling around at the branches and the county libraries. The entire clutter wil be on display at the GoggleWorks in November sometime. More information will be forthcoming; I just couldn't wait to show off the specimens I have spotted.
Congratulations to all the artists for creating these fantastic specimens.
Congratulations to all the artists for creating these fantastic specimens.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Fiction Author
Erin McCole-Cupp
presented by the Reading Public Library
Discussing and reading from her near-future chick-lit thriller
Learn how the author did her research for this futuristic retelling of the classic Jane Eyre story. The author will also discuss her writing process.
Erin McCole-Cupp
presented by the Reading Public Library
Discussing and reading from her near-future chick-lit thriller
Learn how the author did her research for this futuristic retelling of the classic Jane Eyre story. The author will also discuss her writing process.
When: Thursday, August 17, 2006
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: City Espresso, 124 South Fifth St., Reading
.
.
RSVP: The program is free, but pre-registration is requested.
To sign up, call 610-655-6355, or visit the Reference Desk
at Reading Public Library, 100 South Fifth St., Reading.
Refreshments will be available for purchase from City Espresso.
More ASRP Comments
I was on vacation, so I got a little backed up with the comments. My apologies to those who were anticipating new entries.
Dark Oval Stone by Marsena Konkle
Great, touching, realistic book, especially for a first novel.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The book helped me gain a needed perspective on Afghani culture.
(This is the 2006 One Book One Community choice. Programs and discussions will begin in September. More information is forthcoming.)
Penumbra by Carolyn Haines
Very good, but some items didn't jive time (1950s) wise.
Bad Boys of Summer by Lori Foster et al.
The best of the three stories in this anthology, "Luscious" by Foster includes a very interesting cast of characters and a story line that holds the reader's interest. You'll love Foster's hero, Lucius, and enjoy the bantering between Lucius and his heroine, Bethany. McCarthy's and Garvey's stories are OK, but, in my opinion, lack the depth achieved by Foster.
The Gift of Acabar by Og Mandino
Very thought provoking. A good story with great lifelong learning!
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Powerful memoir of grief.
The Broker by John Grisham
Good descriptions of Italy and its culture!
His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis
While well-written and very informative, I believe the author comes to some very erroneous conclusions at the end.
The Outsider by Diane Palmer
If you've read more than one Palmer book, you'll notice her "cookie cutter" style of writing. The Outsider is no exception. All of her characters have the same personalities as in previous stories - 1: the herione is alvays a young virgin, 2: the hero is usually considerably older and treats the young virgin with anger and disgust, 3: lots of secrets neither character will discuss, 4: resolution always late in the book, and 5: not enough groveling from the hero. The major difference in this story is the hero has an amputated arm and the heroine's daughter has visions of his accident. If you enjoy reading a book with a simplified plot line, this is the one for you.
Chamomile Mourning by Laura Childs
Laura Childs has another winner - great story line - yummy recipes and fun ideas for a tea party.
The Genesis Quest by Donald Moffitt
Very interesting and inciteful after a few sluggish parts of character development. Reading the sequal, Second Genesis, now.
In Pursuit of Peace by Joyce Meyer
I am a Joyce Meyer fan - GREAT book - practical application - spiritual inspiration.
Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte
Very funny and enjoyable reading. I could never dedicate my life to caring for so many animals as the Tartes, and I love animals.
Dark Oval Stone by Marsena Konkle
Great, touching, realistic book, especially for a first novel.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The book helped me gain a needed perspective on Afghani culture.
(This is the 2006 One Book One Community choice. Programs and discussions will begin in September. More information is forthcoming.)
Penumbra by Carolyn Haines
Very good, but some items didn't jive time (1950s) wise.
Bad Boys of Summer by Lori Foster et al.
The best of the three stories in this anthology, "Luscious" by Foster includes a very interesting cast of characters and a story line that holds the reader's interest. You'll love Foster's hero, Lucius, and enjoy the bantering between Lucius and his heroine, Bethany. McCarthy's and Garvey's stories are OK, but, in my opinion, lack the depth achieved by Foster.
The Gift of Acabar by Og Mandino
Very thought provoking. A good story with great lifelong learning!
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Powerful memoir of grief.
The Broker by John Grisham
Good descriptions of Italy and its culture!
His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis
While well-written and very informative, I believe the author comes to some very erroneous conclusions at the end.
The Outsider by Diane Palmer
If you've read more than one Palmer book, you'll notice her "cookie cutter" style of writing. The Outsider is no exception. All of her characters have the same personalities as in previous stories - 1: the herione is alvays a young virgin, 2: the hero is usually considerably older and treats the young virgin with anger and disgust, 3: lots of secrets neither character will discuss, 4: resolution always late in the book, and 5: not enough groveling from the hero. The major difference in this story is the hero has an amputated arm and the heroine's daughter has visions of his accident. If you enjoy reading a book with a simplified plot line, this is the one for you.
Chamomile Mourning by Laura Childs
Laura Childs has another winner - great story line - yummy recipes and fun ideas for a tea party.
The Genesis Quest by Donald Moffitt
Very interesting and inciteful after a few sluggish parts of character development. Reading the sequal, Second Genesis, now.
In Pursuit of Peace by Joyce Meyer
I am a Joyce Meyer fan - GREAT book - practical application - spiritual inspiration.
Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte
Very funny and enjoyable reading. I could never dedicate my life to caring for so many animals as the Tartes, and I love animals.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
ASRP Comments
The Days of Summer by Jill Barnett
If you enjoy generational Family sagas, this is the story for you. Barnett creates characters who grow up before your eyes… two families whose lives intersect over a period of 60 years. Even before I read Barnett’s acknowledgement at the back of her book, I could tell this book was a difficult story for her to write – lots of emotion on each page, it’s a poignant story you’ll think about long after you return this book.
Dean and Me by Jerry Lewis
Okay. I didn’t find Jerry Lewis very likeable or trustworthy
Dark Demon by Christine Feehan
Really good. For those of us who love the Carpathian Vampire stories, keep them coming.
Heiress for Hire by Erin McCarthy
Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! Cute romantic story that makes you wish that a love like this could be out there for you.
Isolation Ward by Joshua Spanogle
Began slow. Too much useless information. But – it ended with a BANG! Good read!!
Killing Me Softly by Nicci French
Be careful how you pick your boyfriends!
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
Interesting look at politics, literature, and women’s issues in Iran after the revolution. Hard to keep track of the characters.
Name All the Animals by Alison Smith
A very moving and well-written book.
Children of Chaos by Dave Duncan
An excellent SF/Fantasy book.
Parting Shot by Jonathan Stone
Lots of twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. Good book but not interested in the author’s style of writing. A little too quick for me – only took 3 ½ hours to read.
Man from Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller
You’re going to love the hero in this one. Sam O’Ballivan is an undercover Ranger masquerading as a schoolmaster in the old west Arizona territory bordering Mexico. Sam’s an alpha hero with a strong beta side. He’s not afraid to show his “soft inner core” to the heroine, postmistress Maddy Chancellor. Miller creates characters you’ll love and villains you’ll hate. You’ll cheer for the guys in “white hats” and you’ll wish Miller wrote a longer epilogue so you didn’t have to leave the dust and tumbleweeds of the old west. Oh well, there’s always her sequel.
The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson
Great inclusion of Native American spirituality in a mystery.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Excellent – best development of characters I have ever read.
Field Notes from a Catastrophe by Elizabeth Kolbert
I think it’s about time [someone] got his head out of his [***] re: global warming and climate change so the U.S. can be a leader, not a joke.
The Seventh Scroll by Wilbur Smith
Learned about the construction of Pharoahs’ tombs and a good action story.
Sea Change by Robert B. Parker
I saw the TV show with Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone and when I saw this book was a Jesse Stone story, I knew I would read it. Very good mystery – used that four letter word a little too much – but I would like to read more Jesse Stone mysteries. I like the main character’s attitude towards his job as police chief.
Sex and the Single Zillionaire by Thomas Perkins
Cute book. He was encouraged to write by Danielle Steel, one of my favorite authors!
Fledgling by Octavia Butler
Better than average vampire story.
(I thought this was an excellent variation on the vampire story. The Fledgling is a genetically engineered vampire who is persecuted for what she is. It’s very saddening to know that this will be the last of Ms. Butler’s works.)
If you enjoy generational Family sagas, this is the story for you. Barnett creates characters who grow up before your eyes… two families whose lives intersect over a period of 60 years. Even before I read Barnett’s acknowledgement at the back of her book, I could tell this book was a difficult story for her to write – lots of emotion on each page, it’s a poignant story you’ll think about long after you return this book.
Dean and Me by Jerry Lewis
Okay. I didn’t find Jerry Lewis very likeable or trustworthy
Dark Demon by Christine Feehan
Really good. For those of us who love the Carpathian Vampire stories, keep them coming.
Heiress for Hire by Erin McCarthy
Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! Cute romantic story that makes you wish that a love like this could be out there for you.
Isolation Ward by Joshua Spanogle
Began slow. Too much useless information. But – it ended with a BANG! Good read!!
Killing Me Softly by Nicci French
Be careful how you pick your boyfriends!
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
Interesting look at politics, literature, and women’s issues in Iran after the revolution. Hard to keep track of the characters.
Name All the Animals by Alison Smith
A very moving and well-written book.
Children of Chaos by Dave Duncan
An excellent SF/Fantasy book.
Parting Shot by Jonathan Stone
Lots of twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. Good book but not interested in the author’s style of writing. A little too quick for me – only took 3 ½ hours to read.
Man from Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller
You’re going to love the hero in this one. Sam O’Ballivan is an undercover Ranger masquerading as a schoolmaster in the old west Arizona territory bordering Mexico. Sam’s an alpha hero with a strong beta side. He’s not afraid to show his “soft inner core” to the heroine, postmistress Maddy Chancellor. Miller creates characters you’ll love and villains you’ll hate. You’ll cheer for the guys in “white hats” and you’ll wish Miller wrote a longer epilogue so you didn’t have to leave the dust and tumbleweeds of the old west. Oh well, there’s always her sequel.
The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson
Great inclusion of Native American spirituality in a mystery.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Excellent – best development of characters I have ever read.
Field Notes from a Catastrophe by Elizabeth Kolbert
I think it’s about time [someone] got his head out of his [***] re: global warming and climate change so the U.S. can be a leader, not a joke.
The Seventh Scroll by Wilbur Smith
Learned about the construction of Pharoahs’ tombs and a good action story.
Sea Change by Robert B. Parker
I saw the TV show with Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone and when I saw this book was a Jesse Stone story, I knew I would read it. Very good mystery – used that four letter word a little too much – but I would like to read more Jesse Stone mysteries. I like the main character’s attitude towards his job as police chief.
Sex and the Single Zillionaire by Thomas Perkins
Cute book. He was encouraged to write by Danielle Steel, one of my favorite authors!
Fledgling by Octavia Butler
Better than average vampire story.
(I thought this was an excellent variation on the vampire story. The Fledgling is a genetically engineered vampire who is persecuted for what she is. It’s very saddening to know that this will be the last of Ms. Butler’s works.)
Friday, July 14, 2006
Writing Non-Fiction Program
The Reading Public Library presents published author, Dennis J. Phillips.
Mr. Phillips is the author of three books and is currently working on his fourth. He will be dicussing his books, his research and his writing process.
Are you interested in learning how an author researches and writes a non-fiction book? Register by telephone at 610-655-6355 or visit the reference desk at the Reading Public Library, 100 South 5th Street, Reading.
When: Thursday, July 20, 2006
6:00 - 7:00
Where: City Espresso
124 South 5th Street
Reading, PA 19602
Refreshments will be available for purchase from City Espresso
Friday, July 07, 2006
ASRP Comments Week #4
Halfway to Forever by Karen Kingsbury
This author attacks tough issues and makes the characters appear as real people. Good reading!
Dispatches from the Edge by Anderson Cooper
Very inciteful - though provoking. Good read for eveyone.
The Lake House by James Patterson
Really weird but very good.
Ice Station by Matthew Reilly
A military thriller/adventure story that was in the most unusual environment. Very exciting and got me to read another by the same author.
The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney
A nice story about wizards and healers in 1793.
A Secret Spendor by Sandra Brown
Typical of the author with lots of steamy sex, a beautiful heroine and a handsome hero. I call this an "I wish" book, but enjoyed it anyhow!
The Bear Went over the Mountain by William Kotzwinkle
I enjoyed this very witty book. The author has a great sense of humor
Death and the Jubilee by David Dickinson
Very interesting to read about the investigation process of crime in the Victorian Era. I love that time period.
Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
A great idea to continue the life and mystery solving abilities of Sherlock Holmes. Very entertaining.
The Post-Truth Era by Ralph Keyes
An oasis in this nation's ethical drought.
Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark
I don't always read Clark's books, but this had a really good review, and I'd agree with the critiques. The stroy moves quickly. Clark uses short chapters to keep the pace moving forward. Sometimes the characters got confusing... especially if you put the book down for a few hours/days - or maybe it's just old age setting in! The concept about twins communicating with each other is fascinating nad made for an interesting plot. Good read!
Teacher Man by Frank McCourt
Vintage McCourt - lyrical and moving.
365 No Repeats by Rachael Ray
Lots of great recipes.
Just Plain Pickled to Death by Tamar Myers
Enjoyed the whole series.
Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsey
It was drawn out, but kept my interest.
Cooking with Hot Flashes by Martha Bolton
Really good and funny about how to deal with getting older. I like her sense of humor.
Edge of Battle by Dale Brown
A story for the times - focuses on terrorism and immigration issues.
Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5-12 by Edward L. Schor et al.
A great and very helpful book for a single mom like myself with two school-age sons.
Essential Manners for Couples by Peter Post
Good book for couples to read and learn how to work together.
Smithsonian Intimate Guide to Human Origins by Carl Zimmer
Corrects some of my prior understanding of our origins (ie. different hominid lines).
The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
Excellent!
Dead in Vineyard Sand by Philip R. Craig
It was good. I enjoyed the setting - Martha's Vineyard and the summer season.
Weighed in the Balance by Anne Perry
Seventh in the series featuring William Monk. Her characters are richly drawn, not always likeable. The endings are not always happy, but the root of all her books I've read so far, including two non-mysteries, is a deep love of truth, whether pleasant or not. Her writings make many other books I've read shallow and trite by comparison.
French Kiss by Susan Johnson
Very little story and too much sex. I just didn't care what happened to the hero abnd heroine... and I certainly couldn't see tham making it in the happily-ever-after roles.
Signals by Kevin Randle
A little slow at times but some interesting projections of a first encounter that in the end may be a very possible future scenario.
This author attacks tough issues and makes the characters appear as real people. Good reading!
Dispatches from the Edge by Anderson Cooper
Very inciteful - though provoking. Good read for eveyone.
The Lake House by James Patterson
Really weird but very good.
Ice Station by Matthew Reilly
A military thriller/adventure story that was in the most unusual environment. Very exciting and got me to read another by the same author.
The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney
A nice story about wizards and healers in 1793.
A Secret Spendor by Sandra Brown
Typical of the author with lots of steamy sex, a beautiful heroine and a handsome hero. I call this an "I wish" book, but enjoyed it anyhow!
The Bear Went over the Mountain by William Kotzwinkle
I enjoyed this very witty book. The author has a great sense of humor
Death and the Jubilee by David Dickinson
Very interesting to read about the investigation process of crime in the Victorian Era. I love that time period.
Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
A great idea to continue the life and mystery solving abilities of Sherlock Holmes. Very entertaining.
The Post-Truth Era by Ralph Keyes
An oasis in this nation's ethical drought.
Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark
I don't always read Clark's books, but this had a really good review, and I'd agree with the critiques. The stroy moves quickly. Clark uses short chapters to keep the pace moving forward. Sometimes the characters got confusing... especially if you put the book down for a few hours/days - or maybe it's just old age setting in! The concept about twins communicating with each other is fascinating nad made for an interesting plot. Good read!
Teacher Man by Frank McCourt
Vintage McCourt - lyrical and moving.
365 No Repeats by Rachael Ray
Lots of great recipes.
Just Plain Pickled to Death by Tamar Myers
Enjoyed the whole series.
Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsey
It was drawn out, but kept my interest.
Cooking with Hot Flashes by Martha Bolton
Really good and funny about how to deal with getting older. I like her sense of humor.
Edge of Battle by Dale Brown
A story for the times - focuses on terrorism and immigration issues.
Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5-12 by Edward L. Schor et al.
A great and very helpful book for a single mom like myself with two school-age sons.
Essential Manners for Couples by Peter Post
Good book for couples to read and learn how to work together.
Smithsonian Intimate Guide to Human Origins by Carl Zimmer
Corrects some of my prior understanding of our origins (ie. different hominid lines).
The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
Excellent!
Dead in Vineyard Sand by Philip R. Craig
It was good. I enjoyed the setting - Martha's Vineyard and the summer season.
Weighed in the Balance by Anne Perry
Seventh in the series featuring William Monk. Her characters are richly drawn, not always likeable. The endings are not always happy, but the root of all her books I've read so far, including two non-mysteries, is a deep love of truth, whether pleasant or not. Her writings make many other books I've read shallow and trite by comparison.
French Kiss by Susan Johnson
Very little story and too much sex. I just didn't care what happened to the hero abnd heroine... and I certainly couldn't see tham making it in the happily-ever-after roles.
Signals by Kevin Randle
A little slow at times but some interesting projections of a first encounter that in the end may be a very possible future scenario.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
ASRP Comments Week #3
Dark Assassin by Anne Perry
Different "mystery" yet very engaging.
Homescaping by Anne Halpin
Really nice ideas and information; specifies for the type of house, etc.
Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb
The most disturbing book yet.
Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things by Cy Tymony
Very interesting - 007 for the everyday person.
Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Wonderful fiction!
China Sky by Pearl S. Buck
Wonderful portrait studies and plot full of twists and turns.
Mr. Murder by Laura Van Wormer
Great book - holds your interest - must check out other books by the same author.
Cat Dancers by P.J. Deuterman
Great novel - holds your interest until the end.
The March by E.L. Doctorow
An interesting way of looking at the Civil War.
Devil's Corner by Lisa Scottoline
Good murder Mystery. I liked that it took place in Philadelphia.
Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
Very interesting. Pollan managed to convey a lot of information without being too technical or pedantic.
The Terrorist by John Updike
Very Good. It started out somewhat slowly, but was never boring. I liked it being set up to sympathize with a terrorist.
Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich, Harrer
Opens the door to a mysterious country.
Ghost Hunter by Jayne Castle
Castle creates a land and language of her own in this futuristic, fantasy romance. It took me about 100 pages to catch on to the lingo, but futuristic, scifi, fantasy isn't my genre. This however, is a cute series, especially Elly's (the heroine) pet dust bunny, Rose... by the way, this dust bunny has psychic powers! You gotta love the hero too - A ghost hunter, Cooper Boone, who wears khaki pants and a leather vest and also loves the little dust bunny. P.S. If this synopsis sounds weird, it's because I was up all night reading it!
The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
Great book; complex character study.
Dark Harbor by Stuart Woods
Typical Woods book.
The Body in the Closet by Mary Higgins Clark
I have never been disappointed by any of her books.
The Battle for Peace by Anthony Zinni
Excellent book on what future U.S. foreign policy needs to include.
Deep Water by Jacques Leslie
Dams and water diversion projects benefit the wealthy few. Native peoples and ecosystems are tossed aside, displaced, ruined for short term profits.
The New Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen
The cheesecake recipe is great.
The Saving Graces by Pat Gaffney
Good book about friendships.
The Breakup Club by Melissa Senate
I read it in a day! A great book about relationships.
Badger Boy by Elmer Kelton
It’s a good read if you like post Civil War stories.
I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb
An excellent book about mental illness and its impact on a family.
Forgiven by Karen Kingsbury
Wholesome story about family life and unconditional love. Truly inspiring
George and Rue by George Elliott Clarke
I appreciated the historical facts of blacks in Novia Scotia. Not an easy read.
Marley and Me by John Grogan
One of the best books I’ve read. Poignant story of love for a pet.
The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell by Lilian Jackson Braun
I love cats and own a tiger striped named Lovey. I’ve read all the “Cat Who…” books. This follows the same plot(s) but it’s always enjoyable.
The Nanny Murders by Merry Bloch Jones
Slow beginning. Fast nerve wracking through last chapters – far-fetched ending.
Get Lucky by Suzanne Brockmann
If you haven’t read any of Brockmann’s SEALS team Ten Alpha Squad stories, you’re missing some great heroes and heroines, ans great patriotism to boot. “Lucky” Luke O’Donlon is this hero… the never going to get married kind who dates large chested women with single digit IQs… you know the type, right? Well, in typical Brockmann fashion, she’s created a heroine who’s the direct opposite in physical and intellectual attributes. Sydney is a journalist/reporter and both characters must work together to help solve a case of rape… the rapist is assumed to be a SEALS member, but we all know that can’t be the case, right?
The Big Red Fez: How to Make Any Web Site Better by Seth Godin
This book really helped me!
Different "mystery" yet very engaging.
Homescaping by Anne Halpin
Really nice ideas and information; specifies for the type of house, etc.
Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb
The most disturbing book yet.
Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things by Cy Tymony
Very interesting - 007 for the everyday person.
Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Wonderful fiction!
China Sky by Pearl S. Buck
Wonderful portrait studies and plot full of twists and turns.
Mr. Murder by Laura Van Wormer
Great book - holds your interest - must check out other books by the same author.
Cat Dancers by P.J. Deuterman
Great novel - holds your interest until the end.
The March by E.L. Doctorow
An interesting way of looking at the Civil War.
Devil's Corner by Lisa Scottoline
Good murder Mystery. I liked that it took place in Philadelphia.
Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
Very interesting. Pollan managed to convey a lot of information without being too technical or pedantic.
The Terrorist by John Updike
Very Good. It started out somewhat slowly, but was never boring. I liked it being set up to sympathize with a terrorist.
Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich, Harrer
Opens the door to a mysterious country.
Ghost Hunter by Jayne Castle
Castle creates a land and language of her own in this futuristic, fantasy romance. It took me about 100 pages to catch on to the lingo, but futuristic, scifi, fantasy isn't my genre. This however, is a cute series, especially Elly's (the heroine) pet dust bunny, Rose... by the way, this dust bunny has psychic powers! You gotta love the hero too - A ghost hunter, Cooper Boone, who wears khaki pants and a leather vest and also loves the little dust bunny. P.S. If this synopsis sounds weird, it's because I was up all night reading it!
The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
Great book; complex character study.
Dark Harbor by Stuart Woods
Typical Woods book.
The Body in the Closet by Mary Higgins Clark
I have never been disappointed by any of her books.
The Battle for Peace by Anthony Zinni
Excellent book on what future U.S. foreign policy needs to include.
Deep Water by Jacques Leslie
Dams and water diversion projects benefit the wealthy few. Native peoples and ecosystems are tossed aside, displaced, ruined for short term profits.
The New Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen
The cheesecake recipe is great.
The Saving Graces by Pat Gaffney
Good book about friendships.
The Breakup Club by Melissa Senate
I read it in a day! A great book about relationships.
Badger Boy by Elmer Kelton
It’s a good read if you like post Civil War stories.
I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb
An excellent book about mental illness and its impact on a family.
Forgiven by Karen Kingsbury
Wholesome story about family life and unconditional love. Truly inspiring
George and Rue by George Elliott Clarke
I appreciated the historical facts of blacks in Novia Scotia. Not an easy read.
Marley and Me by John Grogan
One of the best books I’ve read. Poignant story of love for a pet.
The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell by Lilian Jackson Braun
I love cats and own a tiger striped named Lovey. I’ve read all the “Cat Who…” books. This follows the same plot(s) but it’s always enjoyable.
The Nanny Murders by Merry Bloch Jones
Slow beginning. Fast nerve wracking through last chapters – far-fetched ending.
Get Lucky by Suzanne Brockmann
If you haven’t read any of Brockmann’s SEALS team Ten Alpha Squad stories, you’re missing some great heroes and heroines, ans great patriotism to boot. “Lucky” Luke O’Donlon is this hero… the never going to get married kind who dates large chested women with single digit IQs… you know the type, right? Well, in typical Brockmann fashion, she’s created a heroine who’s the direct opposite in physical and intellectual attributes. Sydney is a journalist/reporter and both characters must work together to help solve a case of rape… the rapist is assumed to be a SEALS member, but we all know that can’t be the case, right?
The Big Red Fez: How to Make Any Web Site Better by Seth Godin
This book really helped me!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Adult Summer Reading Program Book Comments
One of my favorite parts of coordinating the ASRP is reading what the participants have to say about the books they have read.
Enlightening and entertaining.
Duchess of Fifth Avenue by Ruth Ryan Langan
"Get out the Kleenex - this story will have the tears flowing - a touch of My Fair Lady without the sarcastic Rex Harrison hero. This hero is an utterly charming Duke and you'll love the determination and guts of the Duchess!"
The Royal Families of Europe by Geoffrey Hindley
"Good, but not 100% accurate."
A Distant Tomorrow by Beatrice Small
"Great Fantasy!"
Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
"Haven't read the novel since high school - a great re-experience."
The Cultured Handmaiden by Catherine Cookson
"A delightful book - great twists."
Reckless by Shannon Drake
"I really liked it. Fast moving and action-packed. The female lead was great."
Count Down by Iris Johansen
"Solid thriller."
Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman
"Unusual story."
Chicks with Sticks by Elizabeth Lenhard
"Made me want to knit!"
The Edible Garden by Hazel White
"This is so good - really good."
Beyond Band of Brothers by Richard D. Winters
"Very realistic account of elite paratroopers."
Consent to Kill by Vince Flynn
"This book was written as well as all of his others. Although it seems like this is the end of this series, I am hoping he continues it."
Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis by Jimmy Carter
"So excellent, you need to put where everyone will see it and read it."
Vanished by Karen Robards
"Kept me coming back to read more. I enjoy her writing style."
Love with a Scandalous Lord by Lorraine Heath
"Hot stuff."
My Perfectly Imperfect Life by Jennifer Archer
"It made me think how strong and how powerful sisterhood is."
Company: A Novel by Maxx Barry
"Awesome. Funny. Quirky."
Enlightening and entertaining.
Duchess of Fifth Avenue by Ruth Ryan Langan
"Get out the Kleenex - this story will have the tears flowing - a touch of My Fair Lady without the sarcastic Rex Harrison hero. This hero is an utterly charming Duke and you'll love the determination and guts of the Duchess!"
The Royal Families of Europe by Geoffrey Hindley
"Good, but not 100% accurate."
A Distant Tomorrow by Beatrice Small
"Great Fantasy!"
Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
"Haven't read the novel since high school - a great re-experience."
The Cultured Handmaiden by Catherine Cookson
"A delightful book - great twists."
Reckless by Shannon Drake
"I really liked it. Fast moving and action-packed. The female lead was great."
Count Down by Iris Johansen
"Solid thriller."
Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman
"Unusual story."
Chicks with Sticks by Elizabeth Lenhard
"Made me want to knit!"
The Edible Garden by Hazel White
"This is so good - really good."
Beyond Band of Brothers by Richard D. Winters
"Very realistic account of elite paratroopers."
Consent to Kill by Vince Flynn
"This book was written as well as all of his others. Although it seems like this is the end of this series, I am hoping he continues it."
Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis by Jimmy Carter
"So excellent, you need to put where everyone will see it and read it."
Vanished by Karen Robards
"Kept me coming back to read more. I enjoy her writing style."
Love with a Scandalous Lord by Lorraine Heath
"Hot stuff."
My Perfectly Imperfect Life by Jennifer Archer
"It made me think how strong and how powerful sisterhood is."
Company: A Novel by Maxx Barry
"Awesome. Funny. Quirky."
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Artists Wanted - Cats in the Library
The goal of this project is to have local artists or craftspeople transform plain, grey cats into works of art for display in area libraries.
The inspiration for the project came from Cowpainters.com, the organization that provided the life-sized cows for a New York City project several years ago. Since then, other cities have "adopted" their own animals to be recreated and put on public display.
In Berks County, the project is being undertaken on a smaller scale. We would like local artists or craftspeople to transform a plain, 12" grey cat into a work of art.
If you are interested in participating, we would like to see a rough sketch of your vision of our felines. Take a look at the Cowpainters or the Life Improvement for Cats and Kittens websites to get some ideas. The sketches may be free-hand or you may use the line drawings inside brochures that are available in the library.
Monday, June 26th is the deadline for submission of the sketches, which isn't a lot of time to develop your masterpiece, so don't delay!
Plaques and publicity for the winning artist!
You might want to pick up a brochure for more details. The cats will be on display in the libraries until an artist is chosen for each library's cat.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Adult Summer Reading Program
Starts Monday June 5th
Pick up your books and get ready for the 5th Annual Adult Summer Reading Program! Sponsored by the Reading Public Library, it runs from June 5th to September 1st. Adults 18 and over are eligible to participate. Participants fill out an entry form for each book they read to win weekly prizes donated by local businesses and restaurants and a grand prize at the end of the program.
Call 610-655-6355 for more details.
Sponsors for ASRP 2006:
3rd & Spruce Cafe
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Dans Restaurant
Pauline’s Soups
Reading Phillies Baseball Club
Sam’s Club
Sweet Streets Dessert
Sovereign Center
Yellow Submarine
Ugly Oyster Drafthaus
The Grand Prize is TWO TICKETS TO AN EVENT AT THE SOVEREIGN CENTER!
The more entries you submit, the better your chances of winning both the weekly prizes and the grand prize.
Pick up your books and get ready for the 5th Annual Adult Summer Reading Program! Sponsored by the Reading Public Library, it runs from June 5th to September 1st. Adults 18 and over are eligible to participate. Participants fill out an entry form for each book they read to win weekly prizes donated by local businesses and restaurants and a grand prize at the end of the program.
Call 610-655-6355 for more details.
Sponsors for ASRP 2006:
3rd & Spruce Cafe
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Dans Restaurant
Pauline’s Soups
Reading Phillies Baseball Club
Sam’s Club
Sweet Streets Dessert
Sovereign Center
Yellow Submarine
Ugly Oyster Drafthaus
The Grand Prize is TWO TICKETS TO AN EVENT AT THE SOVEREIGN CENTER!
The more entries you submit, the better your chances of winning both the weekly prizes and the grand prize.
Friday, May 12, 2006
John Steslow - Local Author - cancelled
Unfortunately, due to extenuating circumstances, this author reading has been cancelled. Our apologies to those who were looking forward to this event.
Reading Public Library presents . . .
Berks County author
Berks County author
John Steslow
reading from his book
Touched By Grace
This novel, based on a true story, illustrates the life of a brilliant nun, consecrated to her God and her community of sisters, who never forgets the Polish-American family she left behind. The story begins in 1936 with Sister Edmunda’s appointment as the Secretary General of her order of primarily Polish American sisters, many from the anthracite coal region of eastern Pennsylvania. Six years later, elected to the office of Mother General, her special interests are the Order’s newest missions in southern Brazil, the opening of hospitals there and in the U. S., and most importantly, the spiritual growth of her fellow sisters and daughters in Christ. The mentoring and care of her much younger sister Mary and her family is a deeply emotional aspect of the novel. A special relationship develops between Sister Edmunda and one of her nephews, struggling to find his own faith and possible entrance into a religious order while serving in Japan during the Korean War. Major disagreements with her successor end the story in a totally unexpected way. ---Amazon
Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
When: Thursday, June 15, 2006
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: City Espresso, 124 South Fifth St., Reading
RSVP: The program is free, but pre-registration is requested.
To sign up, call 610-655-6355, or visit the Reference Desk
at Reading Public Library, 100 South Fifth St., Reading.
Refreshments will be available for purchase from City Espresso.
This novel, based on a true story, illustrates the life of a brilliant nun, consecrated to her God and her community of sisters, who never forgets the Polish-American family she left behind. The story begins in 1936 with Sister Edmunda’s appointment as the Secretary General of her order of primarily Polish American sisters, many from the anthracite coal region of eastern Pennsylvania. Six years later, elected to the office of Mother General, her special interests are the Order’s newest missions in southern Brazil, the opening of hospitals there and in the U. S., and most importantly, the spiritual growth of her fellow sisters and daughters in Christ. The mentoring and care of her much younger sister Mary and her family is a deeply emotional aspect of the novel. A special relationship develops between Sister Edmunda and one of her nephews, struggling to find his own faith and possible entrance into a religious order while serving in Japan during the Korean War. Major disagreements with her successor end the story in a totally unexpected way. ---Amazon
Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
When: Thursday, June 15, 2006
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: City Espresso, 124 South Fifth St., Reading
RSVP: The program is free, but pre-registration is requested.
To sign up, call 610-655-6355, or visit the Reference Desk
at Reading Public Library, 100 South Fifth St., Reading.
Refreshments will be available for purchase from City Espresso.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Identity Theft and How to Prevent It: NOT JUST FOR SENIORS
Every year, thousands of America's seniors become victims of identity theft and consumer fraud.
Come and join us for a free seminar presented by the AARP and learn how to protect yourself!!!
Come and join us for a free seminar presented by the AARP and learn how to protect yourself!!!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
6:00 to 7:00
City Espresso
124 South Fifth Street, Reading
Please pre-register for this class by calling the Reading Public Library
at 610-655-6355.
The commercial on the television with the big burly guy, who is the victim of identity theft, singing with a woman's voice is pretty funny; however, identity theft and consumer fraud is not.
Last year, Pennsylvania was ranked 24th in the nation for the number of identity theft victims with 7,908 victims. There were a total of 686,683 consumer fraud complaints recorded in 2005, with identity theft reports, at 255,565, being the most common type of fraud.
Furthermore, it's not the seniors that are the most vulnerable to consumer fraud, it's the younger age set. Of identity theft complaints in 2005, 29% were from the age group 18-29, compared to 9% from the age group 60 and over.
Anyone of any age would greatly benefit from the information provided in this program. Please, don't be that guy in the TV commercial, sign up today and see how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
City of Reading Mural at the Northeast Branch
Inspired by the works of the late Keith Haring and his Journey of the Radiant Baby exhibit at the Reading Public Museum, the mural at the Northeast branch of the Reading Public Library, entitled The City of Reading, (pronounced reeding) is something that you have to see to really appreciate. Very high WOW factor.
Bronwen Gillette, the director of the Northeast branch, brought together the children, adults, and seniors of the northeast Reading community; and along with Michael Miller, a local artist and art teacher, they created a vibrant reflection of the importance of the library within the community.
A very nice article about the mural appears in the Lifestyle section of the May 5 issue of the Reading Eagle. Read about the grant partnership between the Reading Public Museum and the Reading Public Library and the people who contributed to this masterpiece.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Woman's Day Looking for Library Stories
Has the library changed your life? Share your story with Woman’s Day magazine!
Libraries can change lives. They are places of lifelong learning and opportunity that can help people discover the world.
If you have a story about how the library has changed your life, send it to Woman’s Day, and it might be one of four chosen to be highlighted in an upcoming issue of the magazine!
Tell your story in 700 words or less and send it to womansday@ala.org by May 10. For more information and for the official rules, visit www.womansday.com/ala. The initiative is open to women over the age of 18.
Put it in Writing @ your library is sponsored by American Library Association and Woman’s Day magazine as part of The Campaign for America’s Libraries The Campaign is a multi-year public awareness and advocacy campaign designed to promote the value of public, school, academic and special libraries and librarians in the 21st century.
Libraries can change lives. They are places of lifelong learning and opportunity that can help people discover the world.
If you have a story about how the library has changed your life, send it to Woman’s Day, and it might be one of four chosen to be highlighted in an upcoming issue of the magazine!
Tell your story in 700 words or less and send it to womansday@ala.org by May 10. For more information and for the official rules, visit www.womansday.com/ala. The initiative is open to women over the age of 18.
Put it in Writing @ your library is sponsored by American Library Association and Woman’s Day magazine as part of The Campaign for America’s Libraries The Campaign is a multi-year public awareness and advocacy campaign designed to promote the value of public, school, academic and special libraries and librarians in the 21st century.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Sequel to Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
Waiting until October for Thirteen Moons is going to be somewhat tortuous. I will have to reread Cold Mountain and watch the movie again. Although this isn't the type of book I would normally read, I can't help but appreciate its quality. An eminantly rereadable book!
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Pulitzer Prize Winners
Fiction - March by Geraldine Brooks
History - Polio: An American Story by David M. Oshinsky
Biography - American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin
Poetry - Late Wife by Claudia Emerson
General Non-Fiction - Imperial Reckoning: The Untold Story of Britain's Gulag in Kenya by Caroline Elkins
History - Polio: An American Story by David M. Oshinsky
Biography - American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin
Poetry - Late Wife by Claudia Emerson
General Non-Fiction - Imperial Reckoning: The Untold Story of Britain's Gulag in Kenya by Caroline Elkins
Friday, April 07, 2006
Resume Workshop
Need to update your resume?
Come to the Resume Workshop!
Reading Public Library, 100 South Fifth Street, will hold a beginner's class on Microsoft Word with a focus on resume making.
It will be held Tuesday, April 18, 3:00-4:00 pm.
Please pre-register for the class by calling 610.655.6355 or stopping by the Reference Desk.
Mary Anne Broadhurst - Local Author
Mary Anne Broadhurst
reading from her book
Regaining My Senses
a novel about self discovery
Meet the author and enjoy a discussion of the book, the characters, and the writer's process, and share your thoughts from your own experiences.
Maggie, the main character in Regaining My Senses, deals with several issues of concern to women - romantic misadventures, sexual harassment, and office politics, among others.
Excerps of the book can be found at www.redcatpress.com.
The authors blogsite can be found at womansense.blogspot.com.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
When: Thursday, April 20, 2006
6:30-8:00
Where: City Espresso, 124 South Fifth Street, Reading
This program is free, but pre-registration is requested.
To sign up, call 610.655.6355, or visit the Reference Desk at the Reading Public Library, 100 South Fifth Street, Reading
Refreshments will be available for purchase from City Espresso.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Home and Garden
Here are a few new titles we recently ordered. We also have pathfinders for more resources on home improvement topics or gardening. Ask at the reference desk for more information.
Spring Cleaning (subject keyword: "house cleaning" or "housekeeping")
10 Minute Housekeeping by Rose Kennedy
This is a great little guide for inspiration when you feel overwhelmed by the amount of clutter and dust that always seems to magically appear in the spring.
Complete Idiot's Guide to Cleaning by Linda Formichelli
The title says it all.
Home Projects (subject keyword: "dwellings-Maintenance and repair - amateurs' manuals" or "do-it-yourself work")
Chix Can Fix: 100 Home Improvement Projects and True Tales from the Diva of Do-It-Yourself by Norma Vally
I personally am really looking forward to checking out this book. My TLC house needs all the help it can get.
Gardening (subject keyword: "gardening" or "low maintenance gardening")
Armitage's Native Plants for North American Gardens by Allan M. Armitage, who is a genius and all of his books are absolutely fabulous.
Best Garden Plants of Pennsylvania by Ilene Sternberg. I haven't looked at this one yet. Someone checked it out when I wasn't looking.
P. Allen Smith's Colors for the Garden: Creating Compelling Color Themes by P. Allen Smith
Wow. This book is really packed full of vibrant colors just waiting to be added to your own garden's color scheme. The library owns two other equally impressive books authored by Mr. Smith - P. Allen Smith's Garden Home and P. Allen Smith's Container Gardens.
Shade: Planting Solutions for Shady Gardens by Keith Wiley
For both inspiration and instruction, this title is an invaluable addition to your garden reading list. Tips for evaluation and preparation of the different types of shaded areas are included as well as techniques for incorporating hardscaping. The book also includes a catalog of shade loving plants and their textures, shapes and colors. Very nice.
Spare Time Gardener: Tips and Tricks for Those on the Go by Barbara Hill Freeman
Yardwork can be so tedious, although I love gardening. There's a very fine line between the two. The author provides tips and tricks she gathered from various sources and, in many cases, tested in her own downeast Maine garden.
Spring Cleaning (subject keyword: "house cleaning" or "housekeeping")
10 Minute Housekeeping by Rose Kennedy
This is a great little guide for inspiration when you feel overwhelmed by the amount of clutter and dust that always seems to magically appear in the spring.
Complete Idiot's Guide to Cleaning by Linda Formichelli
The title says it all.
Home Projects (subject keyword: "dwellings-Maintenance and repair - amateurs' manuals" or "do-it-yourself work")
Chix Can Fix: 100 Home Improvement Projects and True Tales from the Diva of Do-It-Yourself by Norma Vally
I personally am really looking forward to checking out this book. My TLC house needs all the help it can get.
Gardening (subject keyword: "gardening" or "low maintenance gardening")
Armitage's Native Plants for North American Gardens by Allan M. Armitage, who is a genius and all of his books are absolutely fabulous.
Best Garden Plants of Pennsylvania by Ilene Sternberg. I haven't looked at this one yet. Someone checked it out when I wasn't looking.
P. Allen Smith's Colors for the Garden: Creating Compelling Color Themes by P. Allen Smith
Wow. This book is really packed full of vibrant colors just waiting to be added to your own garden's color scheme. The library owns two other equally impressive books authored by Mr. Smith - P. Allen Smith's Garden Home and P. Allen Smith's Container Gardens.
Shade: Planting Solutions for Shady Gardens by Keith Wiley
For both inspiration and instruction, this title is an invaluable addition to your garden reading list. Tips for evaluation and preparation of the different types of shaded areas are included as well as techniques for incorporating hardscaping. The book also includes a catalog of shade loving plants and their textures, shapes and colors. Very nice.
Spare Time Gardener: Tips and Tricks for Those on the Go by Barbara Hill Freeman
Yardwork can be so tedious, although I love gardening. There's a very fine line between the two. The author provides tips and tricks she gathered from various sources and, in many cases, tested in her own downeast Maine garden.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Spotlight on Mystery
Check out the new fiction titles we have recently ordered within the Mystery Fiction genre.
With books this new, sometimes the records are not yet in the catalog, or the status is "In Processing." If you are not able to place a hold through the online catalog, please call the Reference Desk at 610-655-6355. We would be happy to hear from you and place the hold. Titles that are designated "New" may only be picked up at the Main branch on 5th and Franklin, the 3 branches, or the city bookmobile.
Click on the title to view the Amazon record.
For more titles or to investigate the different mystery subgenres, take a look at Novelist, "your guide to fiction."
Bleeding Hearts by Susan Wittig Albert
Blondes Have More Felons by Alesia Holliday
Blood Orange Brewing by Laura Childs
Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke
Consigned to Death by Jane Cleland
Dark Tort: A Novel of Suspense by Diane Mott Davidson
Dead Days of Summer: A Death on Demand Mystery by Carolyn Hart
Dead Man Running by Rhett MacPherson
Debts of Honor: An Imogen Quy Mystery by Jill Paton Walsh
Hardscrabble Road: A Gregor Demarkian Novel by Jane Haddam
Hare Today, Dead Tomorrow by Cynthia Baxter
High Priestess by David Skibbins
Hitched: A Regan Reilly Mystery by Carol Higgins Clark
Hollywood Stuff: A Jane Wheel Mystery by Shron Fiffer
Lost Gardens: An English Garden Mystery by Anthony Eglin
Mammoth Murder by Bill Crider
Mourning Dove by Aimee Thurlo
Moving Is Murder by Sara Rosett
Murder at the Racetrack: Original Tales of Murder and Mahem… by Otto Penzler
Murder in Exile by Vincent H. O’Neil
Murder in Montmartre by Cara Black
Nicotine Kiss: An Amos Walker Novel by Loren D. Estleman
North by Northanger, or the Shades of Pemberley: A Mr and Mrs Darcy Mystery by Carrie Bebris
Orkney Scrolls: An Archaeological Mystery by Lyn Hamilton
Our Lady of Pain by Marion Chesney
Path of the Dead by Caroline Benton
Penumbra by Carolyn Haines
Tomb of the Golden Bird by Elizabeth Peters
Tooth of Time: A Maxie and Stretch Mystery by Sue Henry
Undercurrent by Wayne Barcomb
With books this new, sometimes the records are not yet in the catalog, or the status is "In Processing." If you are not able to place a hold through the online catalog, please call the Reference Desk at 610-655-6355. We would be happy to hear from you and place the hold. Titles that are designated "New" may only be picked up at the Main branch on 5th and Franklin, the 3 branches, or the city bookmobile.
Click on the title to view the Amazon record.
For more titles or to investigate the different mystery subgenres, take a look at Novelist, "your guide to fiction."
Bleeding Hearts by Susan Wittig Albert
Blondes Have More Felons by Alesia Holliday
Blood Orange Brewing by Laura Childs
Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke
Consigned to Death by Jane Cleland
Dark Tort: A Novel of Suspense by Diane Mott Davidson
Dead Days of Summer: A Death on Demand Mystery by Carolyn Hart
Dead Man Running by Rhett MacPherson
Debts of Honor: An Imogen Quy Mystery by Jill Paton Walsh
Hardscrabble Road: A Gregor Demarkian Novel by Jane Haddam
Hare Today, Dead Tomorrow by Cynthia Baxter
High Priestess by David Skibbins
Hitched: A Regan Reilly Mystery by Carol Higgins Clark
Hollywood Stuff: A Jane Wheel Mystery by Shron Fiffer
Lost Gardens: An English Garden Mystery by Anthony Eglin
Mammoth Murder by Bill Crider
Mourning Dove by Aimee Thurlo
Moving Is Murder by Sara Rosett
Murder at the Racetrack: Original Tales of Murder and Mahem… by Otto Penzler
Murder in Exile by Vincent H. O’Neil
Murder in Montmartre by Cara Black
Nicotine Kiss: An Amos Walker Novel by Loren D. Estleman
North by Northanger, or the Shades of Pemberley: A Mr and Mrs Darcy Mystery by Carrie Bebris
Orkney Scrolls: An Archaeological Mystery by Lyn Hamilton
Our Lady of Pain by Marion Chesney
Path of the Dead by Caroline Benton
Penumbra by Carolyn Haines
Tomb of the Golden Bird by Elizabeth Peters
Tooth of Time: A Maxie and Stretch Mystery by Sue Henry
Undercurrent by Wayne Barcomb
Friday, March 17, 2006
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!
A St. Patrick's Day blessing upon you! Although I cannot improve upon the Google web subject list, I did find this site using the search "Gaelic translation." You can learn various common phrases, such as "A pint of Guinness, please".
The Living Legend of St. Patrick by Alannah Hopkin
The Steadfast Man: A Biography of St. Patrick by Paul Gallico
The Wisdom of St. Patrick by Greg Tobin
Patrick, the Pilgrim Apostle of Ireland by Maire de Paor
St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography by Philip Freeman
The Wearing of the Green: The History of St. Patrick's Day by Mike Cronin
And for your corned beef and cabbage, we have several books on Irish Cookery.
I love corned beef and cabbage. Mouthwatering image courtesy of Epicurious.
As an aside, I am 100% Eastern European and my mom loves rutabagas, so I just assumed they were an ethnic staple. I was quite surprised to discover that they are Swedish.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
National Rutabaga Month
Forget corned beef and cabbage, celebrate gastronomically with the rutabaga. According to the Advanced Rutabaga Studies Institute, March is National Rutabaga month! (Note: not verified in Chase's Calendar of Events). This website made for some interesting and enjoyable reading about this under-appreciated tuber.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Basic Internet Classes at RPL
Tuesday March 28, 2006
6:30 - 8:00
Reading Public Library Main Branch
Whether you are applying for jobs online, filling out various forms, emailing friends, or researching for a class, the Internet has become the primary mode of communication and transmission of information for many people.
The Basic Internet workshop will get you started on the Net, providing you with the basic skills to perform these and other fundamental tasks.
Tuesday March 28, 2006
6:30 - 8:00
Reading Public Library Main Branch
Whether you are applying for jobs online, filling out various forms, emailing friends, or researching for a class, the Internet has become the primary mode of communication and transmission of information for many people.
The Basic Internet workshop will get you started on the Net, providing you with the basic skills to perform these and other fundamental tasks.
- Mouse skills
- Keyboarding skills
- Basic Terminology
- Simple searches
- Email skills
- Printing
- Troubleshooting
To reserve a seat in this class stop by the Reference Desk or call
610-655-6355
Of course, if you are reading this blog, you most likely already have the skills that we will be covering in this class. But you could pass the world along to anyone you know who needs a little help and encouragement in this particular area.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2005
Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
U.S. Department of State
Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
U.S. Department of State
March 8, 2006
"These reports describe the performance of 196 countries in putting into practice their international commitments on human rights. These basic rights, reflected in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, have been embraced by people of every culture and color, every background and belief, and constitute what President Bush calls the 'non-negotiable demands of human dignity.'"
The Introduction continues by making six broad observations and illustrating these observations by using examples of conditions in various countries.
These observations are:
1. Countries in which power is concentrated in the hands of unaccountable rulers tend to be the world’s most systematic human rights violators. These states range from closed, totalitarian systems that subject their citizens to a wholesale deprivation of their basic rights to authoritarian systems in which the exercise of basic rights is severely restricted.
2. Human rights and democracy are closely linked, and both are essential to long-term stability and security. Free and democratic nations that respect the rights of their citizens help to lay the foundation for lasting peace. In contrast, states that severely and systematically violate the human rights of their own people are likely to pose threats to neighboring countries and the international community.
3. Some of the most serious violations of human rights are committed by governments within the context of internal and/or cross-border armed conflicts.
4. Where civil society and independent media are under siege, fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and assembly are undermined. A robust civil society and independent media help create conditions under which human rights can flourish by raising awareness among publics about their rights, exposing abuses, pressing for reform, and holding governments accountable
5. Democratic elections by themselves do not ensure that human rights will be respected, but they can put a country on the path to reform and lay the groundwork for institutionalizing human rights protections. Democratic elections are, however, milestones on a long journey of democratization. They are essential to establishing accountable governments and governmental institutions that abide by the rule of law and are responsive to the needs of citizens.
6. Progress on democratic reform and human rights is neither linear nor guaranteed. Some states still have weak institutions of democratic government and continue to struggle; others have yet to fully commit to the democratic process. Steps forward can be marred with irregularities. There can be serious setbacks. Democratically elected governments do not always govern democratically once in power.
"The growing worldwide demand for human rights and democracy reflected in these reports is not the result of the impersonal workings of some dialectic or of the orchestrations of foreign governments. Rather, this call derives from the powerful human desire to live in dignity and liberty and from the personal bravery and tenacity of men and women in every age and in every society who serve and sacrifice for the cause of freedom."
China responded by pointing out that the United States did not include itself in the report and published its own report, The Human Rights Record of the United States in 2005.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Oscar Round Up
There were some upsets this Sunday at the Academy Awards. I had to look up Crash on the Internet Movie Database to see what it was all about.
Call the Reference Desk at 610-655-6355 to place hold:
Walk the Line
Constant Gardner
Crash
Memoirs of a Geisha
March of the Penguins
Chronicles of Narnia
King Kong
Hustle & Flow
Soundtrack from Brokeback Mountain
Have not yet been released on DVD:
Brokeback Mountain
Syriana
Tsotsi
A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin
So here they are:
BEST PICTURE
Crash
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Capote
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Reese Witherspoon - Walk the Line
DIRECTING
Ang Lee - Brokeback Mountain
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
George Clooney - Syriana
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Rachel Weisz - The Constant Gardener
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
SCREENPLAY (Adapted)
Brokeback Mountain
SCREENPLAY (Original)
Crash
ART DIRECTION
Memoirs of a Geisha
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Memoirs of a Geisha
COSTUME DESIGN
Memoirs of a Geisha
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
March of the Penguins
DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin
FILM EDITING
Crash
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Tsotsi
MAKEUP
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
MUSIC (SCORE)
Gustavo Santaolalla - Brokeback Mountain
MUSIC (SONG)
"It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" - Hustle & Flow
SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
The Moon and the Son: An Imagined Conversation
SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
Six Shooter
SOUND EDITING
King Kong
SOUND MIXING
King Kong
VISUAL EFFECTS
King Kong
Call the Reference Desk at 610-655-6355 to place hold:
Walk the Line
Constant Gardner
Crash
Memoirs of a Geisha
March of the Penguins
Chronicles of Narnia
King Kong
Hustle & Flow
Soundtrack from Brokeback Mountain
Have not yet been released on DVD:
Brokeback Mountain
Syriana
Tsotsi
A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin
So here they are:
BEST PICTURE
Crash
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Capote
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Reese Witherspoon - Walk the Line
DIRECTING
Ang Lee - Brokeback Mountain
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
George Clooney - Syriana
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Rachel Weisz - The Constant Gardener
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
SCREENPLAY (Adapted)
Brokeback Mountain
SCREENPLAY (Original)
Crash
ART DIRECTION
Memoirs of a Geisha
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Memoirs of a Geisha
COSTUME DESIGN
Memoirs of a Geisha
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
March of the Penguins
DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin
FILM EDITING
Crash
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Tsotsi
MAKEUP
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
MUSIC (SCORE)
Gustavo Santaolalla - Brokeback Mountain
MUSIC (SONG)
"It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" - Hustle & Flow
SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
The Moon and the Son: An Imagined Conversation
SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
Six Shooter
SOUND EDITING
King Kong
SOUND MIXING
King Kong
VISUAL EFFECTS
King Kong
Thursday, March 02, 2006
New Nonfiction
Here is a selection of new nonfiction titles that were recently ordered.
Clicking on the title will link you to the Amazon record.
To place a hold on the title click on the "catalog" link, or call 610-655-6355 to have a reference librarian place the hold.
360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization by John C. Maxwell - catalog
Debunking myths and shedding light on the challenges, Maxwell offers specific principles for leading down, leading up, and leading across--360-degree leadership. By applying Maxwell's principles, readers will expand their influence and ultimately be a more valuable team member.
At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68 by Taylor Branch - catalog
The final volume of Branch's magisterial history of the Civil Rights movement is a powerful rendering of Martin Luther King Jr.'s final years. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author argues that King has earned a place next to Abraham Lincoln in American history. Parting the Waters and Pillar of Fire are the first two titles in the series.
Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters by Dick Winters - catalog
Winters' memoir, based on his wartime diary, includes the untold stories of his comrades--the Band of Brothers who suffered 150 percent casualties while liberating Europe.
Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell by Mark Kurlansky - catalog
From the bestselling author of "Salt" and "Cod" comes the fascinating history of the oyster's influence on four centuries of cultural, economic, and culinary trends--with recipes throughout.
Colony: The Harrowing True Story of the Exiles of Molokai by John Tayman - catalog
In the bestselling tradition of "In the Heart of the Sea" comes the untold history of America's only leper colony--which exists even today--and the extraordinary people forced to create a community under horrific circumstances.
Dave Barry's Money Secrets: Like: Why Is There a Giant Eyeball on the Dollar? by Dave Barry - catalog
Bringing readers everything they need to know--and more--about the stock market, big business, and the art of making and losing money, and how the furniture in the CEO's office affects your portfolio, Barry presents his first nonfiction book in five years.
Five-Star Living on a Two-Star Budget by Margaret Feinberg and Natalie Gillespie - catalog
Readers will find ways to obtain five-star travel, entertainment, dining, and educational experiences while staying within a two-star budget. They'll discover three basic rules for saving money on flights, eating out, big-ticket items, and family activities.
Hershey: Milton S. Hershey's Extraordinary Life of Wealth, Empire, and Utopian Dreams by Michael D’Antonio - catalog
D'Antonio pens the first full biography of one of the most successful and unusual business titans of the 20th century--Milton Hershey--and a startling history of how his commanding fortune shaped a unique utopian legacy.
Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling by Wayne W. Dyer - catalog
Each chapter in this book is filled with specifics for living an inspired life. From a very personal viewpoint, the bestselling author of "The Power of Intention" offers a blueprint through the world of spirit to inspiration.
Manhunt: The 12 Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson - catalog
Combining historical research with page-turning narration, this is the first book devoted to the 12 dramatic days between the murder of President Abraham Lincoln and the capture of his killer.
Number: A Completely Different Way to Think about the Rest of Your Life by Lee Eisenberg - catalog
Backed by imaginative reporting and insights, Eisenberg urges people to assume control and responsibility for their standard of living, and take greater aim on their long-term aspirations. Not an investment guide, this is a revealing look at common financial and emotional conflicts and how to control them.
P. Allen Smith's Colors for the Garden: Creating Compelling Color Themes by P. Allen Smith - catalog
In this landmark guide to transforming garden settings into living works of art, bestselling author and celebrity home garden designer P. Allen Smith draws on his talents as both master gardener and artist to offer simple ways to create gardens that burst with color.
Podcasting Pocket Guide by Jack Herrington et al. - catalog
With more than 3,000 feeds in the iPodder directory and at least ten more being added every day, podcasting is undeniably hot. "Podcasting Pocket Guide" is a nontechnical guide for the non-geek who wants in on this revolutionary new online medium--for those interested in enjoying the best podcasts or producing them.
Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller - catalog
Written in the author's cheeky chick style, this heavily illustrated book--featuring four-color photographs and instructional illustrations throughout--is chock-full of instruction, inspiration, and to-die-for designs, from a fishnet skullcap to a lacy evening wrap.
Very New Orleans: A Celebration of History, Culture, and Cajun Country Charm by Diana Hollingsworth Gessler - catalog
In vibrant watercolors and detailed sketches, artist Diana Gessler captures the unique charm that makes New Orleans alluring: Mardi Gras, the Cabildo, Jackson Square, the Court of the Two Sisters, St. Louis Cemetery, the Jazz Festival, the River Road Plantations, the Cajun country, sumptuous Creole cuisine, and Audubon's Aquarium of the Americas.
Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook by Weight Watchers - catalog
Readers will find variety on every page of this thoroughly revised edition, whether they're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or something special to spice up a weekend brunch. From Roasted Broccoli with Cumin-Chipotle Butter to Chocolate Fondue--with choices ranging from classic comfort foods to zesty international dishes, boredom is never on the menu.
Clicking on the title will link you to the Amazon record.
To place a hold on the title click on the "catalog" link, or call 610-655-6355 to have a reference librarian place the hold.
360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization by John C. Maxwell - catalog
Debunking myths and shedding light on the challenges, Maxwell offers specific principles for leading down, leading up, and leading across--360-degree leadership. By applying Maxwell's principles, readers will expand their influence and ultimately be a more valuable team member.
At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68 by Taylor Branch - catalog
The final volume of Branch's magisterial history of the Civil Rights movement is a powerful rendering of Martin Luther King Jr.'s final years. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author argues that King has earned a place next to Abraham Lincoln in American history. Parting the Waters and Pillar of Fire are the first two titles in the series.
Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters by Dick Winters - catalog
Winters' memoir, based on his wartime diary, includes the untold stories of his comrades--the Band of Brothers who suffered 150 percent casualties while liberating Europe.
Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell by Mark Kurlansky - catalog
From the bestselling author of "Salt" and "Cod" comes the fascinating history of the oyster's influence on four centuries of cultural, economic, and culinary trends--with recipes throughout.
Colony: The Harrowing True Story of the Exiles of Molokai by John Tayman - catalog
In the bestselling tradition of "In the Heart of the Sea" comes the untold history of America's only leper colony--which exists even today--and the extraordinary people forced to create a community under horrific circumstances.
Dave Barry's Money Secrets: Like: Why Is There a Giant Eyeball on the Dollar? by Dave Barry - catalog
Bringing readers everything they need to know--and more--about the stock market, big business, and the art of making and losing money, and how the furniture in the CEO's office affects your portfolio, Barry presents his first nonfiction book in five years.
Five-Star Living on a Two-Star Budget by Margaret Feinberg and Natalie Gillespie - catalog
Readers will find ways to obtain five-star travel, entertainment, dining, and educational experiences while staying within a two-star budget. They'll discover three basic rules for saving money on flights, eating out, big-ticket items, and family activities.
Hershey: Milton S. Hershey's Extraordinary Life of Wealth, Empire, and Utopian Dreams by Michael D’Antonio - catalog
D'Antonio pens the first full biography of one of the most successful and unusual business titans of the 20th century--Milton Hershey--and a startling history of how his commanding fortune shaped a unique utopian legacy.
Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling by Wayne W. Dyer - catalog
Each chapter in this book is filled with specifics for living an inspired life. From a very personal viewpoint, the bestselling author of "The Power of Intention" offers a blueprint through the world of spirit to inspiration.
Manhunt: The 12 Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson - catalog
Combining historical research with page-turning narration, this is the first book devoted to the 12 dramatic days between the murder of President Abraham Lincoln and the capture of his killer.
Number: A Completely Different Way to Think about the Rest of Your Life by Lee Eisenberg - catalog
Backed by imaginative reporting and insights, Eisenberg urges people to assume control and responsibility for their standard of living, and take greater aim on their long-term aspirations. Not an investment guide, this is a revealing look at common financial and emotional conflicts and how to control them.
P. Allen Smith's Colors for the Garden: Creating Compelling Color Themes by P. Allen Smith - catalog
In this landmark guide to transforming garden settings into living works of art, bestselling author and celebrity home garden designer P. Allen Smith draws on his talents as both master gardener and artist to offer simple ways to create gardens that burst with color.
Podcasting Pocket Guide by Jack Herrington et al. - catalog
With more than 3,000 feeds in the iPodder directory and at least ten more being added every day, podcasting is undeniably hot. "Podcasting Pocket Guide" is a nontechnical guide for the non-geek who wants in on this revolutionary new online medium--for those interested in enjoying the best podcasts or producing them.
Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller - catalog
Written in the author's cheeky chick style, this heavily illustrated book--featuring four-color photographs and instructional illustrations throughout--is chock-full of instruction, inspiration, and to-die-for designs, from a fishnet skullcap to a lacy evening wrap.
Very New Orleans: A Celebration of History, Culture, and Cajun Country Charm by Diana Hollingsworth Gessler - catalog
In vibrant watercolors and detailed sketches, artist Diana Gessler captures the unique charm that makes New Orleans alluring: Mardi Gras, the Cabildo, Jackson Square, the Court of the Two Sisters, St. Louis Cemetery, the Jazz Festival, the River Road Plantations, the Cajun country, sumptuous Creole cuisine, and Audubon's Aquarium of the Americas.
Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook by Weight Watchers - catalog
Readers will find variety on every page of this thoroughly revised edition, whether they're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or something special to spice up a weekend brunch. From Roasted Broccoli with Cumin-Chipotle Butter to Chocolate Fondue--with choices ranging from classic comfort foods to zesty international dishes, boredom is never on the menu.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Poet John Yamrus
Reading Public Library presents...
Poet
John Yamrus
reading from his latest volume of poetry
One Step at a Time
John Yamrus is the author of 2 novels and 13 volumes of poetry, and has more than 700 poems, articles, and essays published around the world.
Come and meet the author, revel in an evening of poetry, and enjoy a discussion of the writing process.
The author will have copies of "One Step at a Time" available for sale and signing at the event.
When: Thursday, March 16, 2006
6:15 - 7:00
(open-ended discussion to follow)
Where: City Espresso
124 S. 5th St.
The program is free, but pre-registration is requested.
To sign up, call 610-655-6555 or visit the Reference Desk at the Reading Public Library, 100 South Fifth Street, Reading.
Refreshments will be available for purchase from City Espresso.
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