Long Hill Reads!

Simon's review of H.I.V.E. by Mark Walden

2011-08-25T14:44:00.004-04:00

Spoiler Alert!!!

After trying to escape the malicious control of H.I.V.E. in the first book, Otto Malpense has finally gotten used to the life of being a student there. He has several friends, including a boy named Wing Fanchu, who is his roommate.

Meanwhile, the principal of the school, Dr. Nero Maximilian, attends a top secret meeting for G.L.O.V.E., the Global League Of Villainous Enterprises. But while he is in the meeting, a mysterious nemesis of his, a male member of G.L.O.V.E. with a smooth flat glass mask named Cypher, tries to undermine his role as a vital to the organization. Later, Wing's father dies, so Wing decides to go to his funeral with Otto. However, once the two boys are there, Cypher shows up and kills Wing! So Otto and Raven, Dr. Nero's personal assassin and bodyguard, go chase Cypher in order to bring him to justice.

I think this book was awesome. I have never read this series before, so I am pretty pleased by the performance of this book. This novel, specifically centered for teenagers, really gives the reader what it is like to not be the good guy or the leading hero. Six stars!

Simon's review of A Dog's Purpose

2011-07-27T12:36:00.001-04:00

Title: A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

Genre: Animal /Realistic Fiction

Summary:

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to know what your dog may be thinking? If you read W. Bruce Cameron’s A Dog’s Purpose you may actually be able to understand this very curious concept. What has been only of our imaginative creativity has finally become our tangible reality. Experience the birth of a dog as the narrator, who is the canine, as he describes the sights, sounds, and smells of early birth and youth. However, after he dies in a dog pound, the dog is re-born as a Golden Retriever puppy! Confused by this turn of events, he starts to live his lives to find his purpose.

I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Louise reviews Matched by Ally Condie

2011-07-15T16:50:00.001-04:00

Title of Book: Matched

Author of Book: Ally Condie

Review of Book: Matched is an awesome book! This book was about a girl named Cassia, a girl living in the future of the USA, called the Society. The Society tries to keep everything neat and perfect, and they make regulations on everything about you. Here, Cassia has to go to a Matching ceremony, (where the Society chooses who she and other teens her age will marry) and when her best friend Xander appears on her screen, she is ecstatic, but then she briefly sees the face of another boy but soon disappear on the screen. The face of this boy was Ky Markham, an outcast in the Society because of his father. Throughout the book, Cassia gets to know Ky Markham, and starts questioning the Society, and threatening them. I’d recommend this book to anyone who liked the Hunger Games trilogy, and other books like the Hunger Games.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Throne of Fire reviewed by Louise C.

2011-07-13T12:43:00.002-04:00

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan is about 2 kids, Sadie Kane and Carter Kane, who are the descendants of famous Pharaohs, Narmer and Ramesses the Great. Sadie Kane and Carter Kane are the strongest magicians of all time, and are sent to stop Apophis, the god of snakes. Along the way, they befriend other magicians but meet other evil magicians such as Vladimir, and together try to find the 3 scrolls of Ra to stop Apophis from ruling over the world. These scrolls will help Ra rise again, and defeat Apophis, but are very hard to find. Thus, with help from their new trainees, Jaz and Walt, and their friend, Bast, they go search for the scrolls. This book is exciting for people who enjoy adventure and fantasy.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Truth About Forever reviewed by Louise C.

2011-07-13T12:39:00.002-04:00

The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen is a book about a girl named Macy who volunteers to work at a store. Right before she has a job there though, Jason, Macy’s boyfriend, goes away to “Smart Camp” over the summer, and things get tense between the two. Macy meets new friends along the way, and meets another boy, named Wes. Although she doesn’t realize it, Macy starts to have a crush on Wes- even though things are already complicated with Jason. Then, she gets an email from Jason, saying that he’ll be home soon – to meet him at the library. Macy has complications trying to figure out who she wants to be with, and if you want to see who she ends up with, read the book!

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan reviewed by Louise C.

2011-07-08T15:34:00.002-04:00

The Lost Hero is a book for people who like suspenseful stories and action. The three main characters are Jason, Piper, and Leo, and they are on a quest to help Hera, the Greek Goddess. They all have different paths however, such as Jason wants his memory back (his memory got erased once he arrived at the Greek camp) Piper wants to rescue her father and live a normal life, and Leo wants to practice more with fire. The Lost Hero is related to the Percy Jackson series, so if you enjoyed those books, you’ll love The Lost Hero!

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars!

Catching Fire reviewed by Louise C.

2011-07-01T10:02:00.003-04:00

Louise C. reviewed Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins:

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!

Catching Fire is the second book in the Hunger Games series. Catching Fire is about a false romance to keep Katniss's and Peeta's (the two main protagonists) families and friends from harm. This is because ever since the two decided to try and commit suicide together, at the last moment they were both crowned the victors of The Hunger Games. Because of this, President Snow (the antagonist) has gotten furious that this might start another uprising against the Capitol. Soon, President Snow declares a Quarter Quell. (The Quarter Quell is like the Hunger Games, except for the victors of the Hunger Games, and is held every 4 years - like the Olympics.) See what happens there!

Star rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Bad Beginning reviewed by Louise C

2011-07-01T10:01:00.002-04:00

Louise C reviewed The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket:

I've read this book at least 4 times and it always gets better and better. The Bad Beginning is probably written for people around 4th to 5th grade, but it can also be enjoyable to other, more older, people too. This book is about three orphaned children named Violet, Klaus and Sunny who's parents had died in a fire. Thus, they are sent to live with Count Olaf (their supposed uncle) that they have never met before. Count Olaf turns out to be a liar about being related to the Baudelaires, doesn't treat the orphans well, and wants to steal the Baudelaire's fortune.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Hunger Games reviewed by Louise C

2011-07-01T10:00:00.002-04:00

Louise C reviewed The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

The Hunger Games’s setting lies in Panem. Panem is the future form of the United States of America, and is separated into 13 colonies. Also, it is a television-dominated dictatorship by the Capitol. The Hunger Games was formed when District 13 led a revolt against the Capitol, but lost. In return, each year 24 teenagers (2 from each district) are picked to fight to their death in an arena. The protagonist in this book is Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl who lives in a very poor community called the Seam in District 12. Katniss became part of The Hunger Games when her 12 year old sister, Prim, was selected to participate in The Hunger Games. Devastated, Katniss desperately volunteers to take her place. However, during the Games Katniss develops a fond for another contestant, Peeta Mellark, the baker’s son (16) who is also from District 12; and this complicates her journey through The Games.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Forget Me Knot by Sue Margolis

2011-04-18T18:30:00.002-04:00

Lori P. writes: A confused phone conversation was my introduction to Abby, the main character, ad the British humor that infuses this novel kept me chuckling all the way through. Forget Me Knot was a fun read, hard to put down. It felt like a modern-day fairy tale that drew me in and had me rooting for the various characters to find their bliss. This blind date turned out quite well! *This review came from our Valentine's Day "blind date with a book" program.

Lucia Lucia by Adriana Trigiani

2011-03-25T13:25:00.002-04:00

Helen Y writes: Smiled when I opened this one - had read it a year or two ago, but reread it. It is charming, full of tradition, values, family, very convincing and actually an up beat ending. Yes recommended!

Intuition by Allegra Goodman

2011-02-25T13:11:00.002-05:00

Kim S. writes: The story revolves around lab scientists and a supposed scientific breakthrough on treatment for tumors. However allegations are thrown on the result data, leading to an investigation which touches the lives of multiple characters. I thought the book was well-written and tells a good story. Character development was good, and the story seemed very plausible.

Don't Tell a Soul by David Rosenfelt

2011-02-15T17:13:00.002-05:00

Darcie S. writes: This book was great! It kept me guessing till the very end. If you like a good thriller this is for you. I definitely recommend it.

*This review is from our Valentine's "blind date with a book" program. Check out one of our Valentine books at the Long Hill Library now through February 21st!

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

2011-02-11T13:02:00.002-05:00

Darcie S. writes: Imagine my surprise when I unwrapped my most favorite book ever! It's been a long time since I read it so it's great to read it again. I love the use of literary characters in this book. It's so clever.

*This review came from our Valentine's "blind date with a book" program. Come check one out now through Feb 21st!

Congrats to our grand prize winners

2010-09-12T13:13:00.000-04:00

Congrats to our grand prize winners! Lucy B won the grand prize for the Teen Summer Reading Club and Lynne T won the grand prize for the Adult Summer Reading Club. Each of them received a $25 gift card to Borders. Happy Reading!

Mary

Esparanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

2010-09-07T17:22:00.000-04:00

Brianne O. writes: EXCELLENT! Great for kids.

The Case has Altered by Martha Grimes

2010-09-07T17:21:00.001-04:00

Christine B. writes: An excellent murder mystery with deep and compelling characters. I will definitely look up othe by books by Martha Grimes.

Congrats to this week's winners!

2010-09-07T17:20:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to the winners of this week's summer reading raffle! Ruthann D. is our adult winner and Johanna M. is our teen winner.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson

2010-08-28T11:22:00.001-04:00

Lynne T writes: excellent read

Days of Gold by Jude Deveraux

2010-08-28T11:19:00.003-04:00

Christine B. writes: This is a sequel to Lavender Morning. The author goes back in time to tell the story of the founding of the town of Edilean. However, the main character behaves like a woman of 1970 not 1770. It fails as a historical novel and even the romance is mediocre. Not recommended.

Invasive Procedures by Orson Scott Card

2010-08-28T11:15:00.002-04:00

Christine B. writes: The cover of this book is very deceptive - it says Orson Scott Card in huge letters, but really he was a minor contributor. The reviews on the back turned out to be for a different book! Anyway, this book was mediocre in all aspects - characters, storyline, mystery, except for the science was simply ludicrous. Not recommended.

Congrats to this week's winners!

2010-08-28T11:14:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Chelsea S. who was this week's teen summer reading raffle winner and to Lynne T. who was this week's adult winner!

The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise: A Novel by Julia Stuart

2010-08-27T14:27:00.000-04:00

This charming story of a Beefeater at the Tower of London is filled with quirky characters. This book is alternately funny and touching. A must read for Anglophiles who will learn Tower trivia while following the lives of some of its inhabitants.

Diane C.

The Jury (A Paul Madriani Novel) by Stever Martini

2010-08-20T14:43:00.001-04:00

Christine B. writes: An interesting trial story with a good mystery. I've read this series before and I like the characters. They are very realistic - no James Bond antics. Steve Martini tells good stories about realistic people caught up in the legal system.

Congrats to this week's winners!

2010-08-20T14:42:00.001-04:00

This week, our congratulations go out to Florine B. who won the adult summer reading raffle, and to Hannah C. who won the teen summer reading raffle!

Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux

2010-08-13T14:09:00.002-04:00

Christine B. writes: This is a great romantic story with a mysterious twist. I'm looking forward to reading the sequels - lots of more characters to find out about. Jude Deveraux reminds me of Nora Roberts.

Chasing the Dime by Michael Connelly

2010-08-13T14:08:00.002-04:00

Christine B. writes: Another good mystery thriller from Michael Connelly. I have enjoyed many of his books. I like how he concentrates on the mystery rather than the violence. His characters are always very real and well developed.

Congrats to this week's winners!

2010-08-13T14:03:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to this week's summer reading raffle winners! Betty C. won the adult raffle and Caitlyn I. won the teen raffle.

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

2010-08-06T13:25:00.002-04:00

Kimberly C. writes: The Twilight series is a great story and an OK read. I read it so I could have meaningful conversations with my 12 year old daughter. Otherwise, I prefer my vampires by Anne Rice.

Congrats to this week's winners!

2010-08-06T13:23:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Suzy P who won the adult summer reading raffle for the week and to Lucy B. who won the teen summer reading raffle!

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2010-08-02T17:52:00.003-04:00

Marie S. writes: One of the best books I've read in ages! If you have been living under a rock and haven't read this yet, treat yourself. Set in early 1960s Mississippi, the narration in broken down into the points of view of 3 women - Miss Skeeter, a young white woman of an affluent family, and 2 African American women named Abileen and Minnie who work as maids to the families of Miss Skeeter's friends. The heart and soul of the novel is how these 3 women unite and form and unlikely friendship, and how the story reveals the different (and sometimes surprising) kinds of relationships between women of affluence and the women they employ. The characters are so full of life, humor, and charm, they are like people you've known your whole life. I absolutely recommend this novel to everyone. If you enjoyed "The Secret Life of Bees" you will absolutely like this book as well.

Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews

2010-08-02T17:51:00.001-04:00

Susan H. writes: Cute story - 1st book in a series. Good "chick" story with fun characters.

The Paper Marriage by Susan Kay Law

2010-08-02T17:48:00.002-04:00

Phyllis C. writes: Every day for the last 12 years Ann McCray has visited her husband at the nursing home. He has been in a coma from a car accident. The house next door is bought by a former professional baseball player whose teenage daughter, clad in Goth garb, is arriving for a summer visit. Ann befriends the daughter. An intersting dilemma confronts Ann who has always been true to her wedding vows.

The Year of the Monkey by Carole Berry

2010-08-02T17:46:00.003-04:00

Christine B. writes: A chick-lit murder mystery from from 1988, this book is pleasant but dated. Someone actually types in it and the computers are novel and it sounds like they were using basic commands. The financial illegalities are just a pale imitation of real world 2009, so nothing too exciting. Just OK.

Terminal Cafe by Ian McDonald

2010-08-02T17:44:00.002-04:00

Christine B. writes: An excellent science fiction book that is truly original. New technology has allowed resurrection of the dead who become a new class of workers and a new kind of humanity. We see the world change through the lives of six (live) friends. The characters are deep and fully formed. Sci-fi at its best.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

2010-08-02T17:43:00.001-04:00

John C. writes: This book was mysterious , funny, and had a magical touch! I would recommend it!

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

2010-08-02T17:40:00.002-04:00

Deborah V. writes: This book is a very interesting mystery about a stolen painting. Throughout the pages Petra and Calder discover each clue in many adventures. I liked this book because it shows that anyone can solve a baffling mystery. Also I think that Blue Balliett used sheer genius writing the plot, the clues, and of course the mystery. I recommend this book to mystery lovers and deep thinkers because you really have to put two and two together to solve the crime. I enjoyed this book very much and I hope you try to solve this mystery that even stumps the FBI!

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

2010-08-02T17:36:00.002-04:00

Sarah B. writes: This book was hilarious! Though it was true stories about the Appalacian trail and Bill's hikes, the book was far from dry. When Bill Bryson himself decided to hike the Appalacian trail, he endured comical mishaps, heartening triumphs, and most of all, pondered the possibility of coming face-to-face with a bear. I would recommend this book to boys and girls, middle school and up.

Congrats to this week's winners!

2010-08-02T17:34:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Ashley L. who was the teen winner of the week, and Sally S. who was the adult winner of the week!

The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier

2010-07-26T17:32:00.002-04:00

Marie S. writes: This novel set in France goes back and forth in narration between two women - a modern American expatriot and her 16th century ancestor. It is interesting to see how the lives of the two women parallel and relate to each other. Good read, but not as good as Tracy Chevalier's other novel Girl with a Pearl Earring. Recommended, especially to readers who enjoy historical fiction.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2010-07-26T17:31:00.002-04:00

Stephanie H. writes: Great read - interesting characters.

My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira

2010-07-26T17:27:00.002-04:00

Phyllis C. writes: A great historical novel set in the Civil War era. Mary Sutter, a midwife, aspires to become a surgeon. This novel follows her from Albany to New York (Manhattan City) to Washington D.C. and some of the early battles of the Civil War. I was impressed with the amount of research this author put into the book. A Great Read!

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

2010-07-26T17:26:00.002-04:00

Kimberly C. writes: This is a great story! I liked how the Bible was referenced but not copied. It is a great book to read if you want to appreciate the lives we live today as women.

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

2010-07-26T17:24:00.003-04:00

Julia S. writes: The best part about this book was finding out how Bethany was going to survive with one arm and live her surfing dream. I would recommend this book to people because it is about coming back to your dream and never giving up.

Trouble After School by Jerrold Beim

2010-07-26T17:21:00.003-04:00

Deborah V. writes: Trouble After School is about Lee Emerson who is a boy in eighth grade that is respectful and he tries hard in school. When Lee's mom gets a job he starts hanging out with the bad kids inculding the especially bad Terri. When Terri and the gang prepare to commit a large crime, Lee then has to make a decision. What I like about this book is that is hows how quickly things can change with one small decision. Really I LOVE this moral. I recommend this book because the happenings are realistic and it reveals real life situations. As one can see, decisions, even small ones, are important and effective.

Breakfast of Champions (or, "Goodbye, Blue Monday!" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

2010-07-26T17:18:00.002-04:00

Rachel B. writes: I'm working my way through Vonnegut's collection of works and while I did enjoy this novel, it wasn't as good as Cat's Cradle or Slaughterhouse Five. However, it acted as an excellent satire of everyday life on Earth ("the dying planet"), complete with pen-and-ink illustrations by Vonnegut. This book was Vonnegut's 50th birthday to himself, and he includes himself in the novel. The story has an excellent ending. Hilarious.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling

2010-07-26T17:17:00.000-04:00

Emma M. writes: This book was very thrilling and enjoyable. I just couldn't stop reading it. I would definitely recommend it to other people.

Congrats to this week's winners!

2010-07-26T17:16:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Alexandra S. who was this week's teen winner and to Kimberly C. who was this week's adult winner!

The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss

2010-07-16T14:37:00.006-04:00

Deborah V. writes: This book was amazing! It described the truth of what happened to people of the Jewish religion during the holocaust. This book was about young Annie (Johanna Reiss) who had a normal life, but when Hitler became stronger in the German government, her life was changed forever. She tells her story of hiding with the Oostervelds in Usselo and how she survived the holocaust. I LOVED this book because it showed that no matter what happens there's hope for one another. Also, I recommend this book because it tells a great story, and a fantastic moral! Altogether, this book is AMAZING, and it shows a great sorce of hope to everyone!

The Color of Water by James McBride

2010-07-16T14:37:00.003-04:00

Katie D. writes: I liked the book because it taught important lessons and made me realize the differences between the lives of people.

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

2010-07-16T14:36:00.000-04:00

Katie D. writes: I loved this book for the action and suspense, and would definitely recommend it to other people.

The Alchemist by Michael Scott

2010-07-16T14:35:00.002-04:00

Annika C. writes: Any fantasy/fiction/adventure readers would love this bovel or just young adults. The use of magic and alchemy that Scott incorporates into the book brings the characters to life.

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

2010-07-16T14:33:00.001-04:00

Sarah B. writes: This book was very odd, and somewhat frustrating. However, it was very interesting and kept me reading as more and more information about the characters was revealed each chapter. I would recommend this book to teenage girls.

The Color of Water by James McBride

2010-07-16T14:27:00.002-04:00

Sarah B. writes: The Color of Water was an excellent true story told by James McBride about his life as a black child grouping up with 11 siblings, a white mother, amd his stepfather's death. McBride's story is interchanged with the story of his mother's life every other chapter, and both stories are riveting, enlightening, and unbelievable. I would recommend this book to boys and girls of the high school level or above.

Welcome to the Monkey House by Kurt Vonnegut

2010-07-16T14:13:00.004-04:00

I highly recommend this book of vastly diverse short stories by Kurt Vonnegut in the 1950s. The collection ranges from heartwarming love stories to creepy science fiction visions of the future to the best of Vonnegut's sarcastic comedy.

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

2010-07-16T14:13:00.001-04:00

Lucy B. writes: AMAZING!

When the Wind Blows by James Patterson

2010-07-16T14:11:00.002-04:00

Simon A. writes: I liked this book since this was the prequel to The Lake House and it is probably where James Patterson got his idea to write the Maximum Ride series.

Key of Knowledge by Nora Roberts

2010-07-16T14:10:00.001-04:00

Christine B. writes: This is the second book in the Key Trilogy. It was as romantically and mystically satisfying as the first. A great summer read, light and steamy. Recommended.

Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian

2010-07-16T14:09:00.003-04:00

Kimberly C. writes: I am not a mystery fan, but Chris Bohjalian's books always unfold like mysteries and often have unexpected endings, which I love. This book was good but he has better ones.

Key of Light by Nora Roberts

2010-07-16T14:06:00.002-04:00

Christine B. writes: Nora Roberts again pleases with an excellent love stort tied together with a mystical puzzle. I can hardly wait to start the second book. If you are in the mood for a romance, this is highly recommended.

The Scent of the Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard

2010-07-16T14:03:00.002-04:00

P. C. writes: At the age of 3 Jody Linders father was murdered and her mother disappeared. Twenty years later the man found guilty of her father's murder was released from prison. Everyone in the family must adjust to this news, including the townspeople. Old wounds are reopened and startling revelations are uncovered. Good Read!

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

2010-07-16T14:02:00.001-04:00

Kimberly C. writes: It was a very compelling story. If you liked The Shack, you will like this book.

Key of Valor by Nora Roberts

2010-07-16T14:01:00.000-04:00

Christine B. writes: A great finale to the Key Trilogy. Nora Roberts manages to keep the material fresh and add a twist at the end. Highly recommended.

Congratulations to this week's winners!

2010-07-16T13:59:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the winners of week 3 of our summer reading club! Angela C. won the teen raffle and Florine B. won the adult raffle.

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

2010-07-09T15:14:00.005-04:00

Laura P. writes: INCREDIBLE! I couldn't put this book down. Beautifully written - the characters felt real. Emotional, deep, amazing all around. Bender is a new favorite author of mine. Absolutely stunning book.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling

2010-07-09T15:14:00.001-04:00

Hannah C. writes: I liked that Harry speaks to snakes.

The Box by Richard Matheson

2010-07-09T15:06:00.002-04:00

Kimberly C. writes: This is a very enjoyable collection of short stories. If you like The Twilight Zone TV series, you will enjoy this author. (He actually wrote a few episodes of the original series.)

The Angel of Darkness by Caleb Carr

2010-07-09T15:03:00.001-04:00

Christine B. writes: This is a sequel to The Alchemist, which I enjoyed as an original CSI. However, this book suffers from a horrible wordiness, with the author describing every single detail and word to the point of numbness. Not recommended.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

2010-07-09T14:58:00.002-04:00

Christine B. writes: This is an eye-opening tale of a 50-year-old woman diagnozed with Alzheimer's. The author tells the story from the woman's point of view and it shows the hardship that she is living. It shows the challenges of the victim and her family. The reader can apply the wman's change of life to other hardships, too, and it makes us question our own lives and self-worth. Very intersting.

Congrats to this week's winners!

2010-07-09T14:40:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Christine B. who won this week's adult raffle and Brianne O. who won this week's teen raffle!

Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

2010-07-02T13:59:00.002-04:00

Rachel B. writes: A hilarious (and strange) satire of both religion and science. Vonnegut brilliantly creates the philosophy od Bokonism that guides the main character through this doomsday scenario. Commentary on the atomic bomb is also women in to the story.

The Million Dollar Shot by Dan Gutman

2010-07-02T13:58:00.000-04:00

Brianne O. writes: I LOVED this book. It had many page turners which kept me reading. Dan Gutman used a lot of descriptions so I can picture the book in my mind. I recommend this book to anybody who loves sports.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

2010-07-02T13:57:00.001-04:00

Hannah C. writes: I like that they use owls to deliver the mail.

"This I Believe" and "This I Believe II" by various authors

2010-07-02T13:54:00.002-04:00

This I Believe is a collection of 500-word or less essays dating back from the 1950s to the present day. The authors include famous people like Bill Gates, John McCain, and Albert Einstein, as well as a few ordinary people from across the country. The essays are poignant and inspiring, and focus on what people believe and how their beliefs manifest themselves in their lives. Amazing read.

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

2010-07-02T13:51:00.003-04:00

Laura P. writes: I've read Hemingway's other works and this one is easily one of my favorites. The narrator of the novel, Jake, is traveling Europe after serving in WWII after the war has ended. The way Hemingway portrays Jake's sadness, lonesomeness (even when with friends) and overall lack of meaning in life is so blatant and realistic that is almost hurts to read. (in a good way!)

The Alchemist by Michael Scott

2010-07-02T13:50:00.000-04:00

Annika C. writes: I really enjoyed reading this novel. I suggest any readers who like fantasy, adventure genres and alchemy should definitely consider The Alchemist.

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

2010-07-02T13:47:00.002-04:00

Sarah B. writes: This science fiction novel was riveting, and is filled with many entertaining short stories. Some tales were so outlandish that I was left thinking "what!?" but that merely made the novel all the more intriguing. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys science fiction or Bradbury's works.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

2010-07-02T13:45:00.002-04:00

Sarah B. writes: This novel is a non-fiction account of a daring yound adult's relinquishing of society as he abandons his family, friends, and most material possessions and heads out into the wild. This novel was excellent and I recommend it to anyone who loves adventures. Though it was a sad tale, hearing of Chris McCandless' amazing will to survive and the way he changed the lives of passerbys was interesting and heartwarming.

Crime Zero by Michael Cordy

2010-07-02T13:43:00.001-04:00

Christine B. writes: This book is a disappointing hybrid of crime novel and science fiction. The science fiction part is so cliched, it was an old idea when Kirk was split into hi snice half and his agressive half. Not recommended.

A Widow for One Year by John Irving

2010-07-02T13:40:00.002-04:00

Kimberly C. writes: This book is a very typical John Irving novel. Lots of characters, long time span, interesting relationships. I have enjoyed other novels by Irving so it was a pleasure to "get what I expected." This novel is especially interesting as most of the charactesr are writers and they often debate the topic of how "real life" influences a novelist. Knowing what I know about John Irving, the answer is apparent. I would recommend this book as well as some of his others:
A Prayer for Owen Meany (my favorite!), Hotel New Hampsire, The World According to Garp. I would NOT recomment The 158 Pound Marriage.

Bringing out the Dead by Joe Connelly

2010-07-02T13:21:00.002-04:00

Christine B. writes: This is a compelling, well written novel about a NYC paramedic descending into insanity. Although it is in the tradition of Catcher in the Rye, the main character is much more sympathetic than Holden Caufield. it is dark, but riveting. I highly recommend it.

Congrats to this week's winners!

2010-07-02T13:15:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the winners for the first week of our summer reading club! Christine B. was the adult winner and Johanna M. the teen winner!

Alone by Lisa Gardner

2010-03-22T17:13:00.001-04:00

Mona D. writes: Alone is a fast-paced suspense novel that gets you into the body of the characters and keeps you wanting more. Excellent unexpected twists. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quick read filled with interesting characters and an ending you will not see coming.

***This book review was from our Valentine "Blind Date with a Book" program***

Worst Case by James Patterson

2010-03-05T13:47:00.000-05:00

J. F. writes: Great - fast read.

Meditation by Jan Pursor

2010-03-05T13:40:00.002-05:00

Mary Ann H. writes: It was a very good book for helping you destress and meditate. It helps with relaxing and being fearful. Good book.

Lucia Lucia by Adriana Trigiani

2010-03-05T13:38:00.001-05:00

Helen Y. writes: Really refreshing. Gentle fiction beautifully worded tracing traditional family values.

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

2010-03-05T13:37:00.000-05:00

Amy K. writes: Yes, I would recommend it!

Erased by Marilee Strong

2010-03-05T13:33:00.001-05:00

Maria M. writes: An inside look in the mind of such psychopaths as Scott Peterson. It was not a crime of passion but of a man who found his wife "inconvenient". This book delineates other stories of these types of men and reveals their character traits. Ladies BEWARE!!!

Killer Weekend by Ridley Pearson

2010-03-05T13:29:00.002-05:00

Anna M. writes: The book was very exciting just in the first few pages of the Prologue! Then it got very thrilling when the assassin prepared to kill the attorney general when she announced her run for the presidency. I would highly recommend this book to others!

**This review came from our "Blind Date with a Book" Valentine program.

Congrats to this week's winner!

2010-03-05T13:28:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Anna M. who won this week's cabin fever raffle! Just a few more weeks to go!

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

2010-02-23T17:35:00.003-05:00

Marie S. writes: This was such an engaging memoir. It reads like a novel, so I kept forgetting that I was reading a real person's life story. Jeannette Walls tells the story of her life growing up with eccentric, alcoholic, and negligent parents, but does so with out seeming to hold a grudge or any animosity about her past. My favorite aspect of the book is that the narrative is told from a child's point of view, so it is interesting to see how her attitude toward her parents and their situation changes as she herself matures. The book reads quickly and easily, I definately recommend it to anyone, especially those who enjoy biographies.

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

2010-02-23T17:34:00.004-05:00

Diane D. writes: very enjoyable read

THe Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck

2010-02-23T17:34:00.003-05:00

Mary Ann D. writes: Great Christmas story

Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein

2010-02-23T17:31:00.001-05:00

Mary Ann H. writes: This book was very informative about health issues, wealth issues, and happiness. It informed you about retirement issues.

U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton

2010-02-23T17:28:00.001-05:00

Helen Y. writes: Sue continues her gift of smooth writing and gentle suspense. Always a satisfying read - yes I recommend it.

Don't Tell a Soul by Daniel Rosenfelt

2010-02-23T17:20:00.002-05:00

Maria M. writes: Fast-paced, interesting plot with good twists. I usually only read non-fiction, but I definately would recommend this book as it is smart, believable and a quick read. You don't want to put it down until the end. Good reading! A great date!

**This review was from our "blind date with a book" Valentine program.

Tuxedo Park by Jennett Conant

2010-02-23T17:18:00.002-05:00

Helen Y. writes: Astouding journal of a man I'd not heard of - doing research and physics to develop radar and loran - affected the outcome of the World War - fascinating biography.

Congrats to this week's winner!

2010-02-23T17:17:00.003-05:00

Contratulations to Helen Y. who won this week's Cabin Fever raffle!

Open Season by C. J. Box

2010-02-15T17:44:00.002-05:00

Darcie S. writes: This book had good characters and a great mystery! I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who is a mystery reader - it was a very successful "blind date" and I appreciate the efforts of the library and all their great work - Thank you for introducing me to a new author!

**This review was from our "Blind Date with a Book" Valentine program. Sound good? Come in to the library and check out one of our surprise Valentine books! Because who doens't like opening a present? - even if you do have to return it!

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

2010-02-15T17:39:00.003-05:00

Michelle S. writes: I loved this summer adventure of four sisters! There are lots of funny scenes driven by the imagination of children. The book has many dangerous and thrilling parts as well. A very easy read. I finished in just a few days. Each scene made me wonder what would happen next. The book takes place in Massachussets.

**This review was from our "Blind Date with a Book" Valentine program