The Wordy Shipmates

The Wordy Shipmates
by Sarah Vowell

I listened to the audio version of Sarah Vowell's latest book about the Puritans who founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony 10 years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth. Using research from primary sources as well as anecdotes from her own life, Sarah Vowell brings these people to life. If, like me, your sense of these early settlers comes mainly from elementary school social studies, this is the book for you. The audio version is read wonderfully by the author with many guest stars taking the parts of the principal Puritans.

- Linda

Divine Justice

Divine Justice
by David Baldacci

Being the fourth book in Baldacci’s Camel Club series, he does not disappoint. Just as enjoyable as the first three books. If I like a writer, I will try to read all of their books. David Baldacci is a great writer. His story lines keep you guessing and his characters are very memorable. If you enjoy a fast-paced suspense, you will definitely like this and probably all of David Baldacci’s books.

- Patti

An Irish Country Christmas

An Irish Country Christmas

by Patrick Taylor

The wonderful characters of Dr. Fingal Flahertie O’ Reilly, his young protégé Dr. Barry Laverty, and their housekeeper Kinky are brought to life again in An Irish Country Christmas. Share their warmth, humor, and holiday traditions, and get to know the patients and people living in the cozy Irish village of Ballybucklebo.

Other delightful books by this author are An Irish Country Doctor and An Irish Country Village. You will enjoy reading how Dr. Laverty came to Ballybucklebo to join Dr. O’Reilly’s medical practice and how he gained the trust and respect of Kinky, the village, and Dr. O’Reilly.

- Rose

Comments from our Thursday Afternoon Book Club

Water For Elephants
by: Sara Gruen

Five out of five coffee cups that's what the Ladies of the Book Club gave this fabulous read last Thursday at our monthly meeting (1:30, second Thursday of the month, Burton Library). It's not often we agree so completely on a selection, but this love story set in the early years of the depression and prohibition thrilled us from beginning to end. Against the back drop of a circus train Jacob Janowski rides the rails, falls in love and cares for an elephant. Reminiscing as an elderly man he weaves his tale while sharing the wisdom and insights that come from being in his nineties. It is a book that may read quickly, but will stay with you long after you finish.

Debbie Barber
The Ladies of the Book Club

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins

Set in a futuristic society (the former USA) run by "The Capitol," the country of Panem is a police state divided into 12 districts. Though some of the districts are fairly well off, those in District 12, the coal district, are literally starving. Sixteen-year old Katniss Everdeen feeds her family by hunting illegally. Each year, The Capitol hosts "The Hunger Games" - a televised contest in which one boy and one girl from each district are chosen by lottery to compete. The contest is on live television and the players compete to the death until only one teen remains. This winner then returns home to a life of luxury. All citizens of Panem are required to watch and many give money to sponsor favored contestants. When Katniss' gentle 12-year-old sister is chosen in the lottery, Katniss volunteers to take her place. Though the plot sounds like something I wouldn't enjoy reading, I could not put this book down. Katniss is absolutely compelling in her maturity, empathy and skill. Yes, there is bloodshed but it is tempered by the fast pace and twists and turns of plot. This is a terrific read!

-Linda

Dewey

Dewey
by Vicki Myron

A cat, a library, and a small midwest town. Need I say more?

I loved the story of Dewey, the abandoned cat, who lived at the Spencer Library for 19 years. A quick and heart-warming read!

- Dixie

Too Close To Home

Too Close to Home
by Linwood Barclay

This is the first time I have read this author. He is very, very good. I plan to read his other books as well.

In this particular book, a very bad thing happens in a good neighborhood in small-town upstate New York. The author paints a very believable picture of a middle-class family dealing with the issues of their life, and then something turns their lives upside-down. I don't want to give anything away, but if you like fast-paced suspense, you will like this book.

- Patti

Songbird

Songbird - by Eva Cassidy
(cd)

Eva Cassidy has the voice of an angel. Her music was little known during her lifetime, but she gained fame after her death in 1996. Her rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow took my breath away. She sings everything - jazz, gospel, folk, and more, and she sings everything well. Her music will touch your heart.

- Kathy S.

Lightning

Lightning
by Dean Koontz

I truly enjoyed this story and simply did not want to stop listening to Christopher Lane's narration. This is an older book, copyright 1988, but it's still great entertainment.

This story with a twist includes tragedy, suspense, and an element that I don't want to share - I don't want to spoil it for you.

I highly recommend this book by Dean Koontz.

- Beckie

No Reservations

No Reservations
with Anthony Bourdain
(DVD)

If you haven't seen No Reservations on the Travel Channel you are in for a treat. Anthony Bourdain is a hip chef who is willing to try just about anything. As he travels around the globe, he learns about the culture as well as the food. For being a seasoned foodie, he is surprisingly down to earth.

In Collection 3 he visits Cleveland and spends time with Michael Ruhlman and Harvey Pekar. He also visits Russia, LA, and Hong Kong among other places. Make some snacks (you will want to eat while watching this) and find out why he is called the "gastronomic Indiana Jones".

-Holly

People of the Book

People of the Book
by Geraldine Brooks

I have a fascination with history and enjoy when a book combines history with mystery. This book is based on a true account. It is the story of the creation of an illumined Haggadah and its travels down through the centuries to its final resting place in Sarajevo. Hanna Heath, a rare book expert, is offered the job of a lifetime. She is hired to analyze and conserve a mysterious illumined Hebrew manuscript. As she inspects the book, she discovers a series of tiny artifacts in the book’s ancient binding. These lead her on a journey into the book’s past to the people who created it and protected it over hundreds of years.

It is a story of courage and perseverance. With her wonderful storytelling gift Ms. Brooks takes you from the present to the past and back again.

-Pat Hauser

Sister's Choice

Sister's Choice
by Emilie Richards

Jamie Dunkirk knows how much her sister and brother-in-law, Kendra and Isaac, long for a baby of their own, so she offers a very special gift . . . to become a surrogate. Jamie is also hoping this will mend her relationship with Kendra and she will be forgiven.

This book was very touching and held my interest from the very beginning. I am looking forward to reading other Shenandoah Album novels by Emilie Richards.

- Rose

A Cedar Cove Christmas

A Cedar Cove Christmas

by Debbie Macomber

It's the holiday season and Mary Jo Wyse is single and pregnant. The baby's father, David Rhodes, has not contacted Mary Jo but she remembered he was spending Christmas with his father and stepmother is Cedar Cove. Mary Jo goes to Cedar Cove to find David, but instead finds comfort with strangers who open their hearts and homes to her. This is a delightful Christmas story that will warm your heart.

- Rose

My Stroke of Insight

My Stroke of Insight

by Jill Bolte Taylor Ph.D.

I read this book on the recommendation from one of our library patrons. I'm so glad that I did. The author is a Harvard-trained brain scientist who experienced a massive brain stroke in 1996. The story is fascinating told from her point of view along with her knowledge of how the brain works. Very insightful and helpful for anyone dealing with a brain-injured patient.

- Dixie

The Hiding Place

The Hiding Place

by Corrie Ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker who became a heroine of the Resistance during World War II and a survivor of one of Hitler's concentration camps. This is a very riveting story of how she and her family risked their lives to help Jewish people and underground workers escape from the Nazis. Only Corrie among her family survived to tell the story of how faith ultimately triumphs over evil. This unforgettable and inspirational story was also made into a movie, of which I look forward to watching!

- Ann