Texts from Jane Eyre

By Mallory Ortberg, illustrated by Madeline Gobbo

A fast funny read featuring tongue-in-cheek "texts" from some of the most well-known authors in history (Plato, Jane Eyre, Rudyard Kipling, just to name a few) as well as fictional characters (Harry Potter, American Girls, and the cast of Gone with the Wind). A few of my favorite texts in this book come from Moby Dick, Edgar Allan Poe, and the Hunger Games cast of characters.

Dozens of literary characters are featured. You can read straight through or choose the characters that interest you from the table of contents.

Author Ortberg has gained fame as a writer for New York magazine, The Atlantic, and as co-editor of "The Toast" website. Visit it for more texts, thoughts on feminism, and book humor.

~ Paula

Buddhaland Brooklyn

by Richard C. Morais

Seido Oda is chosen to be a Buddhist monk at an early age.  He proves to be a very bright student of painting, poetry and English. He dedicates his life to be being a Buddhist scholar at the Japanese temple. When the temple leadership decides to expand to west, the middle-aged Seido makes the journey to Brooklyn, New York to be the priest at the soon to built temple.

Buddhaland Brooklyn follows the tradition of the "fish-out-of-water" tale.   I found this well-written story to be thought provoking, touching and downright funny at times.  Morais is the author of  "The Hundred-foot Journey" which was made into a movie.  If you liked the movie, try this novel.

-Holly

Snow White Red-Handed

A Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery
by Maia Chance

Joining the trend of Grimm-related entertainment, this story embraces the idea that the fairy tales aren't fiction, but based on real-life histories. It takes place in the Black Forest of Germany in 1867, and we're torn between wanting the murderer to be revealed and finding proof of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The main suspect continuously changes, and there is a touch of romance--but not too much!  The story moves very fast, which can be disappointing at times because you just want to stay in some of the towns a little longer, but it makes for an exciting read.  A great ending, and I can't wait for the next one!

~Becky

Sweet Paul Eat & Make: Charming Recipes and Kitchen Crafts You Will Love

by Paul Lowe

Sweet Paul is an adorable book of modern Scandinavian recipes and fun little crafts.  The recipes are delicious and simple enough that anyone can make them.  The crafts often re-purpose items that you have around the house to make sweet little things you can use or give as gifts.

I checked this book out 3 times before I bought a copy for home.  I love Sweet Paul's blog and magazine.   He is a large Finnish chef with the most lovable personality.  If you want to try new recipes and make your gifts yourself, you will love his book, blog or magazine.

P.S. He has lots of holiday craft ideas on his blog.
http://www.sweetpaulmag.com/make

-Holly

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

by Gabrielle Zevin

A.J. Fikry’s life is not what he expected it to be.  His wife has died and now his bookstore is experiencing the lowest sales volume since it opened.  Then something happens to totally change his life, a gift of sorts that makes his life worth living.  I truly enjoyed this book; it was very moving and an affirmation of why we read and why we love.  This title is available in all formats.

Beckie

Cooked

By Michael Pollan
Audio book format

Michael Pollan offers a new and unique twist on food with this non-fiction selection, examining the relationship of humans to food and food preparation through the four basic elements of earth, air, fire and water. Combining stories which include everything from nuances of yeast to our territorial claims of recipe origins, Pollan delivers a true learning experience. The history and transformation of some of our most basic and beloved culinary creations are revealed through his insightful observations in these four distinct arenas.

People spend less time than ever in the kitchen, yet we are more obsessed than ever with cooking. With that in mind, this book will cater to all foodies - the head chef and novice alike. As a fan of all things “cuisine”, I found Michael Pollan’s exploration of food a fascinating listen. Bon appétit!

~ Beth

Angels Walking

By Karen Kingsbury

Angels Walking is the first book in a new series by Karen Kingsbury. This story opens with 20 angels meeting in heaven to hear about the new mission they have before them. They are chosen for their compassion and understanding of the human heart. Two people need their help. Tyler Ames, a rising superstar baseball pitcher, and Sami Dawson, the only girl Tyler ever loved.
When Tyler is drafted into the minor leagues, he decides to take that route instead of a scholarship to college. His parents and his girlfriend all want him to go to college but he wants to be a superstar as soon as possible. When he leaves town to pursue his dream he and his parents are barely speaking. He even loses touch with Sami.

Just when Tyler thinks he has it made his life and plans come crashing down around him. He finds himself homeless, broke and relying on Oxycodone to get through the long days.
Meanwhile Sami has been getting on with her life. She has a successful boyfriend, a good job, a bright future. She has everything going for her. But is it right for her? She is starting to question it.
The two angels on assignment, Beck and Ember, need to restore hope to Tyler and Sami. Much is at stake for future generations. So begins the first mission of Angels Walking.

~ Dixie

An Irish Doctor in Peace and at War

By Patrick Taylor

I have always enjoyed the Irish Country series by Patrick Taylor. This latest book is no exception. He talks about his early years as a young doctor who is in love and plans to marry his sweetheart, Dierdre Mawhinney. Unfortunately, World War II puts a delay in his plans and takes him into the dangers of war. This book gives insight into the war from a totally different aspect.

Ballybucklebo is not ignored during the telling of this tale. Many different challenges are met by Fingal O’Reilly and his co-workers. Challenges include an outbreak of German measles and an odd tropical disease.

If you have enjoyed the Irish Country series by Patrick Taylor, I imagine you will also enjoy his latest installment. And if you have never read his series, I highly recommend you check it out. Copies are available in print and audio book.

~ Beckie

P.S. Click here to go to Patrick Taylor's website to learn more about the author and his books. He has a blog as well.

Perfect Witness

By Iris Johansen

Fifteen year old Teresa can read people's memories. Her Mafia father uses her talent to keep the upper-hand until he is murdered. Teresa flees to escape being used by her father's replacement. Mandak has been keeping an eye on Teresa because he has a problem he thinks her special talent will take care of.

Mandak rescues her from her pursuers and offers her a chance to learn how to control her talent in exchange for her help. Little did she know what she was getting into.

~ Rochelle

The Gathering

The first in the Darkness Rising series

By Kelley Armstrong

When you first meet Maya, a 16 year old girl living on Vancouver island, you think that her life is normal. She is quite mature for her age, has great friends, and amazing parents. Except that she lives in a medical research town, which is normal for her until a new kid links strange things that have been happening together and why everyone was chosen to live in this town.

I love reading Kelley Armstrong and this is one of my favorites of hers.

~ Crystal

Thug Kitchen

Not for the faint of heart, this cookbook is filled to the brim with words I won’t print here! It has its own website, Facebook page (with over a half million fans), Twitter feed, Tumblr account, and YouTube video (with “explicit” warning). The recipes are all very well explained, wonderful tips on food preparation scattered throughout, and it uses ingredients that I don’t have in my house but probably should. Most cookbooks that have these all-natural healthy meals (stuff like quinoa salad and red lentil burgers) are pretentious sounding, but this one is full of obscenities and luscious pictures. I can’t say I tried any of the recipes, because I just don’t keep chia seeds in my cupboard, but it made for a very entertaining read!

--Becky

Bridge to Haven

By Francine Rivers

I have liked every book I’ve read by Francine Rivers and this is no exception. This story is about Abra, the girl that was abandoned as a newborn in the small town of Haven. She is adopted by Pastor Freeman and his wife and they love her unconditionally. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Abra has to go live with a different family. Thus begins Abra’s belief that she has been an unwanted nobody since the day she was born.

When smooth talker Dylan comes to town, Abra falls hard and despite warnings from those who love her, she goes to Hollywood with him. Abra finds out quickly what is expected of her and what she needs to do to become “somebody”. The fame she enjoys for a season comes at a steep price. Will there ever be someone who loves her for who she really is?

All the time Abra is gone, many people in Haven hold her up in prayer. One particular young man, Joshua, never forgets her. He tries more than once to find her and finally thinks that she doesn’t want to be found. He needs to get on with his life.

Like her other books, I couldn’t put this book down. Can’t wait for the next one!

~ Dixie

Rare Birds of North America

By Steve N. G. Howell, Ian Lewington & Will Russell

We have many bird guides at the Burton Public Library - some of them are authoritative with excellent pictures and comprehensive text.  This is not one of those guides.  This book is for the experienced birder who is looking for the rare bird.

The pictures are downright lovely to look at!  The text is full of field identification information.  I found the comments section for each species to be the fun part.  It lists historical references to bird sightings as well as more recent accounts.  I have a lot to learn before I need this book, but for the real birder this book would be a nice find.

-Holly

A Sensible Arrangement

By Tracie Peterson

Marty Olson answers an ad for a Lone Star Bride. She agrees to marry Jake to escape Texas and the memories of her life on the ranch. Jake needs to satisify the board of the bank he works for, as they believe a man of his position should be married. Both being married before, Marty and Jake agree they are both past the romance and love and this is to be only an arrangement not a true marriage.

While Marty tries to fit into a new social class, things at the bank and in the economy start to fall apart. She doesn’t really like this life but it is keeping her far from Texas. Banks are closing across the country and it could happen to the bank where Jake works. Then where would they go? She does not want to return to Texas. Jake on the other hand is only working at the bank to save enough money to buy a ranch and return to Texas.

As they get to know each other better strong feelings grow between them. Marty should have told Jake her secret at the start. Now she has to tell him and it could be the thing to drive him away!

This is Tracie Peterson’s 100th book and also book #1 of the Lone Star Brides series.

~ Dixie

Distortion

By Terri Blackstock

Juliet Cole witnesses her husband’s murder and believes it is a random shooting. Telling her young sons about their Dad is one of the hardest things she has ever had to do. Then she listens to her husband’s voicemail . Was this shooting planned?

This starts her search for the truth. As she and her family do their own research the news gets worse and worse. Now she realizes that her children are in danger. Who was this man she was married to for fifteen years? Was everything she believed about him and their life together a lie?

~ Dixie

Attachments: a novel

By Rainbow Rowell

Love this author's name! She is a well-known, award-winning author of young adult fiction and has written a couple of novels about adults. Attachments takes place in late 1999 at a newspaper headquarters in Nebraska. The main characters, Jennifer and Beth, work as a copy editor and movie reviewer, respectively. Though they know their emails are being monitored by their publisher, they persist in carrying on personal email conversations. Lincoln, who still lives at home with mom and can't seem to kick-start his post-college life, is a new hire whose job is to read the employees email and warn them when the email is used inappropriately. Over the course of months, Lincoln can't stop himself from reading the exchanges between Jennifer and Beth and begins to fall in love with Beth, whom he's never seen. This is such a sweet story with excellent character development. I liked all three characters and the plot was well-paced and almost believable. A fun read!

~ Linda

Where'd You Go Bernadette?

By Maria Semple
Audiobook format
Starred Review from Publisher's Weekly

The story opens with Bea's 8th grade report card. She got straight A's...actually straight S's for "Surpasses Excellence" in her preppy Seattle girls' school. As a reward for her good grades, Bea's parents, Bernadette and Elgin, have promised her whatever she wants. She chooses a family trip to Antarctica at Christmas time.

Bernadette Fox is a wife and mother with huge anxiety issues. It had become so bad that she hired an offshore virtual assistant to handle her every day interactions in order to avoid contact with the outside world. Bernadette was a world-renowned architect 20 years before who (after facing several personal tragedies) went into hiding.

Her husband Elgin is a high-level Microsoft engineer who worries about her sanity after many "mishaps". And then, Bernadette disappears....

The author wrote for the television series "Mad About You" and "Arrested Development". You can sense her wry sense of humor in this book.

Bernadette pokes fun at helicopter Moms, the city of Seattle, Canadians, yuppies and environmentalists. It is written from Bernadette's point of view, but it is really Bea's story. The reader will have you laughing out loud in this hilarious & heartwarming story.

~ Paula

Scarlet

The second book in the Lunar Chronicles
By Marissa Meyer

Very good book, my favorite in the series so far. A bit slow to get in to at first, but once you're in you're hooked!

~ Crystal

A Long Way Down

Available on DVD

The plot is simple enough.  Four people contemplate jumping from a London high-rise on New Year's Eve.  As they talk each out of it, they realize that they might be able to help each other. This surrogate family couldn't be more different.  As they bumble along, they help each other in the most amusing, dysfunctional and caring ways.

I read the book "A Long Way Down" by Nick Hornby years ago.  The movie, released last week on DVD is just as good.  It is witty, funny and downright sweet at times.

-Holly

The World According to Bob

by James Bowen

When I saw this book it was waiting to be re-shelved with the other new books.  The cover caught my eye.  I looked it over and thought it might be interesting but it was the second book written about Bob, so I decided to read A Street Cat Named Bob first.  These two books were wonderful, very uplifting, very amazing.  The relationship between Bob, a street wise cat and his owner James Bowen is extremely strong; they have saved each other’s lives in many ways.  This brutally honest book describes the life of one time homeless drug addict.  James turns his life around with the help of a cat that would have died if James hadn’t felt he was worth saving.  These two are such a hit in England (and around the world) that there are numerous images and YouTube videos available on the internet and there is talk about a movie.

I am strongly recommending these books, even if you don’t like cats (how could you not like cats?) you will still find these books astonishing.

~Beckie

The Keeper

By John Lescroart
Audiobook format read by David Colacci

On the night before Thanksgiving, prison guard Hal Chase went to the airport to pick up his brother, Warren. When they returned hours later, Hal's wife Katie was missing as their young children lay sleeping in their beds. Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky pair up to prove that Hal didn't murder his wife although he is the prime suspect. The plot thickens as the couples' marital problems and 'accidental' deaths at the jail come to light.

Although this is the 15th Dismas Hardy novel, it is the first book that I have read by Lescroart. I enjoyed the characters and their dialog, as well as the pacing and plot line. After reading several thrillers in the recent months, it was a welcome change to read a true mystery.

~ Paula

The Kitchen House

 By Kathleen Grissom

This book was phenomenal; a book that was hard to put down. I enjoy historical fiction of the colonial period and this book did a superb job of portraying the period. The story is told from the separate viewpoints of a young indentured servant and a slave. The slave raised the young girl and they formed a very strong bond. The reality of the time is not glossed over; therefore parts of this book may be unpleasant for some readers. I highly recommend this book and I hope she writes a sequel.

~ Beckie

And the Dark Sacred Night

By Julia Glass

This novel reveals a man’s struggle to discover his biological father. By the end of his journey he discovers the identity of the man that has truly been his father. He also gains insight to more of his mother’s life and finds the truth of the secrets that she has been keeping. I hope you enjoy this well written story as much as I did.

~ Beckie

Long Way Home

by Louise Penny

The release of Louise Penny's latest mystery is a highlight of my summer.  I can't wait to find out what has happened in the village of Three Pines.

In "Long Way Home", Clara is in search of Peter.  At the end of the last book, Clara and Peter decided to separate for one year so that they can contemplate the importance of their marriage.  However, following the one year deadline, Peter hasn't returned.  Clara turns to Inspector Gamache for help.  Gamache is now living in Three Pines following his retirement from the Surete du Quebec.  With the help of Myrna, Jean-Guy Beauvior and Gamache, Clara journeys to the mouth of the St. Lawrence seaway in search of her husband.

I refuse to spoil the plot. If you have read the other Louise Penny mysteries, put this title on hold.  You will want to read it.  If you haven't read the others, you are one lucky person!  You have ten good books to read and a cast of characters to fall in love with.  I can't recommend this series enough.

-Holly

Bittersweet

By Colleen McCullough

Set in Australia during the Depression era, the descriptions of the times and place are probably the best part
of this book. I enjoyed the story of the two sets of Latimer twins and the ties of sisterhood that overrides all else in this historical romance. Find a cozy place and block out some time to enjoy this book.

~ Sally

The Sea Garden

By Marcia Willett

Having read every Marcia Willett book that I can get my hands on, I want to say that this is as good a read as any she has written. She revisits several of her characters, although you do not need to have read previous books to enjoy this story of Jess and her journey to the Cornish coast of England. Jess arrives in the English countryside to meet the widow of the artist whose award she has just received. As Jess becomes acquainted with Kate, and meets the many family members, she senses that she is a part of their story. I enjoyed the descriptions of the sea, the river, the moors and the secrets that Jess encounters about her own past. The twist at the end of the story is very unexpected.


~ Sally

The White Magic Five and Dime

A Tarot Mystery #1
By Steve Hockensmith with Lisa Falco

This was a total surprise for me. I saw this on the "New" shelf display, and went right ahead and judged the book by its cover. I fell in love with the character, Alanis, and her witty and sometimes nasty sarcastic inner voice. She is actively trying to find herself despite her constant memories of a terrible childhood (and terrible really doesn't come close to an accurate description). The story twists and turns as Alanis tries to figure out who murdered her mother. This was just so much fun to read, it was funny in parts, heartwarming in others, and was a quick read. I like to call them candy-bar-books, you can read them pretty fast and they give you a happy sugar-rush. This looks to be the first in a series of Tarot Mysteries, so I'm looking forward to more!​

~ Becky W.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Little Golden Book

By Diane Muldrow


This book is sitting on our New Books shelf as you enter through the front door of our library, but don't let the cover fool you - it's written for adults. Not that it would be inappropriate for a child, but it has a strong sense of nostalgia that would be wasted on the very young.

Some of our best remembered characters and scenes from Little Golden books are featured with some added words of wisdom: "Be a hugger", "Turn off the TV from time to time" and my favorite, "sweatpants are bad for morale".

This title is currently featured on the NPR Hardcover Nonfiction Bestseller list.

Pick it up! It's a fun, quick read.


~ Paula

Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape

By Jenna Miscaviage Hill with Lisa Pulitzer

eBook format, also available in print and audio

Jenna Miscavige Hill, niece of Church of Scientology leader David Miscavige, was raised in the church from the time she was a toddler until she fled as a young adult in 2005. Her parents were in the upper ranks of the organization and Jenna worked up to the rank of a Sea Org member.

In her book "Beyond Belief", Jenna shares her experiences in the Church of Scientology: the strange rituals, secrets, neglect, and verbal abuse. Jenna and the other children were separated from their families at a very early age and subjected to mind-control techniques and propaganda.

I found many of the Scientology beliefs to be quite shocking. They believe that our souls live for millions of years and would make Sea Org members (often children) sign million year contracts to stay in the organization. They call those of us who are not in the organization "wogs" - unenlightened souls - and are warned to stay away from us and not to speak to us about their beliefs.

Jenna and others who have left the organization have created a website to help those who have left Scientology or would like to. I have been curious about the organization due to the rumors, press, and famous Hollywood celebrity members such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta. Jenna was very brave to escape from the organization and has written a very personal account of her experiences.

Click here to watch the CNN interview with Jenna by Piers Morgan, 2013.

~ Paula

Adult Summer Reading Reviews

Here are some reviews from a few of our Adult Summer Reading participants this week.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

"Awesome book! :) I really enjoyed the author's style of writing. Very human...easy to read and stay interested. Can't wait to read more books by Jenny Han!"

~Reviewed by Amy H.

The Wedding Shawl by Sally Goldenbaum

"Very good character and locale development makes me want to pick up a pair of knitting needles and move to their little town."

~Reviewed by Nancy F.

Child of Mine

By David and Beverly Lewis

Jack Livingston, a successful pilot, has been raising his niece Natalie, since a tragic accident took her adoptive parents. Laura Mast, their Amish nanny, tenderly cares for Natalie as her own.
Natalie wants a mother more than anything in the world. She loves Laura and is actively campaigning for her to become her new mommy. The fact that Laura is Amish and Jack isn’t, doesn’t make much difference to Natalie.

Kelly Maines lost her infant daughter to a kidnapping years ago and has searched for her ever since. Thanks to some friends who are able to help with expenses, she has followed leads for over eight years. It has taken its toll on her health and her relationships.

Now a tip from Kelly’s investigator shows a possible match that points to Natalie. Could this be her long-lost daughter?

~ Dixie

Field of Prey

By John Sandford
Audiobook format read by Richard Ferrone

This is Number 24 in the Prey series featuring Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agent Lucas Davenport. The story begins with two teenagers who are having romantic relations on an abandoned farm when they discover a mysterious and very foul smell. The local police discover a cistern filled with more than a dozen discarded women's bodies. This is when Davenport and his team are called out to find the "Black Hole" killer.

As the reader, Sandford makes us believe that we are all-knowing - we know from the beginning who the killers are. However, we are helpless as we watch Davenport and his team hunt for Horn and R.A. who have been stalking and killing beautiful young blondes for over a decade.

Because this is Sandford, he throws in major surprises and plot twists to keep us on the edge our seats. We have grown to like Davenport and the other returning characters. They are well-developed and funny, with the same shortcomings that many of us share.

A few pet peeves of mine: John's adopted daughter, Letty, is 17 and reads all of the gory case notes, studies the photos, and attends meetings and interviews with Davenport. No way. Lucas' wife and other children hardly appear in this book. AND, there is a second completely unrelated plot line running that confuses the main story and is an unnecessary distraction.

Overlook these flaws and grab this book!

~ Paula

Walking on Water

By Richard Paul Evans, read by the author
Audiobook format


This work is the fifth in the series, but unfortunately for me it is the first book that I listened to in this series. Regardless (that I am listening to them out of order), I fully enjoyed this book; I plan on listening to “The Walk” which is the first book in the series, followed by the remainder of the series.

After multiple tragedies in Alan Christoffersen’s life he feels that what he needs is to embark on a trek across America, from Seattle to Key West, walking the entire three thousand four hundred plus miles. “Walking on Water” is the final segment of his journey. Along the way he meets interesting characters, experiences another tragedy and finds closure.

The series includes: “The Walk”, “Miles to Go”, “The Road to Grace”, “A Step of Faith” and “Walking on Water”. I think you will enjoy this series by Richard Paul Evans.

~ Beckie H.

Decorate Fearlessly: Using whimsy,confidence, and a dash of surprise to create deeply personal spaces

By Susanna Salk

As a huge consumer of all things related to decorating, I am always excited to see a new book on this topic hit our shelves. The title "Decorating Fearlessly" describes my style - I paint everything that is not nailed down!

Having said this, I was very disappointed by this book. Although there are hundreds of full-color photos, there is very little text and no "how to's" for those of us who enjoy doing it ourselves. There were 3 or 4 designs that I found interesting, but I usually devour decorating books. (I do like the entry hall design on page 120 and the dining room on page 142.)

If you enjoy leafing through decorating books and enjoy a more bizarre style in your home than I do, this book may be for you!

~ Paula

Adult Summer Reading Reviews

Here are some reviews from a few of our Adult Summer Reading participants this week.

Body Movers by Stephanie Bond

"Good read for Janet Evanovich fans....I'm hooked!"

~Reviewed by Alex S.

Irish Country Wedding by Patrick Taylor

"This Irish Country series allows the reader to fall into the story as if you are a member of the village that it takes place in! This "wedding" book is a nice tale of love and sense of community. At times this book gave me goosebumps, which makes it a winner!"

~Reviewed by Jody G.




John Wayne, My Father by Aissa Wayne with Steve Delsohn


"A personal story about America's most enduring legend. After reading this book, John Wayne is pretty much like the characters he plays."

~Reviewed by Sandra D.

The Big-Flavor Grill: no-marinade, no-hassle recipes

By Chris Schlesinger & John Willoughby

It's summer, it's warm out, and you don't have to fight your way through the snowdrift to get to the grill! But what frequently happens to me is the lack of planning time when it comes to having to marinate meat before grilling. Often my excitement of the spur of the moment idea that we can grill is dampened by the realization that we will have to marinate the meat for at least a half hour or it will taste boring. This book eliminates the marinade and provides recipes that have you do 3 steps: prep, grill, & toss. The prep stage is mixing a bunch of common ingredients together while the grill heats up, the grilling is just that (grilling the meat with maybe some pepper), and last is the toss stage where you simply mix the cooked meat with the ingredients you combined in the prep. Plus, not all the recipes are for meat, there are potatoes, corn, asparagus, and a neat section of mixed drinks. There were some very tasty recipes in here!


~ Becky

Bears of the Last Frontier:The adventure of a lifetime among Alaska’s black, grizzly, and polar bears

By: Chris Morgan

This is a beautiful book with awesome photos of grizzlies, black, brown and polar bears in Alaska. I read every word from beginning to end and found it informative and interesting.  If you think bears are fascinating like I do, check this book out and enjoy!

This is the companion book to the PBS Nature film special Bears of the Last Frontier.

~ Dixie

A Long Time Gone

By Karen White

One of my favorite Southern authors spins a tale of three generations of the Walker Family women. The story weaves through prohibition and the Klan, the Sixties, and present day. Although the over 400 page novel has a rather slow start, the momentum picks up as I was drawn into White’s spellbinding world of Southern culture, family, and strong women. Once started, I couldn’t put this down.

~ Sally

Bibliocraft: a modern crafter's guide to using library resources to jump start creative projects

by Jessica Pigza

Bibliocraft is a clever book for the book loving crafter.  Most of the craft ideas appear to be right out Etsy.  If you have easy access to interesting old books (i.e. the Burton Public Library book sale), colorful paper, some cloth and thread, you can make most of the crafts in this book.

The skill level of most of the projects is beginner.  So, it is not intimidating at all.  This book is perfect for the lazy summer day project.  If you love pouring over Etsy, try this book first.  You will save money and be proud of you accomplishments.

-Holly

The Death of a Policeman (Hamish Macbeth series)

By M.C. Beaton

Kindle edition, available through CLEVNET

Sargent Hamish Macbeth returns in the 30th installment of the series based in the Scottish Highlands. Detective Chief Inspector Blair sends the good-looking Cyril Sessions to dig up dirt on Hamish in order to build evidence of his incompetence. Blair wants to close down the village office in Lochdubh and to get rid of Hamish. After Cyril is murdered, Hamish becomes a suspect due to the vengeful actions of librarian Hetty Dunstable.

I enjoyed the quirky relationship between Hamish & Dick and the crazy librarian, but this story didn’t have the warmth of the earlier editions. Hamish was a bit compromised in his detective work: "It's as if I've become one of them, he thought." I hope that #31 will signal a return to a more conscientious Hamish.

~ Paula

The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Blogged by Teen Guest Blogger: Kaitlin

Click to view our new BPL Teen Blog!


Two words. Okay? Okay. (TFIOS)

~ That homeless fangirl

_________________________

Blogged by Teen Guest Blogger: Aiden

This book involves characters with cancer, but it is truly not about cancer.

This book will shower you with happiness, drown you with sadness, and hug you with cuteness.
~ Aiden

Magnificent Vibration (Sometimes Heavenly Intervention Can Put You Through Hell)

By Rick Springfield

Fiction written by celebrities can be like fingernails on a chalkboard - pretty awful. This one is a delightful exception. It's a quirky story of a young man, Horatio Cotton, who has reached the end of his rope and is in the throws of depression. He shoplifts a book called Magnificent Vibration, dials a phone number written in the book, and ends up speaking with God. This conversation sets Horatio, who calls himself Bob, on an immediate roller coaster ride for the next few days as he meets 2 new friends and deals with a series of absolutely crazy happenings, all the while trying to discern the answer to some of life's meaningful questions. It's well written, at times hilarious, at times sad and almost everything in between. I enjoyed it very much but would definitely caution the more conservative reader.


~ Linda

Waking the Dead

By Heather Graham
Audiobook version

Michael Quinn and Dani Cafferty are reunited again in this book. It is the second in the Cafferty and Quinn series, the first book being Let the Dead Sleep. I have mixed feelings about this story. The mystery of the haunted painting, "The Ghosts of the Mind", painted in the 1800's by a (fictional) friend of Mary Shelley (Frankenstein's creator) had an interesting back-story, but it became more and more unbelievable as the story progressed.

I enjoyed the New Orleans setting and the relationship between Dani, Michael and Dani's shop employees and friends. I liked the wealthy and spunky new character, Hattie. But a murderous painting that is reactivated by blood - really? I will read the next installment in the series, but I hope that it is more believable.

~ Paula

Romeo Blue

By Phoebe Stone

Written for tweens, the story takes place on the coast of Maine during the early years of World War II. It's the sequel to The Romeo and Juliet Code, published in 2011. In the first book, 11-year-old Felicity Bathburn Budwig travels with her parents from England to the Maine coast in June, 1941 and is left with her father's family, the Bathburns, whom she has never met. Her parents leave in a hurry, leaving no clue as to their whereabouts. Though loving toward Felicity, whom they nickname Flissy, the Bathburns are an odd bunch with many secrets. Felicity is sad, scared and lonely but determined to find out about the mysterious goings-on in the house. In Romeo Blue, it is 1942, Flissy is 12 and the U.S. is in the throws of the war. Much has changed in the country and within the Bathburn family. Flissy dearly loves Derek, the Bathburns foster son. One day a man arrives claiming to be Derek's birth father. Flissy thinks there is something not quite right about this person yet Derek needs for his claim to be true. It's a charming coming of age story combined with a slice of life on the homefront as no family is untouched by the events of war. 

~ Linda

Blogging on the Technology Bus

Good afternoon!

We are blogging from the Mobile Technology Bus during our class. Lovely weather outside!

~ Paula

The Collector

By Nora Roberts



Roberts produces another terrific blend of suspense and romance. This time it's through the worlds of art, high-end antiques and collectors that will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Lila is a house-sitter and author that witnesses a brutal murder. Ash is an artist and the brother of the victim. They meet and are soon being chased by an assassin, who thinks nothing of leaving a trail of bodies in New York City and Italy in her pursuit of a valuable "lost" antique.

~ Rochelle

The Americans

The Americans
Series 1 on DVD

Set in 1981 in Washington DC, "The Americans" is a thrilling new TV series from FX.   Elizabeth and Philip Jennings are high level Soviet spies who appear to be normal residents of their middle class neighborhood.  Their cover is so discreet that their school age kids don't even know that they are Russian immigrants.

Created by Joe Weisberg, a former CIA officer, the series depicts plot lines that are based on real events.  The heroes are actually enemies and the story lines are always compelling.  Kerry Russell is fun to watch as a pint sized spy who is a highly trained assassin.

I absolutely loved watching "The Americans".  From the disguises to the period detail from the 1980's, I was hooked.  I can't wait until the second series is available.  If you enjoy reading spy novels and international thrillers, this series is for you.

-Holly