November
2005
Sixpence
House by Paul Collins (Reviewed by Elisabeth)
Non-Fiction
002 COL
Paul Collins relates his adventures as he, his wife, and toddler
son move from San Francisco to Hay-on-Wye, Wales. In this "Town
of Books", Paul tries to finish his first novel, find a place
to live where the houses are hundreds of years old, and wade through
his "job" sorting through hundreds of books of all types,
titles, and states of decay in one of 50 bookstores in a town
of only 1,500 inhabitants. Charming, witty, and insightful, Sixpence
House is a book for bibliophiles written by a man
who loves books so much that he took his own library of two...or
was it three?...thousand books with him when he moved!
Broken
for You by Stephanie Kallos (Reviewed by Heather)
Fiction
F KAL
In Kallos’s first novel a family is formed, but not in the traditional
sense. This is the story of Margaret, seventy years old and living
alone in her Seattle mansion, which is full of antique porcelain
treasures. She soon takes in a boarder, Wanda, who is 30-something
and desperately searching for her ex-boyfriend. Both characters
are “broken” and are joined by other quirky and delightful “broken”
characters. More surprises are unveiled concerning the origin
of the antique porcelain. It is then that redemption begins for
more people and in more ways than one.
Heir
to a Silent Song: Two Rebel Women of Nepal by Barbara
Nimri Aziz (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Non-Fiction
305.42 AZI
A donation from our sister library in Dharan, Nepal, this book
provides the history of two strong women, each of whom agitated
in her own way for equal rights for the poor, women, girls, and
low caste people. Both were from Eastern Nepal where Dharan was
one of the largest cities. Yogamaya was a yogi and ascetic who
led social protests for justice and people’s rights, and for laws
that were not governed by Hindu religious dictates; she died in
1940. Durga Devi fought for human rights in the courts through
accepted legal procedures, and died in 1983. The stories of the
accomplishments of these remarkable women are all but expunged
from Nepali history, as neither woman was a favorite of the governments
against which they protested. This is an inspirational account
of struggles of ordinary people to gain their rights.
Luna
by Julie Anne Peters (Reviewed by Teresa)
Young Adult Fiction
YA PET
This is a unique book that I had to read in one sitting because
I could not put it down. The narrator is the sister (Regan) of
a boy (Liam) who knows he is actually a girl in a boy’s body.
This book does an excellent job of showing the feelings of these
siblings as Liam struggles to become the woman he wants to be,
Luna. The flashbacks to telling incidents as they are growing
up help to complete this story of “transitioning” as a transgender.
This book is on the “2005 YALSA Best Books for Young Adults” list.
October
2005
The
Blood-Dimmed Tide by Rennie Airth (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Mystery & Historical Fiction
F AIR
The author of River of Darkness returns
in this chilling murder mystery set in 1932 post-World War I England,
on the brink of World War II. He reprises the main characters:
now former (and older) Scotland Yard Inspector John Madden, Chief
Inspector Angus Sinclair, and several others as they attempt to
find the brutal killer of young girls in Madden’s home area and
abroad. The psychological portrait of the killer emerges in detail
in this gripping police procedural. Never a dull moment in this
long-awaited novel.
Pretty
Birds by Scott Simon (Reviewed by Trish)
Fiction
F SIM
Pretty Birds, written by NPR journalist Scott Simon, is a poignant
coming of age story with a heartbreaking twist. Irena Zaric is
a rising seventeen-year-old Sarajaven basketball star who is more
interested in American pop culture than in her schoolwork. On
the eve of her district basketball finals, Irena, her parents
and her African parrot, Pretty Bird, are thrust into the violent
nightmare of war. Brutalized and forced from their home by Serbian
Christian thugs, they escape to the “Muslim” section of the city
where they struggle to survive the three and a half year siege
of Sarajevo. Irena becomes the bread-winner of the family when
she makes the difficult decision to work as a sniper for the military,
shooting at “targets” on the other side where her basketball coach
and best friends now live. I was haunted by the compelling descriptions
in this book about the destruction of the Olympic venues, which
only seven years earlier had been the site of the 1984 Winter
Olympic Games. Simon, who covered the war for NPR, informs us
about the realities of this war—the religious bigotry of the Serbs
and the total ineffectiveness of the UN peacekeepers. He captures
the true cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit in
this compelling story.
The
Skeleton Man by Tony Hillerman (Reviewed by Linda)
Mystery Fiction
F HIL
In classic Tony Hillerman style, The Skeleton Man
blends information about Navajo culture, religion and customs
with a mystery to be solved. This time a historic plane crash
promises lost diamonds and a chance for a woman to prove the paternity
of her wealthy father. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are once again
brought together to solve the case. Skeleton Man differs from
Hillerman’s other stories with its inclusion of Hopi customs,
culture and religion. Hillerman’s descriptions of scenery and
places on the reservation help readers to imagine the beauty and
vastness of this picturesque area.
September
2005
Eleven
on Top by Janet Evanovich (Reviewed by Juli)
Fiction
F EVA
The usual outrageous characters, exploding cars, scary situations
and heated romantic entanglements make this, the eleventh in the
Stephanie Plum series, another winner. It’s a good idea to start
with the first title (One for the Money)
as the characters continue to develop with each novel. Caution:
these books will make you laugh out loud at 2 a.m. and awaken
anyone sleeping near you.
A
Long Stay in a Distant Land by Chieh Chieng (Reviewed
by Teresa)
Domestic Fiction
F CHI
This first-time author has a great career ahead of him and I will
definitely be looking for his next book. A Long Stay
in a Distant Land follows three generations of the
Lum family; their accidental deaths, marriages, and child-rearing.
Louis believes there is a death curse on his family because his
grandfather killed Nazis during the war. When his uncle appears
to be missing he travels to Hong Kong to find him and to make
his grandmother happy. One of the best parts of this book is following
the quick-witted dialog between the family members. After all,
there are some things that can only be said to family. To quote
the Lum’s, read it “you’re not inventing Benadryl”.
Oh
My Stars by Lorna Landvik (Reviewed by Heather)
Historical Fiction
F LAN
The year is 1937 and Violet Mathers, tall and homely, has had
a rough 18 years. Her mother deserted her, her father hates her
and she has lost her arm in a car accident. Violet leaves her
Kentucky home for the Golden Gate Bridge, where she plans to jump
and end her life. She makes it as far as North Dakota, where her
bus breaks down and her life changes forever. She is taken in
by a local family with a handsome son, Kjel, who aspires to be
musician. Violet becomes a savvy manager for the Pearltones, a
rock band formed by Kjel and his guitar playing friend, Austin,
and Austin's ex-con brother, Dallas. They travel the country together
and create quite a stir, as Austin and Dallas are black. The times
are pre rock n' roll and color lines have not been crossed. Landvik
is a wonderful storyteller and offers wonderful surprises for
the reader.
August
2005
The
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark
Haddon (Reviewed by Leslie)
Fiction
F HAD
A murder mystery of sorts, told from the point of view of Christopher,
a 15 year-old autistic boy, with all his quirks and unique way
of thinking. Christopher wants to find out who killed his neighbor’s
dog with a pitchfork. He decides to solve the crime and write
a book about it. While investigating, he uncovers secrets involving
his own family. His adventure moves from detecting, into a suspenseful
coming of age story. The writing is simple and unadorned but far
from boring.
Sellevision
by Augusten Burroughs (Reviewed by Jill)
Fiction
F BUR
Burroughs’ freshman fiction novel is a satire on the home shopping
network industry. Following the lives of the anchors on the Sellevision
network, Burroughs weaves a story of tragedy, insanity, and revenge.
This book, which has been optioned for a movie, is a quick read
that leaves you wanting more.
You
Can’t Win by Jack Black (Reviewed by Dave)
Autobiography
B BLACK
You Can’t Win is a page turner, where
you find yourself concerned for the criminal’s welfare instead
of the good guy’s. The criminal is Jack Black and this book is
the autobiography of his professional life of crime. Safe cracking,
home invasion, hop joints and more, this cult classic is a fascinating
look at late 19th century underground.
July
2005
Middlesex
by Jeffrey Eugenides (Reviewed by Jill)
Fiction
F EUG
The second novel by The Virgin Suicides
author follows a family bred within itself and the pain and triumph
that results. When the main character of the novel discovers that
her grandparents’ marriage has transferred a rare gene, the drama
quickly becomes apparent. The novel is deep, revealing, and painful,
as you follow a family’s plight.
People
in the ‘People’s War’ by Centre for Investigative
Journalism (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Non-Fiction
954.9 PEO
This book was donated by our Sister Library in Dharan, Nepal.
For the first time in English, these true stories written by 10
Nepalese journalists, many published previously in the Nepalese
press, depict the problems and issues of a variety of ordinary
people. Stories discuss such issues as the origins of the insurgency;
ethnic autonomy; school students being abducted, many disappearing;
the thousands of other students going abroad to study; the effects
on porters and hence tourism; violence against women and children;
the financing of the ‘People’s War’; etc. Nepal and its people
are in a sad state, and these stories clearly depict this.
Running
with Scissors: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs (Reviewed
by Jill)
Biography
B BURROUGHS
This book is a memoir of the twisted youth of a talented author.
Born into an unhappy marriage, Augusten is adopted by his mother’s
psychologist after she divorces. Honest and shocking at times,
the memoir draws you into the boy’s life and leaves you with a
desire to follow him into the future.
June
2005
All
Over but the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg (Reviewed by
Linda)
Biography
B BRAGG
This touching and beautifully written memoir chronicles the childhood
to adult memories of New York Times columnist, Rick Bragg. Bragg’s
journey takes the reader from his impoverished childhood in rural
Alabama to the pinnacle of journalistic success as a New York
Times columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner. One theme which resonates
throughout the story is Bragg’s deep respect and appreciation
for his mother and the sacrifices she makes for her sons.
Lord
Krishna’s Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking
by Yamuna Devi (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Vegetarian Cookery
641.5636 DEV
Winner in 1986 (yes, 1986) of the 'International Cookbook of the
Year' award, this is a classic of Indian Vegetarian cooking. A
favorite in my kitchen, it has never failed to satisfy. With at
least 500 recipes, this book has something for everyone except
dedicated carnivores. Vegetarianism has been an integral part
of Indian cuisine for thousands of years, so it is no surprise
the dishes are tasty. The 'A to Z' section contains general information
about herbs, spices, spice mixes, and various other ingredients
used in Indian cooking, as well as several recipes. The author,
an American, describes in concise language how to prepare the
dishes, and the recipes are laid out in a manner that is easy
to follow. Some of the less common ingredients may be found in
Indian, Asian, and International grocery stores, as well as by
mail order.
No
God But God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam
by Reza Aslan (Reviewed by Yvonne)
History of Islam
297 ASL
This Iranian-American religious scholar explores the tumultuous
beginnings of this great religion in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad saw distinct theological differences between Islam and
the other monotheistic peoples of Judaism and Christianity, but
considered these three to be spiritual cousins. Scriptural/legal
scholars in subsequent centuries reversed many of Muhammad’s social
reforms, especially regarding Christianity and Judaism, and women.
Aslan discusses similarities among these three religions and talks
of their relatively peaceful coexistence during Muhammad’s lifetime.
In a very engaging and readable manner, he presents the history
of the formation of Islam as well as its major branches – Shi‘ism,
Sunnism, Sufism, and Wahhabism. This is a very good overview of
an important religion.
The
Winemaker’s Daughter: A Novel by Timothy Egan (Reviewed
by Teresa)
Fiction
F EGA
This novel is about water; hording, saving, sharing, buying, selling,
using, fish in streams, and fish in the ocean. Brunella Cartolano
lives in Seattle where she is trying to save a piece of the waterfront
from being developed. In Eastern Washington her father is fighting
to keep his vineyard alive during a severe drought while someone
appears to be buying up all of the water rights. When a forest
fire gets out of control and firefighters die; the investigation
pulls Brunella into the mystery that is all about water. This
is a great book that is about more than just the story.
May
2005
In
The Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall
Smith (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Fiction
F MCC
The 6th book in the series "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency"
is filled with familiar beloved characters: Botswana sleuth and
detective agency founder Mma Precious Ramotswe; her assistant
Mma Grace Makutsi; her new husband and master mechanic Mr. J.L.B.
Matekoni; and several others. "We are only helping people
find out things they already know," states Mma Ramotswe,
but now she finds many challenging personal crises to deal with.
Full of poetic descriptions of Botswana, as well as sensible solutions
to everyday problems, this consistently delightful series is best
read from the first book through to the last. Traditionally built
(ie, fat) Mma Ramotswe is someone we would all like to have as
a friend.
The
Middle Mind: Why Americans Don’t Think for Themselves
by Curtis White (Reviewed by David)
Social Sciences
306 WHI
In the Middle Mind, Curtis White proudly presents himself as an
example of the proper mind. It’s a mind that thinks critically
about culture: movies like “Saving Private Ryan” and “Blue Velvet”,
music like Radiohead, and subjects like politics. So if you feel
that you’re stuck in the “Middle Mind” (although the right and
left minds are necessarily better alternatives), then you should
read this book! It could change your life, or, perhaps, your mind…*
*Book
is not guaranteed to change mind or life and, in fact, probably
will not.
Skeletons
on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival by Dean King
(Reviewed by Yvonne)
Non-Fiction
916.48 KIN
A Connecticut merchant ship was shipwrecked in 1815 off the coast
of the Sahara Desert. Dean King compiled into this account the
journals of two who survived and returned to America. Captured
and enslaved by nomadic Arab tribesmen, the 12 men suffered abuse
through rough treatment, the elements, and inadequate water, food,
clothing, and shelter. Harrowing, unbelievable stories are presented
of the seamen's endurance of heatstroke, starvation, and cruelty
at the hands of their slave masters. Publication in 1817 of their
plight as slaves helped convince President Lincoln of the injustice
of slavery. A fascinating if horrific true story.
Small
Island by Andrea Levy (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Fiction
F LEV
Winner of two British literary honors: “The Orange Prize”, and
“The Whitbread Book of the Year Award”. In Small Island,
we see events unfold in the postwar England of 1948 from the points
of view of four of the characters, two Britons and two Jamaican
immigrants. As the paths of these people from two small islands
intersect, each struggles to find peace as their lives and cultures
collide. The Jamaicans are wide-eyed as they experience unanticipated
racial discrimination, while the British try (variously) to live
with the new black immigrant 'invaders'. An engaging book with
an unexpected conclusion.
April
2005
Half
A Life by V. S. Naipaul (Reviewed by Yvonne)
Psychological Fiction
F NAI
Nobel laureate V. S. Naipaul blends autobiography and fiction
in a psychologically complex tale as he explores the “half lives”
of people brought up in European colonies but educated ‘abroad’
in metropolitan London. The protagonist, Indian-born Willie Somerset
Chandran, with no reliable sense of self, becomes a published
author in London. He marries a young woman from Portuguese colonial
Mozambique, moves with her to the plantation where her family
lives, then spends the next 18 years there, punctuated by many
new and unexpected experiences. This searing coming-of-age account
is a novel of beautiful scenery, poignant moments, and full of
regrets, exploring the politics of place and identity.
Me
& Emma by Elizabeth Flock (Reviewed by Paula)
Domestic Fiction
Call No. F FLO
This is a dark, sometimes heart wrenching tale told through the
eyes of Carrie, an eight year-old girl. Carrie details the life
she and her sister Emma live with their mother and step-father.
The story line is well written and pulls the reader in from the
beginning. The twist at the end will have you rereading parts
of the book.
The
Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd (Reviewed by Heather)
Adult Fiction
F KID
This is the story of the reawakening of Jessie Sullivan’s soul.
Jessie is a middle-aged mother and wife who travels to her hometown
on an island in South Carolina to care for her mother, Nelle.
She visits the monastery where her mother cooks for the monks
and where the mysterious Mermaid Chair resides. There Jessie meets
Brother Thomas, which only complicates her feelings about her
already stagnating marriage. The mystery and legend of the mermaid
chair play an important in the story, but it is the relationships
between characters that make the story fabulous. Nelle’s best
friends, Kat and Hepzibah add a sense of humor to the story as
a mystery from 30 years prior involving Jessie’s father’s death
unfolds. This novel is full of beautiful descriptive passages
about the area.
My
Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult (Reviewed by Teresa)
Domestic Fiction
F PIC
Anna was conceived as a donor for her sister. When Anna is thirteen
Kate needs one of Anna’s kidneys to survive. Anna chooses to file
for “medical emancipation” instead. Can a parent decide what is
best for all of their children when one is fighting for her life?
This is a great book about the moral and emotional issues surrounding
this current topic. Warning: Be prepared to cry!
March
2005
Pen
Pals by Olivia Goldsmith (Reviewed by Mona)
Psychological Fiction
F GOL
Be prepared to burn the midnight oil as you enjoy this witty women’s
novel about a Wall Street whiz, Jennifer, who naively takes the
rap for her boss’s dubious business dealings, investment fraud.
The excitement of the charade soon turns into fear and disbelief
as Jennifer finds herself trading in her Armani and Prada attire
for an orange jumpsuit, her plush New York apartment for a cold
cement condo. Her candy coated expectations turn into harsh reality,
and Jennifer bands with cell mates to turn things around inside
and outside of the prison walls. Sound familiar to a story recently
in the news??? Guess who!!!
The
Secret Life of Bees: A Novel by Sue Monk Kidd (Reviewed
by Heather)
Adult Fiction
F KID
Kidd tells the story of fourteen year-old Lily from South Carolina
who is on a quest for answers about her mother’s death and so
much more. Maternal loss and betrayal, guilt and forgiveness entwine
in a story that leads Lily to the single thing her heart longs
for most. The Secret Life of Bees is a wonderful story about mothers
and daughters and the wise, strong women in our lives that teach
us about love, life and family.
