Topsham Public Library Summer 2010 Getaway Reading

A note from the blogger

2010-09-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of you who have made our first ever Adult Summer Reading Program so successful! We hope you had as much fun as we did. Over 150 books were read and reviewed by Topsham participants and we added 135 distinct posts to the Summer Reading Blog!

Please Comment below about what you thought about this Summer Reading Event for Adults!
We need to know how to make this a better program and we appreciate your candid comments!

Keep reading!

The Final Winners!

2010-09-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the FINAL winners---
Beck Brochu and Ruth Mlotek!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed books this summer and to our great supporters:

THE FRIENDS OF THE TOPSHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY!

and the following local businesses:

Auto Shine Car Wash
Beau Bella Day Spa
Borders
Bull Moose
Chinatown Restaurant
Evening Star Cinema
Romeo's Pizza
Starbucks

CELEBRITY READER-John Shattuck, Topsham Economic and Community Development Director

2010-09-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Reader, John Shattuck is an avid reader! Here are some quotes he shared with us and suggestions for "battered Red Sox Fans."

You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them. ~ Ray Bradbury

I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library. ~ Jorge Luis Borges

John says,
"If the slow, painful demise of the Red Sox hopes are making you wretched, here are a few books that may provide some solace:

Summer of '49, By David Halberstam Riveting, detailed narrative of the pennant race between New York and Boston - and the rivalry between Joe Dimaggio, plus many other greats: Ted Williams, Ellis Kinder, Dom Dimaggio, Phil Rizzuto and Yogi Berra.

If I Never Get Back, By, Darryl Brock An engaging novel about the very early days of baseball: the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1869. Be sure you specify the correct author, as there's book with the same title by Art Hill, which is about the Detroit Tigers.

Ring Around the Bases: The Complete Baseball Stories of Ring Lardner, ed. Matthew J. Bruccoli - Classic baseball writing from the marvelous Ring Lardner (1885-1933) - the most distinguished writer of baseball fiction from the first half of the 20th century. A feast!"

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2010-09-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: _5____

Storyline: _3____

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

____________fast paced_____________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

On Writing by Stephen King

2010-09-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __n/a___

Storyline: _n/a____

Pacing: _n/a____

Setting: _n/a____

Use one word to describe this book?

___________________Funny______________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey

2010-09-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: _5____

Pacing: _5____

Setting: _4____

Use one word to describe this book?

________Thrilling!_________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?

Neptune's Children by Bonnie Dobkin

2010-09-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___3__

Storyline: ___2__

Pacing: ___3__

Setting: __3___

Use one word to describe this book?

Overdescriptive
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

No

Comments?

Dilbert: Fugitive from the Cubicle Police by Scott Adams

2010-09-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: _____

Storyline: _____

Pacing: _____

Setting: _____

Use one word to describe this book?
Hilarious!

_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?

September by Rosamund Pilcher

2010-09-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: _3____

Pacing: ___3__

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

_________relaxing________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

Do Hard Things : A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex and Brett Harris

2010-09-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __N/A___

Storyline: _N/A___

Pacing: __N/A___

Setting: __N/A___

Use one word to describe this book?

Challenging
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?
This book is a non-fiction book.

2 more winners!

2010-08-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

Amanda Alexander-Hart and Linda Rollins join the ever-expanding list of winners!
ONE WEEK LEFT--get those reviews in ASAP!

Renato's Luck by Jeff Shapiro

2010-08-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: _5____

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

Lovely
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?
A wonderful summer read; languid and thoughtful, a reminder to taste life in all its exquisite nuances.

A Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare

2010-08-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

Fun!
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
A little slow to start but excellent!

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

2010-08-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: _5____

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

Creepy!
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?
Excellent read---leaves you very creeped out at man's capacity for evil.

The Darkest Whisper by Gena Showalter

2010-08-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4__

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

intense
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?
An "intense" series

The Private Patient by P.D. James

2010-08-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

Great
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?

Lemony Snicket series (Children's books)

2010-08-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

The Miserable Mill
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: ___4__

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

Entertaining
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

I am yet again amazed at the creativity and new characters introduced in the fourth book of this series. The quirky, odd-ball people these orphans have to deal with make me laugh. Another good one in this series.

The Austere Academy
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: _5____

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: ___5__

Setting: _5____

Use one word to describe this book?

_______"friend"ly__________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?
Finally some friends for the orphans! I'm so glad they met some down-to-earth kids that are caring and helpful and understanding. Also, finally the start of a mystery into who Count Olaf is and his history. Can't wait for the next one!

The Ersatz Elevator
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: ___5__

Pacing: ___5__

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

_______A very "IN" book :-)_________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
The sixth book of this series is getting the orphans a little closer to home and unlocking more clues and questions to the horrible and frustrating Count Olaf. How can this man fool so many people and have s many on his side? Oh, and how does he find the children so quickly? I always want to read more!

Congratulations Winners!

2010-08-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Winners for this week are:

Carol Thibeault and Terri Eggleston!

Congratulations to all the winners---
Jill Wallace
Norman Le Blanc
Carre Gardner
Terri Eggleston
Jen Balser
Rob Pontau
Susan Moyes
Phyllis Kelly
Ruth Mlotek
Brenna McCleary

Keep READING and REVIEWING --only two drawings left!!!

Damaged Goods by Gerry Boyle

2010-08-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

enjoyable
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

Port City Shakedown by Gerry Boyle

2010-08-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: _5____

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

great
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments? I'm looking forward to his next one with Brandon Blake.

Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci

2010-08-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: _5____

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: _5____

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

riveting
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?

Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler

2010-08-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __3/4___

Use one word to describe this book?

_______wise__________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES

Comments?
Mellow, thought-provoking with truly believable characters. Encourages a healthy dose of self-reflection!

CELEBRITY READER-Anne Eustis, TPL Library Trustee Vice President

2010-08-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Reader, Anne Eustis has been a member of the Library Board of Trustees for 5 years. Anne also serves as the Treasurer on the Friends of Topsham Public Library Board. A long-time library supporter, Anne is a gracious volunteer who heads the Friends' Books On Wheels program which arranges for the delivery of library materials to those who need permanent or temporary help to satisfy their reading/viewing needs!

Anne is one of our FAVORITE volunteers!

The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron

Tell us what you really think --
on a scale of 1-5 (1 being"yuck" and 5 being "great!")
about the :

Characters ___4_
Storyline ___4_
Pacing ___5_
Setting ____5

Use one word to describe the book (OK--2 at the most!)
Enjoyed it_____________________

Do you recommend the book? _X__yes ___no

Any other comments?

Hungry Season by T. Greenwood

2010-08-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: _5____

Setting: ___4__

Use one word to describe this book?

________________endearing_________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?

Private Altars by Katherine Mosby

2010-08-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: ___3__

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?
a bit wordy--had to keep a dictionary close by, but I feel a lot smarter. 1920's small southern town, bigotry, etc.

Touch of Surrender by Rhyannon Byrd

2010-08-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __4___

Setting: ___4

Use one word to describe this book?

Passionate
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd

2010-08-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: ___4__

Pacing: ___4__

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

Good
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments? While I enjoyed this book, it had a hard tome living up to The Secret Life of Bees.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaeffer and Annie Barrows

2010-08-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

Super
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?
I loved this book. I was leary of the format at first, but ended up really enjoying it.

Miss O'Dell by Chris O'Dell

2010-08-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___3__

Storyline: __3___

Pacing: ___4__

Setting: __3___

Use one word to describe this book?

________________mildly entertaining_________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments? An interesting albeit, incomplete look into some of the biggest names on popular music of the 60's and 70's.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

2010-08-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

Non-fiction
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __-___

Storyline: __-___

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __-___

Use one word to describe this book?

refreshing
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
comforting and convicting all in one

Work Song by Ivan Doig

2010-08-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: _4____

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

_________________delightful________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?
If you enjoyed The Whistling Season you will LOVE this!

A Pale Horse by Charles Todd

2010-08-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __3___

Storyline: __3___

Pacing: __3___

Setting: ___3__

Use one word to describe this book?

_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter

2010-08-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

_____________passionate____________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments? This is a series filled with nonstop action and lots of passion

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

2010-08-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __3___

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

Enriching
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

Lidia's Italy by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

2010-08-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

Cook Book with Stories

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___4__

Storyline: _4___

Pacing: __n/a___

Setting: _n/a____

Use one word to describe this book?

_______________Delicious__________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

Winners

2010-08-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

The winners for the week of 8/16 are............
Ruth Mlotek and Brenna McCleary!
HOORAY!

Blogger back from vacation

2010-08-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

WOW! You are keeping me busy trying to catch up with you! Thanks for all your great reviews! Keep 'em coming--we have just two weeks left in our Summer Reading Drawings--we still have some great prizes like car washes from Auto Shine and Bull Moose gift certificates (I love used CD's and DVD's!)

Let us know if you have enjoyed this Summer event and whether you would like to see the review process continue. Email me: director@topshamlibrary.org or post a comment by clicking on "Comment" below!

While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinksy

2010-08-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: ___3__

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

_________Compassionate________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

Storyline could have been developed a little bit more.

The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks

2010-08-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

AN AUDIO BOOK!

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: _4/5____

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

Intriquing
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?
With new stalker laws being enacted this fictitious story has real life implications.
PS-- Loved the non-human hero!!!

The Blackbirder by James Nelson

2010-08-19T12:26:00.001-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___2__

Storyline: ___3__

Pacing: __4___

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

_________________Historical______________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
Story of freed slaves who become pirates.

Three books by Patrick Carman

2010-08-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Dark Planet
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: ___5__

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

Amazing
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
A fast paced tale with a fine mix of adventure, action and science fiction with a small taste of fantasy.

Rivers of Fire

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: ___5__

Pacing: ___5__

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

___________Exciting______________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

YES

Comments?
A terrific story about friendship with some sci fi that just about borders on light fantasy. There's great peril and action making it a wonderful adventure.

Atherton the House of Power

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

__________Thrilling _______________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?
It's a wonderful coming of age story with a lot of mystery and intrigue and just a hint of science fiction. The action makes this adventure amazing and fun.

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

2010-08-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

Thrilling
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
Very enjoyable read that provoked me to dream.

Arch Enemy by Frank Beddor

2010-08-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: ___5__

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

______________Exhilarating___________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?

Wonderful and thrilling right to the end!

Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade

2010-08-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: _5____

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

________Thrilling_________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

YES

Comments?
I loved it--couldn't put it down until I got to the end and I still wanted more!

Seeing Red by Frank Beddor

2010-08-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: ___5__

Pacing: __4___

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

Heart-pounding
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
Very imaginative and kept me on the edge of my seat!

The Looking Glass Wars by Farnk Beddor

2010-08-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

________________________Thrilling_________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

Loads of fun and a bit intense but very enjoyable.

Dervishes by Beth Helms

2010-08-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __3___

Setting: ___4__

Use one word to describe this book?

Many faceted
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
A glimpse into the lives of families expatriated and adrift in a foreign place and the challenges of precocious children.

The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter

2010-08-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: ___4__

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

___________enticing______________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?

Poison by Sara Poole

2010-08-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

_________absorbing________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES

Comments?
A spicy historical novel, well researched and entertaining set in a turbulent time and place. Though the heroine is a bit implausible for the time period, it makes for a good read.

Budapest 1900 by John Lukacs

2010-08-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: _n/a--nonfiction____

Storyline: ___4__

Pacing: ___3__

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

interesting
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Comments?

A Nervous Splendor by Frederic Minton

2010-08-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __4__

Use one word to describe this book?

good
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?

The Mammy by Brendan O'Connell

2010-08-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: ___5__

Pacing: ___5__

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

__________Heart-warming_______________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
I laughed out loud several times. It is so rare that a book makes me do that!

CELEBRITY READER-Leslie Mortimer, Topsham resident and Patten Free Library Librarian

2010-08-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Reader, Leslie Mortimer is the Reference Librarian at the Patten Free Library in Bath and a Topsham resident. Here is Leslie's latest summer read!

The Passage by Justin Cronin

One word to describe it: “Haunting”

Rating: 5-5-5-5

YES, I would recommend.

Comments: Can’t wait for the sequel! This genre is not my usual fare, but I’m glad I went outside my comfort zone. I was richly rewarded.

What are you reading?

Please Do Feed the Cat by Marian Babson

2010-08-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

Rate this book---
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___2__

Storyline: ___2__

Pacing: ___3__

Setting: ___2__

Use one word to describe this book? unsettling

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

______YES ____x___NO

Comment, if you wish! This should have been a good book to read, but everything just seemed a bit off. The characters "lurched" through doors (repeatedly) for no apparent reason. The subject of battered men was treated lightly, almost jokingly. I wouldn't read another book by this author.

No Nest for the Wicket by Donna Andrews

2010-08-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Rate this book---
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: ___4__

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

fun

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

____x__YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish! This book is one of a series of murder mysteries featuring Meg Langslow and her fiance Michael. In this story, Meg is involved in an extreme croquet match in her neighbor's cow pasture when she discovers the victim - who appears to have been bashed over the head with a croquet mallet! The book has several "laugh out loud" moments. I'll definitely read more Donna Andrews stories.

Bell, Book, and Scandal by Jill Churchill

2010-08-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

Rate this book---
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: 2

Storyline: 2

Pacing: 3

Setting: 3

Use one word to describe this book?

fluffy

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

______YES _____x__NO

Comment, if you wish!
This book is about a would be writer who attends a mystery writing conference with a friend. What struck me the most was that all of the "good advice" the character received about writing seemed to be lost on the actual author. How ironic!

Blogger on vacation--email and paper reviews up next week!

2010-08-10T07:20:00.000-07:00

Our blogger is playing in the sun and at the Topsham Fair for the next couple of days!
She promises to get those new reviews up ASAP!
Keep reviewing or post yourself by clicking on the word "comments" under the last post!
Add your next review there and it will be posted to the blog as a comment!
"See" you next week!

Winners!

2010-08-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our two winners for this week!

Phyllis Kelly and Susan Moyes!

Keep reviewing all those great books!

3 email reviews-Steig Larsson- " The Girl " series and Kathryn Stockett's "The Help"

2010-08-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

Title:The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo

Author:___Stieg Larsson___________________________________

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: Storyline: Pacing:
___5__ _5____ 5

Setting: Use one word to describe this book?
_____exciting___

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
_x_____YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!
This is a great read. The Girl is a great character. Loved this book

Title: The Girl who Played With Fire

Author:____Stieg Larsson

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: Storyline: Pacing: Setting:
5-5-5-5

Use one word to describe this book?
___Not disappointing

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
__x____YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!
You may think a sequel can't hold up, but this one does!

Title: The Help
Author:__Kathryn Stockett

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: Storyline: Pacing:
___555__ _____ _____

Setting: Use one word to describe this book?
_well written_

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
___x___YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!
The last years of segregation told from the southern perspective. Well done!

CELEBRITY READER-Jim Ashe, Town Manager

2010-08-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Reader, Jim Ashe is well-known to us! He is an educator, musician, car and basketball enthusiast, and most importantly, a reader with an inquiring mind. As busy as he is keeping the Town of Topsham humming along, he offers this Summer Reading pick:

When the Game Was Ours by Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson with Jackie MacMullan

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: ___4__

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

Revealing
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
Having watched both of these basketball players compete against each other, it was great hearing their stories about their thoughts, friendship and respect for each other on and off the court.

The Old Silent by Martha Grimes

2010-08-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

Characters: 4

Storyline: 4

Setting: 5

Pacing: 4

One word to describe this book: spellbinding

Would you recommend this book? yes

Comments: The Old Silent is one of a series of books with multiple characters who take turns in the spotlight. This book focused on Inspector Jury and Melrose Plant, with others of the familiar cast of characters making appearances. I gave 4's for characters, storyline, and pacing simply because I have read other books in the series that surpassed this one. If I had never read any of the others, this book would have gotten all 5's. I think Martha Grimes has done a phenomenal job with the setting in The Old Silent, eliciting a richness of emotions.

I am really enjoying reading and contributing to the blog!

Winners--8-2

2010-08-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to this week's winners--
Jen Balser and CELEBRITY READER--Rob Pontau

Darkest Night by Gena Showalter

2010-08-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __4___

Setting: ___4__

Use one word to describe this book?

enticing
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
The first book of this series sucked me right in--curious about the rest of the series--a sensual rollercoaster

Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama

2010-08-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __3___

Storyline: __3___

Pacing: __3___

Setting: ___3__

Use one word to describe this book?

Pleasant
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes--to someone who'd like to learn about China

Comments?
Simple language and not an ambitious development of the characters; a light read.

Guardship by James Nelson

2010-08-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __3___

Storyline: ___4__

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

Interesting
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
Fast paced pirate adventure story loaded with pirate trivia!

An Air of Muder by Roderick Jeffries

2010-08-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: ___4__

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

Witty
_________________________________________

Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb

2010-08-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: ___4__

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?
Imaginative

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
Love 95% of the characters---the other 5%, not so much!

Pretty Dead by Gerry Boyle

2010-08-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Characters: 5
Storyline: 5
Pacing: 5
Setting: 5

One word: great

I would recommend this book.

Comment: This is a Jack McMorrow book so it is one of a series. It can stand alone, but if read in a series, the characters are really fleshed out and you root for them! Unusual for me is I didn't figure it out until the end!

Easter Island by Jennifer Vanderbes

2010-07-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __3___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

Curious
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
Alternating stories makes following the novel a bit odd at times. Not sure it really ties the threads together but still an interesting book.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lackes by Rebecca Skool

2010-07-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: ___5__

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

Fascinating
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments? A must for anyone suffering from any disease especially survivors of cancer.

Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls

2010-07-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: ___5__

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

Magnificent
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
This is a prequel to Walls' Glass Castle. It is very important to read Glass Castle FIRST to fully appreciate.

Those Who Love by Irving Stone

2010-07-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: ___5__

Pacing: __3___

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

Epic
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments? Historical fiction on the life and love between John and Abigail Adams

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Laarson

2010-07-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: ___5__

Pacing: __3___

Setting: _3___

Use one word to describe this book?

Intriguing
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments? Took me until about page 70 to hook me.

Pearl in the Storm by Toni McClure

2010-07-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: ___5__

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?
Strength

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?
Should be a "must read" for young women--dealing with defeat, endurance and success

CELEBRITY READER-Rob Pontau, Topsham Director of Public Works

2010-07-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

As you can imagine, being Director of Public Works and Dad to two adorable little girls takes a lot of Rob's time! He offers the following suggestions for great family reads --- and one for grown-ups!

Title: Bad Kitty
Author: Nick Bruel

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __3___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

____________________Repetitive_____________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

__x____YES _______NO

Kitty is not happy when all that's left to eat is Asparagus, Beets, Cauliflower, Dill...and 22 other equally unappealing vegetables. This riotous story of a cat gone berserk is a creative take on more than one alphabet journey whisking children on a laugh out loud romp from A's to Z's.

Title: Giraffes Can’t Dance
Author:Giles Andreae

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

Inspirational

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

__x____YES _______NO

With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness. IF you read it with a little rhythm, your kids will bob to the beat. Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself bobbing and dancing as well.

Audio books make that commute go a little smoother!

Title: The Husband
Author:Dean Koontz

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

Intense

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

___x___YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!
Rob says, "This was a great audio book!"

An ordinary man's extraordinary commitment to his wife takes him on a harrowing journey of adventure, sacrifice, and redemption to the mystery of love itself—and to a showdown with the force that would destroy it forever in this masterful novel. Read THE HUSBAND and you'll understand why "there is no one who can match Dean Koontz for pure excitement." — Denver Post

CELEBRITY READER-Lynn Morgan, TPL Library Staff

2010-07-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Reader, Lynn Morgan works at the Topsham Public Library's front desk doing everything from checking out books, answering questions, cataloging and helping out with Children's Programs--especially the Parent-Child Workshops and the Sleepover! She reads lots of books and likes to open the boxes of books that we buy to see what is new!

Here's what Lynn has been reading!

Author: Eve Brown-Waite

Title: First Comes Love, Then Comes Malaria (non-fiction)

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: ___4_

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

Interesting
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments?

Interesting to learn about other cultures--laced with humor!

Beyond the Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

2010-07-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __3___

Use one word to describe this book?

alluring
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes

Comments? Part of a series--one has to read them all to truly appreciate the characters--a dark, sensual adventure.

Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson

2010-07-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

inspiring
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen (2nd Review!)

2010-07-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __4___

Setting: ___4__

Use one word to describe this book?

Sweet
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

Yes

Comments?
Pleasant, easy read --sweet with a little magic similar to her other novels.

Frankenstein - Lost Souls by Dean Koontz

2010-07-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

Characters: 5
Storyline: 5
Pacing: 4
Setting: 5

One word: Maddening

I would recommend this book only if you've read the first 4 in the series

Dean Koontz fans will be glad that he finally got to the next book in the series. It's maddening because it is being continued on with book 6 next year.

CELEBRITY READER- Ed Caron, Topsham Director of Solid Waste Facility

2010-07-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Reader, Ed Caron is the Director of Topsham’s Solid Waste Facility. Along with his many outdoor passions, he is an avid audio book reader. Ed is one of the Topsham Public Library’s favorite and most special patrons! Here is Ed's current read!

Title: Fablehaven Series
Author: Brandon Mull

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __4___

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

Intriguing
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

___X___YES _______NO

Ed says, " This is the kind of book that makes you want to read the next as soon as possible to see what happens. Full of mythical and magical characters that keep you wanting more."

WHAT ARE YOU READING? Click the word "comments" below to let us know!

The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva

2010-07-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___
Storyline: ___4__
Pacing: ___4__
Setting: ___4__

Use one word to describe this book?

____intriguing_____________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
__x____YES _______NO

Comment: The first of the Gabriel Allon series. If you like spy stories, you’ll love this one.

Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts

2010-07-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

Ratings:
Characters--4-
a vampire, a witch, a sorcerer, a scholar, a warrior and a shape shifter-and a really evil vampire
Storyline--4-
they need to save not only "the" world-but all worlds in all dimensions
Pacing--4-
fast paced, lots of action and romance Setting--4-
Ireland and other realms

One word to describe this book: fun

Would you recommend? Yes-but only to people who can talk about vampire books without rolling their eyes.

Comment:
The first in a series of 3. An Easy, quick, and fun read. Summer reading at its best.

The Zigzag Way by Anita Desai

2010-07-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: _4____

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

______Transporting___________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES

Comments?

It took me away to a very different time and place.

I'm A Stranger Here Myself by Bill Bryson

2010-07-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5___

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

Funny!
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

YES

Comments?

Bill Bryson does it again--a funny (laugh out loud!) thoughtful book--great summer read!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

2010-07-28T09:18:00.001-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __5__

Pacing: __5___

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

Heartwarming
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

YES

Comments?

Entertaining and educational!

CELEBRITY READER-Helen Tomer, TPL Library Cataloger

2010-07-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Helen Tomer is TPL's cataloging specialist and a long-time staff member. She likes reading, movies and chocolate cookies! (YUM)

Title: Beachcombers
Author: Nancy Thayer

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: ___4__

Pacing: ___4__

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

Summer
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

___x___YES _______NO

Dead Man's Bones by Susan Wittig Albert

2010-07-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: ___3__

Setting: ___4__

Use one word to describe this book?

Easy
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

____X__YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!

Interesting tidbits about herbs

Two by Madeleine Wickham AKA Sophie Kinsella

2010-07-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

Author: Madeleine Wickham

Title: Twenties Girl

Rate this book---
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __4___

Setting: ____4_

Use one word to describe this book?

Hilarious
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

___X___YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!
I love Madeleine Wickham (Sophie Kinsella). I am addicted to her books. This one was one of her more comical ones. I loved the idea of being followed by her dead aunt. It was a nice switch from her Shopaholic books.

Author: Madeleine Wickham

Title:The Wedding Girl

Rate this book---
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: _4____

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

______Beach__________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

__x____YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!
This book is a great beach read. It is about a girl whose past comes back to haunt her. I like the character of the mother. She was overbearing and narrow sighted on the surface. It was written similarly to the other Sophie Kinsella books. If you like them, you would most likely enjoy this one too.

50 Harbor Street and Orchard Valley Grooms by Debbie Macomber

2010-07-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Author: Debbie Macomber

Title: 50 Harbor Street

Rate this book---
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: _3____

Storyline: __3___

Pacing: _3____

Setting: ___5__

Use one word to describe this book?

________Easy_________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

____X__YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!
This book was a nice book to read while at camp. I like that even though it is part of a series, I was able to start with this book and not be lost. I plan on reading more from this series. It didn't take a lot of thought. While predictable, it was a nice escape. Debbie Macomber's settings are always appealing to me.

Author: Debbie Macomber

Title: Orchard Valley Grooms

Rate this book---
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __3___

Storyline: __2___

Pacing: _3____

Setting: __3___

Use one word to describe this book?

_____________Mindless____________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

__X____YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!
This was not a favorite book by the author. It was another mindless read though.

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

2010-07-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: ___5__

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __5__

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book?

Funny!
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

__X____YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

2010-07-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __5___

Pacing: __5__

Setting: __5___

Use one word to describe this book? (OK-2 if you need!)

Feel-good
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

__X____YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!

Excellent version of an after-life experience

The Vampire's Bride by Gina Showalter

2010-07-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __4___

Storyline: __3___

Pacing: __3___

Setting: ___4__

Use one word to describe this book?

good
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

_X_____YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!

The characters made the book--some of them were very interesting!

The Whisperers by John Connolly

2010-07-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters 5
Storyline 5
Pacing 6
Setting 5

One word.
Twisted

I would recommend this book

This book is for readers who like creepy stories and reading about evil people getting their just desserts. And, Charley Parker's friends Louis and Angel are a hoot!

Winners

2010-07-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

This week's winners are---
Terri Eggleston and Carre Gardner
WAHOO!

The Lake Shore Limited by Sue Miller

2010-07-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __5___

Storyline: __4___

Pacing: __3___

Setting: __4___

Use one word to describe this book?

Nuanced
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

__X____YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!

Seeing the story through the eyes of all the major characters made it more rounded and thought-provoking . Miller has a fine way of revealing the ebb and flow of relationships.

Linda Rollins

The Butcher: An Anatomy of a Mafia Psycopath by Philip Carlp

2010-07-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)

Characters: __3___

Storyline: __3__

Pacing: __4__

Setting: ___4__

Use one word to describe this book?

Disturbing
_________________________________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

___X___YES _______NO

Comment, if you wish!

An interesting book about a psychopathic mafia killer.

CELEBRITY READER-Marge Whipple, TPL Library Trustee

2010-07-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Topsham Public Library Trustee, Marge Whipple is not surprisingly, an avid reader. A member of the Highlands Book Look book discussion group sponsored by the library at the Highlands, Marge is beginning her second term as a member of the Library Board.

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

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good
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It was written in the late 1800's and is long (600 pages) but worth it!

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

2010-07-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

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Use one word to describe this book?

humorous
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Easier to read than I thought it would be!

Three Junes by Julia Glass

2010-07-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

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Characters: __2___
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Use one word to describe this book?
__disappointing_______________________

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
______YES ___x____NO

Comment: I read this on CD and found it difficult to follow the timeline as it wasn’t linear and I found the end very unsatisfying. Great premise; poor execution. It should have been better.