Books for Adults

 

 

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

This book is like librarians with guns. Odd, but funny. Reviewed by Cathy on 4/9/08

The Eyre Affair is the best of science fiction, fantasy, literature, and mystery all rolled into one hilarious book. This is one of the most original and enjoyable books I’ve ever read. I wish I’d come up with this, it’s brilliant! Reviewed by: Catherine on 6/20/07

 

 

 

 

The Cairo Trilogy (Palace walk, Palace of desire, and Sugar Street) by Naguib Mahfouz

This series was written in the 1950’s and was translated into English after the Egyptian author won the Nobel Prize. I’ve never read anything by an Egyptian author before and I had a certain personal worldview of what Middle Eastern cultures were like, especially for women. What was really interesting about this to me was that it takes a family with both sons and daughters and talks about their lives from all their different perspectives. The way that they navigate through their culture is different for each character. As you go through the 3 books it shows you 3 generations, highlighting changes over time and still through the eyes of the individuals, giving you equal attention to all the personalities and to the male and female characters. I found it quite fascinating, very enjoyable, and enlightening. I highly recommend it.Reviewed by Janet 4/4/08

 

 

The Mind of Bill James: How a Complete Outsider Changed Baseball by Scott Gray

Bill James is a man who’s written about baseball for 20 years and was hated pretty much in baseball circles. He’s considered a data-head but he’s not really.  What he’s done is he’s looked at a lot of different measures for baseball and said, ‘eh, these things don’t work and don’t really predict anything.’ He went on to create whole new ways of looking at baseball. What I really love about this book is it describes him in such detail as this kind of curmudgeonly, persnickety, disorganized person. If you’re at all interested in the world of baseball, or the world of data, like I am (he’s sort of my personal hero) then you should read this book. It’s a great read, it’s very fun, and it’s a great introduction to Bill James. Reviewed by Elliot 3/27/08

 

 

The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

This is really fun; you laugh a lot while you’re reading this. It’s about a family, the members of which are all private investigators. They start the kids out when they’re about 8 years old. It’s told through the eyes of the oldest daughter and there’s this real family warmth that comes through all the crazy shenanigans of their P.I. lives. I’m glad to know that there’s already at least one sequel I can move on to. Reviewed by Janet 3/24/08

 

The first in a planned series, this book is an absolutely hilarious romp through the dysfunctional lives of a family of private detectives. Snooping sisters, unhinged uncles, meddlesome mamas, and paranoid papas all make for a rollicking good time. If you're looking for some heartfelt humor and lots o' chuckles, then read this book now. You won't regret it! Winner of an Alex Award, The Spellman Files is highly recommended for teens as well.Reviewed by Shireen 3/1/2008

 

A Seahorse Year by Stacey D'Erasmo

Winner of the 2004 Lamba Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction, Stacey D'Erasmo's A Seahorse Year is a San Francisco-based family drama of a refreshingly non-traditional variety. Nan, a lesbian, and Hal, a gay man, are the protective co-parents of Christopher who, at the already difficult age of sixteen, begins to show signs of mental illness. And thus begin the struggles that will push the story's many relationships to the brink. While the narrative in and of itself is eventful and gripping enough to carry the novel, it is the poignant empathy with which D'Erasmo paints her characters that is the true star of this work. Highly recommended.Reviewed by Sara 3/13/08

 

 

 

 

Song For Night: A Novella by Christopher Abani

The protagonist of Christopher Abani's Song for Night is a nameless, voiceless West African boy soldier who takes the reader on his journey to return to the platoon from which he was separated during a land mine explosion. At moments sad, magical, and brutal, this little novella is intensely moving for its size. Recommended for those who liked A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah (but don't expect a similar happy ending). Reviewed by Sara 3/4/2008

 

 

 

 

Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal

Noli Me Tangere, also known as The Social Cancer, is a literary reflection of nineteenth century Philippines under the imperialistic rule of Spain. It is the first of a two-part series, the other one being El Filibusterismo or The Subversive. In this novel, Rizal exposes the abuses of the Spanish friars and military towards the indigenous "indios," a feat that would later on cost the author his life. Exploring the norms and fractures that exist within this spanish-indigenous society, Rizal introduces his readers to Crisostomo Ibarra, a coming-of-age character who returns to the Philippines after pursuing seven years of education in Europe. Throughout the novel, Ibarra faces the challenge of introducing change to a society that is resistant to anything unsanctioned and unfamiliar as superstition and liturgical practices hold steady grips on people's mentalities. This book is fascinating on many levels. Rizal's satirical writing style makes the book an enjoyable read, despite the dark themes that run rampant throughout the novel. Additionally, Rizal marries prosaical fiction and historical text as he unapologetically bares all the ills of his Philippine society through the eyes of fictitious characters. Though written in the late 1800s, Noli Me Tangere still works on a contemporary level as the issues in the book still exist in Filipino society today, making the novel not only very relevant but also extremely telling. Reviewed by Abigail on 26/08

 

The Terror by Dan Simmons

When British vessels HMS Terror and HMS Erebus optimistically set out on a mission to find the Northwest passage, they have no idea of the trials which await them--tainted rations, years frozen in the ice, nutritional deficiency, and a menacing, polar bear-like monster which is picking them off one by one. Painstakingly researched and heartbreakingly written, this tale is based upon the true story of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated voyage and unsolved disappearance in the Arctic. Historical fiction and horror mix seamlessly in this haunting book, which will linger in your memory long after the last page is turned.Reviewed by Lindsay 2/21/2008

 

 

 

Off Mike by Michael Krasny

I’d recommend this to any fan of Michael Krasny and his radio show, Forum, although I’m not sure it would play well for people who don’t listen to him on KQED/NPR. He quite humbly relates the story of his life and his as yet failed struggle to become a great writer. His immense erudition and love of literature come through, most interestingly in the vignettes on his experiences with the great authors he’s interviewed over the course of his career. Reviewed by Liz 2/12/2008

 

 

 

 

Worldwar series by Harry Turtledove

I like this science fiction author because he isn’t as heavy on the science part of the science fiction.  This series is an alternative history in which aliens come down from outer space and try to take over the world during the middle of World War II.  It sounds very cheesy and it incorporates elements of early 1940’s style science fiction but it becomes an intriguing treatise on what being human is and what freedom means. Turtledove tells the story from the perspective of the aliens, Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto, the Nazis, the Soviets, and the Americans, and creates an unbelievably moving, epic story of the fight for freedom during this "time." Reviewed by Elliot 2/11/2008

 

 

 

Shell Games: a John Marquez crime novel by Kirk Russell

This is part of a series about John Marquez, a fish and game warden working in Northern California.  Shell Games concerns the poaching of abalone and has murders and other kinds of interesting things.  I enjoyed this mystery and I think everyone else would too. Reviewed by Leonard 2/11/2008

 

 

 

 

 

Spook Country by William Gibson

Unseen things are afoot. Secret, sinister, sneaky, beneath the surface stuff. Events transpiring, transactions transacting -- all kinds of activity going on that we don't know about. But William Gibson does. At least he writes like he does. Gibson delivers another taut, terse, transcendent bit of futuristic cyber paranoia in Spook Country, deftly weaving the stories of an Ambien junky, a washed up rock star-turned in-over-her-head investigative journalist, a Russian speaking Cuban-Chinese information transporter and a hyper-paranoid techno-art producer into a modern parable of espionage and information insecurity. If you liked Gibson in Neuromancer and Virtual Light, you're gonna love him in Spook Country.Reviewed by Bill 1/29/2008

 

 

 

The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon

What if, instead of moving to the Middle East and creating the nation of Israel after World War II, the Jews of Europe were instead relocated to a semi-autonomous province in Sitka, Alaska? And what if the lease, so to speak, on Sitka was up, and the U.S. was preparing to serve the Sitka Jews their eviction papers? And what if, somehow, that could could be at once a murder mystery, dryly, ironically funny, and just a touch heartwarming? Well, then you must be reading a Michael Chabon novel. If you liked The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, you will not be disappointed. Reviewed by Bill 1/29/2008

 

 

 

The Painter of Battles by Arturo Perez-Reverte

This is not the Arturo Perez-Reverte you're used to. This is not the swashbuckling tale of anything. In one man's opinion, this is a book that Perez-Reverte -- a longtime war correspondent before turning novelist -- had to work up to writing. It's not the sort of thing you turn out as a debut offering. Unlike essentially all of his previous works, Painter of Battles is a dark, brooding reflection on war and human nature, and whether those two things are inextricably linked. And it's brilliant. Reviewed by Bill 1/29/2008

 

 

 

 

Guns of the South by Harry Turtledove

Guns of the South is Harry Turtledove's masterful alternative history of the American Civil War. In this book, future white supremacists from South Africa have figured out a way both to time travel and to smuggle arms into the hands of Confederate forces. With AK-47s in their hands, Southern infantrymen are able to wipe away the Union's army and defeat U.S. forces on battlefield after battlefield. What's great about this book is Turtledove's ability to get right into the heads of historical figures. General Lee, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and his Jewish Secretary of State, Judah Benjamin, begin having second thoughts about their South African friends as victory comes closer and closer. The book finishes with many surprises. As in many of his Historical Alternatives, Turtledove closely examines race, class and gender, leaving the reader much more enriched than one would expect from most boilerplate SF. Reviewed by Elliot on 1/29/2008

 

Interred with their Bones by Jennifer Carrell

This is a great book for anyone who enjoyed the Da Vinci Code.  Interred with their Bones is about Shakespeare, who he really was and who else might have written his plays.  It’s jointly set in the sixteenth century and in present day America and has everything; there’s a heroine, multiple murders modeled after the deaths in Hamlet, cryptic clues, and people trying to uncover historical perspectives that may or may not be accurate.  This book intrigued me so much that I’m now reading a book about the court life of James I of England and I’m also planning on reading more about Kit Marlowe and some of the other people who have been considered Shakespeare potentials. Reviewed by Cathy 1/28/2008

 

 

Boom by Tom Brokaw

Tom Brokaw defines the 60’s as being anytime between the Kennedy assassination in ’63 and the Nixon resignation in ‘74. Because of his long career in broadcasting he has a really interesting perspective on this time. It’s also given him easy access to a wide range of people to interview for this book and he uses these interviews to do a couple of clever things. He takes people that were well known in the 60’s and interviews them about the lasting impact from the 60’s to determine how much of what we’re dealing with now is a holdover from, or a result of, what happened then. The other thing he does is he takes people who are very active now and talks about what they were doing in the 60’s.  There’s a lot of discussion of all the major issues from the 60’s, a lot about the war (both the one then and the one now), the women’s movement, and so on.  It’s a fascinating book, in particular because of his access to people and his perspective as someone who was covering the news in that time and now 40 years later. Reviewed by Anne 1/23/2008

 

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

My book group just read this very popular book and it was really inspiring. This is a wonderful, thoughtful idea of how we can make a difference that isn’t war in the fight against terrorism. Be prepared to wait for it as the library currently has over 200 people on the wait list for it, but it’s well worth it.  This is just an amazing story of what one person can do. Reviewed by Paula 12/29/2007

 

An amazing story about what one person can do and his take on what it means to work in this part of the world where we, as Americans, feel that they hate us and in his case it’s not true. I highly recommend it; it’s a great story that reads like fiction. Reviewed by Anna 1/18/2008

 

Malicious Intent by Kathryn Fox

The main character of this book is Dr. Anya Chricton, a forensic scientist. The story is about three females who turn up dead. Supposedly these deaths are suicide, but Anya doesn’t think so. Each of the three deaths has three things in common; they each disappeared without a trace and then turned up a few weeks later dead, they all have odd fibers in their lungs, and they all have terrible cases of STD’s. None of these characters had anything in their normal lives in common, they didn’t live in the same place or work together, but Anya sets out to find the link between them. This is by an Australian Author and would be a great read-alike for Patricia Cornwall fans. Reviewed by Marian 1/17/2008

 

 

The Forgetting by David Shenk

I have an aunt who has Alzheimers and this book helped me to understand better what was going on inside her head. It’s sort of an invisible disease in that the people suffering from it don’t look any different on the outside, so being able to picture what’s going on in her brain helped me to understand what’s happening to her. This is a very readable book, you keep going back to see what will happen next. With the way he discusses the research it turns it into a story so it’s a really easy and painless way to learn about this subject. It was fascinating to read how the research community has come together in the scientific rush to try and find a way to deal with this growing epidemic. This is the first time I’ve ever felt like sitting down and writing to an author to say, “would you please, every five years or so, do a revised edition and bring us up to date on the research?” The truth is you can go out and read articles, but the way he tells it makes it interesting, understandable, and helps to put a human face on it. Reviewed by Janet 1/10/2008

 

Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq by Kirsten Holmstedt

There are women in the battle zone in Iraq, even though that isn't supposed to happen, and they’re engaged in the same dangerous activities that the men are. This collection of short stories describes what it’s like for them. One of the stories is about two women who are shot while looking through houses for insurgents. Another story is about a woman pilot who’s been shot down and has broken her arm and leg. These are real stories about the women who are fighting alongside the men in Iraq. Reviewed by Maureen 1/9/2008

 

 

 

Free for All: Oddballs, Geeks, and Gangstas by Don Borchert

This is a great book about a library assistant who has worked in a public library for 12 years in southern California. In his amusing memoir he shares stories about some of his quirky coworkers and day-to-day encounters with the public - some of them outrageous! It’s funny and creative and I recommend it highly. Reviewed by Susan 1/8/2008

 

 

 

 

 

Rocket Boys by Homer Hickman

This is the book that the movie October Sky was based on. It’s a great movie but you learn a lot more from reading the book. It’s about a group of boys living in a mining town in the 1950’s who, after Sputnik went up, decide to form a club and build their own rockets. It talks a lot about life in a mining town as well as how they went about building their rockets and the various stages their experiments went through (the first “rocket” was really more of a pipe bomb). Their last rocket won them the National Science Fair and went six miles high, which I think is amazing. I just can’t imagine building something at home that would go so high. I really recommend it, not just for the rockets but because you learn a lot about life back in the 50’s too which was a lot different than it is now. Reviewed by Laura 1/08/2008

 

 

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

I generally stay away from books on nazi Germany but this one has a really interesting story. The narrator is ‘Death,’ and is telling the story of a 10-year-old girl who’s in a foster home with a German family that is hiding a Jew in their basement. What’s touching for me about this book is that my mother grew up in Germany during this time and so I grew up listening to her memories of being forced to join a Hitler Youth Camp, something the main character in this book also experiences. This made the story very personal and a sort of validation of my own memories of my mother’s stories. This book was fascinating even though I had to read small pieces at a time because it’s so heavy and extremely sad. Reviewed by Anna 1/7/2008

 

Carved in sand: when attention fails and memory fades in midlife by Cathryn Jakobson Ramin

A fascinating book about the different kinds of research into the human brain and memory loss. Ramin had very serious memory issues in early middle age, offered herself up for testing and eventually found the surprising primary cause that had been falsely eliminated early on in her search. Along the way, she found out that a combination of seemingly innocuous factors can contribute to memory loss in a major way, and there are many things you can do to protect your brain and your memory and improve your cognitve health - even if you have a genetic tendency toward developing a major memory loss illness. A very engaging and hopeful book that may inspire you to take better care of your body and your brain. Reviewed by Cindy 4/29/08

 

Rollback by Robert J Sawyer

Sawyer continues to develop as the premier ethicist SF futurist, in this book examining the love between an aging scientist engaged in communicationg with alien beings and her husband.  The two octogenarians undergo a rollback in which their bodies are meant to revert back to what they were like when they were in their twenties.  The problem is that it works for the husband, but not the preeminent scientist, who is the key player in a drive to understand what the aliens are trying to say to humanity.  Sawyer's latest offers both extremely well researched science and engaging moral drama.  Not to miss if you like deep, emotional, science fiction that does not shy away from tough ideas. Reviewed by Elliot on 5/10/08

 

 

 

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

So my best friend told me to read this book back in February because she thought I'd really like it. I went on hold for it since there was already a sizeable line for it, and in between me putting it on hold and actually getting it, it won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. So my best friend has great taste in books, I guess. And she knows my taste pretty well, apparently, because I now have a major crush on this book. And there was no waiting 30 some odd pages to get sucked in either. Love at first sight, really. Reviewed by Sara 5/6/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mothers and Daughters by Gwen Madoc

On the coast of Edwardian Wales, Lucy Chandler and her sister Eva are mourning the loss of their father when they return home to find their mother visited by another woman claiming to be the wife of their father. Claims that are confirmed by the Chandler’s own lawyer leaving the two daughters and mother destitute. Lucy knows she must move her mother and sister away from the scandal for them to have a chance to find lodging and employment. While Lucy and her mother find menial work, Eva refuses to work and longs for a privileged life. An Austen/Bronte sisters read alike.

Reviewed by Aly 12/31/07

 

 

 

 

A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink

This book describes the way our society is moving from a left-brained to a right-brained culture.  I’m very right brained and so I was excited to read that there was going to be a renaissance of me.  I don’t read non-fiction normally because I read slowly and if I can’t turn a book into a movie in my head it doesn’t typically work for me but I found this fascinating.  The book describes a modern trend in industry towards hiring right-brained thinkers instead of left-brained ones since computers can do our left-brained activities better and faster than we can.  It says that the future is all about design and creativity.  

Reviewed by Susan 12/19/2007

 

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John M. Perkins

A riveting account of one man's role as an economic consultant for an international company.  His deals have incurred insurmountable debts for countries around the world. John Perkins explores the effects of such large loans on world economy and the role of the World Bank.  Reviewed by Aurora, 12/01/2007

 

 

 

 

The Eighth Promise by William Poy Lee -  An Asian American odyssey with an edge, this tale is told in the alternating voices of a Chinese American son and his mother from Toisan County, Guangzhou, southern China.  The Bay Area family embraces the toughness of their new life in America with a certain innocence and brash naiveté, until reality hits in an explosion of violence and systemic betrayal.  William, his mother and his brother fight for their family's moral survival in the face of overwhelming odds, overcome their obstacles, and still manage to retain faith in their adopted country by staying true to their cultural values -- and by keeping the "Eighth Promise."   Reviewed by Chlöe, 11/1/07

 

 

 

Altered Carbon  by Richard Morgan - Murder mystery set on future Earth, where memories and personalities are "stacked" in a spinal implant and downloading into a new body is an option for the wealthy and well-connected.  Takeshi Kovacs, a former government Envoy has been bailed-out from storage and "sleeved" into a new body at the request of a Methuselah (a citizen who has the money to be sleeved into new bodies as each old one dies) to investigate the murder of his previous body.  Wishing to fulfill his bail contract, he finds his investigation getting him deeper into organized crime and political corruption than he'd care to be.  Winner of the 2003 Philip K. Dick Award, it's an excellent read.  Squeemish beware, graphic language abounds.  Reviewed by Doug 10/17/07

 

 

 

Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris - In this prequel to Silence of the Lamb Harris reveals the sordid details of Hannibal Lecter’s childhood and adolescence. A horrifying, chilling and fascinating glimpse into the making of a monster.

Reviewed by Elsie 10/20/07

 

 

 

 

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

A man and his son trek through a burned, post-apocalyptic landscape, struggling against the elements and other, somewhat-less-than-human survivors. There are lessons of morality and humanity, and object lessons on what it means to cast those things aside. One of the most touching, terrifying books I have ever read, The Road is made all the more poignant and personal to me as the father of a son. Oh yeah, McCarthy won a little thing called the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, not to mention the National Book Award, for this one. Bears mentioning. Reviewed by Bill on 09/26/07.

 

 

Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff

 

Jane Charlotte has a story to tell. She's telling it to a seemingly innocuous man in a white lab coat. Seems she's in the mental ward. In a prison. Because she killed somebody. But Jane's story isn't that simple. Is she part of a secret organization whose goal is to eradicate evil? Or is she part of a secret organization whose goal is to propagate evil? Good monkey? Bad Monkey? Sometimes, it's hard to tell. Dark humor, intrigue, 1984-like paranoia, sexual predators, you name it, this book's got it. Plus, monkeys.

 

 

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak - Nineteen-year-old Ed Kennedy is a layabout. An underage cabbie. Sort of a bum. He spends most of his off-work time playing cards and drinking with his friends and lamenting the absence of romance in his life (specifically with his best friend). Then Ed disrupts a bank robbery, and the cards start coming. Not on the table. In the mail. They give Ed instructions. Missions. A motive for breaking away from the hum-drummery of his day-to-day. And everything changes. Is Ed man enough to face all his challenges? His demons? You'll have to read it to find out.

Like the blurb says, don't pick this one up unless you have time to read it from cover to cover.

Reviewed by Bill 9/26/07

 

The Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard - Murder of a most grisly variety at the U.S. Military Academy. A cagey, retired police inspector on the case. West Point Cadet Fourth Class and erstwhile poet and hopeless romantic Edgar Allan Poe as his trusty sidekick. And a great, big, Usual Suspects kinda twist at the end. What more could you possibly want?

Reviewed by Bill 9/26/07

 

 

 

Storm Front by Jim Butcher - Harry Dresden is a wizard private eye in Chicago. That pretty well sums it up. Noir. Magic. Creatures from the depths of the Nevernever bent on doing unpleasant things to humanity.

Good times. Check out the Dresden Files (yeah, it's a series, but you can read 'em out of order after Storm Front) if you're looking for some relatively mindless fun escapist fiction. And if you're still bumming about Harry Potter being over.

Reviewed by Bill 9/26/07

 

 

The Ladies of Grace Adieu: and other stories by Susanna Clarke- Susanna Clarke occupies a unique niche in fiction- her books evoke all the old wonder of childhood fairytales, and her pitch-perfect English style is nuanced and graceful. She creates her intriguing literature by combining historical fiction with original mythology, as she did in her superb novel, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.  Ladies is set in the same alternate historical universe. If Jane Austen and the Grimm brothers teamed up to write fantasy fiction, they might have penned these well-crafted little stories. Some, like “The Duke of Wellington Misplaces his Horse,” bear the comfortable guise of a folktale, while others, particularly “Mrs. Mabb,” are a delightful combination of sorcery and 19th century romance.      Reviewed by Lindsay 9/25/07

 

 

Step-Ball-Change by Jeanne Ray  Caroline McSwain has four healthy grown children, a husband that she is crazy about, and is the owner of a dance studio she loves.  She also has a house foundation that is sinking, a daughter who is in love with two men, and a beautiful competitive sister who has left her husband to move (with her biting dog) into Caroline's home.  Jeanne Ray stirs all this into a warm, witty novel that is real life dusted with a rosy sparkle.  Reviewed by Lisa 9/12/07

 

 

 

 

Fables: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham, Illustrated by Lan Medina

 

Old fairytale favorites (Snow White, Prince Charming, the Wolf, King Cole) are driven out of their home and live incognito with the rest of us in this adult graphic novel. A remarkably fresh take on the fractured fairytale genre, the book introduces the reader to the seamier side of a storied existence—Prince Charming is a sleazebag who has married and divorced three princesses, Beauty and the Beast are having marital troubles, and Rose Red has gone missing, possibly murdered by Blackbeard. Witty writing alone makes this book worthwhile, but the fantasy element is exceptionally well served by skillful, appealing graphics. Comic books aren’t just for kids these days, but this compelling read might keep your attention better than any book without pictures. 

Reviewed by Lindsay on 08/29/07

 

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

This historical, time - travel, romantic, adventure novel was slow to grab me but once it did, I was hooked.  It tells the story of a woman who in 1945, while visiting at stone circle in Scotland with her husband, touches the top of a boulder and is pulled through a crag emerging in the year 1743. Reading about who she meets, how she survives, what she learns and the decisions that she makes is entertaining and engaging. And, if you get attached to the characters and really want to know what happens next, there are two sequels available.  The library has a good audio version of this book as well. Reviewed by Susan on 8/24/07

 

 

 

Replay by Ken Grimwood

 

 

The bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad. 

Asne Seirestad, a Norwegian journalist, presents a fascinating insight into the cultural traditions of an Afghani family set against the current historical turmoil of Afghanistan. While reporting on the search for Al Qaeda in 2002, she meets a bookseller, Sultan Kahn and is invited to move in with his family and observe their daily life. Asne describes lives still bound by tradition. Well written and very informative. Reviewed by: Andy on 8/23/07

 

 

 

Lose weight the smart low-carb way: 200 high-flavor recipes and a 7-step plan to stay slim forever by Bettina Newman

Tired of yo-yo diets, trying to figure out what will work the best, don't want to have to think too hard. I have been on every type of diet but always with the intent of being healthy rather than just losing weight. Recently, my husband has had a scare with prostate cancer and my determination to get him healthier, in addition to myself, became increasingly important and necessary. I had heard about the low or no carbohydrate diets and how they helped individuals lose weight quickly, thereby helping their motivation to continue forward. This type of diet was too restrictive. I happened upon this book, focusing on the glycemic index and eating smart carbohydrates plus low fat foods. It really registered. My husband and I have had great success with the recommendations from this book. Newman is a registered dietician and knows how to communicate with the general reader. Highly recommended. Reviewed by Cathy on 08/22/07.

 

Case Historiesby Kate Atkinson

 

Private Detective Jackson Brodie is called in to solve what have been three unsolvable cases of missing persons; while pursuing leads, Jackson uncovers shocking family secrets of abuse, murder, and insanity while risking his own life.  Many surprises are revealed and startling connections emerge. Inextricably caught up in his clients’ grief, joy, and desire, Jackson finds their unshakable need for resolution much like his own. Kate Atkinson has created an intense and riveting novel that sparkles with surprise, comedy, tragedy, and constant, page-turning delight.

Reviewed by: Louise on 08/22/07

 

 

 

Soaring With Fidel by David Gessner

David Gessner shares his fascination with ospreys with readers in his new book.  He takes a leave of absence from his teaching job in North Carolina to follow ospreys as they migrate from Cape Cod to Cuba and Venezuela and then back to Martha's Vineyard, near Cape Cod.  Along the way, the author introduces us to many osprey experts who share their knowledge of osprey behavior.  This book is well written and will appeal to those interested in birding and nature.  His adventures in Cuba are particularly interesting.   Reviewed by Anne, 8/22/07

 

 

 

Fine Cooking Annual: a year of great recipes

 

Fans of Fine Cooking magazine will be thrilled with its first annual publication.  Editors remain true to the magazine's format by offering cooking techniques and tips that coincide with the featured recipe.  Photographs for every recipe are included for chefs who like to see what the finished product should look like.  Try the Grilled Hearts of Romaine with Blue Cheese dressing.  It's scrumptious!  Reviewed by mmp 8/22/07

 

 

 

The End of the Alphabet by C S Richardson

Amsterdam. Berlin. Chartres. A, B, C. What happens at Z? Ambrose Zephyr and his wife Zappora Ashkenazi, aka Zipper, depart from London for a one month trip to 26 places from A-Z. Ambrose has been advised that he has 30 days to live and this is how he chooses to spend his time. This short adventure story of the soul centers on the intense love between these two people as the struggle with the inevitable. With humor and style, this quick read is a delightful handling of a complex topic. Reviewed by Sarah on 8/16/07.

 

 

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book was truly engaging. It is about the author's year long journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia. She had been through two failed relationships and was taking the time to get to know herself. I felt like I had traveled with her and I was learning  her life lessons. As a result, I was provoked to think about my own relationships and my experiences with others which had a positive impact. I highly recomend this book if you want to read something that is not only entertaining but thought provoking. It is a story that will stay with me for many years to come. Reviewed by Jenna on 08/14/07

 

 

 

The Case of the Missing Books: a Mobile Library Mystery by Ian Sansom

No mystery loving librarian  could pass up this title. Israel Armstrong, a Londoner and librarian quits his bookstore job, leaves his girlfriend, and heads to Ireland to continue along his slow-starting career path. Unexpectedly, he is forced to drive a bookmobile, sans books. Yes, bookmobiles still exist:  the setting is Irish country and contemporary down to a library’s funding woes, but the love of books and characters comes through.  As a mystery, it will be one of my  favorites for no other reason than I guessed where the missing books went. Hard-core mystery buffs should pass. Reviewed by Barklee on  08/10/07

 

 

 

 

 

The Known World by Edward P. Jones

This Pulitzer Prize winning novel tells the story of Henry Townsend, an African-American slaveholder in Virginia.  This world of slaves, free blacks, and whites of all classes is far from a standard antebellum narrative.  Friendships and alliances are formed across rigid racial lines and all perspectives are voiced.  Perhaps the most intriguing part of Jones’ storytelling is his frequent elaboration on minor figures who are never mentioned again.  This style makes for an intriguingly textured experience of the characters.  Reviewed by Liz 7/31/07

 

 

 

Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife  by Peggy Vincent

This is a great book, particularly for pregnant women and their partners.  Ms. Vincent, a Berkeley resident and the first midwife with hospital privileges in the East Bay, discusses her long career through many anecdotes of successful (and one unsuccessful) home birth.  Reading story after story of relatively pain-free natural birth in a home setting gives the reader the sense that birth is not something to fear.  It is also fascinating to track the recent history of the second oldest profession through the author’s experience.

 

 

Earth Abides by George R. Stewart 

This tale of the collapse and rebuilding of human society after a terrible pandemic is as relevant today as when it was written in 1949.  Stewart has a very interesting take on the direction life takes for a small band of survivors in the East Bay hills. This book not only offers a fantastic plot, it is also fun to read a science fiction novel set right here in the Bay Area.  Reviewed by Liz 7/31/07

 

 

 

The Dress Lodger by Sheri Holman

Gustine is a “dress lodger,” a prostitute who rents her fancy dress so that she can attract a better class of clientele.  Henry Chiver is a surgeon practicing at a time when it is impossible to find cadavers for research legally.  They both have something the other wants.  Set against a burgeoning cholera epidemic in 1830’s NE England, this book pulls you into its world of squalor and desperation.  I’ve never appreciated modern plumbing so much!  Reviewed by Liz 7/27/07

 

 

 

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke 

I was first prompted to read Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell when in a newsletter from my old school I read that the book was a combination of  ”Jane Austen and Harry Potter.”  This is a wonderfully thoughtful and imaginative book, ten years in the writing.  This fictional Britain, which is both in the midst of the Napoleonic war and reawakening to its magical heritage, is a complete world.  This book is a true tour de force.  The book on CD is also simply wonderful.  Reviewed by mps, 7/25/2007

 

 

 

 

Savage wars of peace : small wars and the rise of American power by Max Boot

A very enlightening look at America's long history of engaging in "small wars" from the Barbary coast to Kosovo.  Many lessons to be learned about when, why, and how such engagements can be conducted successfully.  Although it was published before our latest incursion into Iraq, it provides insight into the nature of that war.

Reviewed by: Maria on 7/23/07

 

 

 

 

Four queens: the Provencal sisters who ruled Europe by NancyGoldstone                               

This book is about four sisters, from the relatively unknown minor nobility of Provence, who through the cunning of their family, became queens. Marguerite, Eleanor, Sanchia and Beatrice became the Queens of France, England, Germany and Sicily respectively. Goldstone shows just how influential these women were during a time when woman were considered inferior. Enjoyable, easy read for those who like medieval history.

Reviewed by M 7/21/07

 

 

The Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland

This book is made up of a series of short stories beginning in the present and going back in time to 17th century Holland. Vreeland skillfully links all of these tales revolving around a particular Vermeer painting that touches the lives of its owners. As the reader moves through the book, more is revealed about the painting’s history and while the artwork is always the focal point, each story unfolds to offer an interesting glimpse of life during a particular time and place in history. Reviewed by: Mimi on 06/18/07

 

 

 

 

God is not Great: How religion poisons everything by Christopher Hitchens

If you enjoy reading things that challenge your everyday thinking, then definitely take a look at this.  It's not so much about how believing in God or being religious in general is bad, but rather how much harm is caused in this world by religious fanatics who use their beliefs to essentially justify their horrible actions.  A good reminder of how fanaticism of any sort is dangerous.  Reviewed by: Jimmy on 06/11/07

 

 

 

 

 

Books for Kids

 

D is for Dancing Dragon by Carol Crane

In this A to Z book Chinese culture and the alphabet are introduced through couplets. The realistic pastel drawings of Zong-Zhou Wang bring each letter to life. Longer accompanying text adds depth to the descriptions of history and geography. Reviewed by Aly 12/31/07

 

 

 

 

The secret of Priest's Grotto : a Holocaust survival story by Peter Lane Taylor

Grades 5 and up. Imagine living underground for 344 days...no sun, damp conditions, and little food. In 1943, a few families did this. They lived in a cave in the Ukraine in order to escape the Nazis. Gorgeous photos of the cave, maps, and pictures of some of the survivors bring the story to life. As I read the unforgettable story of survival, I was amazed at the resiliency of the human spirit. Reviewed by Bea on 12/31/07

 

 

 

The Aunts Go Marching by Maurie J. Manning

A familiar song is turned into a charming parody when instead of the 'Ants' going on a march it's the march of the 'Aunts.' The illustrations are priceless and it's especially entertaining to watch as the 'Aunts' build from one by one to the amazing parade of 'Aunts' marching along ten by ten. A picture really is worth a thousand words in this fun story. Reviewed by Catherine 12/19/2007

 

 

 

 

New Clothes for New Year's Day by Hyun-Joo Bae

Kindergarten and up. A young Korean girl dresses in her new clothes for the Lunar New Year. Bae's colorful illustrations richly depict the girl's delight and excitement for her new outfit. Children who enjoy dressing up will relate to this story. Reviewed by Bea on 12/11/07

 

 

 

 

 

The Real Story of Stone Soup by Ying Chang Compestine

Ages 5 and up. I've heard the story of stone soup before, and I enjoyed the "real deal." In China, there is a legend about the origins of stone soup, and in some areas of China, they really do serve stone soup. This light-hearted tale with its silly narrator depicts how this special soup may have come to be. Reviewed by Bea on 12/11/07

 

 

 

 

The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty Birney

Grades 3 and up. Eben longs to travel the world and see some of the wonders he learned about in his history class. He is tired of the boring, rural farm town of Sassafras Springs; there are no wonders to see there. Eben's father disagrees, and he challenges Eben to find seven wonders in seven days. If Eben can accomplish this, his father will send him on a trip. Eben agrees to try, and he begins a remarkable search. This book is replete with good ol' fashioned yarns. Settle in and enjoy. Reviewed by Bea on 11/28/07

 

 

 

 

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor

Grades 4-6. After her family is reduced to living in a car, Georgina hatches a plan to raise some money. The plan?....Steal a dog and then collect the reward money! In her trusty notebook, Georgina begins to record procedures for successful dog theft. Yet as she executes her plan, she finds things are not as simple as they appear. I cried and laughed as I empathized with Georgina's struggle. Reviewed by Bea on 11/24/07

 

 

 

 

 

Why did the chicken cross the road?  This perpetual question gets answered in this delightful book in a myriad of ways.   Fourteen well- known contemporary children’s artists answer the question, each in their own recognizable distinct visual style.  This is a book for children and adults to pore over. For all enthusiasts of children’s picture books.  Couple this book with others of each illustrator to extend the book into an appreciation of different art styles.  Lots of fun for all.

  Reviewed by Andy 11/02/07

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zelda and Ivy the Runaways by Laura McGee Kvasnosky

Grades K-3.  This charming beginning reader has three endearing stories about the Fox sisters.  In the first story, the Fox sisters runaway to their backyard because they don't want anymore of the cucumber sandwiches their dad makes.  This story filled me with memories of when I was a little girl and ran away from home and hid in my backyard!

Reviewed by Bea on 10/18/07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wolf's Coming by Joe Kulka

Preschool and up.   Wolf's coming!  The animals can sense him getting closer and closer, so they all run and hide.  The story pans back and forth between the ominous looking wolf and the scurrying animals.  The suspense compelled me to keep reading, and a pleasant surprise at the end made this an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Bea on 10/17/07

 

 

 

 

 

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Grades 4-and-up. It's a novel. No, wait. It's a graphic novel. Hmm. Maybe it's a motion picture in book form. Or is it an illustrated novel? It might be closer to the truth to say that Selznick's innovative tale is a combination of all those things. Selznick tells his story in finely crafted prose and lushly detailed drawings that occasionally, wonderously persist for pages on end. In it, orphan Hugo Cabret's interactions with a grumpy old toyseller and a little girl in a train station in Paris in the 1930s and the discoveries they all make lead to a touchingly surprising conclusion. A children's book? Sure. But fun for all ages.

 

And don't be put off by the 500-plus pages. This reads in less than 2 hours.

 

 

 

Grumpy bird by Jeremy Tankard

Preschool - 2nd grade. Bird wakes up grumpy and spends a good part of his day grouching around.  Fortunately, he has a few loyal friends who have a unique way of helping him out of his bad mood.  An imaginative story.

 

Reviewed by Bea on 09/13/07

 

 

 

 

Today I will fly by Mo Willems

Grades K-2. When pigs fly takes on a whole new meaning with this silly story.  The Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems are not your typical easy readers.  Although the text is simple, this story is certain to tickle your funny bone.  A first grader I know who is just learning to read had no problem with the text, so it is perfect for beginning readers.  Even more advanced readers will enjoy the humor of this book written by the author of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

 

Reviewed by Bea on 09/06/07

 

 

 

Blind Mountain by Jane Resh Thomas  Twelve-year-old Sam would rather be playing his guitar or doing almost anything  than making a grueling climb up a mountain with his father.  Sam's father has been very vocal about his disappontment in Sam and the choices he has made lately. On the way up the mountain Sam accidently whacks a branch that hits his father in the eye, causing him temporary blindness.  Sam then is left to try to find their way down the hill which turns out to be a page turning adventure. Sam proves his ability to think quickly and bravely. The characterization of the father is a little heavy handed.  However, I still think this is a good choice for those children who are looking for outdoor, true to life adventure books like HATCHET by Gary Paulsen. They will really enjoy this one. 

 

Reviewed by Andy 9/01/07

 

Eats, shoots & leaves: Why, commas really DO make a difference! by Lynne Truss

 

Grades 2 and up. Grammar has never been this fun! I had to chuckle as I read the same words that took on such different meanings depending on where the comma was placed. Bonnie Timmons' illustrations also had me laughing, especially the one that had Grandma skipping down the sidewalk as she held her walker high above her head.

Reviewed by Bea on 08/24/07

 

 

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

Ages 10-13 This fictionalized story is based on the true life experience of the author's aunt ,Syvia, who was moved into the Lodz ghetto in Poland in 1939. Syvia is one of 12 children out of a population of 270,000 people who survived from the ghetto.  This poetic narrative conveys the every day experiences of a child caught up in horrendous events.  A remarkable holcaust story for older children to be shared and discussed.  One of the best children's books on this topic that I have read. Reviewed by Andy 8/23/07

 

 

 

The neighborhood Mother Goose   by Nina Crews

 

Traditional Mother Goose blended with bright vivacious photos create a splashy new look for well loved nursery rhymes. Paired with colorful whimsical photos of an urban neighborhood the rhymes come to life.  A joyful and refreshing offering.  Reviewed by: Andy on 8/23/07.

 

 

 

 

The mailbox by Audry Shafer

When I began reading this book, my heart ached.  The book begins as twelve year old Gabe discovers that his uncle Vernon is dead.  Gabe is devastated and doesn't tell anyone since he is afraid he will have to go into foster care again.  A few days later, Uncle Vernon's body disappears, and Gabe receives a letter in the mailbox from a mysterious person who has a secret.  This unique book with its intriguing correspondence between Gabe and the letter writer would be of interest to children in grades 5 and up. Reviewed by: Bea on 08/20/07

 

 

 

 

Do lions live on lily pads? by Melanie Walsh

Ages 2 and up.  Do lions live on lily pads?  No, of course not!  You'll sometimes find frogs on lily pads though.  Outrageously silly situations such as a goat in a nest will have you laughing out loud.  Children will enjoy the funny pictures and hilarious text, and they will love sharing the right answers. Reviewed by: Bea on 8/9/07

 

 

 

 

 

A good day by Kevin Henkes

Ages 2 and up.  Ever had a bad day?  Sometimes bad days have a way of changing for the better.  A bird, a dog, a fox, and a squirrel are all having a bad day.  However, a twist of events turns the bad day into a good one.  This book's simple text and illustrations make it a cozy pick for young children. Reviewed by: Bea on 8/6/07

 

 

 

 

 

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

 

Ages 9-12  This deliciously scary book should be read during the day, and not by the faint of heart.  Tom Ward is the seventh son of a seventh son, which leaves him with the qualifications for a very eerie job.  At thirteen Tom becomes the apprentice to the Spook.  His master, the Spook, protects ordinary people from the most extraordinary things.  In the first book of the series Tom and his master find themselves battling a family of witches.  Will Tom heed his master’s warning not to trust a girl in pointy shoes? Or will Tom befriend the new girl Alice with no concern for her footwear? If you like this title check out The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane. Reviewed by Aly 8/6/07

 

 

 

 

Overboard!by Sarah Weeks

Ages 2- 5 This rhyming story follows a baby bunny through a very active day.  Colorful illustrations outlined in charcoal mark the soft style of illustrator Sam Williams and add a vibrant tone to the playful nature of this toddler as she/he experiments with gravity.  Food, toys, and more go overboard with satisfying sounds like “Splat, Splat, Splat.”  Story is sure to be familiar to anyone with a toddler.  One of my storytime favorites. Reviewed by: Aly 8/4/07

 

 

 

 

 

The Scarecrow and his Servant by Philip Pullman

Grades 3-6 Follow the adventures of an unusual hero with a turnip for a head.  When struck by a bolt of lightening Mr. Pandolfo's scarecrow is brought to life.  Jack, a boy escaping from soldiers, becomes the servant of this egocentric and often confused scarecrow, helping him to outwit the crooked Buffaloni family.  A fun fairy-tale with plenty of adventure. Reviewed by: Aly 8/4/07

 

 

 

 

Sandry's Book by Tamora Pierce

Grades 6-9 Brought together from four very different backgrounds by the great mage Niklaren Goldeye, Lady Sandrilene fa Toren, Daja Kisubo, Briar Moss, and Trisana Chanler find themselves sharing the Discipline Cottege at Winding Circle Temple.  What the four don’t realize is the very special magics all four possess.  Magic that has gone undetected by anyone except their new teachers at Winding Circle.  When the four find themselves trapped underground during an earthquake, they must use their magics to free themselves and save the Temple from destruction.  The first in a series of books, Sandry’s book follows the four on their journeys to the temple and the discovery of their powers.  Check out the other books in the series to follow Sandry, Tris, Daja, and Briar as they face pirates, forest fire, and plague.  Also great to listen to on Audio CD. Reviewed by: Aly 8/4/07

 

Adele and Simon by Barbara McClintock

All you Where's Waldo fans will enjoy this book.  Adele and her brother, Simon, stroll through the streets of France.  On each page, Simon loses something, and you have to find it!  I had fun hunting for the lost items.  For ages 6 and up. Reviewed by: Bea on 7/21/07

 

 

 

 

 

King of Murder by Betsy Byars

 

Herculeah is a super sleuth, and she always seems to find her way into a mystery.  By chance, she and her friend, Meat, have an opportunity to meet Mathias King, a famous author of murder mysteries.  Mr. King is impressed by Herculeah, so impressed in fact, that she is the inspiration for the "victim" in his next book.  As Herculeah learns more about Mathias King, or the King of Murder, she finds that there is real danger - not just some made up story.  A spine tingling mystery for grades 4 and up.  Reviewed by: Bea on 7/18/07

 

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

Can we say an earlier version of Happy Feet? Louis the voiceless swan finds an ingenious way to overcome his difficulties. This tale is one of my all time favorites. A great book for fourth and fifth graders.  Reviewed by: Aurora on 03/01/07

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pajama Time! by Sandra Boynton

Rhythmic and whimsical; this book is the perfect bedtime read for you and your toddler. If you enjoy "Brown Bear..." you'll love this one, too! Reviewed by: Andi on 03/01/07

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See by Bill Martin, Jr.

My 18-month old loves this book and we read it over and over again. I use the book to teach her colors and the sounds that the animals make. It is one of her favorites and I never get tired of reading this book. Reviewed by: Candy on 03/01/07

 

 Create your own free wiki!Support Community Add to Del.ici.ous Add to DiggPublic, Silver wiki Privacy Policy RSS