WHAT THE LIBRARIAN IS READING
2011
All books are available from the Benson Public Library except where noted.

January 2011
The Mysterious Howling: Book 1 of the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood
"Of especially naughty children, it is sometimes said: 'They must have been raised by wolves.' The Incorrigible children actually
were." On that hangs the tale (or tail)  of Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia and there intrepid, never-flustered governess,
Penelope.

Annexed: a novel by Sharon Dogar
What was it like to hide with Anne Frank?  In this story, the author imagines those long months confined in fear from the point of
view of Peter the young man who along with his parents, hid with the Franks.  Fascinating read.

Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo & Alison McGhee
Two friends are as different as can be, but they love to have fun together.  One likes pancakes. One prefers peanut butter. One
loves to explore.  One loves bright colorful socks.  No matter what, they are friends.  Winner of the 2011 Theodor Seuss Geisel
Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book.

Ling & Ting: not exactly the same! by Grace Lin
Anyone who has been a twin or knows a set, realizes how aggravating it can be to have some who looks just like you but is
certainly not just like you.  Ling & Ting have fun showing off their differences. Honor Book of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
for the most distinguished beginning reader book.

Eighteen Acres: a novel by Nicolle Wallace
Written by a White House insider, this novel brings satisfaction to any political junkie or anyone interested in how things really
work in Washington.  Made me nostalgic to re-watch episodes of The West Wing.

The Red Pyramid: volume 1 of the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
Following the success of the author's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, a brother and sister team now tackle the gods and
goddesses of Egyptian mythology.  Exciting and revealing page after page.

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
The second part of the steam-punk Leviathan Trilogy returns the reader right back to the action of this WWI alternative history.  
This reader cannot stand the thought of waiting months for the final installment, Goliath.

Stay a Little Longer by Dorothy Garlock
Nothing like a little romance over the weekend. This title again appealed to the reader's interest of all things related to WWI.  The
Minnesota setting was a bonus feature.

February 2011
The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
"In a world of extreme beauty, anyone normal is ugly."  A futuristic world where the everyone becomes beautiful on their 16th
birthday and life is just one big party.  Of course, there is a dark side, and not everyone wants to be beautiful.
Volume 1 of a trilogy

Benny & Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti
I could not get enough of this couple.  Translated from Swedish, these two meet in a cemetery.  She's a librarian in the city; he's a
dairy farmer in the country.  Can they make it work?  You sure hope they can.

Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve
Another dystopian novel.  Definitely another well-written dystopian novel.  Events happen in a future London where a girl taken in
by engineers discovers there is more to the past and more to being human than meets the eye.

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
From my newest favorite author, her latest historical fiction novel. This time she flips between WWII and 1992 telling the stories of
a child evacuee from London, the sisters who took her in, and her daughter who discovered what truly happened.  

Ship Breaker: a novel by Paolo Bacigalupi
Yes, this librarian seems to be on a dystopian kick, but there is lots of good stuff out there and this is one of the best. Strong
themes of family, loyalty, pride, and what truly makes a person human permeate this work.  Don't let the dystopian them scare you
away, this is one to read.
Winner of the 2011 Prinz Award for Young Adult Literature

One Big Table: a portrait of American cooking by Molly O'Neill
Part cookbook, party history, part geography, but all a definite delicious good read. Time to return this book and cook up some
yummies.  One of the recipes comes from Montevideo - Moonstone Farm's Squash-Filled Ravioli (page 663).  Between that and
Deb Sundstrom's Layered Pumpkin Pie (Walton, NY; page 728), I don't know what to try first.   That's just the squash!  Think of
everything else that is covered.

March 2011
Extras by Scott Westerfeld
Book 4 did not disappoint, but you definitely need to start at the beginning with The Uglies.  Great story-telling, compelling
characters, and thought-provoking plots.

The Hidden Gallery: Book 2 of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood.
What a lovely return romp with Penelope and her charges.  The puzzle around them added a few new pieces to the picture, but
readers will have to wait until the next installment is released - in a about a year, alas.

If the Church were Christian: rediscovering the values of Jesus by Philip Gulley
This Quaker minister definitely will make you think and maybe get a bit miffed, but offers some sobering thought about what Jesus
said, and if his followers really fulfill his mission.

Specials by Scott Westerfeld
Volume 3 takes the reader into the outside world, far from the pretty city. Tally is not only a "Special" now, she is part of a "Special
Special" team called the Cutters.  The great thing about book 3 of this trilogy is that the author added a book 4, Extras.  Stayed
tuned.

Water for Elephants: a novel by Sara Gruen
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson, I wanted to read this before the movie came
out.  After sitting by my bed for months, I finally took the plunge.  Why did I wait so long?  Go get it now if you haven't read it.

The Iron Duke: a novel of the Iron Seas by Maljean Brook
Not for the faint of heart, but if you are looking for alternative history, steampunk, hot romance, action, adventure, & mystery, then
grab this book immediately.  Warning: a cold shower may be necessary.

The Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
Volume 2 of the series returns us to the world where everyone becomes beautiful on their 16th birthday, but not everyone wants to
be.  No spoilers here, so read The Uglies first then The Pretties, the story continues.

April 2011
The Cat Who Went Bananas by Lilian Jackson Braun
Always a delight to return to Pickax.  This time winter's arriving, a new bookstore is opening, and murder is happening.  Of course
Koko & Yum Yum sense and solve all.

A Lesson in Secrets: a Maisie Dobbs Novel by Jacqueline Winspear
Maisie's back!  She's in love, she's confused, she's teaching, she's detecting, she's spying. Richard Stratton returns!  Ok, I want her
to end up with Richard, not James. I don't know if the author feels the same way, but he's always been my favorite after her "true
love" was destroyed in the Great War.

Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick
What happens when four women decide to start a book group with their teenage daughter, not all of whom get along?  Lots of
interesting events and developments.  Discover what happens as the they make their way through Little Women over the course
of the year.

The Rise & Fall of Darth Vader by Ryder Windham
Brought this home for my son, but I wanted to get the inside scoop on the what, why, and how of what ultimately happened to
Anakin Skywalker.  Very satisfying.

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Listened to this famous tale and discovered there is so much more to it than appears in movies or on stage.  If you have never read
it, give it a try; you too will be surprised by what you discover about Peter, Pirates, and Never Land.

The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
Ok, so I have a thing for books with strong women.  Always been that way. This one covers lots of other of my interests: Victorian
England, detectives, mysteries, a bit of romance, and a small cliff-hanger to push me to read the second volume in the series. Not
that I needed much of a push.

May 2011

The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted: and other small acts of liberation
by Elizabeth Berg
I could not put it down.  Each short story sucked me and wouldn't let me quit.  I loaned it to my mom for a doctor's appointment
and she almost refused to return it.  Run, not walk, to read this book.

Dear Pen Pal: The Mother-Daughter Book Club #3
by Heather Vogel Frederick
This year, the mother-daughter book group is reading some of the best works of Jean Webster - Daddy Long Legs, Dear Enemy,
and Just Patty.  Lots of changes for all the mothers and daughters, some obvious while others are more subtle.

Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje
Memoir oft he author's return to his family's homeland of Ceylon / Sri Lanka.  Explores his family's stories and legends as lyrically
as his other writings.

Red herring Without Mustard: a Flavia de Luce novel by Alan Bradley
Back for another installment, our intrepid young detective is back discovering dead bodies and who killed them.  Not only do we
get to see more of Flavia's detecting skills, we receive more incite into her family, especially her mother.  Regarding her sisters, I'm
so glad I never had any.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
I had heard a lot about this title: how good it was, how controversial, how it spoke to teenagers.  Time to read it.  Wow.  Going
back to high school, not my first choice, but from a reader's perspective, I felt safe.  Wish I could say the same for the protagonist.

Sherlock: a new sleuth for the 21st century (2 DVDs)
Whether you are fan of the Doyle's books, Basil Rathbone, or Jeremy Brett, it won't be hard to be intrigued by what happens when
the stories Sherlock Holmes are brought into the 21st Century.  The first three episodes produced by the BBC are now in Benson
& ready to be checked out.  They are fabulous!

Much Ado About Anne: The Mother-Daughter Book Club Book #2
by Heather Vogel Frederick
We return to the M-D book club this time reading Anne of Green Gables.  The actress mom is back home, Becca is still a problem,
and will the girls be able to save the farm?  Pick up a copy and find out!

Peter & the Starcatchers by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson
A delightful look at the possible beginnings of Peter Pan and Never Land. Available in print and as an audiobook.

June 2011

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Soon to be a major motion picture, I knew I had to read it as it involved WWI, a time period which has always interested me.  This
endearing book brings the love of a boy and his horse and a cruel war together and to be torn apart. There are no good guys or
bad guys in this book.  Only survivors.

Julia Gillian (and the Art of Knowing) by Alison McGhee
Julia is a prococious only child who knows her limits and boundaries but pushes them nonetheless. Her big fear in life, however, is
reading.  She does not want to have an unhappy ending so she just doesn't read at all.  Her parents are teachers so this does not
sit well.  Spend part of your summer with Julia, her dog, Bigfoot, and their neighbors. (Available within the Pioneerland system)

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
Time Travel. Romance. Action. Adventure. Family Feuds. Secrets. Conspiracies.  Sounds perfect to me! Gwen's cousin Charlotte
has trained her entire life to travel through time.  Too bad, Gwen has the gene and not Charlotte. I could not read this fast enough.  
When I finished, I started again.  Can hardly wait for the next installment.  

The Body at the Tower: The Agency Book Two: A Mary Quinn Mystery by Y.S. Lee
If this is truly a trilogy as the author blurb states, I will be very sad when the next book ends.  This second installment enthralled
me from beginning to end.  Mary Quinn is a fascinating character who I want to see a lot more of before the series truly ends.

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen
A great book for summer as a twelve-year-old boy receives a used riding mower as a gift from his grandma leading to
stock-brokers, boxers, investments, and organized crime with lots of laughs.  

Rattle His Bones: a Daisy Dalrymple Mystery by Carola Dunn
Due to my love of British mysteries, especially the Maisie Dobbs' series, when I came across this title and saw that it too takes
place in 1920's London, I knew I must read it.  A lighter cozy mystery than Maisie, but still a fun read.  If more cross my path, I will
take them home too.

Duel! Burr and Hamilton's Deadly War of Words by Dennis Brindell Fradin
Learn what happens when adults cannot learn to talk and discuss reasonably with one another.  These guys just took jealousy,
power, and politics a bit too far.  OK, way too far since one ended up dead.  

Go, Go America by Dan Yaccarino
Travel trivia at its most fun.  Each U.S. state plus Washington, D.C. are visited in one to two page spreads with all sorts of
interesting facts, outdated laws, biggest, smallest, first, last, facts covered.

Manfish: a story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne.
I always loved a good Cousteau film, but I admit I was a bit fuzzy on his origins.  This wondrous book with beautiful illustrations
will entrance children and adults alike.  Now I want to know more.

Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff
A boy's hazy origins, at least to him, make for a very intriguing mystery.  I could not put this down until both the lead character
and I knew the truth of who he was.  Love the mystery, the friendship, and the teachers.

The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Volume 1: the Early Years (DVD)
I loved this show when it was on way back when, especially the parts with the Old Indy. This box set has lots of adventure, travel,
history and extras, but is missing key scenes - Old Indy!  If I had know that when I ordered this for the library, I would have
thought twice before I did.  Don't get me wrong, the young Indies (age 9 & 19) are as wonderful as ever and worth viewing.  I just
mention George Hall's Old Indy.

The Paris Wife: a novel by Paula McLain
Just to be up-front, I have always been a Fitzgerald, not a Hemingway fan.  His books are well-written but never spoke to be like
the Great Gatsby or F. Scott's short stories.  This fictional biography of Hemingway's first wife, Hadley, captured me from the
beginning.  I still am not crazy about Papa, but I have a better understanding of his youth, drive, and motivation, and what he put
his wives through. Highly recommend!

July 2011
The Falling Machine: The Society of Steam Book One
by Andrew P. Mayer
Returning to my new love, the steampunk genre, I enjoyed the tale but felt it lagged and was jagged at times.  In the middle as it
slowed, I had to force myself through to the end which I'm glad I did, but I will have the patience to wait for the next book unlike
my deep impatience for Goliath by Scott Westerfeld.

The Last Enemy (DVD)
Set in the near future where all your movements and actions are filmed, tracked and recorded, it is hard to disappear.  After four
years in China, Stephen Ezard returns for his brother's funeral to find his country changed in unrecognizable ways.  Lots of
intrigue, action, plot-twists, romance, and you never quite know who are the good guys or the bad guys.

A Discovery of Witches: a novel by Deborah Harkness
Diana is a witch but doesn't want to be.  Unfortunately, once she is able to get a bewitched book from the a library in Oxford that
no one else can, she won't have a choice.  Humans, Witches, Daemons & Vampires, Oh MY!  Magic, History, Romance, Terror,
what more could you ask for?  A gripping told tale!

Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
Having loved Brooks' Year of Wonders: a novel of the plague, I was filled with anticipation as I opened her newest work.  
Definitely not disappointed.  Again taking me back in history, making me feel as if I was there with Bethia, I could not put this
novel down.  

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Due to its true crime nature, I've purposely avoided this book for years. However, in the past several months, I have seen more
authors refer to this book as one of their favorite's or as the one that inspired them to write or as one of the best written books
ever. With accolades like that, I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave it a try. I was not disappointed as this true crime
engrossed me as much as my favorite mystery.  If you have never read it, I highly recommend you do as it is an incredibly written
work.

Looking Glass War by Frank Beddor
Recommended by a patron, I was pulled in to this retelling of Alice in Wonderland, but this time Alyss is a warrior queen and her
imagination is her weopon.  Blending the original with this fantasy places familar characters in new roles and new destines.  
(Available within the Pioneerland system)

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
A blend of text and old photos, this creepy, mysterious, charming, at times frightful mystery enchants the reader with its story of
love, family relations, society, and destiny.

Oh, Rats! The Story of Rats & People by Albert Marrin
An easy topic to gross out people, but rats and their rodent brethern make for fascinating reading.  This book covers their roles in
nature, history, impact on people, and all the many ways they can be prepared for dinner.  Yes, rat is a delicacy or a staple in many
parts of the world.  (Available within the Pioneerland system)

How To Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor
Reading this one for an upcoming class.  Was not gripped or enthralled by story.  The concept of stealing a dog to get the reward
because you are desparate, homeless, and want to help your family, I can see, but the writing did not pull me and keep me.

August 2011

Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell
Anyone who says history is boring has never read Sarah Vowell.  This time she explores the history of our 50th state, Hawaii.  
Once an independent country, a coup d'etat by the descendants of US missionaries changed all that.  Reading at times like a novel,
this little known aspect of U.S. history should be a must read for all citizens.  Plus, there's lots of snarky asides.

Doctor Who: The Complete 5th Series (DVD)
The 11th Doctor rocks.  He may be younger than previous Doctors, but his enthusiasm, quirkiness and companion, Amy, can kick
any alien from here to the next universe.  Part science fiction, part history, part romance, part action, part science, all fun.  Don't
miss Doctor Who!

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal
Nalia discovers at the age of 16, she isn't a Princess as she always thought.  She is just Sinda who was raised as a princess to
protect the real princess from a dire prediction.  What would you do?  Sent to live with her aunt, she discovers that she is trained
to be a princess, not a peasant.  Romance, deceit, magic, and mystery fill this delightful tale where no one is quite what they seem.

The Tragedy of Arthur: a novel by Arthur Phillips
A play within a novel which is only the introduction within a book.  The play may or may not be a lost Shakespearean tragedy and
the introduction may or may not be the author's autobiography.  The book is worth reading for family dynamics, literature, and an
ordinary man's obsession and stupidity.  

The Return of Captain John Emmett by Elizabeth Speller
Definitely recommended for fans of Maisie Dobbs. In fact, I kept smiling at each piece of which reminded me of her: Post-WWI,
nurses, wounded soldiers, deaths, mysteries, families trying to understand, unrequited love. A great story to read even without the
comparisons.

The Seer of Shadows by Avi
I heard him speak earlier in the day, went home and promptly read this title: historical fiction with a ghostly twist.  Very satisfying
even to someone who isn't that crazy about hauntings and/or ghosts.

The Borrower: a novel by Rebecca Makkai
Yes, this librarian is a sucker for any book taking place or involving a library employee.  In this tale of a kidnapping (who is
kidnapping whom is never quite clear), a ten-year-old boy and a children's librarian make us cheer for both of them and hope they
find their true place in life.

The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie
by Wendy McClure
To quote another childhood favorite, it is always reassuring to discover a 'kindred spirit." The author and I are about the same age
and share many of the same memories and impressions of Laura.  Her visits to the sites echo my experiences of delight and a reality
check.  Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves the Little House books and wanted to be Laura (or Nellie or Mary).

September 2011

The Night Circus: a novel by Erin Morgenstern
I could not put this down.  I read bits whenever I could, after breakfast, after lunch, all evening, staying up past my bedtime.  A
fairy tale. Magical. Dream-like. May I crawl in to the pages and live there too, please?  There was lots of hype about this book
before it was published and am pleased to add to it now.  This book is an experience not to be missed. Get your name on the
waiting list today.

hush, hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Recommended by a patron, I dived into this new series.  No vampires, but angels and fallen angels, teens trying to survive high
school biology, best friends falling for the wrong guys, and much more excitement.
Stay-tuned for the review of the sequel, Crescendo.

Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (DVD)
The weather is turning so it is never too early to start watching something Christmas related.  Dr. Who does Dickens.  With
Michael Gambon (Dumbledoor in the later Harry Potter movies) playing the Scrooge like character to the hilt, this is a version I will
return to again, just as I do A Muppet's Christmas Carol.

Robopocalypse: a novel by Daniel H. Wilson
Everyone talks about cutting their use of electronics, but what if the electronics did it for us?  Then decided to murder the human
population? This is the premise of this story where humans are hunted down by the very machines they created to improve their
lives.

Galore: a novel by Michael Crummey
Similar in feel to Caleb's Crossing but with a magical, mystical twist.  Set in Canada's maritimes provinces during the 19th Century,
this tale follows several branches of the same family as their lives entwine, turn about, and repulse the other.  And did I mention
the man found alive in the belly of a whale?  

Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillol
Listened to on audiotape on a weekend trip back from a wedding, I absolutely fell in love with this tale which is a cross between
the Steadfast Tin Soldier and....

Peter & the Shadow Thieves by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson
This second installment in the Pater Pan prequels is as much fun as the first.  Everyone returns: Peter, the lost boys, Molly, the
pirates, and a some new enemies who are all after the star stuff again.

She Walks in Beauty: a woman's journey through poems - selected & edited by Caroline Kennedy
In school I love studying poetry but can't motivate myself to read it otherwise.  Finally I figured out the reason, poetry is meant to
be read and heard.  This eclectic collection of poetry reflecting on every aspect of a woman's life entertains, educations and elicts
thoughts of all kinds.  Perfect for a road trip alone or with other women. (Available in CD at Benson and by book in Pioneerland)

Small Island (DVD)
My current British obsession continues with a BBC production that appeared on PBS Masterpiece Theatre co-starring one my
favorites, Benedict Cumberbatch, who is gaining reknown for his Sherlock Holmes incarnation (See May 2011 section).  Racism is
not unique to the US, the British face it as well as members of their former Empire come to reside in mother England.  Set in
post-WWII London, people from all over the world try to rebuild a new life out of the rubble of the old.

October 2011

Pies & Prejudice: the Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick
Each volume is better and better.  Luckily I don't have to wait long for the next one because it is here.  When it arrived, I realized I
had missed this one so I quickly backtracked.  As the title hints, Jane Austen is the focus, and as a huge fan of Ms. Austen, I cry,
"Bravo" to this latest addition to the Mother-Daughter Book club series.!

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick
The third volume in the hush, hush trilogy, this work redeems the not-so-strong second volume and leaves the author and reader
open to another new trilogy.  No spoilers here, but if you liked the Twilight series, this is the next one for you.

A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne
This book should be mandatory reading for all educators, healthcare workers, social workers, government employees and officials.  
Sometimes understanding another culture does not mean somewhere across the globe but right in your own backyard.  Highly
recoommend!

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
In anticipation of the start of the mural in the library this month, I thought I would revisit this classic.  Lots of non-sense so if you
want your book to make sense, avoid this one as Alice encounters one absurdity after another.

On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck
A look at life on the home front during World War II from the perspective of a young boy.  His dad and older brothers are his
heroes, but he discovers a few more in his town as he and his friend Scooter do what they can for the war effort.  Will recommend
to my dad whose experiences were probably similar to the protagonist's.

To the Ends of the Earth (DVD miniseries)
If nothing else, this movie left me grateful for the ease of travel of the twenty-first century.  I would have not done well in the
eighteenth.  The interactions between the passengers, crew and officers was never dull, but it was enough to drive most of them to
drink.

crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Book two of a trilogy, following hush, hush, I was a bit more frustrated with this book as Patch & Nora encounter stormy patches
with each other as well as other people. Her teenage angst was just a bit much for me. Reminded me of New Moon, the second in
the Twilight series.

Wonder Struck by Brian Selznick
For a thick-looking book, this is a quick read as half of the story is told in pictures only. Like his Caldecott winning, The Invention
of Hugo Cabret, this book conveys its stories in multiple forms. I found it hard not to keep turning the page no matter if it had
words or pictures as I wanted to know what happened next.

Goliath  by Scott Westerfeld
Waiting almost a year for the final installment in this trilogy was painful at times.  Luckily, other fabulous books captured by
attention, but I did a happy dance in the library the day I pulled this out of the delivery bin. Definitely worth the wait.  No spoilers.  
Just read all three!

November 2011

Steampunk! An anthology of tastatically rich & strange stories. Edited by Kelly LInk & Gavin J. Grant
Not sure if you are ready to commit to a complete steampunk novel?  Try some short stories instead.

Night Strangers: a novel by Chris Bohjalian
Suspense. Mystery. Horror. Ghost Story.  Not sure what to call this, but the characters are gripping and the story is page-turning.  
Read for book group, I would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone who likes a good story where things are not what they
appear.

I am Half-Sick of Shadows: a Flavia de Luce Novel by Alan Bradley
Flavia's back! It's Christmas; a movie company has moved in, and there is a blizzard.  Oh yes, there is also a murder for Flavia to
investigate.  If you have not yet discovered this precisous precocious sleuth, get going right now!  Be sure to start with The
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.

A Web of Air: the second book in the Fever Crumb series by Philip Reeve
Normally, the second book in a series does not live up to the first, but in this case, I think A Web of Air surpasses the original,
Fever Crumb. The character of the heroine, Fever Crumb, is allowed to develop and expand beyond the logical thinking engineer
she was brought up to be.  Her reactions to the world around her remind me of the similar observations by Temperance Brennan in
the TV series Bones.  Both are so very logical and view emotion as unreliable.

Home for the Holidays: the Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick
Finally, I could read the newest MDBC installment.  This one comes close to home as it focuses on the Betsy-Tacy books by
Maud Hart Lovelace, a Minnesota writer who grew up in Mankato. The books which are based on Maud's life, family, and friends
covers her life from her 5th birthday through her wedding and early married life.  If you love Laura Ingalls Wilder, L.M.
Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, or the All of a Kind Family books, then Betsy-Tacy & the Mother-Daughter book club are
just for you!

December 2011

Theodora: actress, empress, whore: a novel by Stella Duffy
History was never so much fun or risque!  Fascinating, gritty, sensual tale of the early life of one of the saints in the Eastern
Orthodox church.  Just wish the author had put in an afterward to talk about what was known, improvised, and what happened
after the story ended.

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol
This graphic novel brings together all that is needed for a good YA novel: a lonesome, insecure teen, her rebellious friend, the
nerdy picked-on boy, the handsome unobtainable high school hunk, and oh, yeah, a ghost.

The Last Wolf by Margaret Mayhew
A perfect escapist historical fiction with romance and adventure.  From an island of the Scotties Hebrides to a U-Boat under the
North Atlantic before, during, and after World War II, we follow two families and their inter-twined fates.  

Death Comes to Pemberley: a novel by P. D. James
There are a multitude of books which cover what happened after Pride & Prejudice ends but none are written by the master
mystery writer, P. D. James.  She captures the atmosphere of Jane Austen's time period without anachronistic plot twists or
devices.  If you love Jane or James, you will enjoy the time well spent in this novel.

Burden of Desire by Robert MacNeil
With the 100th anniversary of the Halifax explosion a few years away, expect more books on this event which is not as well known
in the US as Canada but should be.  This fictionalized account is engrossing as lives are split apart and tossed together by the
disaster.  For those who like history, romance, or disasters.

Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Definitely worth the wait, but I wish I had read it sooner.  So much to absorb and enjoy in the words and drawings.  Perfect for
children and adults alike.

Doctor Who: The Complete Sixth Series (DVD)
Due to spoilers on the Dr. Who websites, I had an idea of what was going to happen,but my family didn't.  They were certainly
surprised.  If you haven't seen the fifth series yet, start there first.

Heart of Steel: a novel of the Iron Seas by Meljean Brook
The sequel to Iron Duke was well worth the wait.  If you enjoyed the first installment in this steamy Steampunk series, you will
love the second.  This one follows two characters who were peripheral in the first story.  Now they are center stage.  Wonder who
Ms. Brook is going to focus on next.


Earlier 2011 Reviews
2010 Reviews