How to Bake a Perfect Life/Barbara O'Neal/390 pages

Ramona Gallagher owns a struggling bakery or boulangerie. Her daughter, Sophia, has just received word that her soldier husband has been wounded and she needs to go to Germany ASAP. Her husband's ex-wife has been sent to rehab again, so his daughter needs to stay with Sophia, but she has to leave before Katie can get to Colorado Springs. Katie stays with Ramona while Sophia waits for her husband to wake up from his traumatic injuries.

This is a story of the relationships between many generations of women in the Gallagher family starting with Adelaide (Ramona's deceased grandmother) and going down to Katie. There are men in the story but for the most part they play a secondary role. O'Neal includes many bread recipes, so if you a baker, you get a bonus.

Neverwhere / Neil Gaiman / 337 pages / Horror

"Have you ever got what you wanted and then realized it's not what you wanted after all?" Richard Mahew asks after he is miraculously returned to his former life in London.  His engagement to Jessica was broken when he was determined to aid bloody Dora.  Following her to lower London, he helps to avenge her family's deaths, visits a clan of talking rats, an angel, and mythical monster.  Escaping from two hired assassins who have caused havoc throughout history, he think he will be happy to have his old life back.  After all this, however, his former life appears staid and boring.

Horror

Leaving Gee's Bend / Irene Latham / 230 pages

"I reckon it takes leaving to appreciate all the things about [a] place that make it special."  This important lesson is learned by Ludelphia Bennett when she sets off from Gee's Bend to Camden to fetch Dr. Nelson for her sick mother.  Her mother has just delivered a new baby girl after delivering two stillborn babies.  She has pneumonia and possible influenza.  The ferry breaks loose and Lu is thrown into the river.  Finally making it ashore, she spends the night in Mrs. Cobb's barn.  Mrs. Cobb, a recent widow, pulls a shotgun on her and is determined to collect past due debts and all possessions from the residents of Gee's Bend (1932), Alabama.  Lu's note to the Red Cross brings sorely needed food and supplies to the poverty-ridden community.

Mark Twain Award Preliminary Nominee 2012-13

The Familiars / Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobsen / 360 pages

I listened to the audio version of this book and it was great, but please be sure not to miss the print version and its illustrations.  Three familiars - magician's companion animals, carry on the quest undertaken by their masters when the young wizards are captured by the evil queen of Vastia.  Gilbert (frog), Skylar (blue jay), and Aldwyn (alley cat) are reminiscent of Harry Potter.  Like Harry, Aldwyn is an orphan and knows nothing of magic.  Gilbert reminds me of Ron with his bumbling ineptitude, and Skylark is Hermione with her studious command and knowledge of magic, spells, etc. gained through studious reading.  "Their magic adventure - an irresistible blend of real heart, edge-of-your-seat action, and laugh-out-loud humor - is an unforgettable celebration of fantasy and friendship.

Mark Twain Award Preliminary Nominee 2012-13

After Ever After / Jordan Sonnenblick / 263 pages

Jeff and Tad, eighth cancer survivors, are in Miss Palma's English class studying "Cyrano de Bergerac".  They decide, like Cyrano, to make a beau geste.  Jeff will try to pass the state math test, although methotrexate he has taken for cancer has caused brain damage making math extraordinarily difficult for him.  If he does not pass the test, he will fail 8th grade.  Tad will be his tutor and accomplish the seemingly impossible.  Jeff is helping Tad to work out so that he will be able to walk across the stage at 8th grade graduation.  (He is wheel chair bound.)  Lindsey, a new girl from California, takes a liking to Jeff and assists Tad in a plot to subvert the testing.  Jeff's brother, who has fled to Africa to study drumming and to find himself, decides t return when his ex-girlfriend, Annette, sends him a MeTube  video of the walk out. 

"It's amazing what a little fame and a fatal disease will do for a guy's popularity rating."
"A big part of why we're here is support the people around us."

Truman Award Preliminary Nominee 2012-13

Dream of Night / Heather Henson / 218 pages

'I think 'norma' is overrated.  I think it's okay to be a little different."
Jessalyn DiLima is a life-saver.  She rescues horses and children.  She has lost her only daughter, Maddie, years ago and has never recovered from the loss.  Shiloh comes to her on the day she rescues Dream of Night, an abused renegade thoroughbred.  Shiloh has been abandoned by her mother and her mother's abusive boyfriend, Slade.  She receives one silent phone call each year on her birthday.  Shiloh is destined for a juvenile residential facility and has shut herself off to avoid more hurt from the foster care system.  Jess is feeling her age, and although she feels compelled to help Shiloh, Shiloh rejects her advances.  Dream of Night, however, responds to Shiloh and she to him.  Both hearts are softened and the seemingly impossible occurs with a deservedly happily ever after ending.

Truman Award Preliminary Nominee 2012-13

The Hope of Refuge / Cindy Woodsmall / 341 pages / Christy Award

Inspiring tale filled with romance and many interesting facts about Amish life and beliefs.  Cara Moore is a single mother from New York who flees with her daughter, Laurie, to escape a stalker.  Destitute, she follows memories and her mother's journal to travel to Dry Lake, Pennsylvania where she hides in a barn and "borrows" necessities.  Unfortunately, when she moves into Ephraim Mast's house with Laurie and he moves into his workshop, the community is incensed and Ephraim is shunned.  Ephraim dares to live by God's command to "Be Me to her."  Cara is drawn to the comfort found in the Bible and Ephraim.  Ephraim's sister, Deborah, is also undergoing strife as her fiance, Mahlon Stolzfus, decides to leave the Amish community.  His experience in New York during 9/11 makes it difficult for him to continue its separatist views.  Excellent story of faith, determination, being true to one's inner self, and the importance and impact of family and community.

Christy Award Nominee 2011

The City and The City / China Mieville / 320 pages / Hugo Award 2011

Inspector Tyador Borlu is a detective in the Extreme Crime Squad in Beszel.  He is called to investigate a murder.  A woman's body was found by some skateboarders.  It is first believed that she is a prostitute, but investigations reveal that she is a PH D student working at a nearby archaeological dig.  Evidence reveals that she was killed in one city and transported to another.  The cities exist in close proximity, and, where crosshatching occurs, sometimes simultaneously.  Residents of both cities are trained to "unsee" buildings and residents of the other.  Failure to do so is breach.  Excellent vocabulary marks this international sci fi spy thriller.

Hugo Award Nominee 2011

Bamboo People / Mitali Perkins / 272 pages

This is by far one of the best books I've read in a long time!!  Telling the story from two points of view, Mitali Perkins relates the strife occurring in modern Burma.  Chiko's father, a doctor, has been arrested because of his criticism of the government.  Chiko goes to town to apply for a teaching position to help support his family.  Instead he is conscripted into the army with Tai, a street urchin.  Tai helps him to survive in the army camp, and Chiko volunteers to go on a mission in Tai's place.  Chiko is injured by a mine and is rescued by Tu Reh, a Kareeni - the enemy.  "Extreme circumstances and unlikely friendships force each boy to confront what it means to be a man of his people...Mitali Perkins explores the power of courage and compassion to overcome violence and prejudice." 

"Read widely...Great doctors must understand human nature in order to heal."
Chiko's mantra "One day at a time.  Mind your own business.  Stay out of trouble."
"Revenge makes you a prisoner."
"No hero comes back unscarred."

Truman Award Preliminary Nominee 2012-13

After Dark/Jayne Castle/332 pgs

This is the book two of the "Planet Harmony" series. These stories take place on Harmony in the future. Lydia Smith is a para-archaeologist and after being caught in an illusion trap, she is now working at the Shrimpton's House of Ancient Horrors and trying to start a private consulting firm. Her first client, Emmett London, shows up just as she discovers the body of a somewhat friend and she is a suspect in his murder. They end up joining forces to find out who killed the friend and to locate Emmett's ancient family heirloom which was stolen.

The Book Thief/Markus Zusak/552 pgs.

I can't tell you how much I was impacted by this book. Both of my daughters had read it awhile ago, and kept asking me if I had read it yet--there was always another book I was reading. I should have read it sooner! It's a fictionalized account of Nazi Germany, with Death as the narrator. That's all I'm going to say, because anything else I say wouldn't do it justice. It would be a great book discussion pick.

1105 Yakima Street/Debbie Macomber/366 pages

Another of Debbie Macomber's "Cedar Cove" novels. (And at the end of the book, the author announces that there will only be one more title included in this series). This book follows the conflict between Bruce and Rachel Peyton. Of course as with all of the "Cedar Cove" novels, there are many other families' stories also. With the many different stories involved, this is a quick read.

Mudbound/Hilary Jordan/328p

This book was recommended to me by a member of my book club.
After being cheated out of farm that they put money down on Jim and Laura McAllan find themselves living with no electricity, no running water and very little privacy. Along with Jim's cantankerous father and two young girls, they start out farming life on shakey ground. The neighbors and sharecroppers, the Jacksons help them as best they can but the eldest McAllan man is not too friendly and treats them more like slaves. Taking place during the late 1940's both families have men returning from military duty after World War II. The tension between Ronsel Jackson and the towns folk brings the two families against each other. Although Laura's younger and very hospitable brother in law, Jamie seems to share a bond with Ronsel the pair of them find themselves a target of the local Klan. This was very hard to put down and I enjoyed how the chapters rotated between the characters. Hilary Jordan has a new book coming out called "When she woke" which I am looking forward to as well.

Tombstone Courage/J.A. Jance/300 pgs

This is the second title in the Joanna Brady series. Joanna has run for sheriff of Cochise County - the office her husband was running for when he was murdered and she won. On her first day, she is faced with trying to find out what happened when 2 bodies are found - one new and one very old. She is having to deal with the "good old boys" in the sheriff's office and the receptionist who has an attitude. Plus her daughter is afraid she will lose another parent. It was a good story and didn't really see who did it until the end.

Gordon Korman / Framed / 234 pages

Griffin Bing, the Man with the Plan, must rely on his friends to help him get out of his latest dilemma...being accused of stealing a Super Bowl ring on display at his middle school. This book has it all: humor, a puzzle, mystery, evil adults, bad kid goes good, technology, etc. Great selection for guy readers. Third in the series of stories featuring Griffin and his friends. Other titles include Swindle & Zoobreak. PS The dog Luthor is quite adorable...for a huge slobbery doberman. Recommended for upper elementary and middle school.

Match Me If You Can / Susan Elizabeth Phillips 386

Sixth in the Chicago Stars series, pits the "Python" against the matchmaker when Heath Champion decides it is time to marry. Annabelle Granger lands him as her first client through an introduction wangled by friends from the Chicago Stars football team. Annabelle immediately sees why this workaholic, driven, brash, successful sports agent can't finding a wife. Intrigued he signs on despite that he is already using the matchmaking services of the poised, polished Portia Powers of PowerMatches. Others from the Chicago Stars enter the story. An secondary love story between Portia and Brody, Heath's associate adds to the mix. Phillips' characters display wit and sauciness and romance.

Check the library catalog.

Forever / Maggie Stiefvater 390 p.

In this third in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series for teens, suspicion falls on Sam when Grace runs away as a wolf. Their sweet love story is counterbalanced by the edginess and less sure one of Cole St. Clair, mega rock star and Isabel Culpepper, Grace's friend and confidant. The cure sought by Cole can't come fast enough as Isabel's father bulldozes his plan of killing all the wolves into reality when werewolf Olivia is killed by wolves.

Check the library catalog.

The Borrower of the Night / Elizabeth Peters / p244

A Vicky Bliss mystery. Vicky and her "friends" travel to Germany to try and uncover a long lost shrine by a famous sculptor (for the life of me I cannot remember his name) with some very valuable stones embedded in it. They are historians and have gotten clues from letters from the very ancient past. Throughout their search they encounter mysterious happenings, apparitions, tombs, grave robbers, seances, etc.

I wouldn't call this a horror book but it certainly had shades of the darkness to it. Maybe, just maybe Laurie will count it as horror for the points. How 'bout it Laurie???

The Heart and the Fist / Eric Greitens / p309

The author describes how, after working as a humanitarian around the world, he realized that he could do nothing to stop violence or prevent people from becoming refugees and soon joined the elite Navy SEALs, where he drew on his humanitarian training as he battled injustice.

I actually listened to this, with Eric as the narrator. If only all our armed forces personnel and politicians could work in the world as humanitarians first. The two go hand in hand. I know this young man was here for a program in our library, I'm sorry I missed it!

Neon Rain / James Lee Burke / p248

This novel pits a New Orleans homicide detective Dave Robichaux against the mob, the contras, the Feds and just about all the other cops. Tough cop, good cop. I'd never read anything by this author before but the book happened to be available so I picked it up and then wouldn't put it down. I'm not normally fond of main characters who are drawn to violence but this Dave character is really the good guy. I even put The Glass Rainbow on reserve......another Dave Robichaux novel.

Night Road / Kristin Hannah / p385

A story of friendship, social pressures, love and forgiveness. Lexi and her friends make a bad choice one night and one of them pays with their life. The story was an easy read. I think it would make a good after-school special for young teens coming into the age where the decisions they make are their own. And they have to learn to live with the consequences for the rest of their lives. Possibly a good future Book Club to Go title.

Serendipity/Carly Phillips/300 pgs.

Chick lit at its best. Faith Harrington returns to her hometown, Serendipity, hoping for a new start. Years ago her father had betrayed the towns people by running a Ponzi scheme. Ethan Barron, the "bad boy" of years past has purchased the Harrington mansion. There is romance, family conflict, etc. A nice, light, read!

Kyle's Island / Sally Derby / 191 pages

Kyle is eager to begin their annual trip to the lake cottage. He knows it will be different this year. His grandmother,who owned the cottage, has died, and his dad left the family this past Valentine's Day. Kyle has not spoken to him since and resents his compulsion to write the great American novel and "find himself". Kyle plans to explore the mysterious island in the middle of the lake - especially when he learns his mom is trying to sell the cottage to pay bills. This is a heartwarming story about close family ties, looking beyond appearances, hope, and second chances. Bit of bad language.

"You can control your temper or let it control you."
"Lots of people have been talked into things they regret by someone who said 'Just this once' to them."

Mark Twain Award Preliminary Nominee 2012-13

Autumn Street / Lois Lowry / 188 pages

This is one of Lois Lowry's earlier books and it is very moving and thought-provoking. Lots to think about and talk about in this story of a family who move in with grandpa and grandma when dad goes off to WWII. Elizabeth's, the young narrator, perceptions of war, race issues, inter-generational relations, friendships, sibling issues etc are all brilliantly related. Characters are skillfully drawn. This is a good one to read to comprehend how children perceive war and some of the other things they are told or overhear adults say every single day. It's a difficult book in more ways than one. It's a book that will stick in your head. Read it and let me know what you think.

Born In Fire/Nora Roberts/405 pgs

"Born In Fire" is the first title in the "Concannon Sisters" trilogy. It is the story of Margaret Concannon. She is a glass blower and has come to the attention of an art gallery owner - Rogan Sweeney. He wants to manage her and she is not sure that is what she wants. She just wants to be left alone. But she is attracted to him and decides to let him show her artwork. They fall in love and help to heal Maggie's heart.

October Challenge

Hi ALL!  Sorry I am so late updating the blog this month.  I work at Spencer so 'nuff said.  I LOVE October and Halloween is my FAVORITE Holiday!!  So this month the challenge is to read as many scary stories as possible!!!  Check out the Bonus Points Challenge page for more Details.  PLUS!  there is going to be a special drawing this month on OCT. 17th for anyone who has posted this month so far!  So get reading and posting!  Thanks!

Poop Happened / Sarah Albee / 164 pages

What can you say in 164 pages about poop? A bunch! That's right. An entire history of how people have dealt with the overwhelming problem of what to do with all that stuff. Mostly, it went into the streets and into the water. It would not have been pleasant to sniff the air back in the day.

It is a wonderful look at history and culture of the times as well as the chronicle of waste. Albee also goes into the history of disease theory and how it changed over time. All this in a very entertaining children's book!

Kids can inadvertently learn some history while they are gleefully reading about poop.

Clearly, there is still work to be done as we are still polluting the planet. There is a possible sewage-based battery in the works. I hope it happens. By the way, I no longer eat gummy candy. See he book for why.

1105 Yakima Street/Debbie Macomber/366 pgs

This is the next to last title in the "Cedar Cove" series and this is Bruce & Rachel Peyton's story. Rachel is pregnant but has left Bruce because of conflicts with her stepdaughter Jolene. The stress of living with a girl who is jealous of the attention her father is giving to his new wife and the baby on the way is endangering the pregnancy. She has moved and found a new job and is trying to get on with her life but Bruce wants her back. There is also updates on other residents of Cedar Cove in preparation for the last title "1225 Christmas Tree Lane".

Heat Rises/Richard Castle/305 pgs

This is the third Nikki Heat title written by Richard Castle - based on the ABC series "Castle". This one is the best one yet I think. Nikki is suspended from the force in the middle of the investigation into a murder of a priest at a New York bondage club. She knows that there is a cover up and knows she can only trust one person - Jameson Rook - the investigative reporter that she is in love with but who has been gone for a month. If you enjoy the TV show like I do, you will enjoy the books.

Split / Swati Avasthi / 282 pages

"It is four times likely equal to inevitable." Jace Witherspoon wonders if he is doomed to become his father. His brother, Christian, left home years ago to escape the intense abuse meted out by his father. He had often stepped in to deflect the violence directed at his mom. Now Jace, too, has runaway for the same reasons. He, however, had fought back, and unfortunately has pbysically lashed out at his girlfriend, Lauren. Driving from Chicago to Albuquerque, he reconnects with Christian and begins to fight his demons. He has begun developing "calmology lessons: #1: Run every day, #2: Speak if you have something to say, #3: Fix what you can, and accept what you can't."

"I am defined by what I've done, not by what's been done to me."
"We all screw up. We all wish we were stronger than we are, and not one of us get through this life without regret."
"Sometimes I wonder why words can't actually make us bleed."

Gateway Award Preliminary Nominee 2012-13