“Royal Sisters” describes the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and her sister, Princess Margaret. As a life long Anglophile, I found this book to be informative and entertaining. Much of the Queen’s early life was discussed, revealing how she evolved from minor royal to Her Majesty. Much had been written about her, so no real surprises. The fascinating aspect of this book was the life of Princess Margaret. She is a tragic figure, often misunderstood and exploited by the press. They shared a bond and history that only the two of them could understand. The peek into the palace was fascinating. I highly recommend this book.
Three words that describe this book: Touching, personal, and captivating
You might want to pick this book up if: You are an Anglophile or interested in British Royalty.
-Donna
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
The fourth word I ever said was “book.” I would ask to look at a book for bedtime (and then sleep with that book) long before I could read the words. Books are comfort in times of stress, knowledge in times of uncertainty, adventure when travel isn’t possible, friends in loneliness, treasured decor throughout houses, conversation impetus between strangers and so, so much more. I love how a book feels in my hand, the smell of the pages, the possibilities within the words. I know many of you feel the same way. So today, National Book Lovers Day, join me in a celebration of books. Continue reading “National Book Lovers Day”
One of 
my Saturday night pastimes is spending a couple of hours watching true-crime programs. A favorite is “Forensic Files II, (my wife calls it “How I Tried to Get Away With Life Insurance Fraud But Failed”) and modeled after the original shows from the 1990s. True-crime podcasts are literally everywhere; pick your flavor of the day on Spotify: “Crime Junkie” on Monday, “Killer Queens” on Tuesday. Still, the preponderance of media related to true-crime comes in book form. Every year an extensive array of smart, culturally relevant books in this genre are released, including the stunning One Read selection this year, Casey Cep’s “Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee.” Contemporary crime writing at its finest, “Furious Hours” weaves many themes together into a seamless whole: the racism tragically embedded in our criminal justice system, America’s bizarre life insurance industry, the psychology of a murderer, voodoo religion and the fascinating legacy of Harper Lee. Continue reading “One Read’s Furious Hours and the True Crime Renaissance”
Here is a new DVD list highlighting various titles recently added to the library’s collection.
“The Paper Tigers”
Website / Reviews
In this action-comedy, we’re introduced to three martial artists who were notorious in their teenage years as “The Three Tigers.” Fast forward 25 years, and each has grown into a washed-up middle-aged man seemingly one kick away from pulling a hamstring. But when their old master is murdered, the trio reunites, soon learning that avenging their sifu will require conquering old grudges if they are to honorably defend his legacy. Continue reading “New DVD List: Paper Tigers, Gangs of London & More”
In the book “Life’s Too Short,” we’re introduced to Vanessa and Adrian. Vanessa is a travel vlogger with an unorthodox and frustrating family. Adrian is a lawyer with a black and white life. Both have unhappy pasts and Vanessa’s future seems tragic. In her third book by Abby Jimenez readers once again truly get to know her characters through wonderful characterization and dialogue making it a delightful read for someone who loves character-driven romantic comedy. BUT … as a die-hard happily-ever-after romance reader, Jimenez’s books skirt the edges of Jodi Picoult-ish/Oprah book club-ish books (emotionally manipulative and often WAY too dramatic) by including some deeper emotions and conflicts than are often written into classic happily-ever-after romance novels. But they only skirt those edges and the characters are SO GOOD you have to read them, anyway! This one was almost as good as her first two books.
Three words that describe this book: Characters. Dialogue. Humor.
You might want to pick this book up if: You like romance novels and you like good dialogue and smart characters.
-Kristen
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
For adults, the 2021 summer reading theme of Tails & Tales could hold many meanings. I’ve so far interpreted the theme through the lens of horror and those legends and myths from which our collective nightmares are made. My earlier post on folklore and horror focused on the “tales” portion of this summer’s theme. This time around, I’m bringing you the “tails,” the monsters that we fear when things go bump in the night, the sasquatch that lurks around your campground and the serpent that nips at your feet when you go for a summer swim. Maybe it’s just a snapping turtle or maybe it really is old Nessie? Whatever it is, those fears are very real, and they probably explain why tales of fantastic and frightening beasts will always be with us.
The following books explore this realm of myth, legend and cryptozoology. Continue reading “Horror-ific Monsters”
In the book “Nothing To See Here,” Madison gets caught with drugs at a prestigious boarding school, and Lillian takes the fall and ends up expelled. Madison goes on to marry a wealthy senator, but Lillian finds herself living in her mom’s attic and working at a local grocery store. The women stay in touch with occasional letters until Madison calls Lillian with a strange request. Following the death of her husband’s ex-wife, Madison must take in her two stepchildren. The kids have a weird quirk: they spontaneously combust when they are upset. Madison needs someone to care for the children over the summer as they look for a more permanent solution, and Lillian agrees to be their governess. I loved Lillian as the book’s protagonist and narrator because she was so honest and funny. If you don’t listen to the audiobook, you’re missing out; the narrator does such a great job capturing the humor and emotion in this book.
Three words that describe this book: Quirky, Funny, Sincere
You might want to pick this book up if: You’re looking for a quick read that will make you laugh.
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
I’m highlighting some nonfiction books coming out in August. All of the mentioned titles are available to put on hold in our catalog and will also be made available via the library’s Overdrive website on the day of publication in eBook and eAudiobook format (as available). For a more extensive list of new nonfiction books coming out this month, check our online catalog. Continue reading “Nonfiction Roundup: August 2021”
Movie adaptations of books can really be a mixed bag (and an incredibly sore subject for Eragon fans, I’ve noticed). With that said, there are some movies that are every bit as good as (and sometimes better) than the book on which they were based. Continue reading “The Book Isn’t Always Better”
“What’s Done in Darkness” follows Sarah (Sarabeth) who grew up in a ultra religious family in the Arkansas Ozarks. Right before turning 18 she’s kidnapped. About a week later she’s released without ever knowing who abducted her or why. Rather than embrace her return her family shuns her. Five years later Sarah is living a completely different life in a city near St. Louis. A detective contacts her asking for help finding a couple of recently missing girls who might be related to her case. This forces Sarah to go back to her past and deal with the difficult feelings around her abduction and her family. Very fast paced mystery/thriller. Bonus, Laura McHugh is a Missouri author who also has three other great mystery books that take place in the Midwest.
Three words that describe this book: intriguing, dark, compelling
You might want to pick this book up if: you enjoyed the author’s previous books, or if you’re a fan of dark mystery/thrillers.
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
