Memphis Reads

Nonfiction/Memoir

Darletha Matthews reviews THE LEGS ARE THE LAST TO GO: AGING, ACTING, MARRYING, AND OTHER THINGS I LEARNED THE HARD WAY by Diahann Carroll (Amistad, 2008)

For me, Diahann Carroll is Hollywood royalty. She is always poised and impeccably dressed during her public appearances. I've always admired her versatility as a television, stage, and movie actress. The gentle widowed mother from Julia transformed into the overworked single mother Claudine, who later became the beautifully vicious Dominique on Dynasty. I decided to read this book to learn more about the woman behind some of the most unforgettable female characters in entertainment history.

Diahann, now a mature woman past fifty, reflects on her experiences as a performer, wife, and mother. Revelations from her childhood reveal how she developed her sophisticated style and musical talent. Diahann shines light on the not-so-pretty side of show business, from her humble beginnings to her most recent roles. Things get quite interesting when she talks about her romantic relationships. Diahann comes to terms with the choices that ended her four marriages, including an affair with an Oscar-winning actor. Whether it's breast cancer, racism, or stubborn directors, Diahann speaks with the honest, unapologetic voice of a woman who has paid her dues.

It was a joy to laugh and learn about Diahann Carroll. Each chapter reads like an intimate conversation with a classy, fascinating friend. Brief chapters and great photographs makes this a great selection for fans of celebrities and their stories.

Darletha Matthews, South Branch

Labels: Memoir, Reviews by Darletha Matthews

The Library Journal blog, Shelf Renewal, offers a selection of novels for fans of a popular reality show.

Take a look at The Real Housewives of Your Fiction Collection « Shelf Renewal



Search the library's catalog for book availability.

Labels: News and Notes

Fiction /Historical

Sarah Frierson reviews CITY OF THIEVES by David Benioff (Viking, 2008)

Lev and Kolya have both been captured for capital offenses in the besieged city of Leningrad during World War II. Rather than face their executions, they can win back their lives if they can accomplish one simple task for a Russian general—bring him a dozen eggs for his daughter’s wedding cake. Did I mention that they were in Leningrad during the war? Not such a simple task, really.

This book is at times brutal and yet, at other times, deeply humorous—a coming of age story set within a war story. Benioff’s experience as a screenwriter is apparent, and a movie will take shape in your mind as you read it.

Sarah Frierson, History Department

Labels: Historical Fiction, Reviews by Sarah Frierson

The blog Maggie Reads (love the flowers) has a great post about how one author selects books for traveling. Maggie also offers suggestions on great beach reads. Don't forget to pack your summer reading selections for those long road trips and airplane flights.


The Memphis Public Library's Summer Reading is also underway. Readers of all ages can read and win prizes from June 1 - July 24. Call or visit your nearest branch to learn more.

Labels: News and Notes

Fiction/Suspense

Andrea King reviews THE LIAR'S DIARY by Patry Francis (Penguin Group, 2007)

Sometimes, when I am shelving, certain books just grab my attention. It might be because of a book’s cover art, title, or a combination of both. That was not the case with this novel. It was not shelved in a particularly prominent place, but I picked it up because I had never heard of this author. And let me tell you, Ms. Patry (short for Patricia) Francis has packed a wallop in this tale.

Jeanne Cross, the suburban wife of Dr. Gavin Cross and mother to overweight Jamie, has always put her family first. She has always felt inferior compared to the other doctors’ wives in town. Jeanne thinks she is plain and dowdy, but she remains grateful and devoted to her husband. Jeanne’s whole existence is safe and almost boring, until Ali Mather arrives in town.

A classically-trained violinist, Ali has been hired to teach at the same small high school where Jeanne is the school secretary. Unfortunately, Ali’s reputation has preceded her into the small town. Jeanne is no thrills and frills, while Ali’s zest for life leaves everyone breathless. Despite the women’s differences, the two become best friends. Apart from each other, the two women suspect that the other is trouble and should be left alone, yet their vulnerabilities keep them together as friends.

As some secrets are kept and others are exposed, friends become rivals and spouses become estranged. No one is safe from the others in the community or from themselves.

This is a chilling first novel from Patry Francis that will keep readers in suspense until the very end. I am definitely eager to read other books by this new author!

Andrea King, Poplar-White Station

Labels: Reviews by Andrea King, Suspense

Fiction/Fantasy

Jason Sharp reviews DEAD WITCH WALKING by Kim Harrison (HarperTorch, 2004)

This is the first book (out of eight so far) in the Rachel Morgan series involving a witch, vampire, and pixie who form their own supernatural detective agency after quitting the bureaucratic ISA, an FBI-like organization that takes a termination notice a little too literally. Now Rachel is trying to balance the pressures of starting up her own supernatural agency while surviving assassination attempts by her former employer. Add in a strong heroine, supernatural elements, a dash of romance and lot of suspense and you get a great read.

Jason Sharp, Humanities Department

Labels: Fantasy, Reviews by Jason Sharp