Friday, May 05, 2017
[BOOK REVIEW] Indigo by Beverly Jenkins
Fiction/Historical Fiction/African-American Fiction/RomanceSyma C. reviews INDIGO by Beverly Jenkins (iUniverse, 2000)
After reading Indigo, I had to take a deep breath. I learned so much from this book; lessons I will remember for the rest of my life.
Of course, after slaves were given legal papers proving themselves to be free, there were still people who used them for sport. They were called "slave catchers." There were ex-slaves, such as Hester, whose role in the safety and well-being of runaways who found themselves in need, proved to be vital. Her help was especially vital when she encounters an injured man known as "Black Daniel." African-Americans had little but accomplished much; they even devised methods of communication without mumbling a word. No one can verbally express a warning to readers what Galen and Hester were about to embark upon in this pre-Civil War America.
Knowing the law can not only make trouble for you but also the ones whom you love and care for, blacks learned when to express themselves and when to hold on to emotions. Throughout this book, readers learn not only do all the characters possess a certain strength to protect one another in the present, but also to guard and cherish tragic and beautiful events from the past.
Black Daniel, who was born Galen, is by no stretch of the imagination a dim witted man, passive person, or a slave to cower. Instead, he is a person of morals, trust, affection, dedication, and above all, he has real love for Hester, whom he named, “La Indigo.”
This historical romance explores the truth about love and passion between a man and a woman.
Super awesome book!
Syma C., Staff
Labels: African-American Fiction, Historical Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Syma C., Romance, Staff book reviews
Thursday, March 23, 2017
[Book Review] Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie
Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie is set in Ancient Egypt. Reniseneb lives on the west bank of the Nile at Thebes in Egypt about 2000 B.C.
Reniseneb’s family will soon be killed, and because of this, she can trust only two people, Esa, a relative, and her friend, the family's scribe, Hori. It is up to Reniseneb, Esa, and Hori to identify the silent killer by using their wits alone. Reniseneb has suspected the killer might be even someone within her family. Unfortunately, she has no real proof, but she does have Esa’s and Hori’s suspicions and loyalty. These suspicions are keeping Renisene alive.The killer must be exposed, but first Reniseneb must stay alive.
When I initially chose this book I expected a Poirot or Miss Marple mystery and for it to be set in the late 19th century. This story was a pleasant surprise when I discovered the mystery was set in ancient Egypt. Like her other stories, Agatha Christie will have readers wondering to the end who the killer is.
Marilyn U., Staff
Labels: Historical Fiction, Mystery Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Marilyn, Staff Reviews, Suspense
Monday, February 27, 2017
[Book Reviews] Rainbow Cottage by Grace Livingston Hill
Fiction/Inspirational
Marilyn reviews RAINBOW COTTAGE by Grace Livingston Hill (J.B. Lippincott Company, 1934)
In this novel by legendary author, Grace Livingston Hill, the story revolves around Sheila. Unfortunately, our main character is facing danger. Sheila has encountered a man who has threatened her because he wants something that was only entrusted to her. Sheila needs a way to escape from this man but she thinks there is no one who can help her. Reaching out to a grandmother she has never met, because Sheila's own mother was a poor Western and the "black sheep" of the family, Grandmother sends a train for Sheila. She will be taken to Rainbow Cottage but will Sheila find acceptance and safety there? As the story progresses, Ms. Hill weaves a tale of love and forgiveness.
I found this book a pleasure to read of the believable characters and realistic emotions the author created. Grace Livingston Hill wrote over 100 novels during her lifetime. The Rainbow Cottage was actually written toward the end of her life, but is one of the most well-known books she has written.
Marilyn U., Staff
Labels: Book Review, Fiction, Gentle Fiction, Gentle Reads, Inspirational Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Marilyn, Staff Reviews
Friday, February 03, 2017
[Book Review] The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Readers' Advisory Genre Spotlight Gay and Lesbian Fiction/LGBT Fiction
Syma reviews THE COLOR PURPLE by Alice Walker (Harcourt,1982)
Celie and her sister, Nellie, were raised by their mother and the man they discovered later to be their stepfather in rural Georgia.
Even though younger, prettier Nellie was the sister “Mister” desired, she was not allowed to marry him. Instead, Celie was expected to marry “Mister.”
This, of course, caused a separation between the sisters. While Celie was married to Mister, she endured rape, abuse, and slavery while raising his four children from his previous marriage. To make matters worse, Mister disrespected Celie and their marriage even more by allowing his true love, Suge Avery, to move into his house. Even though Mister was over heels in love with Suge, she and Celie began their own secret, sexual relationship.
While Suge and Celie’s love and understanding for one another grew, their relationship helped both gain independence away from Mister. Sensing this, Mister wanted to redeem himself so he contacted the Department of Immigration. Through this rare act of kindness, Celie and Nellie were finally reunited.
Knowing how much adversity the sisters had to endure, this novel is a true tear jerker.
Syma C., Staff
Labels: African-American Fiction, Gay and Lesbian Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Syma C., Staff book reviews
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
[Book Review] As I Descended by Robin Talley
Fiction/Horror/Young Adult
Allison reviews AS I DESCENDED by Robin Talley (HarperTeen, 2016)
Maria and Lily are roommates at Acheron, an exclusive private school on the grounds of an old Southern plantation. They’re also head over heels in love with each other, even though they’re keeping their relationship under wraps. Both girls want to continue their relationship in college, but the only way they can do so is if Maria wins the coveted Kingsley Prize - a scholarship that will let her attend the college of her choice at no cost.
Maria is second in the class, and Delilah, ranked number one, is just slightly better than Maria in every way possible: more popularity, more extracurriculars, better grades. Even with all the extra credit in the world, Maria’s GPA won’t top Delilah’s.
So the girls have to get rid of Delilah. And they know no bounds.
Lily buys an old wooden Ouija board off eBay and holds a seance with Maria, whose belief in spirits was instilled by her Hispanic nanny. The girls use the board to open the door to the spirit world - then forget to close it.
This twisted retelling of Macbeth is delightfully creepy and unsettling. The atmosphere the story creates is dark and spooky, and the suspense builds while the reader wonders what havoc the spirits will wreak on campus next. The history of the slave plantation on which the school is built adds depth to the story.
Labels: Fiction, Horror, LGBT Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Allison R., Young Adult
Thursday, January 05, 2017
[Book Review] El Deafo by Cece Bell
Library staff members attend Reader’s Advisory classes throughout the year to learn the characteristics of different book genres. By developing their reader’s advisory skills, library staff help customers find books they may like to read.
Non Fiction/Memoir/Graphic Novel
Allison reviews EL DEAFO by Cece Bell (Amulet Books, 2014)
El Deafo is a graphic novel memoir by Cece Bell. Using bright illustrations, Bell tells the story of the illness that caused her to lose her hearing at a young age, and how she coped with being different from everyone else. Bell used her bulky hearing aid, also known as her Phonic Ear, to transform into her superhero alter ego, El Deafo! She deals with learning to use a complicated hearing aid, as well as how this visible disability isolates her from her classmates.
Bell uses the graphic novel format to her advantage; the illustrations move the action along and really make her autobiography enticing. The panels read left to right, top to bottom, so it’s a great book to serve as an introduction to graphic novels. The book’s target audience is ages 8-12, but everyone can relate to the story of adaptation and acceptance.
Allison R., Staff member
After each session, participants select a book from that genre to read and profile. Take a look at the Reader’s Advisory Annotations posted on Memphis Reads to discover what you can read next.
Non Fiction/Memoir/Graphic Novel
Allison reviews EL DEAFO by Cece Bell (Amulet Books, 2014)
El Deafo is a graphic novel memoir by Cece Bell. Using bright illustrations, Bell tells the story of the illness that caused her to lose her hearing at a young age, and how she coped with being different from everyone else. Bell used her bulky hearing aid, also known as her Phonic Ear, to transform into her superhero alter ego, El Deafo! She deals with learning to use a complicated hearing aid, as well as how this visible disability isolates her from her classmates.
Bell uses the graphic novel format to her advantage; the illustrations move the action along and really make her autobiography enticing. The panels read left to right, top to bottom, so it’s a great book to serve as an introduction to graphic novels. The book’s target audience is ages 8-12, but everyone can relate to the story of adaptation and acceptance.
Allison R., Staff member
Labels: Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Allison R., Staff book reviews
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
[Book Review] The White Dragon by Anne McCaffrey
Science Fiction
Marilyn reviews THE WHITE DRAGON (Dragonriders of Pern #3) by Anne McCaffrey (Ballantine Books, 1978)
Jaxon is a boy on the brink of manhood in a world that is under a great threat. The planet of Pern has been invaded by a creature from space called Thread. In order to fight Thread, dragons are used in this imaginary world created by author Anne McCaffrey. Although the reader meets Jaxon in earlier volumes of the series, The White Dragon chronicles his becoming a leader. Anne McCaffrey also creates a loyal companion for Jaxon in Ruth, the white dragon. As Jaxon grows into manhood his relationship with Ruth deepens into a stronger bond of loyalty for each other.
The White Dragon is the third book in a series of science fiction novels that take place in Pern. I enjoyed the book because it had mystery, romance, and dragons. A reader who has not read the previous two books can easily follow Pern’s politics and benefit from McCaffrey’s use of brief explanations and background information.
Marilyn Umfress, Central Library
Labels: Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Marilyn Umfress, Science Fiction
Thursday, June 30, 2016
[Book Review] 2001 A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
Each month library staff members learn about different genres during "What's Your Flavor," a series of Reader's Advisory classes. After each session participants must select a book from that genre to read and profile.
Science Fiction Genre Spotlight
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY by Arthur C. Clarke
“Open the pod doors, HAL.”
The basic plot is as follows: apes who will evolve into man are dying out. A monolith appears and teaches the apes how to kill so that they will survive. Move forward to the present where a monolith discovered on the moon proves to be millions of years old. The said monolith sends a signal to Saturn, and the “odyssey” of the space ship Discovery One begins with the journey to Saturn where astronaut David Bowman is transported through a monolith (an interstellar gateway) to an alien world where he is transformed into the “star child,” a “savior” or an overseer of earth. The aliens, whoever they are, are “god-like” and are again “saving” the human race.
Susan B., Library staff
Science Fiction Genre Spotlight
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY by Arthur C. Clarke
“Open the pod doors, HAL.”
Arthur C. Clarke is one of the masters of scientific science fiction, and 2001 is a masterpiece of early science fiction. Clarke collaborated with the filmmaker, Stanley Kubrick, and the product was obviously a film and a book, both released in 1968. The movie is landmark because computer graphics were introduced on screen. Without 2001 there would never have been a Star Wars. The book is landmark because it explores A.I. (artificial intelligence) in the “character” HAL, the computer on board the space craft. As a joke, HAL is one letter off of IBM.
The basic plot is as follows: apes who will evolve into man are dying out. A monolith appears and teaches the apes how to kill so that they will survive. Move forward to the present where a monolith discovered on the moon proves to be millions of years old. The said monolith sends a signal to Saturn, and the “odyssey” of the space ship Discovery One begins with the journey to Saturn where astronaut David Bowman is transported through a monolith (an interstellar gateway) to an alien world where he is transformed into the “star child,” a “savior” or an overseer of earth. The aliens, whoever they are, are “god-like” and are again “saving” the human race.
Susan B., Library staff
Labels: Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Susan B., Science Fiction
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
[Book Review] Paper Towns by John Green
Each month library staff members learn about different book genres during "What's Your Flavor," a series of Reader's Advisory classes. After each session participants must select a book from that genre to read and profile.
The book below was selected by a staff member who attended the Young Adult fiction session.
PAPER TOWNS by John Green (Dutton Books, 2008)
Anna, Library staff
The book below was selected by a staff member who attended the Young Adult fiction session.
Teen/Young Adult Fiction Genre Spotlight
PAPER TOWNS by John Green (Dutton Books, 2008)
Paper Towns by Green is a very quick read. What is interesting is that every line is important to the continuation of the story.
There are quick retorts and funny comments as the story is told from the perspective of a high school senior boy called Q. This mysterious adventure is driven by a sense of hope to find out who Margo Roth Spiegelman is for real. And since she has disappeared so quickly, yet leaves so many clues for Q to find her, is Margo still alive? Where is she and how can he and his friends find her? Why did she leave the clues for him specifically? Does she want him to find her?
Anna, Library staff
Labels: Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Anna, Staff book reviews, Young Adult
Thursday, July 02, 2015
[Book Review] Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
Reader’s Advisory Gay and Lesbian Fiction Genre Review
Donna reviews BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA by Dorothy Allison (Dutton, 1992)
While a well-written and enjoyable book, it is much like a reality TV show on what is commonly referred to as poor white trash. The book is written from the viewpoint of a young girl, Ruth Ann Boatwright, from about eight years old to around 13 years old. Tales are woven of her life and the life of her adult relatives. Tales of tragedy, comedy, indifference, revenge, love, survival, violence and relationships both good and bad in so many different levels abound in this work. These tales of the Boatwright family describe a Carolina family of poor white relatives who drink, fight, go from job to job, and house to house just trying to get by.
Allison has you living in this southern clan’s culture as you read through each misadventure, anticipating the next family train wreck around the bend. She has a particular way of making you feel as if you are sitting on the porch sipping iced tea with the characters, passing down their history to the young, and explaining away or giving insight to the poor decisions and actions of the various relatives that make them the broken people they are.
This is a great book with an ending that makes you want to know the ancestors of these characters and their stories. It also leaves you realizing this story is set up to continue for even more generations of the same.
Can the brokenness end?
Donna, Whitehaven Library
Labels: Gay and Lesbian Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Donna Windham, Staff book reviews
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
[Book Review] A Forever Kind of Love by Farrah Rochon
Staff members learn about different genres during monthly Reader’s Advisory classes called "What's Your Flavor." After each session they must select a book from that genre to read and review.
Reader’s Advisory Romance Genre Spotlight
A FOREVER KIND OF LOVE by Farrah Rochon (Harlequin, 2012)
This is book one in the Bayou Dreams series.
The story starts out with a tragedy that brings Mya back home to a place she hadn't been in over 15 years. She was running from her high school sweetheart and a secret that she was keeping from him. Corey was hesitant but yet so happy to see Mya after all those years. Mya stayed around town longer than she had planned and this lead to her rekindling the passion she once had for Corey. However, the passion only lasted until Corey continued to ask why she left and if she was scared of loving him. Mya couldn’t hold her secret any longer and after 15 years she told Corey about the baby.
They both were hurt and upset and Mya was ready to leave town again. That is until her Aunt Maureen stopped the car on the way to the airport and advised her that she was wrong and needed to talk to Corey. Mya stopped by to talk to Corey and she realized that he was the one.
Micole Simmons, Raleigh Library
Reader’s Advisory Romance Genre Spotlight
A FOREVER KIND OF LOVE by Farrah Rochon (Harlequin, 2012)
This is book one in the Bayou Dreams series.
The story starts out with a tragedy that brings Mya back home to a place she hadn't been in over 15 years. She was running from her high school sweetheart and a secret that she was keeping from him. Corey was hesitant but yet so happy to see Mya after all those years. Mya stayed around town longer than she had planned and this lead to her rekindling the passion she once had for Corey. However, the passion only lasted until Corey continued to ask why she left and if she was scared of loving him. Mya couldn’t hold her secret any longer and after 15 years she told Corey about the baby.
They both were hurt and upset and Mya was ready to leave town again. That is until her Aunt Maureen stopped the car on the way to the airport and advised her that she was wrong and needed to talk to Corey. Mya stopped by to talk to Corey and she realized that he was the one.
Labels: Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Micole Simmons, Romance
Friday, March 13, 2015
[Book Review] Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Reader’s Advisory Science Fiction/Fantasy Genre Spotlight
ERAGON by Christopher Paolini (Alfred A. Knopf, 2003)
(Inheritance series, Book 1)
Eragon, a fifteen-year-old poor farm boy living with his uncle and older cousin, stumbles upon a large, beautiful stone in the Spine. When the stone hatches a beautiful baby dragon, Eragon’s life is turned upside down and is forced to flee his hometown with Brom, the town storyteller, who also happens to have an extensive knowledge of dragons and the ancient language of magic. Brom makes it known to Eragon that their world hasn’t seen a dragon rider in a long time until now. Eragon and his beautiful dragon, Saphira, will embark a legendary but dangerous journey into war against the oppressive King Galbatorix. Eragon alone will have to make a choice whether to turn his back on the kingdom and live his own life, or join allied forces against Galbatorix.
Carolina Salcedo, Randolph Branch
Labels: Fantasy, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Carolina Salcedo, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
[Book Review] An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Reader’s Advisory Romance Genre Spotlight
AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN by Julia Quinn (Avon Books, 2001)
Three years later, fate steps in. Sophie finds herself on a new adventure full of twists and turns with the last person she thought she would ever see again: Benedict, her prince.
Shelley Moore, Raleigh Library
Labels: Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Shelley Moore, Romance
Thursday, February 26, 2015
[Book Review] Island of Dreams by Patricia Potter
Reader’s Advisory Romance Genre Review
Carolina reviews ISLAND OF DREAMS by Patricia Potter (HarperPaperbacks,1991)
Jekyll Island, off the coast of Georgia, is Meara O’Hara’s island of dreams. She is a young, twenty-two-year-old lady on her way to college to be a journalist. She is on vacation with the wealthy family she nannies for when she meets the irresistible Michael Fielding. What Meara doesn’t know is that Michael is an undercover German spy sent to sabotage the wealthy families of Jekyll Island. What Michael doesn’t know is that Meara is the woman of his dreams and the one person that makes his betrayal that much harder.
Twenty-one years after the act of betrayal, Meara returns to the island. She and her daughter are in danger, but do not know it yet. An enemy of the past returns for revenge. Meara only has one person to turn to--the one who had so badly shattered her life and security twenty-one years before.
Set during the 1940s, Island of Dreams is a riveting page turner for the historical fiction fan. As one who normally does not read romance novels, this book kept me up late at night unable to put it down. I definitely would recommend this book to both romance and non-romance fans. It is a great book and one that I would reread!
Carolina Salcedo, Randolph Library
Labels: Fiction, HIstorical Romance, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Carolina Salcedo, Staff book reviews
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
[Book Review] Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed
Reader’s Advisory Fantasy Fiction Genre Spotlight
THRONE OF THE CRESCENT MOON (The Crescent Moon Kingdoms, Book 1) by Saladin Ahmed (DAW Books, 2012)
Throne of the Crescent Moon is a fantasy tale entwined with a Middle Eastern flare. Doctor Adoulla Makhslood is an old man who is ready for retirement--or death. By living his life as a ghul hunter, he has lost the chance for love in his life, and also close friends. He’s tired and is ready to give it all up. But he must team up yet again with his pious assistant, Raseed bas Raseed, and shape shifting lioness warrior, Zamia, to fight off an evil that will not only threaten to destroy the Throne of the Crescent Moon but the city and life he knows as well.
Shelley, Raleigh Branch Library
Labels: Fantasy, Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Shelley Moore
Friday, February 06, 2015
[Book Review] Trust No One by Jayne Ann Krentz
Fiction/Romance
Staff members from our monthly Reader’s Advisory (What's Your Flavor) classes learn about different book genres and select a book from that genre to read and review.
Reader’s Advisory Romance Genre Review
Harriet reviews TRUST NO ONE by Jayne Ann Krentz (Putnam Sons, 2015)
Julius Arkwright has two rules: Trust No One and Everyone Has A Hidden Agenda. Grace Elland, who discovers her employer dead yet still receives emails from this dead boss, needs both of these rules and Julius to help her unravel the knot of killers, embezzlers and blackmailers. This suspense-filled romance is one that shows everyone is not always who they seem.
This book held my interest and kept me wondering ‘who done it’ while enjoying the growing romance between the main characters.
Labels: Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Harriet Burton, Romance, Staff book reviews
Monday, December 29, 2014
[Book Review] Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
"What's Your Flavor" is a series of reader's advisory sessions where library staff learn the distinctive qualities of fiction and non-fiction genres. After each session they are tasked with selecting a book to read and review.
Reader’s Advisory: Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Review
Science Fiction/Fantasy/Young Adult
Linda Wong, Bartlett Public Library
Reader’s Advisory: Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Review
Linda reviews STEELHEART by Brandon Sanderson (Delacorte Press, 2013)
It’s been ten years since Calamity, a meteor event that caused normal people to develop superhuman abilities. It’s been ten years since David watched Steelheart kill his father with his own gun. Now 18 years old, David is ready to seek his revenge on Steelheart and wants to join a group of rebels called the Reckoners.
David has amassed a wealth of knowledge about the Epics over the years and filled several notebooks with what he’s learned. He knows their names, their abilities, and how they can be defeated. He’s ranked them according to their invincibility, calling those with no known weakness High Epics. Steelheart is thought to be a High Epic, but David has seen him bleed before and is determined to see him bleed again.
The characters are fun - smart and quirky – and the witty dialogue moves the plot easily and quickly. The world building is great. I would call it a dystopian/comic book mash-up, with lots of action and a nail-biting ending that will leave you wanting the next one to see what happens to these great characters.
Labels: Fantasy, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Linda Wong, Science Fiction, Staff book reviews, Young Adult
