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| Adult Summer Reading Program |
| Book: | 1776: A Musical Play by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards (
) |
| Summary: | This is an enjoyable and often comedic take on the events of May through July 1776 in Philadelphia. It is notable for its historical accuracy. A few deviations from the facts are clearly identified by the authors after the conclusion of the play. The historical notes and illustrations add to the enjoyment of the book, but the video, or a live performance, is definately worth viewing for a full appreciation of the music. |
| Reviewed by: | Gail Renner (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | 2nd Chance by James Patterson (
) |
| Summary: | Another excellent Lindsey Boxer story. Kept me reading until the book was finished. Very surprising ending. |
| Reviewed by: | Donna Gerkens (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | A Man To Call My Own by Johanna Lindsey (
) |
| Summary: | A great book for the Johanna Lindsey fans. Couldn't put it down until I finished reading it. |
| Reviewed by: | Linda Daley (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | A Painted House by John Grisham (
) |
| Summary: | Imagine - a John Grisham book without a single lawyer in it! And it's terrific. It tells the story of young Luke Chandler, living on a country farm with his parents and grandparents. Luke learns about life as he witnesses some life-changing events; a birth, a flood, a murder. And he sees simmering tension between the locals and the Mexican farmworkers at harvest time. The book is nostalgic, but never overly-sentmental. Grisham fans will be in for a pleasant surprise and a real departure. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (
) |
| Summary: | This book should appeal to both the older and younger generation or whoever may be interested in what life was like for a little girl in the Depression. Francie Nolan, the main character of the book, is dealt some of the worst circumstances that life could throw at a young girl during the Depression Era. Francie has a soft and innocent heart, but has an inner core of steel. The author paints a vivid picture of Francie's world--her family, her great desire for learning and her beloved Williamsburg section of Broolyn. It was a tough place to grow up for any child but especially difficult for Francie. Outside the window of her first home grows a tree which though without care or tending, flourishes anyway. It is symbolic of Francie's life. Though she is virtually without the necessities of life, the small amount of attention shown her by a few people is enough to generate a drive which takes her to the prestigious University of Michigan. I disliked most of the adult characters of the book because of their lack of insensitivity and failure to recognize this gem of a child. I disliked her father, even though he was the bright spot in her life, for failing to provide for his family because of his alcoholism. I dislike her mother, although she relied on Francie for income, she was cold and insensitive and clearly favored her son. The book was so much better than the movie!! |
| Reviewed by: | Sylvia Somers (at Evesham Library) |
| Book: | After All These Years by Susan Isaacs (
) |
| Summary: | The story is about a wealthy New York suburban teacher/mother/wife whose husband leaves her for a business associate. Rosie finds her ex-husband dead on the floor in the kitchen with a kitchen knife sticking out of his chest. She calls the police and is immediately accused of the crime. Somehow Rosie flees and spends the rest of the novel trying to solve the mystery and prove her innocence. The book was enjoyable. |
| Reviewed by: | Marcy Clay (at Pinelands/Medford Library) |
| Book: | All Under Heaven by Pearl Buck (
) |
| Summary: | This book is the third I have read by this author. I was really impressed by her style in the first two that I read but this one was a bit shorter, and lacked the character development of the previous books. It also took place in the eastern US, and most of Pearl Bucks books take place in Asia. As an author, she has a way of describing the majesty of other continents, which I felt was lessened in this book being that it was written about an area so close to home. |
| Reviewed by: | Katie Searl (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Always A Reckoning and Other Poems by Jimmy Carter (
) |
| Summary: | This is a fine, thoughtful, well organized collection of poetry. The poems are easy to read and understand. Each poem has been nicely illustrated by Sarah Elizabeth Chuldenko, President Carter's granddaughter. |
| Reviewed by: | Gail Renner (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O'Donohue (
) |
| Summary: | The author discusses the various aspects of Celtic spiritiuality. It is clear, concise and down to earth. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J, Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (
) |
| Summary: | Extremely sad and in some sense depressing but very touching. It is based on a true story. It shows the inhumanity of man and the survival of individuals through severe hardship. It makes you appreciate the small things that we take so very much for granted, even expect as a given, a right, in our society. |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Angels and Demons by Dan Brown (
) |
| Summary: | After reading "The Da Vinci Code", I went back to read an earlier work by the same author. Dan Brown uses the similar themes and settings, the Holy Church, an ancient secret brotherhood, gruesome murders, the conflict between science and religion. This is the book in which we are introduced to Robert Langdon, famous Harvard symbologist, who returns in "The Da Vinci Code". If you liked "The Da Vinci Code" you'll enjoy this one as well. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Answered Prayers by Danielle Steel (
) |
| Summary: | Typical Danielle Steel. Woman's husband leaves her, she finds new love and happiness with new man. Easy reading. |
| Reviewed by: | Donna Gerkens (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring (
) |
| Summary: | This is an entertaining play about two spinster sisters, intent upon euthanizing their lonely gentlemen acquaintances, and their nephews. These characters range from dysfunctional to criminally insane. I found the first act to be slow and somewhat predictable, even though I had never seen the play or movie. The pace picked up in the second and third acts and I found them to be more amusing that the first act. A couple of Jonathan's final lines seemed out of character, and might have been more effective coming from Mortimer, but they definitely added to the humor. Frank Capra's movie version, which I viewed shortly after reading the play, was slightly different but at just as entertaining as the book. Its a good choice to watch on Halloween! |
| Reviewed by: | Gail Renner (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | Better Home and Gardens, HERB GARDENS by Catriona Tudor Erler (
) |
| Summary: | A well-written, easy to read book about growing, and harvesting herbs. I particulary liked the clear pictures with each step of the different gardening methods, from the start of a project to the finish, especially the detailed instructions on how to propagate herbs from division and cuttings. The most invaluable part of the book was the last section on more than 90 herbs, with color pictures, growing conditions, uses and space requirements. |
| Reviewed by: | Aishling Tews (at Pinelands/Medford Library) |
| Book: | Blue Shoe by Anne LaMott (
) |
| Summary: | I really like the author, but this book seemed to lack a plot. It was very vivid in its discriptions, but bored me. |
| Reviewed by: | shelly lewis (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Breach of Promise by Anne Perry (
) |
| Summary: | Seventh in the William Monk and Hester Latterly mysteries taking place in Victorian London. William is a former policeman and now a private enquiry agent. Killian Melville, a gifted architect, seeks the services of barrister Sir Oliver Rathbone to free himself from a marital misunderstanding with beautiful, rich Zillah Lambert. Hester is working as a private nurse and befriends Martha who is looking for her neices, disfigured and abandoned 20 years before. William helps with both cases and they become linked right at the end. |
| Reviewed by: | Jane E. Snow (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding (
) |
| Summary: | This was the most boring book I have ever read in my life. There was no point to this book at all. It was actual torture reading the whole book. |
| Reviewed by: | Michelle (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | Cain his brother by Anne Perry (
) |
| Summary: | Angus Stonefield is missing after he went to visit his brother Caleb in Limehouse, London. William Monk is hired to find out if he is dead, so his wife and five children can avoid poverty. Hester helps beacuse she has been caring for the sick at a typhoid hospital in Limehouse and the barrister Rathburn gets involved with the court case. I had this figured out about one third of the way through. |
| Reviewed by: | Jane E. Snow (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts (
) |
| Summary: | A wonderful book about life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Twists and turns abound. With Nora Roberts love always triumphs over evil. A delight! |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Chocolat by Joanne Harris (
) |
| Summary: | In a sleepy but respectable town in France, a woman and her daughter move in. They open a chocolate shop during Lent, across from the church and the battlelines are drawn. When the chocolaterie owner announces plans for a Chocolat Feast on Easter Sunday, the battle is on. Who will win? The letter-of-the-law priest, Francois Reynaud, or the free-spirit chocolaterie owner, Vianne Rocher (who some say is a witch)? The characters in this book are delightful, the plot draws you in and you'll be hunting for the nearest bag of Hershey's kisses as you read. The movie, with Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, varies somewhat from the book's storyline, but it is equally delightful. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Claire & Present Danger by Gillian Roberts (
) |
| Summary: | Cute and Easy Read. Altough the author tried to keep you in suspense it was very easy to detect the murderer. Philadelphia as the setting was interesting though. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Compromising Positions by Susan Isaacs (
) |
| Summary: | This work of fiction revolves around an upper middle class Long Island housewife. Bored with her disinterested husband and humdrum life, she becomes fascinated with the murder of an unsavory local dentist. The story is fast reading and the author tries to make it funny. |
| Reviewed by: | Marcy Clay (at Pinelands/Medford Library) |
| Book: | Courting Trouble by Lisa Scottoline (
) |
| Summary: | This is an enthralling novel about a young lawyer who visits a shore town for a quiet weekend and to prepare for a high profile trial. The day after her arrival, she discovers via the front page of the morning newspaper that she has been murdered! This book travels so rapidly and complelling you will not want to put it down. Midnight reading material! |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (
) |
| Summary: | Oh, this was an interesting story! It starts out with a gruesome murder in the Louvre. The victim leaves cryptic clues in his own blood. Sophie Neveu, his granddaughter, a noted cryptologist and Robert Langdon a renowned symbologist must unravel the mystery. And it takes in the Catholic Church, a clandestine society, the Holy Grail, Mona Lisa's smile, Christ, Mary Magdalene, the nature of their relationship. It is a wild ride, one you won't be able to put down. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Dark Champion by Jo Beverley (
) |
| Summary: | A great read for fans of Jo Beverley and historical romance novels! |
| Reviewed by: | Virginia Rader (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | Death at Rottingdean by Robin Paige (
) |
| Summary: | While not the best of this cozy murder mystery series, "Death at Rottingdean" has an interesting plot set set in the Victorian era. This series is very interesting with its inclusion of famous "real-life" people as characters and "real" historical events. Well written and interesting. |
| Reviewed by: | Paula Manzella (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells (
) |
| Summary: | A great book. You could relate to the characters. You felt their pain and their joy |
| Reviewed by: | Michelle (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells (
) |
| Summary: | SiddaLee Walker, a New York playwright, is the daughter of Vivi Abbott Walker, a Southern belle raised in Lousiana. But when an interviewer prints Sidda's off-the-cuff remarks about her mother, all you-know-what breaks loose. Lucky for Sidda, Vivi's three dearest frinds (the Ya-Ya's), intervene and as they bring Sidda the scrapbook of their young lives, Sidda must piece together for herself the story of her mother's beginnings. The Ya-Ya's help Sidda fill in the gaps and ultimately Sidda discovers her own life's meaning and unravels the complex mother-daughter connection as she re-connects with her mother. Of course, the book outshines the movie (after all, that is the theme this summer), but the movie stands on it's own legs too, with some good performances by some terrific actresses. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Earth and Ashes by Atiq Rahimi (
) |
| Summary: | Earth and Ashes is the heart wrenching story of an Afghan man traveling by any means necessary to see his son who works in a coal mine in Afghanistan. He must tell his son that their village is gone, along with most of the family. The story takes place about 20 years ago when Russia invaded Afghanistan. I think that it relays a good message that is quite relevant today today: During war we tend to think about defeating the enemy, when we need to be reminded that we are defeating the innocent as well... |
| Reviewed by: | Katie Searl (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Educating Waverly by Laura Kalpakian (
) |
| Summary: | This book was ok. I read it. I did not find this author's style of writing very interesting. The characters and the story line were not particularly interesting or appealing. I found it to be rather dull and depressing. And there's enough of that in real life, I want books that will entertain, capture my interest, take me out of the humdrum. This book did none of those things for me. It got very good reviews though, perhaps other readers will have a different experience. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Eva Moves the Furniture by Margot Livesey (
) |
| Summary: | A friend recommended this book to me. She and I are both fans of Alice Hoffman's books. And the friend was right. Margot Livesey's style of writing is similar. In this story Eva McEwen is a lonely girl who's mother died giving birth to her. she is befriended by "companions", one a woman who looks as if "she were dipped in silver", the other a girl with braids and freckles. They are not visible to anyone else and their role in Eva's life is at first unclear. They appear to her as portentous events occur, preventing Eva from harm, destroying a romance, sometimes they move Eva's furniture. The beauty in Livesey's writing is how she can weave the supernatural and the mundane together, much the same as Alice Hoffman does. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Feeling the Shoulder of the Lion by Translated by Coleman Barks (
) |
| Summary: | This is a small book of poetry and teaching stories from the 13th century Sufi mystic Rumi. Each entry speaks of some spiritual trait symbolized by the different aspects of the lion. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | Flirting with Pete by Barbara Delinsky (
) |
| Summary: | I found this book to be an insightful look by the three main characters on the cause and effect of parenting. Each main character is carrying baggage from their childhood that must be resolved in order to get on with their lives. I did find some of the psycho-analysis to drag a bit, but all in all, an enjoyable book. |
| Reviewed by: | Virginia Rader (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | Funeral in blue by Anne Perry (
) |
| Summary: | Hester and William Monk are investigating two murders that occurred at an artist's studio. A painting of one of the murdered ladies was called Funeral in Blue and it was of the wife of a surgeon Hester knows. The murderer was revealed right at the end and I felt that the explanation was just not very plausible. |
| Reviewed by: | Jane E. Snow (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | Girl's Poker Night by Jill A. Davis (
) |
| Summary: | Ruby Capote is a writer. She leaves her job in Boston to escape a dead-end relationshop and takes on a job writing a humor column for a New York paper. Much of her material is generated in here weekly poker games with a group of women friends; Skorka, the high strung fashion model, Meg the suburban mom and Jenn who has an insanely demanding boss. Ruby falls in love with her boss Michael who hires her after she sends him a file of her best columns and a six-pack. The book is written in a column-like style. It's a quick, funny read.If you liked "Bridget Jones" and "The Nanny Diaries", you'll like this book. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan M. Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Go Ask Alice by Anonymous (
) |
| Summary: | This book was never intended to be read, or made into a movie. It was the diary of a 15 year old girl written in 1971. The diary is a truthful and candid story about her descent into a world of drug use. I picked up the book on a whim, and I couldn't put it down. |
| Reviewed by: | Katie Searl (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Goddess of the Night-(Daughters of the Moon #1) by Lynne Ewing (
) |
| Summary: | I started reading this because my daughter started the series and thought I might like it. Well I did and am really happy the way this author is transferring Greek Mythology into modern times.The series is geared to teens but is really good for adults to |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Good-bye, Mr Chips by James Hilton (
) |
| Summary: | I read the book and thought it quite charming. Then, I saw the movie (1932 with Robert Donat & Greer Garson). That movie was wonderful and surpassed the original story! Then, I saw the remake with Peter O'Toole and Petula Clark. Simply AWFUL! Do not ruin the story with this horrid version that not only did they paint Mrs. Chips as a cheap floosy, but I had to suffer through Peter O'Toole singing. I had to shut down in the first 20 minutes. |
| Reviewed by: | Judi LeHuquet (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | Great Garden Shortcuts by Joan Benjamin, Editor (
) |
| Summary: | Save your self some time and money and read this book! An excellent gardening book! It is neatly divided into alphabetical subject headings for easy access of the information. Under each subject heading are important time-saving and money-saving gardening tips. This book is written in an easy-to-read style. I would recommend it to all gardeners, whether they are beginners or professionals. Be prepared to borrow it from the library more than once! |
| Reviewed by: | Aishling Tews (at Pinelands/Medford Library) |
| Book: | Harry Potter and The Order Of Phoenix by J.K. Rowlings (
) |
| Summary: | Awesome can only describe this book. It is the best in the series. The amount of pages is at first overwhelming but you soon forget that and are done reading quickly because you can't put it down! |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix by J.K. Rowling (
) |
| Summary: | Well, I have to agree with the other reviewers - this book is a real page-turner. It was so spell-binding (more bad puns, also intended) I could not put it down. It is the best offering in the Harry Potter series to date. Now I will turn it over to my kids and let them have a turn at it. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix by J.K. Rowling (
) |
| Summary: | This was a great and long awaited next chapter to the Harry Potter series. It was a little lengthy, but full of action, and kept me wanting more. I can not wait for the movie to come out! I throughly enjoyed reading this book. |
| Reviewed by: | Katie Searl (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling (
) |
| Summary: | Take your time and savor this book!!! While Ms. Rowling never disappoints, it seems that the break that author took between books seems to have revived her. While written in a different tone, "Order" has recaptured the magic (pun intended) of the first two HP books. Can't write anything else without spoiling it. |
| Reviewed by: | Paula Manzella (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling (
) |
| Summary: | This was an excellent book! I was pleasantly surprised. It was very easy to read. I couldn't put it down. I was rooting for Harry throughout the book. I can't wait to read the next one! |
| Reviewed by: | Lisa Joy (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | Holes by Louis Sachar (
) |
| Summary: | What a book! Everything said about it is true. A kid is arrested for stealing a pair of sneakers and goes to a boot camp in the desert where he and the other inmates dig a hole every day: 5 feet deep and 5 feet across. Pointless or NOT? Crazy characters such as the venomous warden Ms. Walker commit child abuse and torture. Funny and sad and a little too much coincidence. By the way, the main character, Caveman's name is Stanley Yelnats (Stanley spelled backward.) |
| Reviewed by: | Jane E. Snow (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | Home to Trinity by Delia Parr (
) |
| Summary: | "Home to Trinity" is a sequel to the previous volume, "A Place Called Trinity", the setting for which is a town in Pennsylvania in the 1800's. The story revolves around the activities of the local midwife, her family and friends, as well as those who would be her adversaries. The characters are well-developed and the plot is written in such a way that the reader cares about them and is drawn into their lives. The story is never boring as plots and sub-plots are woven together and it is refreshing that the author maintains a high moral quality in her writing. This book could be recommended reading for anyone with no hesitation - there is absolutely nothing objectionable and much that is uplifting. |
| Reviewed by: | Joan Phillips (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | Hoping for Hope by Lucy Clare (
) |
| Summary: | A delightful book about a woman's mid life crisis and the impact it has on her dysfunctional family. An enjoyable read for the summer. |
| Reviewed by: | Virginia Rader (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | How Did I Get To Be 40 & Other Atrocities by Judith Viorst (
) |
| Summary: | This is a light collection of amusing poems, a few of which made me chuckle. As the title suggests, these poem were clearly written for an audience of middle-aged women. Although this is definitely not among my favorite books of poetry, it did provide a measure of much needed comic relief. |
| Reviewed by: | Gail Renner (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson (
) |
| Summary: | The subttitle of this book is: the Life of Kate Reddy, Working Mother. And The protagonist in this story, Kate Reddy, is someone you like and will root for. She is the manager of a hedge fund in a very high profile London firm, also the mother of a five-year old girl and a one-year old boy, and the wife of a lower-earning architect. Some of the funnniest moments in the book are captured in the e-mails that fly between her and her equally high-powered, high-stress girlfriends. Any woman out there who has or is currently juggling motherhood, marriage and a full-time job will find a bit of herself reflected in this funny and insightful story. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | If Looks Could Kill by Kate White (
) |
| Summary: | Bailey Weggins a a freelance crime writer for magazines. When Cat, her editor, finds her nanny dead under suspicious circumstances, she asks Bailey to help out solving the mystery. Kate White, the author, is editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine, and this books reads like it is written by an insider. White gives Weggins a breezy, modern voice reminsicent of an upscale Stephanie Plum. It's fast-paced, funny in places and a real-page turner. Fans of Janet Evanovitch will probably like this offering. But you'll never look at Godiva truffles in the same way after reading this. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Imajica by Clive Barker (
) |
| Summary: | This book is not a movie, but Clive Barker has written and directed many movies. It was recommended to me by a friend, and although it started out good it kind of fizzled out by the end. |
| Reviewed by: | Katie Searl (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | In the Palm of your Hand by Steve Kowit (
) |
| Summary: | This is a down to earth book on how to write poetry. Each chapter addresses a different aspect of poetry and ends with exercises to try. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | Into the Cold Fire (Daughters of the Moon #2) by Lynne Ewing (
) |
| Summary: | Each book is geared around one the main characters.Each cover is a picture of the character.Although I give this 5 stars I liked book one better.I may have just enjoyed the character better. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Irish Hearts: Irish Rose by Nora Roberts (
) |
| Summary: | A sequel to the Irish Thoroughbred novel. The Irish Rose introduces new to several new characters whose lives become entangled. The Irish immigrant this time has a secret fear of horses which plays a significant role in the stunning ending! Life has its twists and turns. Very light and enjoyable reading! |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Isle Of Dogs by Patricia Cornwell (
) |
| Summary: | It started out good but then got goofy in the end. Crabs, talking dogs using the internet? A little far fetched. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Isolde, Queen of the Western Isle by Rosalind Miles (
) |
| Summary: | This is a retelling of the legend of Tristan and Isolde from Isolde's point of view. She is a princess of the Western Isle (Ireland) and Tristan is a knight of the Round Table and the exiled son of the King of Lyonesse, near Cornwall. Isolde is famed for her beauty and her healing ability. Tristan suffers wounds after slaying Marhaus, the champion of the Queen of Ireland, Isolde's mother. Merlin sends a disguised Tristan to Isolde for healing. This is the first of a series. If you liked Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" you'll like this book. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Johnny angel by danielle steel (
) |
| Summary: | This book was slow at times however the ending was worth it. it is a quick read for the beach. The subject matter everyone can identify with. |
| Reviewed by: | suzanne rosamilia (at Pinelands/Medford Library) |
| Book: | K-Pax by Gene Brewer (
) |
| Summary: | An unusual book with an unusual theme. Do we have visitors from other galaxies who assume out body types? An interesting hypothesis during the book has scientists searching for answers. Involves a mystery of pulse quicking proportions. Good reading. A superb movie! |
| Reviewed by: | Bill McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | K-Pax by Gene Brewer (
) |
| Summary: | An unusual book with an unusual theme. Do we have visitors from other galaxies who assume out body types? An interesting hypothesis during the book has scientists searching for answers. Involves a mystery of pulse quicking proportions. Good reading. A superb movie! |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Keeping Watch by Laurie R. King (
) |
| Summary: | This is a tale of Allen Carmichael's return from Vietnam. After he developed his soldier skills he now uses his expertise to defend and keep watch over abused and neglected children. His final case is a young boy, Jamie, who was severely abused by his criminal father. It is riveting suspense through a series of events to determine if the boy actually killed his father. Excellent! |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson (
) |
| Summary: | I really enjoyed reading this book. I have seen a few of the movie remakes of Stevenson's books like Treasure Island, but I have never read anything by the author until now. The action in Kidnapped was very exciting, but some parts were kind of predictable, (the author titled all of the chapters, and gave a lot away.) Aside from the fact that I am not all too fond of deciphering the english of 200 years ago I thought the book was excellent. I have to admit I didn't think I would like it but it was surprisingly enjoyable. |
| Reviewed by: | Katie Searl (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | King of Torts by John Grisham (
) |
| Summary: | Excellent book. Story kept me reading. Could not put the book down. Quite a bit of legal terminology, but very easy to follow. |
| Reviewed by: | Donna Gerkens (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | King of Torts by John Grisham (
) |
| Summary: | John Grisham is true to form. Another young lawyer, another intriguing case with unforeseen twists and turns. This time the lawyer's name is Clay Carter and he works for the Office of the Public Defender.When he takes on the case of a young man charged in a random street killing, he uncovers a chilling conspiracy. Grisham fans will enjoy another interesting take on the legal profession. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (
) |
| Summary: | Sad....Very difficult to stay with it, I had to leave it and come back to it. Very descriptive and graphic. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Mandala by Pearl Buck (
) |
| Summary: | This was a great book, I like her writing style, but in comparison to other books written by Buck it wasn't as good. In any case I enjoyed reading it, and would recommend anything by Pearl Buck, but if you have never read anything by her before, try "The Good Earth," first, and if you like her style read "Mandala." |
| Reviewed by: | Katie Searl (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Martin Quinn by Anthony Lee (
) |
| Summary: | Very Confusing. Main character relates story as 3rd person. I had to go back and reread chapters to understand. Does pull together in the end. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Moon Demon ( Daughters Of The Moon book 7) by Lynne Ewing (
) |
| Summary: | Wish there were more stars than 5. This has definitely out done book 1.Could not put this one down for hours.The author has redeemed herself after the last book. Reading other on line reviews this one seems to be everyones favorite. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Mount Vernon Love Story by Mary Higgins Clark (
) |
| Summary: | This was in no way the typical Mary Higgins Clark novel. It was very easy reading, which I enjoy in the summer, but it didn't really pull me into the story. It was a pleasant story but there was no real plot or gripping tale which made you want to keep reading till the end. |
| Reviewed by: | Kimberly Slater (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (
) |
| Summary: | Neil Gaiman makes an intriguing theory for this book; suppose there existed two London's - one above and one below. The above-London is the normal London, the London below is filled with strange creatures and weird places. If you fell through the cracks and into this other London - could you ever get back to the real one? If you like Harry Potter, you'll like this book. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Night Shade (Daughters of the Moon #3) by Lynne Ewing (
) |
| Summary: | Now this one was better than 2 but I still liked 1 better.It does tend to talk about the after life but I liked the way the author described it.It does keep your interest. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks (
) |
| Summary: | This is a wonderful, tender love story of hope and joy, of sacrifice and forgiveness. Andrienne Willis, the main character tells a tale to her daughter about a love found late in life but lost in death, as was the young daughter's husband. In the hopes that the lesson of survival and looking to the future will help her daughter and child, Adienne confides a well kept secret. This book is a must read! |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Partner In Crime by J. A. Jance (
) |
| Summary: | This was a very well put together interesting book. I enjoyed it immensly. It had a little bit of everything in it. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Pay It Forward by CAtherine Ryan Hyde (
) |
| Summary: | Trevor Mckinney is in the sixth grade. His teacher, Rubin St. Clair assigns an extra credit project: Can one person do something to change the world. Trevor comes up with a plan he calls Pay It Forward. He does one good act for each of three people, then instead of them doing something in return, they are to pay it forward to three other people. This has implications for his mother, Arlene, a down-on-her-luck waitress. The movie was nicely done with Helen Hunt, Kevin Spacey and Haley Joel Osment in the lead roles. The book varies little from the movie storyline, but is well-written in journal entries, new columns and interviews. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Possession (Daughters of the Moon 8) by Lynne Ewing (
) |
| Summary: | This was really good. She is making the characters turn. A lot of twists and suspense in this one. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Revenge of the Lawn by Richard Brautigan (
) |
| Summary: | This book is a collection of short stories that point out the absurd in everyday life. He uses a lot of poetic language very effectively. Each story is quite short, no more than a few pages. I enjoyed this book immensely. |
| Reviewed by: | Robeta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman by Elizabeth Buchan (
) |
| Summary: | Rose Lloyd is a 40ish London book review editor. Her husband, Nathan, deputy editor at the same magazine throws her over for her younger "glossy" assistant, Minty. Rose loses her job and her husband, but it is not a vindictive story. The story is really about the dignified way she picks up the pieces of her life and resolutely creates a new life for herself. It is a satisfying story of an middle-aged woman's coming of age. Fans of Elizabeth Berg will enjoy this one. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Reversing Asthma by Richard N. Firshein (
) |
| Summary: | I recommend all asthma patients and families to read this book. The author re-examines what is asthma and the correct ways to treat it. Dr. Firshein has extensively reasearched asthma and its triggers. He focuses on prevention of asthma and helping asthmatics reduce their need for medication. He outlines different tests that are available, to find out which triggers apply to the asthma patient. Bring a completed copy of the Comprehensive Asthma Prevention Program Questionnaire (in chapter two), at your next visit to the doctor. |
| Reviewed by: | Aishling Tews (at Pinelands/Medford Library) |
| Book: | Riding in Cars with Boys by Beverly D'Onfrio (
) |
| Summary: | A book with a great story and wonderful characters. Although a tale of growing up in a much different time, our young people still have many of the same issues: unwanted pregnancies, drug, drinking and consequences of wrong choices. A touching story well written. I suggest that book needs a new title. This one not indicative of the deep subject matter. The movie is super! Rent it. |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Rumi: In the Arms of the Beloved by Translated by Jonathan Star (
) |
| Summary: | This is a book of poetry by the 13th century Sufi mystic Jalaluddin Rumi. The poems are translated beautifully and they read nicely. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | Rumpole rests his case by John Mortimer (
) |
| Summary: | This book just came out, it is short stories, but I have read most of these stories before in other collections by Mortimer. That was disappointing. Maybe this is the last book of Rumpole stories. He is an English barrister who is very funny. His wife, SWMBO (she who must be obeyed) has finally got Rumpole to retire, we think. |
| Reviewed by: | Jane E. Snow (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | Sacrifice (Daughters Of The Moon book 5) by Lynne Ewing (
) |
| Summary: | Finally the author leaves the girls in the background to focus on a male character. Nice job of blending.Title fits the book perfect. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Scandalous Again by Christina Dodd (
) |
| Summary: | If you are a romance reader, any book by Christina Dodd leaves you satisfied. This book is no exception. Our rich, titled heroine sweeps through the pages making friends, enemies and ultimately catches her soulmate. Yes, it's the same old story, but it's still fun to read and offers a sweet escape for those readers of romance genre. |
| Reviewed by: | Virginia Rader (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | Sea Glass by Anita Shreve (
) |
| Summary: | Sea Glass is a poignant novel of intrigue, trust and betrayal in marriage and in life itself. It is a tale of many lives entwined in a political and social struggle of monumental and dangerous proportions. Wonderful and exciting, the author leads us to a very unexpected ending. Great summer reading. |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Seabiscuit An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand (
) |
| Summary: | I wish I had read the book and then seen the movie. It covered so much more detail.Exceptionally well written and facts were able to be researched. Wonderful book and movie. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | Shining Through by Susan Isaacs (
) |
| Summary: | This book was enjoyable summer reading. It was humorous and suspenseful, although a little long-winded. Isaacs told a tale of a Queens, NY legal secretary who falls for the wrong man and eventually serves as a U.S. spy during WWII Germany. The parallel history lesson is interesting. I haven't seen the movie but I would like to. |
| Reviewed by: | Marcy Clay (at Pinelands/Medford Library) |
| Book: | Silent cry by Anne Perry (
) |
| Summary: | Hester is nursing a severly beaten young gentleman. Monk is investigating the rapes and beatings of prostitutes in St. Giles and Seven Dials districts in Victorian London. The two cases come together at the end when Hester examines her patient more closely. Did you know the author was found guilty of murder in New Zealand when she was a teen? |
| Reviewed by: | Jane Snow (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut (
) |
| Summary: | This is the story of one man's life and the effect that the bombing of Dresden has on him. It is a bit tough to follow and can be disjointed in spots, but it is an overall good read. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | Slaves of obsession by Anne Perry (
) |
| Summary: | Hester and Monk go to the United States to witness the first battle of the Civil War. They were trying to locate Merrit Alberton, daughter of a wealthy arms dealer. She has run off with a charismatic arms purchaser for the Union side. The night they left, her father was murdered. Of course, the culprit was someone you don't suspect. |
| Reviewed by: | Jane E. Snow (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson (
) |
| Summary: | This book covers many topics - coming of age, war, prejudice and justice. Love and duty to one's fellow community without regard to self is a recurring theme. Very well done. |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters (
) |
| Summary: | This is a spirited collection of poetic monologues inspired by the inhabitants of an old midwestern cemetary. As you read through the individual poems, history blends with fiction and an engaging tale unfolds as the characters' stories intertwine. As you progress through the book, you may find yourself re-reading earlier poems. Don't bother watching the video (available at Burlington County College); it is boring and woefully incomplete. |
| Reviewed by: | Gail Renner (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | Stardust by Neil Gaiman (
) |
| Summary: | This was an interesting fairy tale/fantasy book. Tristan Thorn promises to retrieve a fallen star for his ladylove. To do this he must leave his safe village and venture beyond The Wall. No one is ever allowed to go through the crack in The Wall, it is guarded night and day. No one has ever returned to tell what lies beyond The Wall. As he travels through a magical land he encounters goblins, escapes evil withces, and scheming sons of a dead lord, Lord Stronghold. All those grown-ups out there reading Harry Potter will enjoy reading this story. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Sweet Hush by Deborah Smith (
) |
| Summary: | This book started out a little slow moving, but the further I read the better it got. In the end it made me cry. I really like it. |
| Reviewed by: | Bobbi Maiuro (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | The Beach by Alex Garland (
) |
| Summary: | Demonstrates that callousness, selfishness, greed and lust can arise even in Paradise when humans wish to keep a secret hiding place to themselves. Interesting character interplay. Many variations on leadership of the group, revealing the individual's true inner values. Not easy reading; a complicated plot not clearly delineated. |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Beach House by James Patterson (
) |
| Summary: | This is an excellent, fast moving tale of love, of family ties and of vengeance among the super rich and the not-so-rich. Jack Mullen's brother, Peter is claimed by the area gendarme to have drowned in the ocean. Jack confronts the locals to uncover the real truth- (murder?. Jack, a lawyer, tries to determined the details of Peter's death. This brings him into conflict with the most powerful men in New York. Twists and turns lead on a road to a shocking, unexpected thrilling finale!! |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The big book of gardening secrets by Charles W. G. Smith (
) |
| Summary: | Well worth the time to read. It covers a wide-range of gardening topics: roses, vegetables, herbs, annuals, trees and butterflies, just to name a few. I really appreciate the author's use of low maintenance techniques, modern methods combined with time-tested organic gardening. If you apply at least one of the things you learn from this book, your garden will thank you for it. |
| Reviewed by: | Aishling Tews (at Pinelands/Medford Library) |
| Book: | The Big House by George Howe Colt (
) |
| Summary: | The subtitle of this true story is A Century in the Life of an American Summer Home and tells the story of over one hundred years and several generations of a family and the summer vacation home built by one of the early forebears. It is a lovely tale told by a member of the current generation whose love for the seashore, his family - both past and present - and for the Big House is evident. He shares memories of his childhood summers spent at the Cape Cod home of his parents, grandparents and great grandparents. And he treasured the time spent there with his own wife and children. The author makes his family seem like old friends of the reader's and he tells their stories with honesty and love - not omitting the trials that come into all lives at sometime along the way. I found this to be an exceptionally good read - perhaps relating to it because of my love for the seashore and because I am old enough to relate to some of the nostalgic memories of the author. I highly recommend this book. |
| Reviewed by: | Joan E. Phillips (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | The Bone Collector by Jeffrey Deaver (
) |
| Summary: | This book was great. It was so different from the movie I was shocked. It was suspenseful and well written. |
| Reviewed by: | Christine Sweeney (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | The Choice-Daughters Of The Moon Book #9 by Lynne Ewing (
) |
| Summary: | Really Good!!! The author was able to pull the other books together and eliminate a character while keeping the series alive. Great writing and plotting. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | The Client by John Grisham (
) |
| Summary: | This is a great mystery from start to finish with so many twists and turns that it boggles the mind. It demonstrates the continuing talent of Grisham, a prolific writer.. Very well done. Translates to a superb movie! A must see. |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Crucible by Arthur Miller (
) |
| Summary: | This is a masterfully written drama about a dark period of mass hysteria. The play is set during the 1692 Salem witch hunt, was likely written in response to the McCarthy era communist witch hunt, and has lessons applicable today as our society struggles with the present evil of terrorism. It is truely a timeless classic. |
| Reviewed by: | Gail Renner (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | The Drowning Season by Alice Hoffman (
) |
| Summary: | This is the story of three generations living under one roof on Long Island in a place called simply, "The Compound". Esther the White is a Russian immigrant and the matriarch of the family. Esther the Black is her grandaughter. The two have not only a generation gap, but also a communication gap. Their common ground is their concern for Philip, Esther the White's son, Esther the Black's father, the man who each summer tries to drown himself. Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite writers, but this was not my favorite of her books. It lacked momentum for me. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (
) |
| Summary: | You have to read this book with your tongue firmly planted in your cheek, the way the author wrote it. It is a hoot, it is so funny. Imagine a London in the not-so-distant future where great literary works are more valuable than illicit drugs. There is a special Police Task force unit that operates to monitor literature: translations, performances, fakes. Theories of who really wrote Shakespeare abound. Picture a performance of Richard the III done in the style of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show". But when someone removes all references of Jane Eyre from the original manuscript, Thursday Next, (a cross between Stephanie Plum and Artemis Fowl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer) must track down the villain, enter the novel and avoid literary homicide. Have fun with this one. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Face by Dean Koontz (
) |
| Summary: | Scary. Very realistic. Very horrifying. Good book to read for the horror with a happy ending. Appropriate title. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams (
) |
| Summary: | This is a well written, but somewhat depressing, play about a dysfunctional family. The daughter's physical disability pales in comparison to her mental state. She is as emotionally fragile as the collection of glass animal figurines which she treasures. A mere reading of this play does not do it justice; I found a live performance to be much more meaningful. |
| Reviewed by: | Gail Renner (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | The Healing Wisdom of Africa by Malidoma Patrice Some (
) |
| Summary: | In this book the author talks about the spiritual traditions of the Dagara people of West Africa and how those traditions relate to building community. He compares them to western society and uses them to explain some of the problems western society is experiencing. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving (
) |
| Summary: | John Irving is one of my favorite writers. Not many writers can include; a rundown hotel in New Hampshire, wrestling, weightlifting, dwarves, a circus, a bear called State O'Maine, a quirky family of five kids and their parents, an Indian motorcycle complete with sidecar, another rundown hotel in Vienna, prostitutes, revolutionaries, the King of Mice, and a dog named Sorrow and weave all these together into a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining story. This was made into a movie, but a movie can never fully capture the quirkiness and nuances Irving puts into his books, although the cast did include Jodie Foster and Rob Lowe. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Jester by James Patterson (
) |
| Summary: | Excellent spellbinding book. A bit different from other James Patterson books. A bit more blood and gore than I like, but the story line kept me captivated. Of course, the hero and the princess get married at the end. |
| Reviewed by: | Donna Gerkens (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | The Lake House by James Patterson (
) |
| Summary: | I found the book very fast reading. Although the story itself was pretty unrealistic, it made me want to keep reading and find out what happens. |
| Reviewed by: | Bobbi Maiuro (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | The Language Police by Diane Ravitch (
) |
| Summary: | The author shows how special interst groups are controlling what is taught in the public schools by contorlling the language and topics covered in textbooks and standardized tests. She begins with the religious right and moves on to other groups all trying to control what is taught in the schools. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | The Little Book of Letting Go by Hugh Prather (
) |
| Summary: | The author uses stories from life experience and wit to show practical ways to cleanse the mind. He uses a 30-day program of exercises to help people let go of the things they are holding onto but that are holding them back. It is filled with a lot of wisdom to ponder, even if the exercises are skipped. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | The Lost One (Daughters of The Moon Book 6) by Lynne Ewing (
) |
| Summary: | Alas..a little disappointed. The author adds a new character with no background or clue she even exists. Although she continues to write the character well she seems to throw this one together. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (
) |
| Summary: | A young girl, Susie Salmon, is brutally murdered not far from her home. After death she watches from heaven as her family tries to cope with the aftermath. Each person, her father, mother, ister and brother handles the loss differently. Gradually Susie realizes that she is in a waystation before going on to heaven. The premise sounds gory, but the prose is lyrical. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Making of Evita by Alan Parker (
) |
| Summary: | This book provides brief but informative biographical information for both Eva and Juan Peron, as well as background into the relevant social and political climate in Argentina during their time. The film's cast and crew's somewhat unwelcome reception in Argentina and their uncomfortable experiences in Budapest are chronicled. While Madonna, as Eva Peron, is on the cover, the star of this book is David Appleby's amazing photography adorning most of the pages. It may intice you to view the movie if you have not already experienced it, which is the probable intent of this book. |
| Reviewed by: | Gail Renner (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | The Notebook by NHicholas Sparks (
) |
| Summary: | This is a tender story of enduring love between two soul mates who meet and share a relationship. They part physically but are always searching for each other. It is written as a notebook of letters and poetry, and small expressions of caring that last a lifetime. Two lives are so entwined that no obstacles are insurmountable. It takes us to tender moments and life changes we all can understand. A must read! |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (
) |
| Summary: | This is a tender story of enduring love between two soul mates who meet and share a relationship. They part physically but are always searching for each other. It is written as a notebook of letters and poetry, and small expressions of caring that last a lifetime. Two lives are so entwined that no obstacles are insurmountable. It takes us to tender moments and life changes we all can understand. A must read! |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Odd Couple by Neil Simon (
) |
| Summary: | This is a classic comedy about two very different middle aged men, both of whom are estranged from their wives, attempting to share a New York City apartment. This play gets funnier with every turn of the page. The movie is hilarious, too! |
| Reviewed by: | Gail Renner (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | The Out-Of-Sync Child by By Carol Stock Kranowitz (
) |
| Summary: | This is an easy yet indepth book about children with Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID). It ezplains ways to identify if a child may have this dysfunction and ways to cope with and remediate it. It's similarities and differences from ADD and ADHD are well stated. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland (
) |
| Summary: | I had read and enjoyed Susan Vreeland's earlier book, "The Girl in Hyacinth Blue". In this new novel Vreeland again weaves art, history and fiction together into a compelling story. It is based on the real life of Artemisia Gentile, a post-Renaisssance painter and the first woman to be accepted into the Accademia dell'Arte in Florence. Her paintings reflect the struggles in her life; raped by her father's assistant, the trial that ensues, her hastily arranged marriage, her hardwon artistic triumph. You won't be able to put it down. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Probable Future by Alice Hoffman (
) |
| Summary: | Alice Hoffman's latest offering is a real delight. Set in New England, it tells the story of the women of the Sparrow family. Each generation there is only a single female born to carry on the name. And each woman possesses a different gift. It began back in 1697 with Rebecca Sparrow who could not feel pain. In the present day, grandmother Elinor can detect a liar at 100 paces. Her daughter, Jenny, can see other people's dreams as they dream them. The youngest Sparrow, Stella has the troubling gift of being able to see a person's death. This causes a real problem when her unreliable father is accused of a murder Stella has foreseen. Once again Alice Hoffman creates passionate characters and an bewitching premise in a familiar locale that draw the reader in and make it impossible to set the book down until reaching it's intriguing conclusion. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (
) |
| Summary: | This book an interesting re-telling of the Gensis story of Jacob told from the point of view of the women of his tribe, mother, wives, daughter, slaves. The narrator is his daughter, Dinah. The red tent is the gathering place for women during birth, menses and illness. The four wives have their difficulties getting along, as one might expect. But the sharing that goes on, the stories, the life lessons that get passed on, make one wish that the Bible had included women's stories from their point of view as well. |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Secret Hour by Luanne Rick (
) |
| Summary: | Very good book with characters and situations that for the most part you can relate to. There is a hint of a villainous character which runs throughout the story, but not until the end does that hint become factual and then with a surprise twist. There are several unexpected twists and turns which makes the book hard to put down. |
| Reviewed by: | Joan E. Phillips (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | The Secret Scrolls ( Daughters Of The Moon book 4) by Lynne Ewing (
) |
| Summary: | This book also gets a high rating. I like the way the author has continued going in depth into the characters lives. This one gives you a little more background and helps you to learn the correct pronunciation of the characters name. |
| Reviewed by: | Fran Madison (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | The Shipping News by Annie Proulx (
) |
| Summary: | Read the book first, before you see the movie, is my advice. The plot and the characters are slightly different in the movie which may be difficult to understand and to follow in places. Annie Proulx in her novel gives greater detail to the people and their foibles. The movie is only "based" upon the novel and is interpreted by the director. Both are EXCELLENT!! |
| Reviewed by: | Barb McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Sigma Protocol by Robert Ludlum (
) |
| Summary: | Super magnum excellent! This book is a thriller mystery with very complex intertwined plots and subplots. Ben and Anna are the principal players who realize that their survival depends on uncovering the diabolical secrets behind the "Sigma" code words, - the future of the world. Not an easy read but worth the effort. |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The soloist by Marc Saltzman (
) |
| Summary: | This was not a book I would typically pic out on my own. It was a book chosen for our book club at church. I actually enjoyed it though. The story line jumped around a bit, but I enjoyed how the man discovered himself in the end. |
| Reviewed by: | Bobbi Maiuro (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | The Summons by John Grisham (
) |
| Summary: | This book seemed to be a tedious, lengthly tale of death, money, -the inheritance of two brothers after their fathers death. It is unlike the other Grisham novels which I found quite intense and thrilling. In my opinion, the book is not Grisham at his best. |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemmingway (
) |
| Summary: | This book was beautifully descriptive. It dwelled on the travels and times of men and women in a European setting, but vastly influenced by American mentality. There was a general theme of alcohol, relationships, unrequited love, and the search for contentment in life. This book poses many ideals which would attract a film audience, however, for those looking for a romantic, clear-cut ending, this is not so. It ambiguosly ends with the mere speculation of what could have been if things had been done differently. |
| Reviewed by: | Geraldine Marie Malone (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | The Teachings of Rumi by Andrew Harvey, Translator (
) |
| Summary: | This is a small book of poems and teaching stories by the 13th century Sufi mystic Rumi. I prefer the translations by Coleman Barks but these translations by Andrew Harvey are quite good. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | The Ultimate History of Video Games by Steven L. Kent (
) |
| Summary: | Very accurate, well detailed account of the history of video games starting with SpaceWar in 1961 and continues to the current generation of home consoles in 2001. |
| Reviewed by: | Mark Cullen (at Maple Shade Library) |
| Book: | The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (
) |
| Summary: | A wonderful book. Even better then the movie. I read it to my kids, they loved it. |
| Reviewed by: | Michelle Mitchell (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (
) |
| Summary: | This is the story of a black woman who through living life finds her self. It is a bit difficult to read because it is written in dialect but it is well worth reading. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | To The Nines by Janet Evanovich (
) |
| Summary: | Janet Evanovich's latest Stephanie Plum novel is back on track. While number eight was a bit of a disappointment, this new one is a return to what we've come to expect from Evanovich. All of our favorite characters, Morelli, Ranger, Grandma Mazur, Lula and the same warp and woof that have made this series so entertaining. Watch out though, Lula's on a diet! |
| Reviewed by: | Susan Gavin-Leone (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | To the Nines by Janet Evanovich (
) |
| Summary: | As usual all your favorite characters. I laughed out loud - parts were so funny. Stephanie Plum is back! |
| Reviewed by: | Linda Daley (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | Trees & Other Poems by Joyce Kilmer (
) |
| Summary: | This is an enjoyable collection of Joyce Kilmer's poetry. His poems are thought provoking, spiritual, and easy to understand. |
| Reviewed by: | Gail Renner (at Pemberton Twp Library) |
| Book: | True story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy (
) |
| Summary: | I often read about WWII, especially about people who hide or are in the resistance. I read the review of this book and tried it. Two children are hiding from the Germans in Poland. The story is horrific in parts. How did these things happen and how did the people survive? There is an interview with the author and questions for discussion at the end. |
| Reviewed by: | Jane E. Snow (at Burlington County Library) |
| Book: | Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom (
) |
| Summary: | An excellent book on the importance and value of frienship. Giving of ourselves to others returns to us a thousand fold! |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Turbulent Souls by Stephen Dubner (
) |
| Summary: | A book that flows like good fiction, Stephen Dubner's autobiography tells of his struggle to reconcile his Catholic upbringing with his Jewish background and family. This is a thoughtful, engrossing, and worthwhile read! |
| Reviewed by: | Judy T. Howard (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Unnatural Exposure by Patricia Cornwell (
) |
| Summary: | Enjoyable! The chief medical examiner is trying to solve a serial killer mystery. It involves the threat of terriorism with a new virus similar to smallpox, the dreaded disease. A twisted mind yields a twisted ending. Easy and fast reading. |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates (
) |
| Summary: | This is a very deep and completely heartbreaking novel written in Joyce Carol Oates' unique literary style. The characters of this family take on a life of their own to captivate the reader's interest through happy and sad times. It presents the evolution of a family from unity and harmony to just the opposite and then a reformation. A must read!! |
| Reviewed by: | Barbara McDougall (at Cinnaminson Library) |
| Book: | Whispers at Midnight by Karen Robards (
) |
| Summary: | This was a page-turner. It was very suspenseful, mixed with romance. It was a very good book. I'll definitely read more of Karen Robards. |
| Reviewed by: | Lisa Joy (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
| Book: | Women on the Row: Reflections from Both Sides of the Bars by Kathleen O'Shea (
) |
| Summary: | This short book is a memoir. The author sets out her life in comparison to the women on Death Row that she has interviewed. I couldn't put the book down. Once I finished it I immediately started to reread it. |
| Reviewed by: | Roberta J. Taylor (at Bordentown Library at Fieldsboro) |
|
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