Reviews

Want to know what our librarians and staff are reading? Browse through a variety of reviews added to our catalog from a variety of genres.

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  • Which side are you on? : the story of a song by Lyon, George Ella, 1949-
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Adam F on May 19, 2012

    This strikingly illustrated children's book makes for an excellent story-time even if you (the reader) aren't much of a singer. From the perspective of the children of a strong songwriting mother, this gripping tale recounts the circumstances surrounding the creation of Which Side Are You On? a folksong about democratic struggle of the people against the powerful. With some lyrical changes, this song also became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement . After experiencing this book, you (and the children in your life) will find yourselves humming the mighty lyrics of the song. If you need a hand getting the melody right, check out this playlist of versions of the song from the Free Library’s streaming music database, American Song:

    http://amso.alexanderstreet.com/Playlists/382472

    Library Card and PIN might be necessary to listen

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  • The spirit rebellion by Aaron, Rachel.
    ★★★★☆

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on May 17, 2012

    A rollickingly funny read. Book II of the Legend of Eli Monpress.

    When we last saw Miranda, she was on her way back to the Spirit Court with her reputation in tatters. You may recall from book one, The Spirit Thief, that her assignment to bring in the legendary thief, Eli Monpress, went any-way-but-well. In fact, Miranda let him and his band of misfits escape the King's justice.

    Miranda arrives home empty handed. Arrested on sight, Miranda persuades the council to give her another chance to complete her mission and find Monpress.

    Meanwhile, our lovable Eli has other problems. Like Nico. She needs a new coat, and not just any coat will do. It has to be a special, magic coat. She can’t pass for human without it, turns into a demon, and starts trying to eat her friends. Something Eli would risk anything to avoid.

    So we're off again, dear readers, paging through more daring-do with our favorite, unrepentant, impertinent con-man, Eli and his motley assortment of friends. Excuse me a moment…. Eli, Give that back!

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  • Blood ties by Whitelaw, Sonny, 1956-
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on May 16, 2012

    This is an unscheduled, off-world activation!

    Come join the members of Stargate Atlantis on another mission to uncharted territory in the Pegasus Galaxy.

    Narcissistic, socially inept, but totally brilliant in matters of technology, Rodney Mackay is a grand piece of work. The Atlantis staff has learned to see beyond his short comings and to depend on him at crunch time when only a miracle will save them. Rodney is an asset the Wraith will do anything to acquire, including luring the team off world and into an ambush.

    John Sheppard, Tayla and Ronon have to place their trust in Zelenk, (the number two Science Geek), if they hope to get him back. Rodney knows more than just the location of Atlantis; he knows how to bring down all the defense systems of the Ancients. There are lots of planets to search, and very little time.

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  • Code name Verity by Wein, Elizabeth.
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Teresa G on May 15, 2012

    Code Name Verity tells the dramatic story of two friends who find themselves in dire circumstances when an espionage mission to occupied France goes astray. Maddie, a tough, self-reliant pilot finds herself stranded in occupied France. She becomes a part of the local resistance unit and works to bring down the local Gestapo agency. Julie, a well-healed member of a prominent Scottish family, finds herself a prisoner of the local Gestapo agency and must reveal all she knows of British code and airfields. Both Maddie and Julie must rely on their wits and must take great risks in order to stay alive throughout their ordeal. Beautifully written, Code Name Verity paints an intimate portrait of WW II seen through the eyes of the brave women who actively worked as pilots and spys during the war. Elizabeth Wein gives the reader a perspective on the war that is not often portrayed. Lives are changed forever by the brutality of war and friendship sometimes means sacrificing everything for another.

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  • Liar by Larbalestier, Justine.
    ★★★☆☆

    Reviewed by Teresa G on May 15, 2012

    Read for May 2012 book discussion group. Liar is the intriguing story of a girl with a mysterious illness that sets her apart from others at her school. When her secret boyfriend, Zach, dies a brutal and violent death details about Micah's life begin to surface. But she is known to be a liar so is what she's saying really true? The consequences of her "illness" are graphically and realistically portrayed. The ending was too neatly tied up and seemed a bit rushed, but the first two-thirds of the book was engaging and kept me turning the pages. Did Micah kill Zach? You will have to decide for yourself after you finish reading Liar.

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  • Under the moons of Mars : new adventures on Barsoom by Adams, John Joseph, 1976- Burroughs, Edgar Rice, 1875-1950.
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on May 15, 2012

    Book tie-in of the visually stunning movie, this updated version of John Carter’s sojourn to planet Barsoon (Mars) asks readers to paint with their imagination in bold new colors.

    Set near the close of the Civil War, John is on the run. Chasing him is the Union Army. While fleeing a band of soldiers, John takes refuge in a cave where he encounters a strange device. That device transports him to an alien planet where John has his first encounter with the Tharks. These four-armed barbarians quickly introduce him to life on Mars in general and their culture in particular. The King mistakenly dubs him “Virginia” after John states:

    “I’m John Carter of Virginia”.

    When John later saves the life of the King’s unacknowledged daughter Sola, he is accepted as an honorary Thark.

    The Warhoon, a race of conquers from a neighboring star, invade the Capital city of Helium on Mars and kill the king, but fail to secure his heir, princess Dejah. She flees to the desert. From this moment forward the book picks up speed. John rescues Dejah, but both are later captured. To save the lives of her people (and John)she agrees to wed Sab Than, the enemy ruler. Meanwhile, John returns to the Thark and persuades them to take back their lands, helping to save Dejah in the process.

    This new edition of a Science Fiction classic also contains three volumes of the Mars series.

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  • Blood of Requiem by Arenson, Daniel, 1980-
    ★★★☆☆

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on May 14, 2012

    Requiem was a place of music and art. Requiem was green forests and pillared halls. Requiem was a place where dragons filled the sky. A place of sun light and magic. Then it burned. Only King Benedictus, the black dragon, survived the battle to seek a life in exile.

    As years passed, Dies Irae, his older brother and mortal enemy, ruled in his place. Dies Irae is a man obsessed. He has banned magic, since he was denied his birthright for the lack of it. Anyone caught using magic is put to the sword, but not all the Vir Requis purished in the war.

    Besides Benedictus, a small Vir Requis boy is discovered hiding in the care of Lady Mirium of Fort Santus. When Dies Irae and his daughter Gloriae storm the fort, and kill the Lady, they fail to capture young Kyrie. Vowing revenge, Kyrie sets out to find Benedictus, the Black Scourge. They are the last blood of Requiem.

    Somehow, he must convince the mighty king to take up his sword. He must convince the only other Vir Requis to face their enemy one last time. If they can kill Dies Irae then the slaughter of innocent people like Lady Mirium will stop.

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  • Dr. Bernstein's diabetes solution : the complete guide to achieving normal blood sugars by Bernstein, Richard K.
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on May 11, 2012

    So you don’t have diabetes. Do you know the warning signs? Have you had a Hemoglobin A1c test recently? Just been told you have type 1 or 2 diabetes, and you’re about to panic thinking food is now your new enemy? This book will help calm your nerves and get you smiling over a meal again.

    Even if you don’t know a thing about diabetes this book is for you. Why? You don’t need to have diabetes to benefit from a healthy low carbohydrate diet with lots of variety and fun.

    As we age our organs age, and the pancreas is no exception. We can control the condition, and possibly prevent it, by taking early action to limit the ware and tare. While what we eat is important, finding ways to enjoy our experience with food is important too.

    This book explains all the scary terms like glucose meter, hyperglycemia, and A1c testing. In addition, the author breaks down eating triggers, and analyses what happens when we miss our targeted goals. In my opinion, every newly diagnosed patient should walk out of their doctor’s office with a copy in hand or on order. This book explains how to take care of oneself when entering that frightening new world called “life with diabetes”

    Read the book – and eat healthy!

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  • Eat what you love, love what you eat, with diabetes : a mindful eating program for thriving with prediabetes or diabetes by May, Michelle.
    ★★★★☆

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on May 11, 2012

    If you have diabetes, the one question (possibly the first question)you'll need to answer is: What's safe to eat?

    This book looks at the how, why, where and what a diabetic needs to know about food choices and offers ways to nevigate to safe selections.

    Food can still be an amazing adventure. One can have variety and food that tastes good. This book can get you there in easy to understand language.

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  • Oath of fealty by Moon, Elizabeth.
    ★★★★☆

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on May 9, 2012

    Oath of Fealty begins the third trilogy in the Deed of Paksenarrion series. A sheepherder’s daughter, young Paksenarrian fled her abusive father and his threat of an arranged marriage. Luck led her steps to a mercenary camp where she soon made a place for herself and gained skill with her father’s sword. Now, years later she stands advisor to a new king.

    The heir to Lyonya, a nation of half-elves, is discovered by Paksenarrian and returned in time to lay claim to his birthright. Once a capable mercenary captain, Kieri, the new King has lessons to learn about ruling that will demand that he engage in his least favorite pastime – politics. He also has new friends to make and old enemies on the march.

    Meanwhile, there is trouble brewing in the neighboring kingdom. Mikeli prepares to mount the throne of Tsaia. In land where magic is rampant and assassins stalk the palace halls, staying alive may be a greater challenge than governing.

    Will these two young Kings unite to face their shared opposition or will they try to stand alone?

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  • Torchwood : first born by Goss, James, 1974-
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on May 8, 2012

    A Torchwood Novel. Read this before reading Miracle Day.

    Gwen and Rhys had the crazy idea that if they kept on the move, all the craziness would stop. After all, Torchwood was burned and the team shattered. Getting out of Cardiff was major achievement with a baby on the way. They finally settle in a rundown mobile home in an isolated trailer park.

    When the baby runs out of diapers, it’s Dad off to the local store to resupply. Rhys finds the inhabitance a bit odd, but that's nothing compared to what he and Gwen will discover In the little town of Rawbone, North Wales.

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  • The power of six : book two of the Lorien Legacies by Lore, Pittacus.
    ★★★★☆

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on May 7, 2012

    Sequel to I am number Four. John Smith has learned quite a bit about his heritage in the last several months. Not only has he discovered that his home planet is Lorien, and that the men hunting him are called Mogadorians, he has learned something miraculous: he has pararnormal powers. Best of all, he isn’t alone. Number Six, (a street wise survivor with her own super skill set), and Miranda (number seven) now stand with him in their struggle to evade capture and death.

    Aided by their loyal but completely human friends, the Loriens continue to move from place to place. Their powers are evolving but danger is never more than a slip away. Instead for waiting for the inevitable, the teens decided to change tactics and take the fight to their enemies.

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  • I am number four by Lore, Pittacus.
    ★★★★☆

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on May 7, 2012

    Yes, this is the book that became the hit movie of the same name. If you have seen the movie, you might wonder why read the book? Details!

    Directors do leave out interesting parts of the plot to make a movie fit within a time slot. If you didn’t see the movie first, that’s even better because you get to create the scenes and do the casting in your head as you hear. We all know about how common the names “Smith” and “Jones” are in American culture. Well, here we see young John Smith hiding in plain sight, attempting to pass himself off as just another boy-next-door type. Only problem is John isn’t just any other boy. In fact, he isn’t like any other teen in town. He has secrets and like all good secrets they tend to get out at the worst possible times.

    The one good thing going for John is that he’s number four. That’s also part of his problem. Numbers one through three have already been found and eliminated. Now whatever took them down is coming for him.

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  • The omen machine by Goodkind, Terry.
    ★★★★☆

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on May 4, 2012

    A novel in the series: The Sword of Truth, (aka on TV asLegend of the Seeker).

    Omen Machine picks up somewhere near events following Confessor. After long years of war and toil, peace has finally come to both the Midlands and D’Hara. Under the kind and open handed management of the last Mother Confessor (Kahlan Amnell) and the new Lord Rahl (Richard Cypher) prosperity is a word much on the lips of merchants and villagers alike.

    Ex-Mord-Sith Cara has found love. Her wedding is celebrated at the People’s palace with great joy, but the next day brings shadows and ill omens.

    Strange spirits walk the land and dire prophesy spills from the mouths of children. Richard and Kahlan set out on different paths to investigate this new threat.

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  • The dread by Martin, Gail, 1962-
    ★★★★☆

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on Apr 30, 2012

    Sequel to The Sworn, Will this be the end of a fascinating series? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, enjoy those characters you hold dear.

    King Donelan of Isencroft is praying that war will by-pass his portion of the Winter Kingdoms. It’s been a hard winter and a deadly road to some semblance of peace. At least his daughter Kiara and her son are out of harms reach.

    The king’s murder throws Isencroft into chaos. Desperate measures (a voodoo like ceremony) and a harrowing spirit-journey set princess Kiara on a deadly path to secure her father’s throne. The moment Tris and Kiara most feared is at hand, a moment that will bind or shatter the bond between Margolan and Isencroft for their son. Once again, Tris is pulled in one direction, while Kiara must go another. This time having a Summoner at her side would have lowered the risks to her soul, but Tris has problems of his own.

    The Dread is on the move. Even the Vyrkin and Vayash Moru fear them. Only the Sworn have stood against them in the past, and that hadn’t gone well. Their motives and intentions are mysterious, but they are coming….

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  • The mysterious Benedict Society by Stewart, Trenton Lee
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Heather T on Apr 28, 2012

    It all starts with a simple advertisement in the local paper: "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" Before long, Reynie and his 3 new friends find themselves struggling to stay one step ahead of Mr. Curtain and his nefarious plot to control the world! Will the gang succeed? Or will they succumb to the temptation of The Whisperer? The only way to find out is to start reading! This is great, fast-paced book, full of mystery, riddles, intrigue, and edge-of-your-seat action.

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  • The Hunger Games by Collins, Suzanne.
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Bashir H on Apr 27, 2012

    Though a little slow in the beginning, the book offers a very poignant view of class systems and our indulgence in "Reality Television" with a twist towards the macabre. The characters are well written, but keep in mind it's teen fiction, so the chapters are short and written with a juvenile perspective. A great, quick read. The second book builds off the first, picking up where it left off and is even better than the first.

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  • John Carter. by David, Peter (Peter Allen)
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on Apr 27, 2012

    Graphic Novel movie tie-in to the Disney hit John Carter of Mars. In snappy text and color- packed graphics this story follows the ex-confederate soldier as he is whisked from the earth to the world of Barsoom. Pitted against the might of a tyrant, Carter helps to free the oppressed natives of Mars. In the process, he finds Barsoom to be the one place where his life has meaning. Amid the battles and hardships, John finds the one element he never dreamed to possess –love.

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  • Dark lady's chosen by Martin, Gail, 1962-
    ★★★★☆

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on Apr 27, 2012

    Book #4 in the Chronicles of the Necromancer saga

    Jonmarc of Dark Haven has faced many dangers, but nothing will compare to what awaits him. Malesh of the Vayash Moru has taken up were Uri left off. Even with the support of Gabriel and Yeskin of the Vyrkin, Jonmarc may fail to hold Dark Haven. Now that he has a wife and children to protect, in addition to all those who look to him for succor through the coming winter, securing his borders and finding enough food are just paramount.

    Malesh has the numbers on his side and all the time in the world. Margolan has troubles aplenty to keep King Tris focused elsewhere, and that leaves Dark Haven isolated. Now is the time to strike and strike hard. What he doesn’t count on is Jonmarc’s making the Lady’s Bargain- his soul in exchange for the death his foe in battle. No sane mortal would commit suicide in exchange for victory, or would he?

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  • Dark haven by Martin, Gail Z.
    ★★★★★

    Reviewed by Tamoul Q on Apr 27, 2012

    Book #3 in the Chronicles of the Necromancer saga

    The Blood Council of the Vayash Moru has always stood divided on the issue of its new Lord of Dark Haven. Gabriel and his brood still stand solidly in support of Tris, now King of Margolan, but they struggle to do the same for Jonmarc, his replacement at Dark Haven.

    Uri, also a member of the Blood Council, has opposed the selection of a mortal to the position of Lord and he will stop at nothing to claim Dark Haven as his seat. Getting rid of young Jonmarc, King Martris’ cousin, and anyone else who stands in his way is just the beginning. He will cut a bloody path through Vyrkin and his own maker to get what he desires. Finding supporters isn’t going to be a problem either. Angry ghosts and remnants of Jered’s army flock to his banners. First, he will defeat Jonmarc, the King’s Champion, and then he take on the King. For Uri, second place is no place in the world. To him, the Vayash Moru, have waited far too long to claim what should have been their birthright: Masters of the Winter Kingdoms … and perhaps the entire world. He will make that happen or die trying!

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