Thank you to all of you who have made our first ever Adult Summer Reading Program so successful! We hope you had as much fun as we did. Over 150 books were read and reviewed by Topsham participants and we added 135 distinct posts to the Summer Reading Blog!
Please Comment below about what you thought about this Summer Reading Event for Adults!
We need to know how to make this a better program and we appreciate your candid comments!
Keep reading!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Final Winners!
Congratulations to the FINAL winners---
Beck Brochu and Ruth Mlotek!
Thanks to everyone who reviewed books this summer and to our great supporters:
THE FRIENDS OF THE TOPSHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY!
and the following local businesses:
Auto Shine Car Wash
Beau Bella Day Spa
Borders
Bull Moose
Chinatown Restaurant
Evening Star Cinema
Romeo's Pizza
Starbucks
Beck Brochu and Ruth Mlotek!
Thanks to everyone who reviewed books this summer and to our great supporters:
THE FRIENDS OF THE TOPSHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY!
and the following local businesses:
Auto Shine Car Wash
Beau Bella Day Spa
Borders
Bull Moose
Chinatown Restaurant
Evening Star Cinema
Romeo's Pizza
Starbucks
CELEBRITY READER-John Shattuck, Topsham Economic and Community Development Director
Celebrity Reader, John Shattuck is an avid reader! Here are some quotes he shared with us and suggestions for "battered Red Sox Fans."
You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them. ~ Ray Bradbury
I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library. ~ Jorge Luis Borges
John says,
"If the slow, painful demise of the Red Sox hopes are making you wretched, here are a few books that may provide some solace:
Summer of '49, By David Halberstam Riveting, detailed narrative of the pennant race between New York and Boston - and the rivalry between Joe Dimaggio, plus many other greats: Ted Williams, Ellis Kinder, Dom Dimaggio, Phil Rizzuto and Yogi Berra.
If I Never Get Back, By, Darryl Brock An engaging novel about the very early days of baseball: the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1869. Be sure you specify the correct author, as there's book with the same title by Art Hill, which is about the Detroit Tigers.
Ring Around the Bases: The Complete Baseball Stories of Ring Lardner, ed. Matthew J. Bruccoli - Classic baseball writing from the marvelous Ring Lardner (1885-1933) - the most distinguished writer of baseball fiction from the first half of the 20th century. A feast!"
You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them. ~ Ray Bradbury
I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library. ~ Jorge Luis Borges
John says,
"If the slow, painful demise of the Red Sox hopes are making you wretched, here are a few books that may provide some solace:
Summer of '49, By David Halberstam Riveting, detailed narrative of the pennant race between New York and Boston - and the rivalry between Joe Dimaggio, plus many other greats: Ted Williams, Ellis Kinder, Dom Dimaggio, Phil Rizzuto and Yogi Berra.
If I Never Get Back, By, Darryl Brock An engaging novel about the very early days of baseball: the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1869. Be sure you specify the correct author, as there's book with the same title by Art Hill, which is about the Detroit Tigers.
Ring Around the Bases: The Complete Baseball Stories of Ring Lardner, ed. Matthew J. Bruccoli - Classic baseball writing from the marvelous Ring Lardner (1885-1933) - the most distinguished writer of baseball fiction from the first half of the 20th century. A feast!"
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _5____
Storyline: _3____
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
____________fast paced_____________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _5____
Storyline: _3____
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
____________fast paced_____________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
On Writing by Stephen King
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __n/a___
Storyline: _n/a____
Pacing: _n/a____
Setting: _n/a____
Use one word to describe this book?
___________________Funny______________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __n/a___
Storyline: _n/a____
Pacing: _n/a____
Setting: _n/a____
Use one word to describe this book?
___________________Funny______________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: _5____
Pacing: _5____
Setting: _4____
Use one word to describe this book?
________Thrilling!_________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: _5____
Pacing: _5____
Setting: _4____
Use one word to describe this book?
________Thrilling!_________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Neptune's Children by Bonnie Dobkin
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___3__
Storyline: ___2__
Pacing: ___3__
Setting: __3___
Use one word to describe this book?
Overdescriptive
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
No
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___3__
Storyline: ___2__
Pacing: ___3__
Setting: __3___
Use one word to describe this book?
Overdescriptive
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
No
Comments?
Dilbert: Fugitive from the Cubicle Police by Scott Adams
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _____
Storyline: _____
Pacing: _____
Setting: _____
Use one word to describe this book?
Hilarious!
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _____
Storyline: _____
Pacing: _____
Setting: _____
Use one word to describe this book?
Hilarious!
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
September by Rosamund Pilcher
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: _3____
Pacing: ___3__
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
_________relaxing________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: _3____
Pacing: ___3__
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
_________relaxing________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Do Hard Things : A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex and Brett Harris
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __N/A___
Storyline: _N/A___
Pacing: __N/A___
Setting: __N/A___
Use one word to describe this book?
Challenging
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
This book is a non-fiction book.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __N/A___
Storyline: _N/A___
Pacing: __N/A___
Setting: __N/A___
Use one word to describe this book?
Challenging
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
This book is a non-fiction book.
Monday, August 30, 2010
2 more winners!
Amanda Alexander-Hart and Linda Rollins join the ever-expanding list of winners!
ONE WEEK LEFT--get those reviews in ASAP!
ONE WEEK LEFT--get those reviews in ASAP!
Renato's Luck by Jeff Shapiro
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _5____
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
Lovely
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
A wonderful summer read; languid and thoughtful, a reminder to taste life in all its exquisite nuances.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _5____
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
Lovely
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
A wonderful summer read; languid and thoughtful, a reminder to taste life in all its exquisite nuances.
A Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
Fun!
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
A little slow to start but excellent!
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
Fun!
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
A little slow to start but excellent!
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: _5____
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
Creepy!
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Excellent read---leaves you very creeped out at man's capacity for evil.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: _5____
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
Creepy!
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Excellent read---leaves you very creeped out at man's capacity for evil.
The Darkest Whisper by Gena Showalter
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4__
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
intense
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
An "intense" series
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4__
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
intense
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
An "intense" series
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The Private Patient by P.D. James
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
Great
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
Great
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Lemony Snicket series (Children's books)
The Miserable Mill
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: ___4__
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
Entertaining
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
I am yet again amazed at the creativity and new characters introduced in the fourth book of this series. The quirky, odd-ball people these orphans have to deal with make me laugh. Another good one in this series.
The Austere Academy
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _5____
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: ___5__
Setting: _5____
Use one word to describe this book?
_______"friend"ly__________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Finally some friends for the orphans! I'm so glad they met some down-to-earth kids that are caring and helpful and understanding. Also, finally the start of a mystery into who Count Olaf is and his history. Can't wait for the next one!
The Ersatz Elevator
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: ___5__
Pacing: ___5__
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
_______A very "IN" book :-)_________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
The sixth book of this series is getting the orphans a little closer to home and unlocking more clues and questions to the horrible and frustrating Count Olaf. How can this man fool so many people and have s many on his side? Oh, and how does he find the children so quickly? I always want to read more!
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: ___4__
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
Entertaining
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
I am yet again amazed at the creativity and new characters introduced in the fourth book of this series. The quirky, odd-ball people these orphans have to deal with make me laugh. Another good one in this series.
The Austere Academy
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _5____
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: ___5__
Setting: _5____
Use one word to describe this book?
_______"friend"ly__________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Finally some friends for the orphans! I'm so glad they met some down-to-earth kids that are caring and helpful and understanding. Also, finally the start of a mystery into who Count Olaf is and his history. Can't wait for the next one!
The Ersatz Elevator
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: ___5__
Pacing: ___5__
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
_______A very "IN" book :-)_________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
The sixth book of this series is getting the orphans a little closer to home and unlocking more clues and questions to the horrible and frustrating Count Olaf. How can this man fool so many people and have s many on his side? Oh, and how does he find the children so quickly? I always want to read more!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Congratulations Winners!
Winners for this week are:
Carol Thibeault and Terri Eggleston!
Congratulations to all the winners---
Jill Wallace
Norman Le Blanc
Carre Gardner
Terri Eggleston
Jen Balser
Rob Pontau
Susan Moyes
Phyllis Kelly
Ruth Mlotek
Brenna McCleary
Keep READING and REVIEWING --only two drawings left!!!
Carol Thibeault and Terri Eggleston!
Congratulations to all the winners---
Jill Wallace
Norman Le Blanc
Carre Gardner
Terri Eggleston
Jen Balser
Rob Pontau
Susan Moyes
Phyllis Kelly
Ruth Mlotek
Brenna McCleary
Keep READING and REVIEWING --only two drawings left!!!
Damaged Goods by Gerry Boyle
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
enjoyable
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
enjoyable
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Port City Shakedown by Gerry Boyle
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: _5____
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
great
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments? I'm looking forward to his next one with Brandon Blake.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: _5____
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
great
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments? I'm looking forward to his next one with Brandon Blake.
Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _5____
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: _5____
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
riveting
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _5____
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: _5____
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
riveting
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __3/4___
Use one word to describe this book?
_______wise__________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES
Comments?
Mellow, thought-provoking with truly believable characters. Encourages a healthy dose of self-reflection!
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __3/4___
Use one word to describe this book?
_______wise__________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES
Comments?
Mellow, thought-provoking with truly believable characters. Encourages a healthy dose of self-reflection!
Friday, August 20, 2010
CELEBRITY READER-Anne Eustis, TPL Library Trustee Vice President
Celebrity Reader, Anne Eustis has been a member of the Library Board of Trustees for 5 years. Anne also serves as the Treasurer on the Friends of Topsham Public Library Board. A long-time library supporter, Anne is a gracious volunteer who heads the Friends' Books On Wheels program which arranges for the delivery of library materials to those who need permanent or temporary help to satisfy their reading/viewing needs!
Anne is one of our FAVORITE volunteers!
The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron
Tell us what you really think --
on a scale of 1-5 (1 being"yuck" and 5 being "great!")
about the :
Characters ___4_
Storyline ___4_
Pacing ___5_
Setting ____5
Use one word to describe the book (OK--2 at the most!)
Enjoyed it_____________________
Do you recommend the book? _X__yes ___no
Any other comments?
Anne is one of our FAVORITE volunteers!
The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron
Tell us what you really think --
on a scale of 1-5 (1 being"yuck" and 5 being "great!")
about the :
Characters ___4_
Storyline ___4_
Pacing ___5_
Setting ____5
Use one word to describe the book (OK--2 at the most!)
Enjoyed it_____________________
Do you recommend the book? _X__yes ___no
Any other comments?
Hungry Season by T. Greenwood
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: _5____
Setting: ___4__
Use one word to describe this book?
________________endearing_________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: _5____
Setting: ___4__
Use one word to describe this book?
________________endearing_________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Private Altars by Katherine Mosby
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: ___3__
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
a bit wordy--had to keep a dictionary close by, but I feel a lot smarter. 1920's small southern town, bigotry, etc.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: ___3__
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
a bit wordy--had to keep a dictionary close by, but I feel a lot smarter. 1920's small southern town, bigotry, etc.
Touch of Surrender by Rhyannon Byrd
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: ___4
Use one word to describe this book?
Passionate
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: ___4
Use one word to describe this book?
Passionate
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: ___4__
Pacing: ___4__
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
Good
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments? While I enjoyed this book, it had a hard tome living up to The Secret Life of Bees.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: ___4__
Pacing: ___4__
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
Good
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments? While I enjoyed this book, it had a hard tome living up to The Secret Life of Bees.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaeffer and Annie Barrows
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
Super
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
I loved this book. I was leary of the format at first, but ended up really enjoying it.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
Super
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
I loved this book. I was leary of the format at first, but ended up really enjoying it.
Miss O'Dell by Chris O'Dell
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___3__
Storyline: __3___
Pacing: ___4__
Setting: __3___
Use one word to describe this book?
________________mildly entertaining_________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments? An interesting albeit, incomplete look into some of the biggest names on popular music of the 60's and 70's.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___3__
Storyline: __3___
Pacing: ___4__
Setting: __3___
Use one word to describe this book?
________________mildly entertaining_________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments? An interesting albeit, incomplete look into some of the biggest names on popular music of the 60's and 70's.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Non-fiction
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __-___
Storyline: __-___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __-___
Use one word to describe this book?
refreshing
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
comforting and convicting all in one
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __-___
Storyline: __-___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __-___
Use one word to describe this book?
refreshing
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
comforting and convicting all in one
Work Song by Ivan Doig
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: _4____
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
_________________delightful________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
If you enjoyed The Whistling Season you will LOVE this!
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: _4____
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
_________________delightful________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
If you enjoyed The Whistling Season you will LOVE this!
A Pale Horse by Charles Todd
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __3___
Storyline: __3___
Pacing: __3___
Setting: ___3__
Use one word to describe this book?
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __3___
Storyline: __3___
Pacing: __3___
Setting: ___3__
Use one word to describe this book?
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
_____________passionate____________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments? This is a series filled with nonstop action and lots of passion
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
_____________passionate____________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments? This is a series filled with nonstop action and lots of passion
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __3___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
Enriching
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __3___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
Enriching
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Lidia's Italy by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich
Cook Book with Stories
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___4__
Storyline: _4___
Pacing: __n/a___
Setting: _n/a____
Use one word to describe this book?
_______________Delicious__________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___4__
Storyline: _4___
Pacing: __n/a___
Setting: _n/a____
Use one word to describe this book?
_______________Delicious__________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Blogger back from vacation
WOW! You are keeping me busy trying to catch up with you! Thanks for all your great reviews! Keep 'em coming--we have just two weeks left in our Summer Reading Drawings--we still have some great prizes like car washes from Auto Shine and Bull Moose gift certificates (I love used CD's and DVD's!)
Let us know if you have enjoyed this Summer event and whether you would like to see the review process continue. Email me: director@topshamlibrary.org or post a comment by clicking on "Comment" below!
Let us know if you have enjoyed this Summer event and whether you would like to see the review process continue. Email me: director@topshamlibrary.org or post a comment by clicking on "Comment" below!
While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinksy
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: ___3__
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
_________Compassionate________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Storyline could have been developed a little bit more.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: ___3__
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
_________Compassionate________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Storyline could have been developed a little bit more.
The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
AN AUDIO BOOK!
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: _4/5____
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
Intriquing
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
With new stalker laws being enacted this fictitious story has real life implications.
PS-- Loved the non-human hero!!!
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: _4/5____
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
Intriquing
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
With new stalker laws being enacted this fictitious story has real life implications.
PS-- Loved the non-human hero!!!
The Blackbirder by James Nelson
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___2__
Storyline: ___3__
Pacing: __4___
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
_________________Historical______________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Story of freed slaves who become pirates.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___2__
Storyline: ___3__
Pacing: __4___
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
_________________Historical______________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Story of freed slaves who become pirates.
Three books by Patrick Carman
The Dark Planet
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: ___5__
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
Amazing
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
A fast paced tale with a fine mix of adventure, action and science fiction with a small taste of fantasy.
Rivers of Fire
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: ___5__
Pacing: ___5__
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
___________Exciting______________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES
Comments?
A terrific story about friendship with some sci fi that just about borders on light fantasy. There's great peril and action making it a wonderful adventure.
Atherton the House of Power
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
__________Thrilling _______________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
It's a wonderful coming of age story with a lot of mystery and intrigue and just a hint of science fiction. The action makes this adventure amazing and fun.
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: ___5__
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
Amazing
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
A fast paced tale with a fine mix of adventure, action and science fiction with a small taste of fantasy.
Rivers of Fire
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: ___5__
Pacing: ___5__
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
___________Exciting______________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES
Comments?
A terrific story about friendship with some sci fi that just about borders on light fantasy. There's great peril and action making it a wonderful adventure.
Atherton the House of Power
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
__________Thrilling _______________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
It's a wonderful coming of age story with a lot of mystery and intrigue and just a hint of science fiction. The action makes this adventure amazing and fun.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
Thrilling
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Very enjoyable read that provoked me to dream.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
Thrilling
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Very enjoyable read that provoked me to dream.
Arch Enemy by Frank Beddor
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: ___5__
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
______________Exhilarating___________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Wonderful and thrilling right to the end!
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: ___5__
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
______________Exhilarating___________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Wonderful and thrilling right to the end!
Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _5____
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
________Thrilling_________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES
Comments?
I loved it--couldn't put it down until I got to the end and I still wanted more!
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _5____
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
________Thrilling_________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES
Comments?
I loved it--couldn't put it down until I got to the end and I still wanted more!
Seeing Red by Frank Beddor
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: ___5__
Pacing: __4___
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
Heart-pounding
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Very imaginative and kept me on the edge of my seat!
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: ___5__
Pacing: __4___
Setting: ___5__
Use one word to describe this book?
Heart-pounding
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Very imaginative and kept me on the edge of my seat!
The Looking Glass Wars by Farnk Beddor
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
________________________Thrilling_________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Loads of fun and a bit intense but very enjoyable.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __5___
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
________________________Thrilling_________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Loads of fun and a bit intense but very enjoyable.
Dervishes by Beth Helms
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __3___
Setting: ___4__
Use one word to describe this book?
Many faceted
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
A glimpse into the lives of families expatriated and adrift in a foreign place and the challenges of precocious children.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __3___
Setting: ___4__
Use one word to describe this book?
Many faceted
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
A glimpse into the lives of families expatriated and adrift in a foreign place and the challenges of precocious children.
The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: ___4__
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
___________enticing______________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: ___4__
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
___________enticing______________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
Poison by Sara Poole
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
_________absorbing________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES
Comments?
A spicy historical novel, well researched and entertaining set in a turbulent time and place. Though the heroine is a bit implausible for the time period, it makes for a good read.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: __5___
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
_________absorbing________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES
Comments?
A spicy historical novel, well researched and entertaining set in a turbulent time and place. Though the heroine is a bit implausible for the time period, it makes for a good read.
Budapest 1900 by John Lukacs
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _n/a--nonfiction____
Storyline: ___4__
Pacing: ___3__
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
interesting
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: _n/a--nonfiction____
Storyline: ___4__
Pacing: ___3__
Setting: __4___
Use one word to describe this book?
interesting
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Comments?
A Nervous Splendor by Frederic Minton
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4__
Use one word to describe this book?
good
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: __4___
Storyline: __4___
Pacing: __4___
Setting: __4__
Use one word to describe this book?
good
_________________________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
The Mammy by Brendan O'Connell
RATE THIS BOOK:
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: ___5__
Pacing: ___5__
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
__________Heart-warming_______________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
I laughed out loud several times. It is so rare that a book makes me do that!
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: ___5__
Pacing: ___5__
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
__________Heart-warming_______________________________
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes
Comments?
I laughed out loud several times. It is so rare that a book makes me do that!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
CELEBRITY READER-Leslie Mortimer, Topsham resident and Patten Free Library Librarian
Celebrity Reader, Leslie Mortimer is the Reference Librarian at the Patten Free Library in Bath and a Topsham resident. Here is Leslie's latest summer read!
The Passage by Justin Cronin
One word to describe it: “Haunting”
Rating: 5-5-5-5
YES, I would recommend.
Comments: Can’t wait for the sequel! This genre is not my usual fare, but I’m glad I went outside my comfort zone. I was richly rewarded.
What are you reading?
The Passage by Justin Cronin
One word to describe it: “Haunting”
Rating: 5-5-5-5
YES, I would recommend.
Comments: Can’t wait for the sequel! This genre is not my usual fare, but I’m glad I went outside my comfort zone. I was richly rewarded.
What are you reading?
Please Do Feed the Cat by Marian Babson
Rate this book---
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___2__
Storyline: ___2__
Pacing: ___3__
Setting: ___2__
Use one word to describe this book? unsettling
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
______YES ____x___NO
Comment, if you wish! This should have been a good book to read, but everything just seemed a bit off. The characters "lurched" through doors (repeatedly) for no apparent reason. The subject of battered men was treated lightly, almost jokingly. I wouldn't read another book by this author.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___2__
Storyline: ___2__
Pacing: ___3__
Setting: ___2__
Use one word to describe this book? unsettling
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
______YES ____x___NO
Comment, if you wish! This should have been a good book to read, but everything just seemed a bit off. The characters "lurched" through doors (repeatedly) for no apparent reason. The subject of battered men was treated lightly, almost jokingly. I wouldn't read another book by this author.
No Nest for the Wicket by Donna Andrews
Rate this book---
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: ___4__
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
fun
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
____x__YES _______NO
Comment, if you wish! This book is one of a series of murder mysteries featuring Meg Langslow and her fiance Michael. In this story, Meg is involved in an extreme croquet match in her neighbor's cow pasture when she discovers the victim - who appears to have been bashed over the head with a croquet mallet! The book has several "laugh out loud" moments. I'll definitely read more Donna Andrews stories.
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: ___5__
Storyline: ___4__
Pacing: __5___
Setting: __5___
Use one word to describe this book?
fun
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
____x__YES _______NO
Comment, if you wish! This book is one of a series of murder mysteries featuring Meg Langslow and her fiance Michael. In this story, Meg is involved in an extreme croquet match in her neighbor's cow pasture when she discovers the victim - who appears to have been bashed over the head with a croquet mallet! The book has several "laugh out loud" moments. I'll definitely read more Donna Andrews stories.
Bell, Book, and Scandal by Jill Churchill
Rate this book---
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: 2
Storyline: 2
Pacing: 3
Setting: 3
Use one word to describe this book?
fluffy
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
______YES _____x__NO
Comment, if you wish!
This book is about a would be writer who attends a mystery writing conference with a friend. What struck me the most was that all of the "good advice" the character received about writing seemed to be lost on the actual author. How ironic!
(1= Yuck 2=Fair 3=OK 4 =Good 5=Great)
Characters: 2
Storyline: 2
Pacing: 3
Setting: 3
Use one word to describe this book?
fluffy
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
______YES _____x__NO
Comment, if you wish!
This book is about a would be writer who attends a mystery writing conference with a friend. What struck me the most was that all of the "good advice" the character received about writing seemed to be lost on the actual author. How ironic!
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