LaGrange Library Book Chat

Deep in the Valley by Robyn Carr

2009-10-21T13:58:00.002-04:00

Jane Hudson, the daughter of an aging doctor, takes over his practice. She tries to keep secret her love affairs with a DEA agent and treats a wide range of medical problems. Does love win out in the end? Read the book to find out. I'd definitely recommend this one!

~Submitted by Helen

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

2009-10-05T19:33:00.005-04:00

I absolutely loved this book! I listened to it on CD and the narrator spoke with a great dialect which made the characters really come to life. It is a simple story about a young girl who leaves her native Ireland for a new life in Brooklyn. Nothing earth-shattering happens, but it is the telling of her story and the play between the characters that make this book come alive. It is similar in style to An Irish Country Doctor - simple but well worth reading.

~Submitted by Susan

Even Money by Dick and Felix Francis

2009-10-02T09:36:00.007-04:00

Although the world has lost the fast-paced horse racing mysteries of prolific author, Dick Francis, his son, Felix, seems to be filling his (horse) shoes nicely.
Ned Talbot works as a bookmaker at a race track, and is taken by surprise when a booky claims to be his father, whom Ned thought died many years ago. Before Ned can untangle the web of deceit his father is murdered. Ned finds himself trying to make sense of things and in the process becomes a target.

I recommend this book.

~Submitted by Sue

Keep Submitting Your Book Reviews and Win Prizes

2009-09-23T13:39:00.002-04:00

Summer's over but we still want to hear about what you're reading so keep submitting your book reviews! At the end of each month we'll be drawing a winner from the reviews we've received. Printed review forms are available in the library or you can submit them online at http://www.laglib.org/bookreviewform.html. Reviews will be posted here throughout the year. So if you're ever stumped about what to read next, you can always count on Book Chat for some ideas.

This program is made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the LaGrange Library.

The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

2009-09-01T15:53:00.003-04:00

The Power of Intention is an engaging book with practical suggestions to improve one's attitude and achieve positive solutions to life's problems. Direct, simple language with realistic examples. Thought provoking, yet not preachy. Definitely worth a second (or first!) read.

~Submitted by Patty

The Pretend Wife by Bridget Asher

2009-08-27T12:28:00.004-04:00

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Okay, now that that is out of the way - Bridget Asher's book The Pretend Wife was just the kind of book I like. I found Asher's writing style to be very witty & relaxed - and I loved her main characters a great deal. I really cared about what was going to happen to them - which is very important for me in book choices!

Gwen Merchant is happily married (at least in her understanding of a marriage she is) to Peter. After unexpectedly encountering her old college boyfriend Elliot Hull, she & her husband accept a very unusual proposition from Hull. Elliot's mother is dying & he told her a little white lie saying that he was married & she shouldn't worry about him. One problem - he isn't really married! After being invited to a party by Peter, Elliot asks Gwen to pretend to be his wife so that he can introduce her to his mother! Shockingly, Gwen's husband Peter is okay with this idea (really?! - yes that was my exact response when I read it!). And that is when I was pulled in - what does this say about Peter & Gwen's marriage? Why would Elliot choose Gwen? How is Gwen going to handle this predicament? Yet, something deeper in the story is the turmoil in Gwen's life of dealing with the loss of her mother at a young age & how that seems to have had an overall effect on her life's choices & relationships. Oh boy! Once you hit the climax of this story, you are already in way too deep!

~Submitted by Samantha

2009-08-25T13:32:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to our third Fun in the Sun raffle prize winner, Carol McCurdy! She is the winner of a $25 Mobil Gas Card! Now she can re-fill her gas tank, on us!, & continue coming to the library for more good reads!

You too can be a winner of great prizes just like this - the fourth AND final drawing will be on Tuesday September 8th - when the Fun in the Sun Grand Prize will be announced!

Below Zero by C.J. Box

2009-08-24T16:46:00.002-04:00

Could the thought-to-be deceased foster daughter of Wyoming's Game warden, Joe Pickett, really be alive? In the newest chapter of the Joe Pickett series, Below Zero, Pickett's 17 year old daughter, Sheridan, begins receiving disturbing text messages from someone claiming to be her dead sister; and Pickett's entire family is forced to relive the tragedy. Even worse, whoever is sending these messages is traveling cross country with a suspected serial killer who is targeting people whose carbon footprint is too high. Joe's effort to fly under the radar is foiled again when the case goes high profile and involve his long time nemesis, FBI's Portenson.

~Submitted by Sue

Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos

2009-08-21T18:49:00.008-04:00

As promised, here's my review of Love Walked In. It's actually a prequel to Belong to Me, though I don't remember it mentioned that way on the Belong to Me jacket. If I had, I'm sure I would have read them in order and enjoyed Belong to Me much more.

In Love Walked In you meet Cornelia Brown who is romantic and looks at life and people through classic movies, such as The Philadelphia Story. A point which I, not being a movie buff, found distracting. However, midway through the book the movie references seem to fade and I found myself enjoying Cornelia's story of how she meets her young friend Clare who transforms Cornelia's world. Of course, you also meet Cornelia's friend Teo and learn how he fits into her life. Love Walks In is a tale of Cornelia's growth and self-discovery.

My recommendation is definitely read Love Walked In first before picking up Belong to Me. You'll get to know, like and understand what make Cornelia and Teo tick before venturing with them to their life in the suburbs. I think you'll enjoy what you find.

~Submitted by Lisa

2009-08-20T12:11:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to our second Fun in the Sun raffle prize winner, Jen Vessio! She is the winner of a $25 Red Robin Gift Card! After reading a good book, she'll be able to enjoy a nice burger & bottomless basket of fries with a chocolate milkshake! Yum!

A Coldness in the Blood by Fred Saberhagen

2009-08-19T16:01:00.003-04:00

This is the first book I've read by this author. As far as vampire fiction goes, this book was good but a little lacking in the suspense department! I would read others in this series but was a little disappointed in the weak plot line. Supposedly legendary Vlad Dracula is in today's world & has distant family ties to a human family, the Southerlands. They assist each other in a mystery concerning a philosopher's stone, keeping its magical power away from some evil characters. I find it laughable that the original Dracula would be in need of human assistance & willing to keep ties with human relatives. Despite that, I still recommend this book.

~Submitted by Rachel

The Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux

2009-08-10T09:17:00.002-04:00

The opening tag line of this book is : Have you ever wanted to rewrite your past?

While that intrigued me, I picked this book up because the 3 friends the book is based around are celebrating their 40th birthdays, as I will be later this year. Leslie, Madison and Ellie are offered the opportunity to go back in time to any 3 week period of their lives and see how the course of their existences could have been different if they had simply made different choices. They travel back in time with the understanding that they can choose to return to their current lives after the 3 weeks with or without the memories of the changes they'd made or continue living the lives that were predicated on their altered choices.

At first, I'll admit, I was skeptical about the whole time travel aspect of The Summerhouse. I tend to like my books entirely based in reality. However, Jude Deveraux writes in a way that makes the entire story believable. She also creates characters that are people you care about and find yourself rooting for. So, if you're not immediately hooked because you've often wondered what your life would be like if you'd made other choices, the characters will draw you in. This was an enjoyable read.

~Submitted by Lisa

2009-08-06T09:49:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to our first Fun in the Sun raffle prize winner, Christine Lent! She is the winner of a $25 Regal Cinemas Gift Card! After reading a good book, she's off to an evening @ the movies!

Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

2009-08-03T16:37:00.005-04:00

Marisa de los Santos shows that just as you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge the people you meet until you've had the opportunity to really get to know them. Chances are you'll be surprised with what you find.

Belong to Me tells the story of Cornelia Brown and the people she meets as she and her husband, Teo, move to the suburbs. Some she clicks with right away, others prove more elusive. However, their lives are much more intertwined than they first appear.

Belong to Me was an enjoyable read but not one I'd say would be a favorite. Stay tuned, though. De los Santos' Love Walked In is at the top of my "to read" pile. I'll let you know how that one goes.

~Submitted by Lisa

The Family Man by Elinor Lipman

2009-07-31T19:19:00.003-04:00

I have never been disappointed with a book written by this author, and Family Man fits the bill! Anyone who enjoys books set in New York City will enjoy this story. Mrs. Lipman knows how to make her characters jump off the page and seem real. I was immediately involved with the main character Henry, a gay man who, after divorce, reunites with his now adult daughter, Thalia. The book was quite humorous and the supporting characters were full of personality. If you have not read anything by this author, run to the library!

~Submited by Susan

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

2009-07-23T10:33:00.002-04:00

Lisa Genova's debut novel, Still Alice, is a moving story of a professor stricken with early onset Alzheimer's. What made the experience more vivid was the author's narration style. It was very straight forward and not emotional. Which made it seem as though it were possible in anyone's life - very realistic. I would highly recommend this book.

~ Submitted by Linore

Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbison

2009-07-18T09:40:00.006-04:00

I was excited to find this book as I thoroughly enjoyed Beth Harbison's earlier works, Shoe Addicts Anonymous and Secrets of a Shoe Addict. They were great light reading - perfect for the beach or pool and I highly recommend them! When I discovered Hope in a Jar held references to commercials and beauty products from the 80s, the era of my youth, I was even more excited. Unfortunately, I found this book disappointing. I felt no connection to the characters and found the story to be choppy and disjointed. Finally, the 80s references, while nostalgic, weren't incorporated into the writing at all and they were often distracting. I wouldn't recommend Hope in a Jar but definitely pick up Beth Harbison's other books.

~Submitted by Lisa

Skinny Dip by Carl Hiassen

2009-07-16T16:11:00.005-04:00

Do you enjoy a quick summer read? A book that makes you snicker? One that doesn't make you think TOO much? Then you may want to consider checking out the book Skinny Dip by Carl Hiassen. Joey Perrone is on an anniversary cruise with her husband, next thing she knows he has pushed her into the water. Her husband Chaz, believing her dead, plays the saddened widower. Little does he know that Joey survives the fall from the ship & is out to seek revenge against her husband! Skinny Dip introduces many interesting characters and you'll root for Joey all the way to the end, while Chaz is delectably hateful & you'll love watching him squirm. One downside to the story however, is Hiassen's portrayal of the male & female characters. The female characters were overly sexualized, meanwhile the men were all womanizers. That bit of the story just didn't sit well with me once I finished the book & gave it a bit of thought as a whole. However, without taking that into consideration, the story makes for an odd mix of crime fiction & light humor - a fun & quick read for those hot summer days!

~Submitted by Samantha C.

Cool off this summer with a Good Read!

2009-07-13T10:51:00.002-04:00

Our Annual Fun in The Sun Adult Summer Reading Program kicks-off today! Stop by the Library to register & pick up your goody bag. Guess what? There's no required reading list - just read whatever you want & enjoy most. Just read or listen to books & submit short reviews online or in person. Review forms can be found in your goody bags, at laglib.org or in the Library. Remember - your book reviews are your raffle entries for fabulous prizes every 2 weeks and for the grand prize drawing on September 7th! Don't forget to check your goody bag for a lucky flip-flop!

Check back here as we'll be posting the submitted reviews so you can see which books others have enjoyed. We hope you'll add your comments to the postings too. Who knows, you just may help someone discover a new favorite author or even find one for yourself!

Happy Reading!

The Boleyn Inheritance by Philipa Gregory

2009-06-17T09:55:00.004-04:00

This is a long, masterfully written tale about the era and person of King Henry VIII and his last two wives, Anne of Cleaves and Kitty Howard. I listened to the book on CD and enjoyed the use of four voices telling the story from the perspective of four different characters. My daughter, however, read the book; and found the use of a four-party narrative confusing. If, as I assume, Gregory painstakingly researched the time period and its events – then I learned an enormous amount of an era in which I had previously known very little. I now view this historical period with color, depth, and a profound interest. Of course, much of what is portrayed is based on Gregory’s speculation; but I think she does a very credible job. Under her pen the characters come alive to leave a lasting impression on the reader/listener. Her character development of Henry’s two wives is nothing short of amazing. They both mature very differently, but in an extremely appealing (though not entirely happy) fashion. If you read their story on Google, you will find black and white words on paper. Once you read Gregory’s book, the characters are ‘fleshed’ out into living breathing (and sometimes dying) people. I unreservedly recommend this book.

~Submitted by Elaine

Poetry Challenge Winner

2009-05-01T12:04:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Orsola Acosta, winner of this year's Poetry Challenge! Thank you to everyone that participated.

If you didn't get a chance to take part this year. Try again in 2010.

National Poetry Month

2009-04-04T09:01:00.009-04:00

April is National Poetry Month and the library is celebrating!

There are a few ways you can join our celebration and we hope you will.

Take our Poetry Challenge and win prizes
Share your favorite poem on our library "Poet-Tree"
Check out a poetry book from our display
Take part in Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 30 . Pocket poems will be available at the library later this month.

We'll be featuring poems here throughout the month, too.
Share your favorite poem and we'll be happy to post it.

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

2009-03-20T10:18:00.004-04:00

I often find that I'm usually in the minority when it comes to appreciating and enjoying popular books and movies. It's happened again with Revolutionary Road. Those of you that have been following my reviews know that I tend to base my opinions on how the characters and story affect me. This was the most stressful and depressing story I've ever read.

Frank and April Wheeler, a restless young suburban couple of the fifties, are disenchanted with their seemingly traditional life. April devises a plan to jaunt off to Paris which she thinks will bring life to their dull existence and save their relationship. For awhile this brings harmony to the discord. Unfortunately, it's short-lived.

Was it well written? Absolutely. You experience and feel all the turmoil, angst and struggle Frank and April suffer individually and as a couple on every page. Your heart breaks for their two children.

After the book I'm not sure I'm quite ready for the movie.

~Submitted by Lisa

And the Winners Are...

2009-03-08T08:55:00.000-04:00

Spring will soon be here and that means our Annual Warm Reads Event has once again come to a close. Thank you to all of you that contributed to the blog! I hope you enjoyed the reviews posted here and that they inspired you to try some new authors or genres. I know I've discovered new authors thanks to all of you. I've also really enjoyed hearing the thoughts and comments about our new blog that you've shared with me during your library visits.

Please feel free to continue to send your reviews online through the review form on the right. We'll continue to post them. I look forward to hearing about the books you've enjoyed.

Winners of our Warm Reads Raffles over the past weeks include:
Susan Birchman
Helen Lynch
K McDwyer
Joanne Pinello Kaley
Helen Meurs
Rosemary Ragonese
Susan Abolafia
Eileen Cuneo
Elaine Light

Our Grand Prize Winners were:
Judy Acocella
Aimee Heinly
Judy Rosenfeld

Congratulations to our winners!

The Bloody Tower by Carola Dunn

2009-02-24T08:43:00.003-05:00

This book is excellent for lovers of cozy mysteries and history. Daisy is one of those people who stumble over bodies with amazing regularity. Since the story is set in the Tower of London in 1925, she still reacts like a lady was expected to when presented with a distressing scene. However, she is a thinker and likes to figure out the puzzle of what happened. Her Scotland Yard detective husband would of course prefer that Daisy stayed out of it but she never does, and it is Daisy who ultimately figures out the murderer. I have enjoyed all of the Daisy Dalrymple mysteries by Carola Dunn. They are entertaining and amusing and just delightful and they never disappoint me.

~Submitted by Karen

America America by Ethan Canin

2009-02-23T07:25:00.017-05:00

An Audiobook Review

This is a superbly written story; read
so convincingly by Robertson Dean, that
I felt I was actually hearing the voice
of the main character as he describes
his life events, thoughts and feelings.
Canin's writing is philosophical in nature,
with the main characters pondering many
of the common and not-so-common
experiences in their everyday lives.

The story begins in the 1940s in a
working-class town.  It then follows two particular families.
The first is hard-working and smart, although financially
very modest.  The second, in contrast, is extremely wealthy
and philanthropic heirs to the town's founder. The tale focuses
on the son of the first family, and how his character develops
through involvement with the wealthy and politically savvy
second family; always with the backdrop of his parents
externally simple, but always thought-provoking lives.



The story line is interesting, building up to a climax during
the Vietnam years.  But as good as the plot is, it is the
narrative of a man's life and the forming of his character
that continually held my interest.  The main and secondary
characters are all unique and note-worthy; contrasting and
complimenting one another in such a way as to create a
compelling story. Extremely well-written; a very-good read.


~Submitted by Elaine

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

2009-02-19T11:40:00.004-05:00

I just finished reading Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and I absolutely LOVED this story. I have read practically all of Austen's novels and I love the stories and the characters. I have always wondered what it would be like to have lived during the Regency-era and find my own Mr. Darcy. This novel brought to life that fantasy. Courtney, a 21st-century woman living in LA wakes up one morning and find herself in the body of another person in another era. She is now Jane Mannsfield and living in the world of Jane Austen. Rigler's debut novel tells the story of how Courtney copes with living the life of Jane, yet having no memory of Jane's experiences. Who is Barnes and was he a lover? Should she fall in love with the handsome Edgeworth? Why did Austen leave out the less romantic points of the time period - the limited personal hygiene, the tight corsets, the unprotected male seducers? But at the same time Courtney struggles with the dilemmas of Jane's life, she struggles with her own. How will she manage to return to her own life as Courtney? Will she ever find her way back or forever live her life as Jane? Well, of course I won't tell you the answers to those questions! If you love Jane Austen, I would definitely recommend Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict.

~Submited by Samantha C.

Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer

2009-02-16T08:36:00.003-05:00

The story of a single mom in her 40s, her reunion with the long lost love of her teenage years and her relationship with her mother combined with lots of talk of scrumptiously delicious desserts and some Shakespearean references. Sound interesting, doesn't it? I thought so, too. Unfortunately, the characters seemed one-dimensional and I had a hard time coming to care about them. The plot also seemed contrived and even filled with extraneous characters in some points. The best part was the detailed discussions of all the amazing desserts. All this aside, I stuck with it until the end, as I always seem to, and thought it wrapped up "sweetly".

~Submitted by Lisa

Rules of Deception by Christopher Reich

2009-02-16T08:29:00.003-05:00

An Audiobook Review

This was read by Paul Michael who was an excelelnt reader. This book had it all: great locals, primarily in Switzerland, suspenseful story with many twists and turns. I loved that I was not able to figure out the plot twists. Definitely a "pageturner." As the story unfolded I was always with the protagnoist, never discovering anything until he did.

~Submitted by Joanne

2009-02-09T12:26:00.003-05:00

I know this warm and wonderful book will be among the best, if not the best, that I will have read for the next few years. Historical fiction, it is set in the present day in London and involves a writer corresponding with the inhabitants of the Channel Islands off Great Britain through a series of letters. The letters recount what life was like during the Nazi occupation of this island during WWII. I learned so much about what the War years were like for those living on the Island during at that time (something I always really appreciate in a story). The depth of character of the letters writers brings the author to the Islands to meet its inhabitants and the story continues. A beautiful tapestry of past and present is the result.

The story has everything a good story should contain. Humor, as the book title suggests, a reflection on the depth (or lack of it) of the human spirit as displayed by the voice of each letter, alongside the poignancy, pain, and beauty of life during the war years and in the present day. An added dividend for those who enjoy listening to their books, as I do, is that different persons read for different characters. A true bonus, indeed, as the characters are portrayed much more realistically this way. This book gets a solid A++, a must read. Enjoy!

PS - For those of you who have enjoyed 84 Charing Cross Road, (also made into a movie with Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins), this book is similar in many significant aspects. For those of you that haven't read the book or seen the movie, I heartily recommend both.

~ Submitted by Elaine

Jamie Ford's Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

2009-02-04T14:12:00.006-05:00

This is Jamie Ford's debut novel and it's amazing! Set in Seattle, it follows the love story of a young Chinese boy, Henry, and his very special Japanese friend, Keiko, which began during World War II and transcended many decades. The author does a wonderful job of interweaving details and historical perspectives on the treatment of Japanese Americans during the 1940s and the history of Jazz music.

I'll admit I had a hard time getting into this book and had almost decided not to finish it. I'm so glad I changed my mind! Last night I stayed up much longer than I had intended and read the entire remaining 2/3 of the story. I enjoyed every word. It was tragic and tender. It was heart warming. It was tearful. It was joyful. I couldn't wait to share this great find with all of you!

~Submitted by Lisa

Dean Koontz's Your Heart Belongs to Me

2009-02-03T12:08:00.007-05:00

Your Heart Belongs to Me was well written and very interesting. It was filled with suspense and intrigue. The use of paranoia was fantastic. Once I started to read I couldn't put it down. In the words of the author, "it's all in the subtext".

~Submitted by Andrea

Are You Keeping Cozy with Some Warm Reads?

2009-02-02T13:48:00.005-05:00

It's not too late! There's still another month for you to take part in our annual Warm Reads event!

Just submit your thoughts on the books you've been listening to or reading on our Warm Reads Review Form and you'll be entered to win terrific prizes, like lunch or dinner at a local restaurant.
The more reviews your submit, the better your chances of winning!

We'd love to feature your reviews here so that your friends and neighbors might find recommendations of books they might enjoy.

Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson

2009-01-30T12:43:00.013-05:00

This "warm read" is set in freezing Alaska. It is an inspirational story about Leah and Jacob who are brother and sister who have settled in Alaska, and how they deal with the harshness of the area. Jayce, who Leah had fallen in love with 10 years ago comes back into their lives. This story is about how God worked in their lives and they end up getting married, after going through some tough times as a Pinkerton agent pursues Jayce believing him to have
committed crimes his twin brother committed.

~Submitted by Janet

Dying for Revenge by Eric Jerome Dickey

2009-01-26T09:12:00.012-05:00

The 3rd book in the Gideon Trilogy after Sleeping with Strangers and Waking with Enemies finds contract killer Gideon on the run from hired assassins.
Dying for Revenge opens with Gideon vacationing in Antigua and the plot follows him to London, Nashville, Atlanta and other Caribbean beaches.

What a great book! Full of adventure, passion and
suspense,toward the end I couldn't put it down!

~Submitted by Beth

Blue Heaven by C.J. Box

2009-01-24T08:58:00.006-05:00

I just discovered this author by chance
and Blue Heaven is the first book I have
read by this terrific author. It is a
real page turner to the end. The author
depicts life in a small town out west with
something that happens that turns the
whole town upside down. It is full of
suspense and moves quickly. I can't tell
you what the event is, but you won't be
disappointed!

~Submitted by Susan

Annie Dillard's The Maytrees

2009-01-21T08:23:00.011-05:00

The Ma ytrees by Annie Dillard is
unique. The story is poetic, the
prose beautifully phrased. This is
apt as the story is about a poet, his
two loves, their friends, and the Cape
Cod shore. This is a story about living
and dying; love; and the beauties of
nature. Descriptions are poignant and
the characters delightfully unconventional.

I listened to this story on CD; the reading
was beautifully done by David Rasche.

I have listened to the last CD several times already
as I am not ready to say "good bye" to these 'friends'.
However, this is my last listen.  I heartily recommend
this book.  Among the best I've 'read in a long time.

~Submitted by Elaine

The Weapon by David Poyer

2009-01-19T08:04:00.004-05:00

When Dan Lenson can't buy the Russian's
newest Rocket Torpedo for the US to
examine, he attempts to steal one from the
Iranians. This leads to a thrilling escape
on an unfamiliar sub, through unknown
waters with controls labeled in Russian and
unreadable to his skeleton crew while the
Iranians try to blow them out of the water.
A recommended read.

~Submitted by Sue

A Change of Heart by Jodi Piccoult

2009-01-17T07:48:00.004-05:00

This book grips you from the very start.
Jodi Piccoult manages to effectively
use a few characters as narrators for
each chapter. She pulls this off very well.

Could you imagine being faced with
the dilemma of accepting a heart
donor for your dying daughter
only to discover that the donor
murdered your other daughter?

~Submitted by Angela

When We Get to Surf City by Bob Greene

2009-01-15T18:40:00.008-05:00

If you liked the musical duo of Jan and Dean,
and don't require a strong plot line to hold
your interest, you might enjoy this saga. Jan's
promising career was almost cut short by
a major car accident, but he recovered - sort
of - and soldiered on. Author Bob Greene joins
Jan & Dean & company at county fairs and
other venues around the country for several
years of summertime gigs.

~ Submitted by Janis

The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffrey Deaver

2009-01-12T10:24:00.002-05:00

His books always hold my interest,
but this one was superb!
There were so many twists and
turns to the plot.  Virtually every other
page was something new.

 ~Submitted by Susan

Matthew Pearl's The Dante Club

2009-01-09T14:08:00.008-05:00

Yes, this book was on the New York Times Bestseller list. Did it deserve to be on that list? My answer would be most definitely, yes. The Dante Club was Pearl's debut novel. Very cleverly written and would appeal to any mystery and/or murder-suspense fan. This was, overall, a very entertaining book - pulling in the historical aspect of the real Dante Club, a group of famous authors that included Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - and the chase for a gruesome serial killer loose in 19th Century Boston. What's more intriguing than a book than can so ambitiously mix together murder, mystery and a dose of history? I think that Pearl has done a good job of doing just that. He is a refreshing new addition to the mystery genre and even the historical fiction genre - and if that appeals to you I would highly recommend giving The Dante Club a shot.

~ Samantha C.

Belva Plain's Crossroads

2009-01-05T12:38:00.008-05:00

I've been a fan of Belva Plain for as long as I can remember and, unlike some other prolific authors, I've found her recent works to be reads which are, for the most part, just as enjoyable as her older books. Crossroads is no exception. While the plot is not elaborate, the first few pages draw you into the lives of the characters. You get a wonderful sense of who they are and can relate to their disappointments, hopes and dreams. This is the story of two young women from different worlds and how their lives come to intersect.

If you're looking for a simple "grass is greener" tale, you'll enjoy Crossroads.

~Librarian Lisa

Keep Cozy with some Warm Reads

2009-01-05T11:48:00.004-05:00

Our 4th Annual Warm Reads Event kicks-off today. Stop by the Library and pick up your registration box then start reading and reviewing. Review forms can be found in your registration box, at laglib.org or in the Library. Your book reviews are your raffle entries for fabulous prizes every 2 weeks and for the grand prize drawing on March 2. Don't forget to check your registration box for a lucky penguin!

Check back here as we'll be posting the submitted reviews so you can see which books others have enjoyed. We hope you'll add your comments to the postings,too. Who knows, you just may help someone discover a new favorite author.

Happy Reading!