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Staff
Picks
As part of our reader advisory services, SRLS staff members read
and review a variety of fiction and non-fiction books each month.
Octobert thru December 2009 
ADULT NONFICTION
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Sheila B. Evans, Library Director, Hoke County
Why my third husband will be a dog: the amazing adventures of an ordinary woman by Lisa Scottoline
"Author Scottoline shares her views on life, men, New Year’s resolutions, and everything in between..."
December 2009 |
A collection of Lisa Scottoline’s Philadelphia Inquirer columns, “Why my third husband will be a dog” is an absolute hoot! From her first column in 2007, “I write novels, so I usually have 100,000 words to tell a story. In a column there’s only 700 words. I can barely say hello in 700 words. I’m Italian.” to her take on health care, “We’ll get universal health care before we get beauty salons open on Mondays, and that’s backwards. Ask any woman if she’d rather have a haircut or a mammogram, and you’ll see what I mean.”,
- “What’s the difference between an Italian mother and a Rottweiler? The Rottweiler eventually lets go.”
- “I woke up this morning with the best hot flash I ever had. This was such a good hot flash that if I smoked, I would’ve reached for a cigarette.”
- “Anyone who calls Mother’s Day a Hallmark holiday has never given birth
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Stephen Zibrat, Library Director, Moore County Public Libraries
After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam by Lesley Hazleton
" By no means an in-depth theological exploration, this book nevertheless makes clear the broad differences between the two groups while grounding such discussion in historical context. "
December 2009 |
Ms. Hazleton has crafted a highly-readable and surprisingly entertaining introduction to the history behind Islam’s division into two major sects. A journalist by training, the author draws on primary source documents to bring the central characters of this story to life, showing them as perhaps flawed but ultimately understandable human beings. Histories of this sort are typically rather dry and straightforward; this work, on the other hand, manages the difficult trick of making history lively and engaging.
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David R. Atkins , Director, Montgomery County Public Library
all about "all about eve" by Sam Staggs
"Staggs has written a lively and entertaining account of a film that mesmerizes new viewers and continues to fascinate its legion of fans. "
August 2009 |
“All About Eve,” first released in 1950, has withstood the test of time, and is regarded a true Hollywood classic in every sense of the word. In Staggs’ book, he traces the origin of the film back to its humble beginnings as a short story printed in Cosmopolitan magazine in 1946 as “The Wisdom of Eve.” What many may not realize is that the story is based on actual events that took place in the theatre world prior to 1946. Film fans will discover many fascinating facts, for instance, the role of Miss Caswell, portrayed by Marilyn Monroe in the film, was much coveted by George Sanders ultra glamorous (and jealous) wife, Zsa Zsa Gabor. The role of Margo Channing was originally to be played by Claudette Colbert, not Bette Davis. “All About Eve” revived Bette Davis’ flagging film career. The great debate: did Joseph Mankiewicz base his Margo Channing on real life actress Tallulah Bankhead? There’s so much more found between the covers of this book.
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Carmella Johnson ,Supervisor, Hamlet Public Library
It’s Your Time by Joel Osteen
"I would recommend this book to anyone who is on the verge of giving up. This book leaves you full of hope and wanting to dream again."
December 2009 |
In challenging times, it may be hard to see better days ahead. You may feel as though your struggles will never end, or that things won't ever turn around for you. “It’s Your Time” is an inspirational book that challenges people to have a better attitude and look at things in a different way. The book has five sections in it to show you how to keep your faith strong, how to gain strength through adversity, how to trust in tough times and forgive. The author shares different people’s stories to describe how what seemed to be their greatest set backs; became their greatest triumph through faith, believing, and trusting in God. This book encourages you to never give up on your dreams, no matter how long they have been in your heart and mind.
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Jesse Gibson, Director of Richmond County Libraries
"Hilarious, oddball, heartwarming, and edgy all at once, Kinky's Celebrity Pet Files is a book for animal lovers, celebrity junkies, and anyone who just likes a good story. It's a little weird, it's completely charming, and it's 100 percent Kinky." –from the publisher
December 2009
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This is just another collection of quirky stories from Kinky Friedman. If you enjoy them, like I do, then you’ll love it! The title and the cover are a bit misleading because this is a collection of stories about Kinky’s friends. Their animals are mentioned, but take a back burner to “oddball facts,” about his friends. Kinky gives you facts that are usually not revealed with a typical Google search. Who would have known that the Unknown Comic cursed out Frank Sinatra over the telephone, and thought it was a prank caller. Kinky has 4 dogs, and an armadillo, and devotes much of his time to animal rescue. An interesting read, just because of his diversity of friends, and that is a wide array!
JUVENILE NON FICTION
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Linda Lamp , Library Supervisor/Children's Coordinator, Montgomery County Public Libraries
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, the Official Picture Book of His Bestselling Biography abridged by Chris Van Wyk
"Mandela continues his journey to build a South Africa where people of all colors live in peace. "
December 2009 |
Mandela’s narrative traces his beginnings as a poor Xhosa boy, student in a mission school, then describes his privileged life with his father’s Chieftain friend, university student, lawyer and protestor against unfair treatment of non-whites and later the laws of apartheid. From peaceful protests to armed confrontations, Mandela outlines the struggle for democracy, including his 27 year imprisonment & later secret negotiations with the government, his release & eventual presidency. He continues his journey to build a South Africa where people of all colors live in peace.
PICTURE BOOKS
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Stephen Zibrat, Library Director, Moore County Public Libraries
"As always, the illustrations are charming and the ending happy; this title is a welcome addition to all children’s holiday collections."
October 2009 |
Rob Scotton, author of Splat the Cat and Russell the Sheep, has created another splendid picture book just in time for the holiday season. Splat is worried that he has not behaved well enough to have earned a present from Santa, an idea that his little sister reinforces at every opportunity. This book follows Splat’s disastrous attempts to be kind and helpful, as always with the assistance of his little mouse friend, Seymour. As always, the illustrations are charming and the ending happy; this title is a welcome addition to all children’s holiday collections. http://www.robscotton.com/
NORTH CAROLINA AUTHORS
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Phoebe Medlin, Library Director, Hampton B. Allen Library, Anson County
Love to find a good old NC author!
December 2009 |
Forensic entomologist and wiseguy Dr. Nick Polchak is called to investigate a murder. The victim’s wife is an old friend of Nick’s and when he invites another woman to help investigate, well, you know the triangle thing?
ADULT FICTION
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Phoebe Medlin, Library Director, Hampton B. Allen Library, Anson County
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dame by Katherine Howe
Valorie Tucker reviews the book “Just as mothers and daughters tend to be, each daughter is both like and unlike her mother.”
October 2009
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From page one I was drawn into this book that weaves reality, history and magic together. This is a book about Connie Goodwin, a Harvard Grad, working on her doctoral dissertation. Wouldn’t you know it but flakey, hippy Mom calls and Grandma’s house is going to be sold for back taxes. Please Connie, go and clean it up this summer and take care of selling the house. Connie remembers her Grandma Sophie and wonders how she could have had a daughter like Connie’s mom. http://www.physickbook.com/
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Carol G. Walters, Regional Director, Sandhill Regional Library System
Lakeshore Christmas by Susan Wiggs
What a delightful escape! The ladies will adore you with the 4 in this series...not to mention her other titles.
October 2009
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If you are looking for an author with a delightful series of romance/mysteries, your customers will love Susan Wiggs Lakeshore Chronical Series. I just finished Lakeshore Christmas where the main character is a librarian who is just getting her chance to director the Avalon Christmas Pageant. Her #1 problem is her co-director a leftover child star who comes to Avalon to help out each Christmas. They argue over every conceivable detail and believe it or not the librarian is NOT always right. In the middle of the event, she finds out the library will be closing the end of December for lack of funds due to the downturn. So, its funders, Eddie's original music, and the fact that for the first time in her life she could be falling for this strange person???!!!! Both of the main characters have had issues in the past and up to now have not been able to get past them. http://www.susanwiggs.com/
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Carol G. Walters, Regional Director, Sandhill Regional Library System
The Christmas Pearl by Dorothea Benton Frank
"Great at Christmas and all year to remind us of traditions. A must holiday read. "
December 2009 |
Theodora is the matriarch of a southern family who have jumped the fence on holiday traditions. Not only that, they carp and fuss. So as she looks at the tacky tree with ugly ornaments and the menu that would make her grandmother and her beloved Pearl shudder.. At her age she wishes for just one more Christmas with traditional ornaments and tables filled with Pearl’s delights as well as wisdom….and lo and behold in this delightful farce….down from heaven comes Pearl to set them all straight with gullah magic and common sense. Pearl engages them all in the joy and traditions of the Holiday Season. And if that’s not enough you get some of Pearl’s low country holiday recipes as a bonus.
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Bonita Collins, SRLS Director of Technical Services
"With her "ideal" marriage falling apart, Jana -- the real, modest, smart, and strong girl who knows what she stands for -- must put her trust in God, and follow His guiding light out of the darkness of a broken relationship."--from the publisher
October 2009
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Jana thought she had married the perfect man until her marriage started unraveling at the seams. She was a devout Christian who studied her Bible. She was a virgin on her wedding night. And, she did almost everything to try and please her husband. From the beginning of the marriage between Lawrence and Jana, Lawrence wanted his wife to submit and obey him. He gradually tries to get Jana immersed in a lifestyle called “liberated Christians”, which is a term for wife-swapping and swinging. This is something that was taught by Lawrence’s pastor. Everyone at this new age church believes whatever their pastor tells them. Jana soon learns that she is being prepped by her husband to be of service to him and others. This novel is outrageous to me because it shows how anyone can twist words in the Bible to mean that it’s ok to switch partners and have a swinging lifestyle. It goes to show that you cannot listen to what others say. You have to read for yourself and not depend on what others are telling you.http://www.jacquelinthomas.com/
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Sheila B. Evans, Library Director, Hoke County
"Lots of intertwining storylines across multiple time periods, plus a monster cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next book…in 3-4 years! "
October 2009 |
7 books, over 5900 pages, and 1 perfect man; James Alexander Malcolm McKenzie Fraser! The newest addition to the Outlander series finds Jamie and his wife Claire smack in the middle of the American Revolution. They know the Americans will win – Claire’s from the 20 th century, after all – but they don’t know what their part in the conflict can (or should) be. Even worse, Jamie’s illegitimate son William is fighting for the other side, and every day increases the chance that they’ll come face to face on the field of battle. Meanwhile, Claire & Jamie’s daughter Brianna and her family are back in the 20 th century, and have settled in at Lallybroch, ancient home of the Fraser clan. Lots of intertwining storylines across multiple time periods, plus a monster cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next book…in 3-4 years! http://www.dianagabaldon.com/
Also Recommended
| Into the Wild |
Jon Krakauer |
Adult Non Fiction |
Taking a Walk in My Shoes |
Katherine Graves Harpe & John Gordon Jr. |
Adult Non Fiction |
Blahnik by Boman |
Eric Boman |
Adult Non Fiction |
Swapping Paint |
Joyce and Jim Lavene |
Adult Fiction (NC) |
Dog On It |
Spencer Quinn |
Adult Fiction |
| Believers |
Zoe Heller |
Adult Fiction |
Betrayal |
Dwayne S. Joseph |
Adult Fiction |
That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals |
Ruby Roth |
Picture Book |
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