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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.
January 2012 -- Happy New Year! 
ADULT FICTION
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Adrienne Williams, Supervisor, Leath Memorial Library, Richmond County Public Libraries
Capital Wives by Rochelle Alers
January 2012 |
Bethany, Deanna and Marisol are married to some of Washington, D.C.'s most influential men. When they meet at a fundraiser, they forge a deep, unexpected friendship. Although these ladies are on the guest list at every high-profile political and social event, beneath the glamour, all three are struggling to hide the void in their marriages. As their friendship deepens, Bethany, Marisol and Deanna help each other decide how far they'll go to fulfill their desires. http://www.rochellealers.org/
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Bonita Collins, Director of Techinical Services, Sandhill Regional Library System
Ruthless by Shelia Goss
January 2012 |
Uriah wants his wife Sheba to meet his boss David King. Upon meeting David, Sheba is infatuated and so is David; however, David is determined to have Sheba at any cost. He devises a plan to seduce Sheba and have her for himself. Sheba is soon caught up in David’s web but at what cost? Is being with David worth the price in the end for Sheba?
This novel is a spin-off of Ms. Goss’ previous novel, Delilah. Delilah is Sheba’s long lost sister and has ulterior and selfish motives of her own.
Overall this was a good read but it was a little predictable. The novel is similar to Redeeming Waters by Vanessa Davis Griggs.. http://sheliagoss.com/
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Carmella Johnson, Supervisor, Hamlet Public Library, Richmond County Public Libraries
Leaves of Hope by Catherine Palmer
January 2012 |
Beth decides to surprise her widowed mother Jan with a visit at her new lake house. While she is there she discovers a box with her name on it. Beth ignores her mother’s warning not to go through any of the boxes. She opens up the box to find a tea set with a note inside. She learns that the father whom she loved was not her birth father. Beth feels betrayed by everyone who knew the truth, especially her mother. She decides to find out the truth about her father even if it means defying her mother’s wishes. She begins to search for her birth father. She slowly discovers the true meaning of love, reconciliation, and forgiveness.
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Carol G. Walters, Regional Director, Sandhill Regional Library System
Holly Blues by Susan Wittig Albert
January 2012 |
When I am on overload, I look to Albert
for a quick, wonderful, reliable escape.
McQuaid's ex-wife, always trouble, shows up at the Holidays and it takes China, Ruby and McQuaid to bail her ut.....always in a
delightful way...
Always a quick read...
Always well written...
Always a pleasure! http://www.susanalbert.com/
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Donald Perkins, Library Manager, Hampton B. Allen Library, Anson County
When the Tripods Came by John Christopher
January 2012 |
This is a prequel to Mr. Christopher’s Tripod trilogy. The tripods are vehicles for alien invaders. The first invasion seems rather laughable. Three tripods land, and are destroyed with ease, or self destruct. However, the invaders prepare for their next invasion. By using subliminal messages over television waves, they are able to “hypnotize” enough people to make the tripods welcomed for their next visit. Once on the ground this time, the invaders then start installing metallic mesh “caps” on everyone. These caps insure the control of humans by the alien invaders. There are some, however, that do not wish to be capped. These people try to get to Switzerland, the last stand of human freedom. This only lasts a little while; humans have yet to find a way to fight mind control. However, a small group finds their way to a remote part of the Swiss Alps and start a resistance. How long can the humans last, will they ever be able to defeat their alien overlords? Read the original trilogy to find out. http://www.gnelson.demon.co.uk/tripage/jc.html
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Phillip K. Barton, Interim Library Director, Moore County Public Libraries
The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva
January 2012 |
According to the Dallas Morning News , Daniel Silva has established himself as "the gold standard" of thriller writers. Silva’s main character throughout his work is the Israeli spy Gabriel Allon, who has also established himself as a leading restorer of fine art.
The Rembrandt Affair (2010) picks up with Gabriel on the cliffs of Cornwall with his, Chiara, as he endeavors to sever all ties with the Office, the Israeli Spy Agency for which he has worked most of his life. In spite of his efforts to not get involved, Gabriel’s seclusion is interrupted. This interruption is due to the disappearance of a long-lost portrait by Rembrandt. Despite his reluctance, Gabriel is persuaded to use his unique skills to search for the painting and those responsible for the crime. As he follows a trail of clues leading from Amsterdam to Buenos Aires and, finally, to Lake Geneva, Gabriel discovers there are deadly secrets connected to the painting and evil men behind them. Before he is done, Gabriel will once again be drawn into a world he thought he had left behind forever, and will come face to face with a remarkable cast of characters, including a powerful Swiss billionaire who is known for his good deeds but may just be behind one of the greatest threats facing the world. In addition to being an entertaining read, this book is a timely reminder that there are men in the world who will do anything for money. http://www.danielsilvabooks.com
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Sheila B. Evans, Director, Hoke County Public Library
The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon
December 2011
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After the usual long wait between books, I was happy to get my hands on the latest installment in Gabaldon’s series about Lord John Grey, a spin-off of her Outlander books. The story picks up during the time after Culloden that Jamie Fraser is paroled in the English Lake District, working as a groom and trying to come to terms with the loss of his wife, his lands & his cause. When Lord John is presented with evidence of wrongdoing by a fellow officer, Jamie is brought in – against his will – to translate a mysterious document in Erse, or Irish Gaelic; it seems to be a poem, a version of the story of the Wild Hunt, but why was it included in the materials outlining corruption in the British Army? Jamie must travel to Ireland with Lord John to answer the riddle, and to assist in the capture of the officer in question. It’s a nice big book – although, at 560 pages, NOT her longest! – and I’m still reading…and dreading the moment when I reach the end! http://www.dianagabaldon.com/
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Donald Perkins, Library Manager, Hampton B. Allen Library, Anson County
Plotz by Elbert Marshall and Sandy Bruney
December 2011
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Emerson Chadwick has run-away from home. He is also middle aged, and just starting to come out of a several years long depression. He meets Sally Redfern and Phae Lewis while camping on Jordan Lake. Somehow, they all decide that Emerson will father a child with Phae for the lesbian couple, and they will, in return help fake Emerson’s murder. Now, he hopes he can go on to reinvent himself, and live anew. But, as we all know, things never work as easy as we hope.
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Martha Ann Ferguson, Supervisor
Moore County Public Libraries
The Love Goddess' Cooking School
December 2011
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Melissa Senate introduces us to heartbroken Holly Maguire, granddaughter of Camilla, the fortune-teller of Blue Crab Island, Maine. Camilla’s Cucinotta and Italian cooking classes are reputed to save marriages. In this satisfying character-driven romance, Holly comes home to her grandmother’s house from California to find answers. Two weeks later Camilla has passed away leaving everything to Holly. Wishing to honor her grandmother’s legacy, Holly keeps the carry-out business and cooking classes going as her grandmother had for so many years. Wishes, memories and dreams are essential ingredients in Camilla’s recipes. Holly’s first four students are an odd assortment of individuals all seeking more than just how to prepare old world dishes but Holly is sure she did not inherit her grandmother’s fortune-telling abilities.http://www.melissasenate.com/
ADULT NON-FICTION
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David R. Atkins, Library Director, Montgomery County Public Libraries
One Minute After You Die: A Preview of Your Final Destination
by Erwin W. Lutzer
January 2012 |
This is a Biblical examination of eternity and what lies on the other side of the gossamer veil that divides this life from the next. The author discusses other religious and popular beliefs about the afterlife in a respectful manner while giving references from the Holy Bible to support his beliefs. The study is written in layman’s terms and is highly readable. The persuasiveness and power of this book is found in the simplicity of Erwin Lutzer’s presentation. An informative (but not depressing) book on the difficult topic of heaven, hell and death. http://erwinlutzer.com
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
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Martha Ann Ferguson, Supervisor, Moore County Public Libraries
Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
January 2012 |
Using free verse, Guadalupe Garcia McCall incorporates Spanish words in such a way that even if a reader knows no Spanish it is understandable (a glossary is included). The infusion of the Spanish enhances the flavor of this coming of age story. Lupita, eldest of eight children, must navigate between the cultural and geographic differences of Mexico and Texas. During Lupita’s freshman year of high school she discovers her mother has been diagnosed with cancer. Mami is the glue that holds the family together especially since Lupita’s father, Papi, is working hard to support their family - frequently having to be absent for extended periods of time. Lupita’s natural gift for words brings her solace and courage in the difficult times as she takes charge of her siblings. The story flows quickly with the power of emotions leaving the reader both sad and hopeful. http://guadalupegarciamccall.com/
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Kit Brewer, Supervisor, Hampton B. Allen Library, Anson County
Theodore Boone: The Abduction by John Grisham
January 2012 |
This is the 2 nd in the Theodore Boone series by John Grisham for Young Adults. Theo is a 13 year old kid who wants to be a lawyer…and may not have to wait ‘til he’s grown to be one. Kids and adults check with him about how to deal with legal matters. So when his friend April is missing, an escaped convict who is pen pals with April shows up in the area, and a body is dragged from the river, of course Theo must do all he can to see if April is dead, kidnapped, or has run away from home…Read-on to see what happens……
JUVENILE NON FICTION
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Jesse Gibson, Library Director, Richmond County Public Libraries
The LEGO Ideas Book: Unlock Your Imagination by Daniel Lipkowitz
January 2012 |
This is a wonderful book for all of your junior engineers. It will surely get your biggest Lego fan’s attention. Although the creations in the book are captivating, one must keep in mind of the keyword in the title—“Ideas.” If you are looking for detailed instructions, you will be disappointed. Also, a good portion of the projects cater to specialty parts. With that being said, I’m one who could never give a book about Lego’s, any bad marks. http://www.lego.com
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Linda Lamp, Supervisor, Montgomery County Public Libraries
The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs: A Scientific Mystery
by Sandra Markle
December 2011 |
In 1996, Biologist Karen Lips discovered that the Panamanian golden frog was disappearing. The high mountain forest was almost silent now, since her 1992 visit, and she found many frogs dying. This book tells the story of tracking, in the author’s words, “a serial killer” and the continuing work to save the Panama’s national symbol, actually a toad, from extinction.
While pollution of air & water, loss of habitat and climate changes can be causes of species extinction, these were ruled out as a cause of the deaths. Skin biopsies revealed strange sacs, but the cause of death was not apparent. After a 1997 New York Times article, reports of frog deaths came from Australia & Washington DC’s National Zoo. A fungus disease was considered & chytrid (Chytridiomycota) fungus was confirmed by an expert on aquatic fungi. In 1999, Project Golden Frog was launched for research & to capture, treat & house frogs in protected environments in zoos, aquariums & a Panamanian Amphibian Conservation Center. Work continues for a day when the golden frog can once again thrive in its environment. http://sandra-markle.blogspot.com/
JUVENILE FICTION
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David R. Atkins, Library Director, Montgomery County Public Libraries
The Dog Who Lives at the Waldorf by James Brough
December 2011 |
Jingabo is a privileged and pampered cocker spaniel who lives in The Towers of the famed Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City. The story takes place during one week of his life, detailing the adventures and misadventures in and around the hotel. Prominent historical figures such as Cole Porter, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, General Eisenhower are all a part of his life. This is a delightful story for the experienced juvenile fiction reader. Lovely to look at black and white line drawings are featured throughout the story.
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