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Cleaving
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by Julie Powell
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The sequel to "Julie & Julia," about the woman who spent a year cooking every recipe in Julia Child's French cooking. Seems our friend here has blown a microchip or two - she and her husband have separated, her lover dumped her and she has taken up as a butcher's apprentice. Whatever. All the background on meat prep is actually kind of interesting, as are the friendships in the butcher shop, but the mess with her husband and lover makes her seem so crazed and unsympathetic I kept wanting to bail out on the book.
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review submitted by LW on 8/14/2010
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For You Mother, Finally
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by Ruth Riechl
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It is a short sweet book about mothers and daughters and everything in between by a celebrated food writer.
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review submitted by HM on 8/13/2010
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Deliver Me from Evil
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by Mary Monroe
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OMG! This book was off the chain! Christine is a trip and what she was going through was crazy. I could never imagine doing what she did to my husband, even if our marriage was having trouble!
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review submitted by MR on 8/13/2010
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Nothing To Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
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by Barbara Demick
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Very interesting look at the history of North and South Korea, and the lives of citizens in North Korea as told by people who escaped to China and elsewhere.
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review submitted by JM on 8/13/2010
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The Kitchen House
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by Kathleen Grissom
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The best book I've read this summer (actually the best book I've read in a long time!!)
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review submitted by JP on 8/12/2010
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Skeletons at the Feast
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by Chris Bohjalian
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The 2008 offering from the author who gave us Midwives and The Double Bind. Skeletons is about three young Europeans in the waning days of World War II - Anna, the daughter of Prussian aristocrats; Callum, a Scottish POW who is Anna's lover; and Manfred, a Wermacht officer with a secret past. Lots of great emotion and details!
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reserve a copy of Skeletons at the Feast
review submitted by LW on 8/9/2010
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I Used Used to Know That: Stuff You Forgot From School
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by Caroline Taggart
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Cool compendium of literature, math, science and history - all the things you studied but that may have slipped you mind once you got on with your life. Shakespeare, Napoleon, fractions, the Periodic Table of Elements - it's all here.
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reserve a copy of I Used Used to Know That: Stuff You Forgot From School
review submitted by LW on 8/7/2010
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Eat Love & Pray
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by Elizabeth Gilbert
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Very good book! You can understand when the author (it's a autobiography) went throw because everybody one day want to leave and discover the world! So we just go with her, enjoy Italy (Roma) , India and Indonesia! It's a real pleasure to read this book and very easy! :)
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reserve a copy of Eat Love & Pray
review submitted by LM on 8/4/2010
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Charlotte's Web
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by E. B. White
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Sure, this is a childhood favorite, which is why I just finished reading it to my children. There was a sense of magic in the air as we shared this great story. What a pleasure!
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reserve a copy of Charlotte's Web
review submitted by SG on 8/4/2010
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Silver Bells
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by LuAnne Rice
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This is a quick read. Typical Rice romance but not quite as good as her other novels. The story takes place in NYC, not her usual New England beaches and it happens at Christmas time instead of summer.
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reserve a copy of Silver Bells
review submitted by SG on 8/4/2010
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Mockingbird
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by Kathryn Erskine
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I got this book for my daughter and I read it instead. It was a good (quick) read!
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reserve a copy of Mockingbird
review submitted by JP on 8/4/2010
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Good day! The Paul Harvey Story
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by Paul J. Harvey
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Paul Harvey had one of the most magnetic and captivating voices in the history of broadcast radio. Even if one did not particularly agree with his poltics, one could not help but be drawn in to his broadcast if one should happen come across it while scanning the radio dial. His lengthy career in broadcasting, starting with his humble beginnings during the Depression era, makes for an interesting read. A self-made man, he and his wife, who functioned as his business manager, created quite an empire. A good book, well written!
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reserve a copy of Good day! The Paul Harvey Story
review submitted by BC on 8/3/2010
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The Kennedy Women
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by Laurence Leamer
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I think women would really like this. It is really "dishy" and authentically written.
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reserve a copy of The Kennedy Women
review submitted by KK on 8/3/2010
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The Other Daughter
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by Lisa Gardner
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Gardner doesn't quietly introduce you to a character or a plot line, she grabs you on the first page and drags you in. It's hard to put down once you have begun. A perfect summer read- quite the ride.
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reserve a copy of The Other Daughter
review submitted by LL on 8/2/2010
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Better Birthing with Hypnosis : Mindful Pregnancy and Easy Labor Using the
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by LeClaire-O'neill, Michele
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A reasonable intro. into hypno-birthing techniques. I was able to pick up some helpful tips.
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review submitted by DP on 7/31/2010
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What to Expect When you are Expecting
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by Murkoff, Heidi
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A great book for first time or 3 time moms. A comprehensive, month by month breakdown of all the changes a woman can expect while growing her baby.
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review submitted by DP on 7/31/2010
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The Kalahari Typing School for Men
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by McCall-Smith, Alexander
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Mma Makusti starts to come into her own in this book and finds a little romance to boot.
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review submitted by DP on 7/31/2010
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Tears of the Giraffe
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by McCall-Smith, Alexander
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As with the first, you become entwined in the characters lives and can't wait to see what happens.
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review submitted by DP on 7/31/2010
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The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
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by McCall-Smith, Alexander
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First one and it got me hooked. Must have finished it in a day. Perfect summer reading!
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review submitted by DP on 7/31/2010
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In the Company of Cheerful Ladfield
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by McCall-Smith, Alexander
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I think this is the 6th book in the No. 1 Detective Ladies series and it did not fail to disappoint. As in the other books, you are transported to Botswana and treated to a Mma Ramostwe's way of life and some fun mysteries as well. This one had a sweet love story, too.
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review submitted by DP on 7/31/2010
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The book thief
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by Markus Zusak
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Excellent character of Liesel Meminger, a girl who lives outside of Munich in Nazi Germany
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reserve a copy of The book thief
review submitted by AE on 7/30/2010
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Muse of Fire
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by Dan Simmons
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Imaginative and different that's for sure. Although perhaps some of the greater themes are lost if you don't understand the shakespeare references.
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reserve a copy of Muse of Fire
review submitted by ER on 7/30/2010
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The Last Days of the Romanovs
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by Helen Rappaport
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Excellent historical account of the summer of 1918, when the Imperial family of Russia was imprisoned at Ekaterinburg while the Bolsheviks decided what to do with them, and with the new Soviet Union. Lots of description and analysis of the personalities of the doomed Nicholas snd Alexandra and their five children - how they adjusted to life in captivity and how they dealt with the fear of not knowing what would become of them.
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reserve a copy of The Last Days of the Romanovs
review submitted by LW on 7/30/2010
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A Dead Hand
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by Paul Theroux
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This was my first PT book and I loved it for all its great detail, place and character which he is known for. It was a murder mystery which kept me in suspense until the end. I can't wait to read another one.
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review submitted by HM on 7/29/2010
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Twighlight
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by Stephenie Meyer
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Great summer reading for lounging at the pool!
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reserve a copy of Twighlight
review submitted by RD on 7/28/2010
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The Ruins
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by Scott Smith
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Far more disturbing than the movie. Well written and hard to put down. One of the best books I've read.
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reserve a copy of The Ruins
review submitted by ER on 7/28/2010
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The Opposite of Me
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by Sarah Pekkanen
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A first novel by someone who immediately pulls you in with a story of career-ending embarrassment that evokes such pity you can't put the book down. You'll love Lindsey and want to be her friend.
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reserve a copy of The Opposite of Me
review submitted by BM on 7/27/2010
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The Department of Lost and Found
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by Allison Winn Scotch
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What a great read. The book is about Natalie's fight against breast cancer, but it is not a sad or downer of a book. Winn Scotch captures Natalie's optismism (most days) and the struggles she faces as she fights this disease. As someone with several friends who survived breast cancer, I thought it was spot-on in it's accuracy. I recommend!
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reserve a copy of The Department of Lost and Found
review submitted by BM on 7/27/2010
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Journal of the Plague Year
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by Lloyd Constantine
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About Eliot Spitzer's short term as NYS governor and his downfall, as observed by one of his top aides. Quite dry, heavy on process but not much on personalities, motivation, etc.
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reserve a copy of Journal of the Plague Year
review submitted by LW on 7/27/2010
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House Rules
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by Jodi Picoult
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Good book-not my favorite by her. I was disappointed with the ending (maybe readding so many of her books makes it easier to figure out "who did it"!!!
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review submitted by JP on 7/26/2010
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Lovely Bones
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LOVED IT! Way better than the movie (as most books are!)
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review submitted by JP on 7/26/2010
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Noah's Compass
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by Anne Tyler
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It was a pretty good book. Reading it made you think about your entire life and how one little change can cause lots of big change in your life!
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reserve a copy of Noah's Compass
review submitted by JP on 7/26/2010
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The Hole We're In
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by Gabrielle Zevin
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I heard this book mentioned on NPR earlier in the year and thought it was about a family that bankrupts itself while trying to remodel a house. Because this situation mirrored my own life at the time, I found this topic intriguing. I was disappointed to find that I had misunderstood the premise of the story, but I was even more disappointed by the lackluster writing. This book is about a family and their emotional and financial woes. Although I found that the writing left much to be desired, the plot kept me reading late into the night. I actually read this book in two sittings; the second reading session was a couple of hours at my local Starbucks.
In short, not great writing, but a compelling story about a family falling apart.
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reserve a copy of The Hole We're In
review submitted by JM on 7/26/2010
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Sleeping with Strangers
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by Eric Jerome Dickey
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Another one of his intriguing, mind- blowing books. If you have not read one of the many, you don't know what your missing. Temptation.
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reserve a copy of Sleeping with Strangers
review submitted by TP on 7/25/2010
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The Coldest Winter Ever
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by Sistah Souljah
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This book reminds you about the youth that are out in the streets defending for themselves. No guidance from parents and living day to day as it goes. This book was also hard to put down. A must read, if you haven't read it already
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reserve a copy of The Coldest Winter Ever
review submitted by TP on 7/25/2010
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Nappily In Bloom
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by Trisha R Thomas
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This is just one of her excellent books. I couldn't put the book down, even when I'm suppose to be sleep. She kept me in suspense wondering what was going to happen next.
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review submitted by TP on 7/25/2010
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Ishmael
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by Daniel Quinn
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A must read if you care about our planet and wish to take the next step into the future of humanity.
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reserve a copy of Ishmael
review submitted by TH on 7/24/2010
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Solar
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by Ian McEwan
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McEwan is one of my favourite authors, but this was not my favourite book. I didn't like the main character, but I think that was the author's intention. McEwan clearly did a lot of research into aspects of physics, relativity theory, etc, but I found that it didn't engage me as a reader, the way his research into neurosurgery did for Saturday. I felt there were a few bright moments in the book, but not enough to make it a book that I loved.
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reserve a copy of Solar
review submitted by JM on 7/24/2010
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Midnight
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by Sister Souljah
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I thought it was a great novel, and to learn the life of Midnight, whom was first introduced in "The Coldest Winter Ever" by sister Souljah. I read this book in 8 hours without getting any sleep. This book grabbed me in many ways, it showed love and respect for family, religion, culture and inter-racial relationships. That there is a love in all of us and we should'nt run because we can't hide from love. Midnight was a great protector of his family. I hope Sister Souljah will become like Sapphire and create a movie for this book or the "The Coldest Winter Ever". Great read and a Fabulous Author. Peace & Love
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reserve a copy of Midnight
review submitted by LW on 7/24/2010
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the lathe of heaven
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by ursula k. le guin
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Highly recommended for any reader. It takes you on a expedition through the world of dreams and inner human motives. Vivid imagery and intense themes provide food for thought and personal growth.
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reserve a copy of the lathe of heaven
review submitted by ER on 7/23/2010
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the encyclopdia of demons and demonology
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by rosemary ellen guiley
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A very informative and well rounded book. Contains pictures for quite a few entries showing how people envisioned these demons. It stays biased and claims no religious affilitation when presenting the information, but supports itself with reliable information.
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reserve a copy of the encyclopdia of demons and demonology
review submitted by ER on 7/23/2010
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Half Broke Horses
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by Jeannette Walls
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If you liked "Glass Castle" by the same author, this is about Jeannette's feisty grandmother. Loved them both!
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reserve a copy of Half Broke Horses
review submitted by EB on 7/20/2010
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The Secret History of the World
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by Mark Booth
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Opens a whole new dimension in the way one perceives the path of human existence. After reading this book will change the way you look at art, religion, and architecture.
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reserve a copy of The Secret History of the World
review submitted by TH on 7/20/2010
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Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
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by David Sedaris
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Yet another hilarious collection of essays from Sedaris, a regular contributor to Public Radio International. Manages to be poignant, raunchy and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time. Don't know how he does it!
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review submitted by LW on 7/20/2010
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Nanny Returns
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by Emma McLaughlin, Nicola Kraus
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Chock full of snarky details about the morally depraved lives of the Manhattan/Hamptons crowd, especially their rotten parenting skills. Nanny has married the Harvard Hottie and returned to NYC after living abroad for 12 years. One night, her former charge, Grayer (now 16) shows up on her doorstep, drunk, demanding to know why she abandoned him more than a decade ago... A fun, quick read. Sequel to "The Nanny Diaries" and just as good.
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review submitted by LW on 7/19/2010
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Keeper
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by Kathy Applet
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A little girl upset that the grown ups in her life are mad at her goes in search of her mermaid mother. The only problem is that her perfect plan gets her lost in the gulf of Mexico. She wishes mightly big to be reunited with her mom-the one that kept her. A great read for any child that is feeling abandoned. Applet is a talented story writer that uses the magic of the sea to weave a tale of homecoming.
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reserve a copy of Keeper
review submitted by CI on 7/19/2010
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The Geometry of Sisters
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by Luanne Rice
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This book is an easy summer read, as are most of this author's novels. The plot is easy with a few surprises thrown in. This novel varies in that it does not take place at the beach or during the summer as many of her books do.
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reserve a copy of The Geometry of Sisters
review submitted by SG on 7/19/2010
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The Carrot Principle
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by Adrian Gostick
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Gostick provides study after study that proves that companies with motivated employees actually make more profit.
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reserve a copy of The Carrot Principle
review submitted by KL on 7/19/2010
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The Keys to Conflict Resolution
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by Theodore Kheel
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Cornell Law grad teaches conflict resolution through stories about his successful mediation experiences.
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review submitted by KL on 7/19/2010
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Reaper Man
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by Terry Pratchett
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Death is now a charater in Reaper Man, followed by a side kick mouse of the same skeloton body and black cloth robe. Nothing can seixe your day than the charater death who believe s that all live is worth saving, no matter how small. Black satire at its finist.
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reserve a copy of Reaper Man
review submitted by GG on 7/16/2010
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Hogfather
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by Terry Prachett
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Something you would expect from Pratchett. It's the legend of Santa Clause Pratchett is taking a wry witted lens to and he comes out with a fantastic turn of a Hogfather that travels at night stealing from people rather than giving them gift. You'll never take another look under the Christmas Tree and feel safe again.
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review submitted by GG on 7/16/2010
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Going Postal
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by Terry Pratchett
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Post Office policy was never so hillarious. Pratchett is always clever, always funny, and always surprisingly timely. A delerious roller-coster ride that never allows the reader to even consider getting off.
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reserve a copy of Going Postal
review submitted by GG on 7/16/2010
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Committed
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by Elizabeth Gilbert
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A sequel to her world famous book Eat, Pray and Love but this time it has to do with marriage. She does amazing research and soul searching (something she did in the first book and is very good at doing).
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review submitted by HM on 7/15/2010
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My Prison, My Home: One Woman's Story of Captivity in Iran
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by Haleh Esfandiari
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Ms. Esfandiari is an Iranian citizen, but a long-time resident of the United States who works at the Wilson Center and teaches Persian at Princeton. While visiting her elderly mother in Iran, Ms. Esfandiari is arrested and accused of being a spy or terrorist working to topple the Iranian government. This is the story of her ordeal and efforts to be free and return home. The sections that detail Iranian history and politics drag on, especially for readers that already know the information, but the story of her own experience is captivating. The reader wants to know what will happen to her and what she is actually being accused of. She is treated decently while in jail, but it is interesting to read about the ideas and thought processes of her captors. This would be good reading for anyone involved in diplomacy in the Middle East.
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reserve a copy of My Prison, My Home: One Woman's Story of Captivity in Iran
review submitted by SD on 7/12/2010
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Life Expectancy
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by Dean Koontz
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This is my first Dean Koontz novel but probably not my last. The story really sucked me in and I couldn't stop reading. This is another great book for vacationi!
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reserve a copy of Life Expectancy
review submitted by KF on 7/12/2010
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American History Revised
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by Seymour Morris Jr.
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interesting little known facts about American history that didn't make it into the classroom
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reserve a copy of American History Revised
review submitted by TH on 7/12/2010
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20 Times a Lady
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by Susan Wiggs
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It was light without being too cheesy. A little predictable but in a reassuring way. I'm a sucker for books about people learning how to live again after the end of a marriage.
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reserve a copy of 20 Times a Lady
review submitted by DL on 7/8/2010
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Dark Ages America
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by Morris Berman
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"Dark Ages America" is a necessary slap to the face for the American people. It is less a wake-up call than a fire alarm, or, perhaps, a carbon monoxide warning. It is that kind of slow, sleepy decline into failure and destruction that Mr. Berman decries. If there was one criticism I could level at this book, it would be a note that at times, Mr. Berman's enthusiasm overwhelms his sensibilities, and the reader finds themselves awash in a personal narrative rather than the scientific standpoint necessary for this type of warning.
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reserve a copy of Dark Ages America
review submitted by MN on 7/6/2010
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Flowers for Algernon
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by Daniel Keyes
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This book was so sad! It is about a man with a low IQ who enters a science study in which he receives an operation and increases his IQ level. Charlie, the main character, keeps a journal of everything that is happening to him. As the reader, you go through all his hardships with him. It was wonderfully written and I would encourage everyone to read it!
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reserve a copy of Flowers for Algernon
review submitted by ET on 7/6/2010
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The Icarus Syndrome
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by beinart, peter
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Hubris has been the downfall of America throughout the past century with regard to its foreign policy (and particularly since the end of WWII). If only we had leaders who lacked hubris thigs would be wonderful. Author fails to realize that without hubris most of the politicians (particularly Presidents) would never have been elected to office. Seems to think that we've haven't done anything good overseas or if so it was accomplished by unnamed individuals who had no hubris. George Kennan is his hero
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reserve a copy of The Icarus Syndrome
review submitted by JM on 7/5/2010
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The Diary of Patsy a freed girl
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by Joyce Hansen
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It gave a good view of what some black people when thru in salvery and when they were freed. I feel thing like this went on
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reserve a copy of The Diary of Patsy a freed girl
review submitted by BG on 7/1/2010
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The Birthdays
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by Heidi Pitlor
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This book definitely kept me wanting to read! The characters were interesting and always full of surprises. There are shocking moments that will keep you on edge!
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reserve a copy of The Birthdays
review submitted by ET on 6/30/2010
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Fables: Animal Farm
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by Bill Willingham
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For those of you who haven't read Fables it's a graphic novel about characters from assorted fairy tails who have been exiled from their kingdoms. Although it sounds like it's a kids story it's not. The characters are interesting and you'll have a blast trying to figure out which stories they came from. The art is also fantastic. This review is for volume 2 and I would recommend starting at volume 1.
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reserve a copy of Fables: Animal Farm
review submitted by GK on 6/30/2010
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The Elegance of a Hedgehog
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by Muriel Barbery
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It was written by a French philosopher who had many strange and unsettling ideas. I found it hard to follow. It was recommended by a friend who usually shares the same taste in books but this time we diverged!
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reserve a copy of The Elegance of a Hedgehog
review submitted by HM on 6/30/2010
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