Tempting Titles: Fresh Fiction - July

FICTION

April in Paris by Michael Wallner

It is the summer of 1943, and Wehrmacht corporal Roth finds himself in Paris, translating SS interrogations of French prisoners. He hates the brutality that follows, but it is preferable to being at the front, isn't it? Wanting to find some measure of escape, he secretly trades in his uniform for a checkered suit and transforms himself into Monsieur Antoine, a Frenchman. In this guise, he meets Chantal, a bookseller's daughter who is also a member of the Resistance: he is enchanted by her, she is suspicious of him. Yet when the SS raid the barbershop where Chantal's fellow activists gather, he proves he isn't her enemy despite his nationality. Then, after a bombing at a brothel that kills high-ranking German officers, Roth is suspected of treason and now the translator is the detainee. As Antoine, he had only wanted to "flee reality." Now, reality is all around him. Actor/screenwriter Wallner describes occupied Paris with all the detail and clarity of a spring day. The reader is sympathetic to the hapless Roth, who, despite his contributions to the Nazi machine, is just a young man looking forward to the end of the war. (Library Journal Review)

MYSTERY

A Stranger Lies There by Stephen Santogrossi.


In Santogrossi's engrossing, dark debut (winner of the St. Martin's Press/Malice Domestic contest for Best First Traditional Mystery Novel), the curiously endearing protagonist, Tim Ryder, wakes up one morning to find a dead body on his Palm Springs, Calif., lawn. Ryder, a carpenter, wonders if the murder is connected to testimony he gave against a co-conspirator in a criminal case 30 years earlier, when he did time for a bungled robbery, a misguided attempt to raise money for anti–Vietnam War protests. With the next current-day casualty, the matter becomes more urgent, and even more personal, and Tim is determined to find the killer. On occasion, Santogrossi veers off into preachy description, breaking the cardinal show-don't-tell rule, but his well-drawn characters, unexpected resolution and sharp casual insights make for an energizing read. (Publisher's Weekly Review)

SCIENCE FICTION

Rollback by Robert J. Sawyer.


Starred Review. Nearly 40 years have passed since Dr. Sarah Halifax cracked an encoded message from an alien intelligence. A second encoded message presages the start of a human-alien dialog, and Sarah, now in her eighties, is offered a rare rejuvenation procedure to enable her to live long enough to usher in a new era. When the process succeeds for her husband but fails for her, she must continue her efforts at breaking the new code while coping with a husband with whom she can no longer grow old. Sawyer (Calculating God), winner of the Hugo and Nebula awards, is no stranger to controversial issues. This tale raises many questions about the ethics of life extension. Above all, the author's characters bear their human strengths and weaknesses with dignity and poise. An elegantly told story for all libraries; highly recommended. (Library Journal Review)

Mortified: real words, real people, real pathetic / edited by David Nadelberg

Did you ever want to snoop in your sister’s bedroom and read her diary? If so, this is your chance (well, sort of)! Mortified is a compilation of embarrassing, emotional, humorous and immature excerpts from real diaries, letters and notes and they’re guaranteed to get you reminiscing about your adolescent years.

Oh, and most likely if you kept a diary you’ll want to dig it out and read it all over again.

Which Books Do You Have?

What books do you have in your home library? Wish you had a better record of what you've read and enjoyed? Do you have lists of books to read at some point and want to get organized? Why not keep all that information in one convenient place?

Take a look at a cool online tool called "goodreads" (www.goodreads.com). According to the site, "you can add and review books that you are currently reading, going to read, or already read. You can also read reviews..."

Basically you make lists of the books you own, books you've read, books you're currently reading and books you want to read in the future. Plus you can see what other people have enjoyed and recommend. All in one place!

It's a neat tool and very handy--check it out.

Good Grief by Lolly Winston

A young woman's life takes a profound, unexpected turn, when her marriage of three years is cut short by tragedy. A widow at age 36, Sophie slips into depression and her life falls apart as she struggles with the pain of losing her husband. Her once bright future darkened, Sophie turns to her best friend, and together they embark on a sometimes painful, sometimes humorous, journey of self discovery.

Ultimately this is an uplifting, emotional story of a woman who, after facing terrible adversity in life, finds ways to overcome heartbreak, anguish, and devastation to begin living and loving again.

Tempting Titles: Fresh Fiction - May

FICTION:

God of Animals by Aryn Kyle

Kyle's novel begins as adolescent narrator Alice Winston recounts the almost simultaneous departure of her sister, Nona, who elopes with a rodeo cowboy, and the drowning of Polly Cain, one of Alice's classmates. These events loom like specters over the rest of the novel, which brims with a confidence and assuredness atypical of a debut. In light of Nona's exodus, Alice becomes her father's primary assistant in tending the family's barn and her bedridden mother's intermediary to the outside world. Alice's penchant for prevarication—she makes a pretense of having been Polly Cain's best friend—helps her repel this harsh reality. In Alice, Kyle has created an adolescent voice that is charming and authentic but that also has its irksome tics: surprising events always inspire such hyperbolic responses as "the air around me sucked to the rims of the earth" and "Everything was coming undone…the entire world breaking into pieces beneath me." In the long run, though, this is a carp, as the voice exerts an irresistible pull. The prospect of other people leaving—Alice's father with a woman he trains—and the revelation of characters' secrets keep the reader glued to the story. Highly recommended for all public libraries. (Library Journal 2006)


MYSTERY:

Died in the Wool by Rett MacPherson

Torie O'Shea, genealogist and president of the New Kassel, Mo., historical society, unearths long-buried family secrets when she puzzles out the strange 1920s suicides of siblings Glory, Whalen and Rupert Kendall in MacPherson's homespun 10th Torie O'Shea mystery (after 2006's Dead Man Running). The old Kendall house is put up for sale, and Torie hopes to buy and reinvent the home as a textile museum, honoring Glory Kendall, a skilled quilter. But Torie's interest broadens beyond historic fabric and needlework when she begins researching the odd circumstances surrounding the deaths of the Kendalls, who were survived by their father, Sanders. The ominous intrigue touches the present day when a friend of Torie's is poisoned with the same substance found long ago in Glory's body. Torie's determined historical detective work will absorb cozy readers. (Publisher's Weekly Review, March 2007)


SCIENCE FICTION:

For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison

Harrison's (A Fistful of Charms) "Hollows" series moves to hardcover with this fifth volume, which once again finds witch/independent bounty hunter Rachel Morgan in trouble with werewolves, vampires, and demons. A rash of werewolf suicides brings Rachel into another mystery, and when it becomes clear that the obvious suspects aren't behind the murders, Rachel discovers a motive rooted in an ancient curse. Meanwhile, Rachel's relationships with vampires Ivy (her roommate) and Kisten (her boyfriend) continue to evolve in different directions, resulting in a little jealousy and a lot of tension. Other familiar characters, including recovering demon Ceri and perennial villain Trent Kalamack, make appearances that will satisfy and entertain readers of Harrison's earlier books. The well-crafted world of the Hollows continues to grow more complex, and this book relies so much on the setup from the previous book that readers new to the series may find themselves lost. Harrison's following has grown as readers continue to discover her work, and fans of the early books in Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series will enjoy Rachel Morgan's supernatural adventures. Recommended for public libraries. (Library Journal 11/15/06)

The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond

Photographer Abby Mason’s life is turned upside-down when her fiancé’s young daughter Emma disappears at the beach. Her fiancé Jake is convinced that his daughter drowned that day but Abby believes she was kidnapped and is determined to find the little girl . While the novel chronicles Abby’s search for the missing girl, it also reveals insight into her life, her past, and her passions.

The gripping plot and smooth writing-style will keep you quickly turning the pages up to the end. The Year of Fog is no doubt a satisfying read.

Cage of Stars by Jacquelyn Mitchard

At age twelve Ronnie Swan witnesses the brutal killing of her younger sisters in the backyard of their rural Utah home. Strong faith provides Ronnie’s parents with the strength to forgive the killer of these two girls, but Ronnie cannot. Years pass and eventually she discovers that her sisters’ killer has moved with his family to San Diego. Still angry, Ronnie follows him there and begins a new life, determined to get revenge on this man.

The compelling plot, realistic characters and comfortable writing style make Mitchard's latest book a worthy read.

Tempting Titles: Fresh Fiction - April

FICTION:

Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy

"When a new highway threatens to bypass the town of Rossmore and cut through Whitethorn Woods, everyone has a passionate opinion about whether the town will benefit or suffer. But young Father Flynn is most concerned with the fate of St. Ann's Well, which is set at the edge of the woods and slated for destruction. People have been coming to St. Ann's for generations to share their dreams and fears, and to speak their prayers. Some believe it to be a place of true spiritual power, demanding protection; others think it's a mere magnet for superstitions, easily sacrificed. Not knowing which faction to favor, Father Flynn listens to all those caught up in the conflict, and these are the voices we hear in the stories of Whitethorn Woods - men and women deciding between the traditions of the past and the promises of the future, ordinary people brought vividly to life by Binchy."--BOOK JACKET.

MYSTERY:

What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman

Starred Review. A driver who flees a car accident on a Maryland highway breathes new life into a 30-year-old mystery—the disappearance of the young Bethany sisters at a shopping mall—after she later tells the police she's one of the missing girls. As soon as the mystery woman drops that bombshell, she clams up, placing the new lead detective, Kevin Infante, in a bind, as he struggles to gain her trust while exploring the odd holes in her story. Deftly moving between past and present, Lippman presents the last day both sisters, Sunny and Heather, were seen alive from a variety of perspectives. Subtle clues point to the surprising but plausible solution of the crime and the identity of the mystery woman. (Publisher Weekly Review)

FANTASY:

Odalisque by Fiona McIntosh

"Captured by slave traders in the inhospitable desert, Lazar fought his way to freedom, earning the coveted position of Spur of Percheron. Charged with protecting his adopted city from enemies on both sides of its walls, he has led a charmed life as confidant to and protector of Zar Joreb for many years. But now Joreb is dead. Though Joreb's well-intentioned fifteen-year-old heir, Boaz, will take the title of Zar, the balance of power lies in the hands of his beautiful and cruelly ambitious mother, a former harem slave who rose to power by the Zar's favor. Aside from Lazar, whom Boaz trusts and respects, the young Zar's only friend is Pez, the court jester, a misshapen dwarf whose tricks and diversions are accepted only because he is know to be mad. When a stunning young girl is brought to the palace to fill a space in Boaz's harem, both Boaz and Lazar are surprised by their unexpectedly strong reactions to her. But Ana, the odalisque, finds the closeted world of the harem stifling and unbearable. And unbeknownst to all, the gods themselves are beginning to rise in a cyclical battle that is just the beginning, and will enmesh everyone in the palace in a struggle for the very soul of Percheron."--BOOK JACKET.

The Modern Girl's Guide to Life by Jane Buckingham

Hey girls! If you're looking for a fun read with practical advice about being a "Modern Girl", take a look at this book. Inside you'll find information relating to decorating, cleaning, diet and health, finances, car maintenance, sewing, recipes and so much more. You're almost guaranteed to learn something new from this enjoyable, easy-to-follow primer and will wish you had checked it out earlier!

The author is the host of the TV series Modern Girl's Guide to Life on the Style Network and a contributor to Cosmopolitan, the New York Times Syndicate and Good Morning America.

Looking for a Good Book?

The Glendale Public Library is happy to provide our community of readers with a new and exciting service—a customized reading list, tailored to your personal reading tastes and interests called "Looking for a Good Book?".

Here's how it works:
Come into the Glendale Central Library or any of the Glendale branches to pick up a blank form. Fill in as much of this reader profile as you wish. The more information you provide, the more likely it is that we can suggest books you will like. Leave areas blank when you have no preference. Librarians at the Glendale Public Library will use your answers to create a customized reading list for you. Please return the completed form to any Glendale Public Library reference desk. We will get back to you within two weeks with your list.

Sounds great, doesn't it?

Night Swimming by Robin Schwartz

Overweight Charlotte Clapp is told she only has one more year to live. Stunned by the tragic news, she robs $2 million from the bank where she works and escapes from New Hampshire to Los Angeles. While in hiding, Charlotte manages to buy a posh apartment in the Hills, unexpectedly lose weight and make a few good friends.

This first novel by Robin Schwartz is a fun and worthwhile read. It's not perfect, and you may not believe every scenario that's described in the story, but you will have an enjoyable time reading it.

The Girls by Lori Lansens

Rose and Ruby Darlen are conjoined twins attached at the head. Given up at birth by a teenage mother, the girls are raised by a nurse from the local hospital, Aunt Lovey and her husband, Uncle Stash. In the style of a dual autobiographer, Rose and Ruby narrate together to guide the reader through their unusual childhood experiences and unique adult lives.

Sweet, uplifting, memorable and heartbreaking, the reader is guaranteed to feel a multitude of emotions from the first chapter through the end of the book. It's about more than the plot of their shared lives. This novel is about the relationships of twin sisters, family, and friends.

This story will stay with you long after you've finished the last page. Be prepared. You won't be ready to let these girls go.

Do YOU have a secret?

In 2004 small business owner Frank Warren began a community art project called PostSecret. With this project, he invited anyone to mail to him an anonymous postcard with details of a secret that no one else knows. He encouraged those interested to mail him unique 4x6 postcards using old maps, collages, crayon drawings, magazine articles or anything else imaginable, along with the details of the secret.

Mr. Warren has a blog with sample postcards (http://postsecret.blogspot.com/) and has published two books about his project: PostSecret: extraordinary confessions from ordinary lives and The secret lives of men and women: a PostSecret book.

Click on the book titles to check availability of these books in the Library's catalog.

Get Ready, Harry Potter Fans!

The publisher just announced the July 21, 2007 release date for J.K. Rowling's final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Don't get caught at the end of the line, click here to put on a hold a Glendale Public Library copy now so it will be held for you after we receive it!

Sidney Sheldon - 1917-2007

Best selling author and screenwriter Sidney Sheldon died Tuesday.

Besides novels like Rage of Angels, Windmills of the Gods, and The Other Side of Midnight, Sheldon also created movie and television hits like The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer, and I Dream of Jeannie.

“For his part, Sheldon said: ‘I don't write for critics. I write for readers.’” LA Times 1/30/2007 Click here for the full article.

Books and Reading

Did you know we have a “Books and Reading” page on our website? If you like our blog and want even more information about books, you should definitely check it out! On this page you’ll find lists of bestsellers, book clubs, reading lists and other resources about books and reading.

http://www.glendalepubliclibrary.org/books_and_reading.asp