Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
When you hear the phrase the “Donner Party,” what is your first reaction? Way back in 1847, when stories began circulating about those who resorted to extreme measures to stave off hunger, people were outraged and horrified. Even today, the Donner Party is referenced in pop culture as a group of doom. Daniel James Brown takes a tragic event in American frontier history and presents modern day analysis on the reasons behind the party’s decisions and how these decisions affected those who survived the ordeal. Following the adventures of one member of the Donner Party, Sarah Graves Fosdick, Brown takes readers on the party’s journey, from leaving their homes behind, to being caught in a major snowstorm and reliving the pain and anguish the party faced as food and supplies depleted.
Using written accounts from survivors and from previously written histories, Brown puts together a nonfiction account that I found to be simply incredible and exceptional. One can tell that Brown wants to find the truths behind all the Donner Party myths, including myths stated by party survivors. At times, Brown interrupts his narration to provide psychological analysis or explain customs from the 1840s; many readers may be put off by this, but I felt it added to the telling of the story. I walked away from this with so much more knowledge about the Donner Party and their circumstances and also a better understanding as to the reasons why they resorted to, as Brown puts it, a major human taboo. The book does have several very graphic descriptions, which are not for readers with weak stomachs. Readers who love to read American history should read this book, as it provides not only a glimpse into frontier travel, but also provides a new perspective to a tragic chapter in American history.
Reviewed by Jessica
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
As They See 'Em: A Fan's Travels in the Land of Umpires by Bruce Weber
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Weber, a New York Times reporter, takes readers on a behind-the-scenes tour of an umpires’ world. After enrolling in the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring and subsequently umpiring a few low-minor league baseball games, Weber learns first hand the treatment of umpires from coaches and players and spectators. Weber travels across the country to interview umpires in the minor and major leagues and to see them in action. Along the way, readers learn about the history of umpires and how their role has been redefined countless times in baseball on the field and in the commissioner’s office.
I’m a baseball fan, and I like to read books that talk about the history of the game. I was not disappointed in this account. As Weber states in his book, there are few resources such as this book that provide an exclusive view of the umpiring world. Weber pretty much establishes up front that umpiring is no easy job. Umpires have to anticipate where the ball is going to go, where the play will be, where the base runners will be, etc before each pitch is thrown. Plus, umpires lead a somewhat invisible life outside the ballgame, having fun just like everyone else, but with no groupies attached to them. Though, sometimes umpires face dangers off the field, when fans and others disagree on calls made during the game and begin harassing or even threatening bodily harm to them.
After reading this book, I do not think I will be looking at the game in the same way again; this book proves that umpires are the vital key to a ballgame, whether you agree with the calls or not.
I highly recommend this book to any avid baseball fan or sports enthusiast.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Weber, a New York Times reporter, takes readers on a behind-the-scenes tour of an umpires’ world. After enrolling in the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring and subsequently umpiring a few low-minor league baseball games, Weber learns first hand the treatment of umpires from coaches and players and spectators. Weber travels across the country to interview umpires in the minor and major leagues and to see them in action. Along the way, readers learn about the history of umpires and how their role has been redefined countless times in baseball on the field and in the commissioner’s office.
I’m a baseball fan, and I like to read books that talk about the history of the game. I was not disappointed in this account. As Weber states in his book, there are few resources such as this book that provide an exclusive view of the umpiring world. Weber pretty much establishes up front that umpiring is no easy job. Umpires have to anticipate where the ball is going to go, where the play will be, where the base runners will be, etc before each pitch is thrown. Plus, umpires lead a somewhat invisible life outside the ballgame, having fun just like everyone else, but with no groupies attached to them. Though, sometimes umpires face dangers off the field, when fans and others disagree on calls made during the game and begin harassing or even threatening bodily harm to them.
After reading this book, I do not think I will be looking at the game in the same way again; this book proves that umpires are the vital key to a ballgame, whether you agree with the calls or not.
I highly recommend this book to any avid baseball fan or sports enthusiast.
Reviewed by Jessica
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
Age Level: Teen
Format: Book
Format: Book
Alexis thought she lived the typical dysfunctional life of a teenager. She has no real friends at school, keeps her parents at arm's length, and has a younger sister that is overly obsessed with dolls. But then strange things start to happen at home and it doesn't take Alexis long to figure out that her house is haunted and her sister is possessed.
I loved this book. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. The tone of the novel is so hauntingly dark and hilariously snarky at the same time that it has a very creepy undertone to it. I enjoyed the journey that the reader is taken on as Alexis figures out what's going on in her house and through that, finally comes into her own.
The end of the book is a little bit cheesy, but I was able to forgive that simply because the rest of the book was great.
Reviewed by Sara.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Frankly, My Dear: "Gone With the Wind" Revisited by Molly Haskell
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Why does Gone With the Wind, the book and the film, continue to the hold the interest of each generation long after its 1930s release? Haskell takes readers behind the scenes for both the book and the film, revealing information about the personal lives of those who were a part of Gone With the Wind and offering insight into the both's production. Haskell argues that three extraordinary forces - David Selznick, Vivien Leigh and Margaret Mitchell - helped make the book and the movie timeless. She backs up her argument with extensive research, painting readers a different picture of Gone With the Wind than what is seen in the film or in the book. For example, Haskell feels Scarlett represents the feminists of the 1930s. Whether or not you agree with her arguments, Haskell has written a fascinating account of what has been dubbed "the American Bible," an epic story that receives renewed interest with every generation.
I enjoyed reading Frankly, My Dear because of the background information Haskell provides about the book and the film. For me, it was interesting to read about the conflicts during filming, the stresses of completing a film as close to the book as possible, Margaret Mitchell's mindset, the mindset of everyone involved in making the film and the decisions behind the film's casting. This is a must read for Gone With the Wind enthusiasts!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Why does Gone With the Wind, the book and the film, continue to the hold the interest of each generation long after its 1930s release? Haskell takes readers behind the scenes for both the book and the film, revealing information about the personal lives of those who were a part of Gone With the Wind and offering insight into the both's production. Haskell argues that three extraordinary forces - David Selznick, Vivien Leigh and Margaret Mitchell - helped make the book and the movie timeless. She backs up her argument with extensive research, painting readers a different picture of Gone With the Wind than what is seen in the film or in the book. For example, Haskell feels Scarlett represents the feminists of the 1930s. Whether or not you agree with her arguments, Haskell has written a fascinating account of what has been dubbed "the American Bible," an epic story that receives renewed interest with every generation.
I enjoyed reading Frankly, My Dear because of the background information Haskell provides about the book and the film. For me, it was interesting to read about the conflicts during filming, the stresses of completing a film as close to the book as possible, Margaret Mitchell's mindset, the mindset of everyone involved in making the film and the decisions behind the film's casting. This is a must read for Gone With the Wind enthusiasts!
Reviewed by Jessica
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Lover's Knot by Clare O'Donohue
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
The Lover's Knot is the first book in the Someday Quilts mystery series.
When twenty-something Nell Fitzgerald's fiance Ryan calls off their wedding, Nell flees New York City to her grandmother's house in Archers Rest, New York. Nell's solace does not last for long, though. The body of the local handyman, known for his flirtations and scandalous affairs, is found in the quilt shop owned by Nell's grandmother, with a pair of quilting scissors as the murder weapon. The prime suspect is Ryan, whose unexpected visit to Archers Rest and desire to get married to Nell forces Nell to reassess whether or not she still wants to marry him. Nell becomes involved in the police investigation, trying to clear Ryan's name and unraveling the secrets surrounding the victim, many of which involve her grandmother's friends in the Friday Night Quilt Club, a group that meets in the quilt shop every Friday night. As Nell gets closer to the truth, she has to decide which of these secrets could push someone to commit murder.
The Lover's Knot is the typical cozy mystery: a murder that lacks the gruesome details, a hint of romance, a series of books based on a theme (in this case, quilting), an amateur sleuth (or like Hamish Macbeth in the M.C. Beaton series, a police officer/constable who doesn't always get the respect he/she deserves), and a quirky set of characters living in the community. If you like cozy mysteries, you will probably like this book. O'Donohue takes the time to explain quilting terminology, making Nell her quilting novice in the story. This is perfect for those readers who are interested in reading the book but may not know everything there is to know about the topic, in this case, quilting. For me, these explanations make the book more enjoyable.
I did enjoy this book. While I can honestly say I did not care for a couple of the characters in the beginning, I did gain a better appreciation of them by the end of the book. And, it is a fast read. I look forward to reading the second book in the series, as soon as it is published!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
The Lover's Knot is the first book in the Someday Quilts mystery series.
When twenty-something Nell Fitzgerald's fiance Ryan calls off their wedding, Nell flees New York City to her grandmother's house in Archers Rest, New York. Nell's solace does not last for long, though. The body of the local handyman, known for his flirtations and scandalous affairs, is found in the quilt shop owned by Nell's grandmother, with a pair of quilting scissors as the murder weapon. The prime suspect is Ryan, whose unexpected visit to Archers Rest and desire to get married to Nell forces Nell to reassess whether or not she still wants to marry him. Nell becomes involved in the police investigation, trying to clear Ryan's name and unraveling the secrets surrounding the victim, many of which involve her grandmother's friends in the Friday Night Quilt Club, a group that meets in the quilt shop every Friday night. As Nell gets closer to the truth, she has to decide which of these secrets could push someone to commit murder.
The Lover's Knot is the typical cozy mystery: a murder that lacks the gruesome details, a hint of romance, a series of books based on a theme (in this case, quilting), an amateur sleuth (or like Hamish Macbeth in the M.C. Beaton series, a police officer/constable who doesn't always get the respect he/she deserves), and a quirky set of characters living in the community. If you like cozy mysteries, you will probably like this book. O'Donohue takes the time to explain quilting terminology, making Nell her quilting novice in the story. This is perfect for those readers who are interested in reading the book but may not know everything there is to know about the topic, in this case, quilting. For me, these explanations make the book more enjoyable.
I did enjoy this book. While I can honestly say I did not care for a couple of the characters in the beginning, I did gain a better appreciation of them by the end of the book. And, it is a fast read. I look forward to reading the second book in the series, as soon as it is published!
Reviewed by Jessica
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