Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Did you know Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web was inspired by a real spider?
Sims tells the story behind the children’s classic, chronicling the life of White up through the publication of the novel. From an early age, White always felt he related better to animals than to human. Shy and suffering from anxiety, White loved nature and enjoyed being with animals and learning about the world around him. White’s favorite authors, such as Don Marquis, depicted animals and insects with human characteristics. As Sims demonstrates, White uses these influences, along with his love of nature and the spider web discovery, to create the story of Charlotte and Wilbur.
Anyone who enjoyed Charlotte’s Web should take a look at this book, as well as those who enjoy reading about children’s literature. Sims does an amazing job telling White’s story, from early childhood through his experience at The New Yorker, to his beloved farm in Maine and his publication successes. I like reading “behind-the-scenes” books, and this book proved to be a delightful look at E.B. White and Charlotte’s Web. Sims’ research brings to life White and his inspirations.
I think it may be time to read Charlotte’s Web again...
Reviewed by Jessica
Friday, October 28, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Ten strangers venture to an island for a few fun days with their mysterious host. At dinner on the first evening, instead of meeting their host, they listen to an audio recording of their host accusing each of them of murder. Horrified by their host’s words, the guests begin to tell the stories of their pasts. With no way to get off the island or to contact the mainland, the guests are completely cut off from the outside world. Then, one by one, the guests start to die...
And Then There Were None is my favorite Christie mystery and has garnered praise over the years as Christie’s best mystery. I have read several Christie mysteries over the years, and this one still stands out in my mind for its cleverness and its interestingly constructed premise. It was very hard for me to put down the book! Full of suspense, Christie’s novel makes the reader feel the panic of the strangers, knowing that there is a killer loose on the island and that they have the inability to leave or to contact help. The twists and turns throughout the novel will keep the reader guessing until the very end. Christie writes an epilogue to tie up all loose ends, including the killer’s motives for the deaths (very beneficial for me the first time I read this).
Those who love the body in a locked room scenario will want to try this book. Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple fans, and of course mystery lovers, should give this a try!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Ten strangers venture to an island for a few fun days with their mysterious host. At dinner on the first evening, instead of meeting their host, they listen to an audio recording of their host accusing each of them of murder. Horrified by their host’s words, the guests begin to tell the stories of their pasts. With no way to get off the island or to contact the mainland, the guests are completely cut off from the outside world. Then, one by one, the guests start to die...
And Then There Were None is my favorite Christie mystery and has garnered praise over the years as Christie’s best mystery. I have read several Christie mysteries over the years, and this one still stands out in my mind for its cleverness and its interestingly constructed premise. It was very hard for me to put down the book! Full of suspense, Christie’s novel makes the reader feel the panic of the strangers, knowing that there is a killer loose on the island and that they have the inability to leave or to contact help. The twists and turns throughout the novel will keep the reader guessing until the very end. Christie writes an epilogue to tie up all loose ends, including the killer’s motives for the deaths (very beneficial for me the first time I read this).
Those who love the body in a locked room scenario will want to try this book. Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple fans, and of course mystery lovers, should give this a try!
Reviewed by Jessica
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Age Level: Teen
Format: Book
This is the 2011 Adams County Reads One Book selection. Book discussions will take place throughout the county in September 2011. Check your local library for dates and further information.
14 year old Arnold “Junior” Spirit lives on the Spokane Indian reservation in Wellpinit, Washington. On the advice of one of his teachers, Junior decides to enroll in the school off the reservation, where he would be the only Native American attending classes. Junior chronicles his life on and off the reservation, including his family’s battle with alcoholism, living in poverty, losing friends and redefining oneself in a changing environment.
Alexie wrote this as a semi-autobiographical account of growing up on a reservation. Charged with humor and heart-wrenching sorrow, this is an amazing read. There are a few scenes of a graphic nature, but most readers will appreciate a view of society from a different perspective. Junior’s determination to succeed despite obstacles is very uplifting.
I really enjoyed this book; this is one of the best I have read so far this year.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
This is the 2011 Adams County Reads One Book selection. Book discussions will take place throughout the county in September 2011. Check your local library for dates and further information.
14 year old Arnold “Junior” Spirit lives on the Spokane Indian reservation in Wellpinit, Washington. On the advice of one of his teachers, Junior decides to enroll in the school off the reservation, where he would be the only Native American attending classes. Junior chronicles his life on and off the reservation, including his family’s battle with alcoholism, living in poverty, losing friends and redefining oneself in a changing environment.
Alexie wrote this as a semi-autobiographical account of growing up on a reservation. Charged with humor and heart-wrenching sorrow, this is an amazing read. There are a few scenes of a graphic nature, but most readers will appreciate a view of society from a different perspective. Junior’s determination to succeed despite obstacles is very uplifting.
I really enjoyed this book; this is one of the best I have read so far this year.
Reviewed by Jessica
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The Meaning of Night: A Confession by Michael Cox
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
One evening, Edward Glyver murders a complete stranger. His reason: he had to make sure he could kill someone before attempting to kill his enemy, the poet Phoebus Rainsford Daunt. In order for the reader to understand his actions, Glyver tells his life story, from his days as a young boy in the English countryside to his current situation in London. He tells readers of his early friendship with Daunt and the resulting betrayal by Daunt that completely ruined Glyver’s life. Further life-changing events occur before the stranger’s murder, which sets Glyver on this path of ultimate revenge against Daunt.
Set in England during the 1800s, this novel is filled with desire, intrigue, romance and revenge. This is a 700 page novel, but it is well worth the read! While the ending is pretty predictable, I think it is still quite interesting to watch Glyver’s transformation into a cold-blooded killer. Those who like historical fiction will love the historic English setting; Cox acts as the editor in this book (editing the manuscript left behind by Glyver) and thus sprinkles historical anecdotes and references throughout the novel, allowing the reader to make historical connections to slang and other remarks made by Glyver. Those who love psychological thrillers or mysteries will also enjoy this novel. Glyver convinces himself he is in the right and refuses to listen to reason or turn away from his obsessions. In the end, he has to wonder if all of his actions were worth it.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
One evening, Edward Glyver murders a complete stranger. His reason: he had to make sure he could kill someone before attempting to kill his enemy, the poet Phoebus Rainsford Daunt. In order for the reader to understand his actions, Glyver tells his life story, from his days as a young boy in the English countryside to his current situation in London. He tells readers of his early friendship with Daunt and the resulting betrayal by Daunt that completely ruined Glyver’s life. Further life-changing events occur before the stranger’s murder, which sets Glyver on this path of ultimate revenge against Daunt.
Set in England during the 1800s, this novel is filled with desire, intrigue, romance and revenge. This is a 700 page novel, but it is well worth the read! While the ending is pretty predictable, I think it is still quite interesting to watch Glyver’s transformation into a cold-blooded killer. Those who like historical fiction will love the historic English setting; Cox acts as the editor in this book (editing the manuscript left behind by Glyver) and thus sprinkles historical anecdotes and references throughout the novel, allowing the reader to make historical connections to slang and other remarks made by Glyver. Those who love psychological thrillers or mysteries will also enjoy this novel. Glyver convinces himself he is in the right and refuses to listen to reason or turn away from his obsessions. In the end, he has to wonder if all of his actions were worth it.
Reviewed by Jessica
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Trenton’s famous bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is back again, and this time, she’s dodging Grandma Bella’s “eye” curse, a dancing bear, a senior vampire, and a serial killer, who is burying his victims on bonds office property. Her personal life is just as messy: while trying to decide between the two men in her life, Stephanie’s mother throws a third guy into the mix. Add some wacky family and friends, and you have another hilarious adventure!
I have enjoyed reading each of the books in this series. Every time I think Evanovich simply cannot come up with another over-the-top scenario for Stephanie, she proves me wrong. Elements of mystery, romance and action are scattered throughout each book. Much like the other books in the series, Smokin’ Seventeen has some laugh-out-loud moments that will keep you chuckling long after you put down the book. They are fast reads, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon or a trip to the beach. If you prefer to listen to books on CD, the audiobook version of this and the others in the series are marvelous.
While you can pick up any of the books in the series and start reading, I highly recommend beginning with the first, One for the Money.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Trenton’s famous bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is back again, and this time, she’s dodging Grandma Bella’s “eye” curse, a dancing bear, a senior vampire, and a serial killer, who is burying his victims on bonds office property. Her personal life is just as messy: while trying to decide between the two men in her life, Stephanie’s mother throws a third guy into the mix. Add some wacky family and friends, and you have another hilarious adventure!
I have enjoyed reading each of the books in this series. Every time I think Evanovich simply cannot come up with another over-the-top scenario for Stephanie, she proves me wrong. Elements of mystery, romance and action are scattered throughout each book. Much like the other books in the series, Smokin’ Seventeen has some laugh-out-loud moments that will keep you chuckling long after you put down the book. They are fast reads, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon or a trip to the beach. If you prefer to listen to books on CD, the audiobook version of this and the others in the series are marvelous.
While you can pick up any of the books in the series and start reading, I highly recommend beginning with the first, One for the Money.
Reviewed by Jessica
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