How Do I
Karen G.'s Picks
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Benedict, Elizabeth (editor) What My Mother Gave Me: Thirty-One Women on the Gifts that Mattered Most Nonfiction |
| In this endearing collection, 31 women share inspiring
stories about their mothers and the unexpected lessons they learned
from them. The reader is exposed to the stories of a varied collection
of writers: journalists, bestselling authors, and even Pulitzer Prize
winners. Mary Morris writes of being taken on an unwanted tour of
Europe as a child and the profound effect it had on her life. In “White
Christmas,” Ann Hood reminisces about receiving an undesirable present
from her mother — a white suit — and the ensuing conversation after
this exchange. In the hilarious story “The Broken Vase,” Reverend
Lillian Daniel recalls her mother’s confidence during a catastrophic
dinner party. Lisa See and Luanne Rice both share memories of growing
up with mothers who desired to be writers and the differing paths
taken to reach that goal. Some stories are humorous, some are heartbreaking,
but all are captivating. Furthermore, they all elevate the powerful
impact that a mother can have in a daughter’s life. This is a perfect
book to share any day with female friends and relatives. Recommended G., June 2013 |
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Harper, Valerie I, Rhoda: A Memoir Nonfiction |
| As a child in the early 1970s, I would eagerly await 9:00
on Saturday nights to watch The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Mary
Richards, played by Moore, was the fashionable and successful newswoman
most female viewers wanted to be. But it was neighbor Rhoda Morgenstern,
played by Harper, with whom most fans could truly identify. Rhoda
was the slightly awkward one — flitting from job to job, struggling
with her weight and overbearing mother, and never getting many second
dates. In Harper’s upbeat memoir, she spends a good portion of the
book detailing her years playing Rhoda. She warmly recounts the friendships
that she developed over the years with the cast and crew. This is
not a tell-all book — rather, just a story of a woman with a happy
childhood and dreams of being a ballerina and, ultimately, an actress.
Filled with reminiscences of her personal and professional life, the
author comes across as just as approachable as Rhoda herself. Recommended May 2013 |
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Strayed, Cheryl Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail Nonfiction |
| Travel can be educational — especially when one steps
out of her comfort zone. Cheryl Strayed did just that when she decided
to hike the Pacific Crest Trail through three states by herself. Armed
with a heavy backpack and a trail guide, the 26-year-old novice of
a hiker encountered bears and rattlesnakes, heavy snows and rains,
and wonderful fellow hikers (and a few not-so-nice ones). Cheryl’s
recollections of her younger days are interspersed with tales of her
traveling adventures, and that’s what makes this memoir so readable.
Readers will learn how Cheryl’s emotional past led her on a downward
spiral — and how hiking helped her to cope. As she traveled 1,100
miles, and gained strength in both body and spirit, she learned more
about herself and her capabilities. This page-turner is engaging and
honestly written and comes highly recommended. Recommended April 2013 |
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Sotomayor, Sonia My Beloved World Nonfiction |
| This illuminating tale exposes Sonia Sotomayor’s tumultuous
road to the Supreme Court. In 2009, Sotomayor was confirmed as the
first Hispanic and the fourth woman Supreme Court Justice — but few
people realize what she endured to earn such an honorable appointment.
Sotomayor grew up poor in a Bronx housing project. Her parents fought
constantly over her father’s alcoholism, their finances, and family
responsibilities. Sotomayor explains these hardships in heartrending
detail. The reader learns of Sotomayor’s childhood, including her
enrollment in a Catholic school where she soon started to see the
beginnings of her future scholastic success. This is followed with
descriptions of her acceptance to Princeton University and her eventual
ascent to the legal profession. One particularly compelling moment
described in this autobiography stands out: as Sotomayor was finishing
law school, a law partner at a recruiting dinner asked her, “Do you
think you would have been admitted to Yale Law School if you were
not Puerto Rican?” She calmly replied, “It probably didn’t hurt. But
I imagine that graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from
Princeton had something to do with it too.” Her steadfastness and
courage to stand up for herself, coupled with intelligence and a drive
to succeed, illustrate what it takes to rise to a position of authority. Recommended March 2013 |
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Thomson, David The Big Screen: The Story of the Movies Nonfiction |
| In The Big Screen, David Thomson captures the
very essence of movie-going: the roles that movies have played in
our lives and the experience of watching them — from early nickelodeons
to today’s personal electronic devices. Instead of the expected flow
of a year-by-year synopsis, Thomson masterfully organizes the content
in engaging chapters. There are chapters dealing with just one movie
(Brief Encounter) and just one director (Howard Hawks), while
others have broader subjects (1930s Hollywood). A detailed index makes
it easy for the reader to quickly find information about favorite
movies, actors, or directors. While all years of cinematic history
are discussed, special emphasis is placed on earlier productions.
Thomson, a noted film scholar, has created a book perfect for fans
of old-time cinema. Recommended February 2013 |
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Hodgins, Eric Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House Fiction |
| In this light-hearted 1940s based tale, title character
Mr. Blandings lives in a crowded New York apartment with his wife
and two school-aged daughters. In the opening sequence of the novel,
the family happens upon an advertisement for a country home in Connecticut;
on a somewhat spur-of-the-moment trip with visions of a quaint country
lifestyle in their heads, they decide to purchase the home. Hilarity
ensues as everything that could go wrong definitely does! The affordable
house that the family envisioned seems out of reach; when insurmountable
issues arise with the mortgage, water supply, and more. Anyone who
has endured home remodeling will easily identify with the challenges
and (hopefully) the eventual contentment of completed repairs. Fans
of Hodgins’ novel will also enjoy the classic laugh-out-loud film
of the same name, which stars Cary Grant and Myrna Loy. Recommended July 2012 |
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Price, Jessie EatingWell Fast & Flavorful Meatless Meals: 150 Healthy Recipes Everyone Will Love Nonfiction |
| Even non-vegetarians will enjoy the quick and delicious
meatless entrees found in this cookbook. The book features clear instructions
and mouthwatering photos — but the recipes are what really make this
book top-notch! The black bean quesadillas are tasty and filling,
and when paired with a side of rice can be a complete meal in 10 minutes
flat. The vegetarian taco salad is another winner. Rice and corn stand
in for the traditional meat ingredient. The tasty half-hour chili
lives up to its name, as it is extremely easy to prepare. The roasted
tomato-bread soup is also hearty and flavorful. Onions and tomatoes
are roasted and then added to vegetarian broth, along with a few spices.
This is poured over thick toasted bread with some parmesan cheese
sprinkled on top. There are many other recipes I plan on trying in
the future, including corn and basil cakes, Provencal summer vegetables,
and packet-roasted balsamic green beans and peppers. This is a cookbook
brimming with wonderful, healthy dinner ideas — for vegetarians and
non-vegetarians alike! Recommended June 2012 |
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Hemmings, Kaui Hart The Descendants Fiction |
| Matt King is a Hawaiian businessman with a demanding schedule
— and is consumed with the complicated matters of a land trust inherited
by his family. So when it comes to his two daughters, he defers most
of the parenting responsibilities to his wife, Joanie. But when a
boating accident leaves Joanie in a coma with a grim prognosis, Matt
must suddenly learn how to be a good father – amidst very tragic circumstances.
He is, of course, unprepared for the force of his daughters’ personalities,
especially in this time of extreme stress. Matt also learns some unpleasant
truths about Joanie through his daughters and sets out on a two-day
journey with them that both exhilarates him and breaks his heart.
This book has already been made into an Academy Award-nominated film
of the same name, and fans of the film certainly won’t be disappointed
by Hemmings’ original story. Recommended May 2012 |
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O’Nan, Stewart The Odds Fiction |
| A middle-aged couple heads to the casinos in Niagara
Falls in a last-ditch effort to win the money they need to save their
home. They decide to go all out and book an expensive hotel for Valentine’s
Day weekend. This simple premise sets the stage for a wonderfully
written tale about the highs and lows of married life. Flashbacks
from both spouses’ points of view give intriguing insight into the
dynamics of a 30-year marriage. This slim and savvy novel was written
by Pittsburgher Stewart O’Nan and is sure to strike a chord with many
readers. Recommended March 2012 |
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Lippman, Laura The Girl in the Green Raincoat Fiction |
| This short novel, originally serialized in the New
York Times Magazine, will implore you to read the whole thing
in one sitting! Private investigator Tess Monaghan is stuck on the
couch because of pregnancy complications. In a plot reminiscent of
Rear Window, she finds herself wondering about the various people
she notices outside her window. In particular, she watches a beautiful
blond woman wearing a green raincoat walking her similarly dressed
dog at the same time each day. When Tess spots the dog running free,
her inquisitive nature gets the better of her and she initiates a
little investigation of her own. With the aid of her best friend,
one devoted employee, and her ever-patient boyfriend, Tess begins
her quest to find out what really happened to the “girl in the green
raincoat.” Recommended January 2012 |
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Wagler, Ira Growing Up Amish: A Memoir Nonfiction |
| Author Ira Wagler tells the story of growing up Amish,
first in Canada, and then in Iowa. At age 17, Wagler secretly leaves
home in the middle of the night to take a ranching job in Oklahoma,
the first of many attempts to attain the freedom and excitement of
typical American life. Still, the sense of familiarity, his family
and friends and comfortable surroundings pull him back home, again
and again. He delves into many challenges inherent in an Amish life,
in particular, limited career choices and lack of dating opportunities.
Positive facets are also illustrated, especially through his parents'
unfailing love. They welcome him home each time he returns, and attempt
to bring him back to the family and their faith. With a fresh perspective
and a wealth of intriguing anecdotes, Wagler writes an eye-opening
account of what it’s really like to grow up Amish. Recommended December 2011 |
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Thompson, Jean Year We Left Home Fiction |
| If you enjoy a good family drama, try this novel. Author
Jean Thompson weaves the tale of the Erickson family, and all that
happens to them between 1973 and 2003. The point of view switches
with each chapter, so the reader becomes well-acquainted with the
various characters. Anita marries and settles down in her hometown
but soon grows dissatisfied with her decision. Ryan takes the opposite
route and leaves home as soon as possible. Chip, a veteran of the
Vietnam War, struggles to fit in with American society. An eating
disorder creates problems between Torrie and her mother, but a tragedy
brings them closer. Blake works hard but becomes frustrated by his
lack of material success. The narratives interlock flawlessly and
paint a vivid picture of the dynamics of one Midwestern family, and
a superb ending brings the stories full circle. Recommended August 2011 |
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Block, Lawrence Drop of the Hard Stuff Mystery |
| Matthew Scudder, a private detective and recovering alcoholic,
recounts a story to a friend about a man he grew up with named Jack.
While Scudder went into crime investigation by becoming a police officer,
Jack entered into a life of crime. The two old friends reconnect as
adults at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Jack is trying to turn
his life around and wants to atone for all his past sins by confronting
the people he has wronged. These confrontations, however, lead to
disastrous results. Scudder tells his story in flashback mode, allowing
the action to take place in the first year of Scudder’s quest for
sobriety. The 1980s setting also allows for the absence of modern
day investigation conveniences, such as the Internet and cell phones.
Scudder fans have been waiting since 2005 for a new installment in
this series, and their patience will be richly rewarded with this
fast-moving mystery. Recommended June 2011 |
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Lynch, Sarah-Kate Dolci di Love Fiction |
| Lily, a 44-year-old executive, makes an astounding discovery
when checking her husband’s shoe size. A photo, folded neatly under
the sole, takes her breath away: her husband, embracing another woman
and two children. As she inspects the laminated photo closely, she
realizes that Daniel has been leading a secret life during monthly
trips to Italy. On a drunken whim, she flies to Tuscany to confront
her husband and soon becomes the newest cause of a group of elderly
women, "The Secret League of Widowed Darners," who specialize in finding
happy endings. They try to work their magic on Lily while she enjoys
lush Tuscan scenery and the relaxed Italian way of life, not to mention
a handsome widower whom she always seems to run into. This light,
romantic tale will keep you rooting for Lily’s happiness all the way. Recommended May 2011 |
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Kennedy, Douglas The Big Picture Fiction |
| Looking for a book that’s hard to put down? Look no further
than The Big Picture. The story centers on Ben Bradford,
a wealthy lawyer living in Connecticut. He is married to Beth, a woman
who hoped to be a writer but is now a stay-at-home mother of two.
Ben also had aspirations of another profession–but despite his dreams
of being a photographer, he followed his father’s footsteps into the
law profession. Partly because of their unfulfilling occupations,
the couple does not have a happy marriage. Their dismal relationship
is the springboard for the rest of the action in the story–which turns
into quite a thriller. It reminded me of reading a suspenseful Harlan
Coben book. If you like to be on the edge of your seat, try this book–you
won’t be disappointed! Recommended April 2011 |
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Simonson, Helen Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand Fiction |
| Major Pettigrew receives a call informing him that his
brother has died. As he sits in a fog trying to comprehend the news,
he absentmindedly answers the doorbell. Mrs. Ali, a Pakistani shopkeeper,
has come to collect the newspaper money. After that seemingly mundane
meeting, the two begin a formal but lovely romance. They find they
have much in common – recent widowhood, demanding relatives, and a
love of literature – but wonder if their cultural differences are
too great to overcome. Their relationship slowly develops amidst comical
and poignant happenings in the small English village where they live.
This debut novel is sure to please readers who enjoy a leisurely tale
about lovable, multi-faceted characters. Recommended March 2011 |
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Dawson, Maddie The Stuff That Never Happened Fiction |
| If there is a sad chapter in a marriage, does it make
more sense to keep talking about it or to never bring it up again?
That is the central question in The Stuff That Never Happened,
a well-written debut that begs the reader to skip ahead to find out
how it ends. The story focuses on Annabelle, a middle-aged empty nester
with a stable long-term marriage to a reliable, albeit workaholic,
husband, and a fulfilling career as an illustrator of children’s books.
When she suffers a full-blown panic attack while grocery shopping,
she realizes she must take time to consider her choices in life. The
novel then alternates chapters between the present day and incidents
early in the marriage, including an extramarital affair, which were
never to be talked about again. This is a great book, full of realistic
characters and emotions. Recommended January 2011 |
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Shearer, Stephen Michael Beautiful: The Life of Hedy Lamarr Nonfiction |
| This intriguing biography covers all 85 years of actress
Hedy Lamarr’s life. And what a life she had! Born Hedwig Keisler in
Austria in 1914, an only child of doting parents, she dropped out
of school at a young age to pursue an acting career, and soon landed
the lead part in the controversial film Ecstasy. The adult
nature of the movie caused a stir and was banned by many countries
and religious organizations. However, Hedy’s striking beauty caught
the eye of a wealthy arms manufacturer, whom she married at age 18.
After a few difficult years with her controlling older husband, she
made her escape. In London she met Louis Mayer, head of MGM Studios.
With a Hollywood film contract and a more appealing stage name — Hedy
Lamarr — she was billed as “the most beautiful woman in the world.”
Her stardom rose at a dizzying speed as she acted in popular films
including Algiers, Ziegfeld Girl, Come Live
With Me, Tortilla Flat, Boomtown, My Favorite
Spy, and Samson and Delilah. Hedy’s off-screen life
was also a whirlwind of activity. While in her twenties, she teamed
up with an inventor and patented a technical way to help with war
efforts called frequency hopping. This invention was later used during
the Cuban Missile Crisis. She was married six times, yet she said
in later interviews that the happiest times of her life were when
she was single. She had three children, wrote an explosive autobiography,
Ecstasy and Me, and pursued countless lawsuits against ex-husbands,
business associates, and companies that used her image without her
approval. This book is a well-researched examination of a fascinating
woman. Fans of classic films especially will welcome this glimpse
into Hedy’s extraordinary life. Recommended December 2010 |
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Haines, Kathryn Miller When Winter Returns Mystery |
| World War II has just ended, and protagonist Rosie Winters
and her best friend Jayne are back in New York City after finishing
their USO tour. Jayne’s fiancé, Billy, was recently killed in action,
and the friends decide to visit the bereaved parents to offer their
condolences. After a brief conversation, they are horrified to discover
a startling secret: The fiancé had taken the identity of a fallen
soldier. This naturally inspires Rosie and Jayne to start sleuthing
to find out the truth. Amidst their detective work, the young women
must remain afloat financially, and continue auditioning for acting
jobs. Haines, who lives in Pittsburgh, recreates life in post-WWII
America with great aplomb. Her characters’ speech, dress, and behaviors
bring the reader on a trip back to the 1940s — and an engaging one
at that. Recommended October 2010 |
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Gardner, Lisa The Neighbor Fiction |
| I'd never read a Gardner book, and this will not be my
last! A pretty wife and mother mysteriously disappears one evening,
leaving her sleeping young daughter home alone. Her husband is suspected
of foul play, but as the novel continues, other possible culprits
come into focus. Different characters, including the police detective,
have their own chapters to tell their points of view, which adds a
dimension to the mystery. All in all, it's a wonderful, suspenseful
story. I guarantee you will want to finish it for the surprise ending. Recommended August 2010 |
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Yearwood, Trisha Home Cooking With Trisha Yearwood: Stories & Recipes to Share with Family & Friends Nonfiction |
| In a follow-up to her 2008 bestseller, Georgia Cooking
in an Oklahoma Kitchen, Yearwood delivers another crowd-pleasing
collection of Southern recipes, including a short history and beautiful
photo of each dish. I prepared the slow cooker macaroni and cheese
and received rave reviews. Broccoli casserole was an interesting twist
on a classic vegetable dish, and the three-ingredient biscuits were
quick and tasty. Some of the desserts seem a little intimidating to
the novice baker, but after viewing the stunning photographs, they
look like a worthwhile use of time. Keep in mind, though, that these
recipes concentrate on traditional Southern fare, so you know what
that means: meat, eggs, cheese, and cream. Turn to Yearwood’s book
for hearty, down-home cooking — perhaps best enjoyed in moderation
but always delicious! Recommended June 2010 |
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Grafton, Sue U is for Undertow Mystery |
| Sue Grafton fans had to wait more than two years for a
new Kinsey Millhone story, but it was worth the wait. This is absolutely
one of the best. U is for Undertow finds the determined Millhone
investigating the disappearance of a small child that happened more
than twenty years ago. Many things go wrong in her investigations,
including a client who has a history of false memory syndrome — he
strongly believes memories that are factually incorrect. Because the
series is set in the 1980s, Kinsey has to use library research, phone
calls, and old fashioned legwork to track down the clues. She doggedly
accomplishes this with her usual simple but effective methods. Veteran
readers of the series and newcomers alike can jump right in and enjoy
this thrilling mystery. Recommended April 2010 |
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Spoto, Donald High Society: The Life of Grace Kelly Nonfiction |
| High Society has always been one of my favorite
movies, because it stars one of my most admired actresses, Grace Kelly.
In all her films, Kelly’s ethereal beauty shone through, and she seemed
like the perfect movie star. This new biography does little to dispel
that view. It tells the story of a beautiful, wealthy girl from Philadelphia
who somehow didn’t fit in with her athletic and competitive family.
Clearly not her parents’ favorite, she spent most of her time reading
and dreaming. After moving to New York to attend acting classes, she
began modeling, which quickly spun into a high-paying profession.
She briefly appeared on Broadway and then landed her first movie role
at the age of 22. A dizzying number of movie roles followed, including
her widely acclaimed collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock and her
Academy Award-winning role in Country Girl. High Society
doesn’t skimp on her romantic entanglements during this time, but
it manages to do so in a respectful manner. Her years spent in Monaco
as princess, wife and mother until her untimely death at age 52 are
also extensively covered. Personal letters and notes written by Kelly
herself round out this well-researched biography. Recommended March 2010 |
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Tyler, Anne Noah’s Compass Fiction |
| I have read all of Anne Tyler’s novels and have never
been disappointed. Her latest, Noah’s Compass, is no exception.
The protagonist, Liam, is the sort of person who doesn’t open up to
others. He passively accepts what is given to him and keeps everyone
at arm’s length. However, when he loses his teaching job and moves
to a new apartment, his life begins to change directions. Along with
Liam, the book is full of wonderful characters, ordinary yet complex
people who come alive on the page. With her trademark quirky families
and Baltimore setting firmly in place, Tyler has created another winning
story. Recommended February 2010 |
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Parker, Robert The Professional Mystery |
| Robert Parker’s The Professional certainly isn’t
the best Spenser novel I've read (Early Autumn wins that
vote). However, it is definitely an improvement over many of the recent
offerings from Parker. In The Professional, Spenser is asked
to take on an unusual case: four young women married to wealthy older
men are being blackmailed because of their extramarital relations.
As an added twist, the blackmailer is actually the charming man with
whom all four were romantically involved. As Spenser begins to investigate
this crime, a more serious matter — murder — soon unfolds as part
of the drama. Supported by series regulars Hawk and Susan, Spenser
uncovers the truth while maintaining his signature moral code and
conduct. While a quick read — the book has big print and extraneous
blank spaces on the pages — The Professional is an exciting
and intelligent 38th addition to Parker’s popular series. Recommended November 2009 |
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Gillies, Isabel Happens Every Day Nonfiction Memoir |
| A man leaves his wife and children to be with another
woman. As the author of this memoir reminds us, it “happens every
day.” However, Gillies bypasses tired clichés with a rich retelling
of her failed marriage. Skillfully weaving stories of her childhood
with present day happenings, she gives the reader a real sense of
what she felt and experienced during her husband’s infidelity. This
candid look at the end of a marriage manages to be both heartbreaking
and humorous. Recommended September 2009 |
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Shaffer, Mary Ann and Annie Barrows The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Fiction |
| Thank you Joey, Koula and Gwen for recommending this book
-- I loved it! It’s a story told entirely in letters, which at first
was a little off-putting for me. However, because of all the positive
comments, I plunged forward. The story is set in post-WWII England
and focuses on the correspondence between a young London writer and
a group of people who live on the formerly German-occupied Guernsey
Island. Through the entertaining and enlightening letters, the characters
truly come to life. I enjoyed learning about what life was like for
the residents of the island during this difficult time in history. Recommended July 2009 |
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Lippman, Laura Life Sentences Mystery |
| After reading three great reviews for Life Sentences
by Laura Lippman, I decided to give it a try. The novel centers on
Cassandra Fallows, a Baltimore writer whose memoirs have been wildly
popular. After an unsuccessful foray into fiction, she searches her
past for more writing material, ultimately deciding on the story of
a former classmate who was imprisoned for refusing to tell the whereabouts
of her child. As Cassandra interviews other classmates, she learns
that her perception of events might not be quite accurate. Be forewarned:
If you like all the loose ends tied up neatly by the conclusion of
the book, you may be disappointed. After finishing the book, I searched
through it to see if I missed something. Despite this, the book features
vivid characters, and the story is unique and compelling. I would
definitely read another book by this author. Recommended June 2009 |
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Scottoline, Lisa Look Again Fiction |
| Journalist Ellen Gleeson happens to glance at a “Have
you seen this child?” postcard as she gathers her mail — and notices
the striking resemblance to her adopted 3-year-old son. So begins
this rollercoaster suspense story that had me hooked from the start.
Ellen grapples with issues of personal responsibility and the true
meaning of motherhood while she struggles to do the right thing for
her son. Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly and Library
Journal all gave this book a starred review, and I wholeheartedly
agree. Recommended May 2009 |
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Scottoline, Lisa Lady Killer Mystery |
| A co-worker suggested that I try a Lisa Scottoline book,
and I’m sure glad I did! Scottoline writes stand alone novels as well
as a series about a group of female lawyers in Philadelphia. I have
read four of the latter, of which my favorite is Lady Killer.
This story focuses on Mary DiNunzio, one of the associates in the
law firm. She gets an urgent visit from her high school nemesis, Trish,
who pleads for protection from an abusive boyfriend. When the boyfriend
is murdered, Mary’s investigations lead her back to her past, and
the memories and people who remain there. Mary’s traditional Italian
Catholic family lends some lighter moments to this legal mystery that
will keep the reader guessing until the end. Recommended January 2009 |
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Yearwood, Trisha with Gwen Yearwood and Beth Yearwood Bernard; foreword
by Garth Brooks. Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen: Recipes From My Family To Yours Nonfiction |
| Trisha Yearwood has had over 17 years of success in the
country music world and has sold millions of country singles and albums.
Now, she turns her attention to writing a cookbook along with her
mother and sister that features old-fashioned Southern recipes. I
tried six different recipes from the book and am happy to report that
they were all delicious. I haven’t had pineapple upside down cake
in years, and it was just as good as I remembered. The vegetable dishes
as well as the blueberry muffins were quick and tasty. The chicken
pie was pure comfort food and the stuffed pork chops were a big hit.
I would warn others to stock up on plenty of cream and buttermilk;
you will need these items to complete many of the recipes. Also, it
may be important to note: most of these calorie-laden Southern treats
are not for those watching their weight! Recommended November 2008 |
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Coben, Harlan Hold Tight Fiction |
| Don’t open this book unless you have a few hours to spare.
Once you start reading this action-packed thriller, you won’t be able
to stop! A murder kicks off the action, but then a swift turn of events
leads to a seemingly unrelated story about parents of a troubled teenager.
Other characters and plots are introduced until the reader is left
slightly dizzy, wondering how they can all possibly fit together.
But rest assured—they all do, in a very satisfying conclusion. Recommended September 2008 |
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Weiner, Jennifer Certain Girls Fiction |
| Currently, there are 174 people in the Allegheny County
library system waiting for Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner.
I would certainly suggest getting on that list! This is a great book—the
kind you never want to put down. A sequel to Weiner’s earlier Good
in Bed, the story centers on Cannie Shapiro, a 42-year-old married
writer and her now 12-year-old daughter Joy. While planning Joy’s
bat mitzvah, Cannie tackles some common mother-daughter squabbles
over the dress and the after-party. With Joy’s perspective in alternating
chapters, though, the story takes on a more complex tone dealing with
family secrets. Finally, a heartbreaking turn of events turns Certain
Girls into an uplifting tale of motherhood, love, and growing
up. Recommended August 2008 |
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Christie, Agatha At Bertram’s Hotel Mystery |
| In the past few years, many of the Agatha Christie classics
have been rebound in sturdy hardcover. This makes it a perfect time
to revisit the best selling fiction writer of all time, whose mystery
novels have sold over two billion copies. One of the best selections
is At Bertram’s Hotel, featuring Miss Jane Marple. While
vacationing at a classic hotel, she notices that the staff is perhaps
a little too perfect and accommodating. When a man is murdered, Miss
Marple, utilizing her acute listening skills and ability to disappear
in the background, helps the police uncover the truth. I read this
book for the first time many years ago, but still thoroughly enjoyed
it the second time through. Recommended May 2008 |
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Moe, John Conservatize Me : How I Tried to Become a Righty with the Help of Richard Nixon, Sean Hannity, Toby Keith & Beef Jerky Nonfiction |
| If your political leanings are to the left, and you enjoy
a good laugh, give Conservatize Me : How I Tried to Become a Righty
with the Help of Richard Nixon, Sean Hannity, Toby Keith & Beef Jerky
a try. The author, an NPR contributor from Seattle, develops a plan
to spend thirty days immersing himself in the conservative culture.
He adds some Toby Keith and Lee Greenwood to his iPod and boycotts
NPR. He forgoes The New York Times and instead gets all of
his information from Rush Limbaugh and Fox News. He dons a new wardrobe
which includes NASCAR gear and a very expensive suit. On a more serious
note, he travels around the country meeting a variety of people whom
he hopes will give him the conservative perspective. One memorable
visit is with the mayor of Rexberg, Idaho, the legendary city that
had the highest percentage of votes for George W. Bush in 2004 (92%).
Moe tours the Reagan and Nixon visitor centers and attends an evangelical
Christian church service. While the conclusions of the book are somewhat
weak, his experiences are completely entertaining. Recommended January 2008 |
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Fallon, Jane Getting Rid of Matthew Fiction |
| Getting Rid of Matthew has all the ingredients
for a perfect romantic comedy film. Helen is tired of the limited
time she has with her older married lover and demands that he make
a choice between his wife and her. When he surprisingly chooses her,
Helen soon comes to realize that a terrible mistake was made and tries
to "get rid of Matthew." After turning herself into a very unattractive
roommate doesn't motivate Matthew to leave, she resorts to more outlandish
and comical attempts. Helen invents a second identity as Eleanor and
then befriends Matthew's wife for the purpose of bringing the married
couple back together. And of course she meets a wonderful guy while
under her Eleanor guise, which throws even more complications into
her plan. A great ending tops off this funny and touching novel. Recommended January 2008 |
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Christie, Agatha Listerdale Mystery and Eleven Other Stories Mystery Audio Book |
| Listerdale Mystery and Eleven Other Stories,
read by Hugh Fraser of the PBS series "Agatha Christie's Poirot",
includes 12 unabridged stories that are each about a half hour long:
perfect for the daily commute. Fraser, who has read numerous other
Christie novels, has a relaxing voice and makes the stories easy to
understand and enjoy. One highlight of the collection is, "Jane in
Search of a Job". In the story, a young English woman applies for
a job and gets mixed up in international intrigue. "Philomel Cottage"
is another interesting tale, in which a new wife discovers some suspicious
secrets about her husband and questions if he can be trusted. In "Listerdale
Mystery," a widow wonders why she is able to rent a charming cottage
at such a low price. A downfall of Fraser's reading is his tendency
to use the same voice for all of the non-English characters. This
does not detract from the quality of the short stories which are well
worth the listen. Recommended by Karen G., November 2007 |
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Dexter, Colin The Remorseful Day Mysteries |
| This is the final book of 13 in the Inspector Morse collection.
Newcomers to the series should definitely begin with the first one,
Last Bus to Woodstock, and continue reading through the series
in order. While the criminal investigations are unique in each book,
the characters of Inspector Morse and his sidekick Sergeant Lewis
are wonderfully developed as the series progresses. The Remorseful
Day showcases the unsolved murder case of Yvonne Harrison, which
inexplicably leads to a more complex crime after the case is assigned
to the brilliant but unwilling Morse. While the mystery has many surprising
twists and is quite entertaining by itself, the book soon becomes
even more of a gem. The reader is given a closer glimpse into the
life of the lover of opera music, difficult crossword puzzles, and
fine ale - Morse himself. I would highly recommend this to mystery
fans. Recommended by Karen G., May 2007 |
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Clark, Mindy Starns Blind Dates Can Be Murder Mysteries |
| This combination of chick lit, Christian fiction, and
mystery makes for a story that is difficult to put down. The novel
centers on Jo Tulip, a delightful 25-year-old who writes a newspaper
column about housekeeping that is quite reminiscent of "Hints from
Heloise." While researching a dating service for her employer,
she stumbles into a kidnapping plot that puts her life into danger.
Jo must cope with the aftermath of the crime while grappling with
her feelings for her best friend, Danny. There is also an interesting
supporting character named Lettie, who struggles between her life
of crime and her blossoming friendship with Jo and her religious friends.
This is volume two in the "Smart Chick Mystery" series; I will definitely
be reading the others. Recommended by Karen G., April 2007 |
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Spoto, Donald Enchantment: The Life of Audrey Hepburn Nonfiction |
| Audrey Hepburn was born into a wealthy family in Belgium
in 1929. Her father left the family when she was six, and because
of the current political climate in Europe, her mother decided to
seek refuge for the family in the Netherlands with her parents. However,
Hepburn's sheltered life of school and ballet lessons changed quickly
when the Netherlands came under Nazi control in 1940. For the next
five years, her family endured great anxiety about future military
attacks, strict food and heat rations, and daily fears about their
Jewish neighbors. After the war ended, Hepburn continued with her
ballet lessons and began acting in small plays throughout Europe.
She attracted some attention in America and was soon on Broadway playing
the lead in Gigi. At the age of 22, she won the coveted role
of a princess in Roman Holiday, which earned her the Academy
Award for Best Actress. She then went on to star in such classics
as Sabrina (in which she was paid a paltry $3,000, compared
to co-star Humphrey Bogart's $200,000), Funny Face, The Nun's Story,
Breakfast at Tiffany's, and My Fair Lady. She married twice,
had two sons, and spent a great deal of her later years in Europe,
only occasionally coming to America to continue her film career. Towards
the very end of her life, she devoted countless hours to the UNICEF
organization acting as their spokesperson and logging thousands of
miles to visit children in Africa and South America. Donald Spoto,
who has written many biographies including ones on Ingrid Bergman,
Alfred Hitchcock and Princess Diana, does a wonderful job of portraying
Hepburn's professional accomplishments while also giving the reader
the chance to know the person behind the famous face. This is a highly
readable biography of a fascinating woman. Recommended by Karen G., February 2007 |
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Jill Watts Hattie McDaniel: Black Ambition, White Hollywood Biography |
| Hattie McDaniel gained worldwide recognition in 1939
when she became the first African American to win an Academy Award
for her role as Mammy in Gone
With The Wind. Her success however, was a two-edged sword. The
Black community expected her to use her newfound notoriety to expand
opportunities for African Americans, while the studio heads continued
to offer her acting roles portraying maids and cooks. She made some
enemies by accepting the movie offers and was famously quoted as saying,
"I'd rather play a maid than be one". An entertaining and informative
look at the Hollywood system. Recommended by Karen G., January 2006 |
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Eyman, Scott Lion of Hollywood: The Life and Legend of Louis B. Mayer Biography |
| The MGM studio in the 1930's and 1940's was the largest
and most prestigious in Hollywood. Most of the major stars of the
time including Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Jeannette
MacDonald, Spencer Tracy, Greta Garbo, Esther Williams, and Myrna
Loy were contracted to MGM. At the head of the company from 1924-1951
was Louis B. Mayer. Much has been written about Mayer's tyrannical ways. While not glossing over his negative attributes, this biography also shows his loyalty to relatives and long term employees, almost perfect business sense, and great love of movies. His personal life is explored here beginning with his humble upbringing in Canada and continuing through his two marriages and many affairs. Mayer's relationship with his daughters is especially emphasized. Recommended by Karen G., August 2005 |
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