Readers' Picks--What Library Staff are Reading--Part V

Dwight Hunter recommends a book whose author he describes as an "amazing storyteller who weaves a poetic writing structure" into his story.

Dwight says, "I'm reading Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild, and what a book! No wonder it was made into a movie starring Emile Hirsch, Hal Holbrook, William Hurt and others. The book chronicles the choices made by Chris McCandless--a young man who grew up within a modestly wealthy home, but garnered an extreme moral judgement complex that led him to voluntarily live in poverty in his attempt to be free of daily demands. McCandless encounters the working poor/drifting subculture in America in his short journey before his lonely death at a very young age.

While the book chronicles McCandless' life and his choices, it also by the very nature of telling McCandless's story tells the story of those who by no choice of their own drift aimlessly or work in poverty in America. And Krakauer wrote the details so well, there was only one small part of the book that did not flow smoothly like a meandering creek. That's a well written book.

Krakauer asks an important question: What happens to the idealism of some college students once they graduate? Many take the path of Chris McCandless' friends and family who still admire the idealistic thoughts but go on to have a family and a life of making money. Chris McCandless chose to give away his trust fund to charity, burn the money he had in his wallet, and become a celibate drifter. He wanted the freedom that he believed his idealism and moral compass could give him.

This book should challenge each of us to think about the choices we make everyday."

Image credit to AddALL Book Search.

Readers' Picks--What Library Staff are Reading--Part V

Fans of Harry Potter will be interested in this series of magical fantasy books that Lori Warren, Instructional Technology librarian, recommends.

Lori says, "I freely confess to having read every Harry Potter book and quite a few books on vampires, wizards, twisted fairytales, spies/secret agents, futuristic thrillers, and girly books.

Having confessed this, the book I just finished is the 4th in a series titled, Septimus Heap: Queste. The series centers on the main character, Septimus Heap. The books are by Angie Sage, an author that lives in a 15th century house in the west of England. This novel is not a modern tale of wizards and witches. These wizards and witches, dragons and ghosts live in an older time period. There is more darkness and more magic in every part of this world. The series centers around the seventh son of the seventh son of an ordinary wizard--a son that was switched at birth, lost to his family, and rediscovered in the first book. His sister Jenna is the youngest child and very unlike her siblings in that she has no magic power at all.

As the truth of Jenna's real identity becomes known, and as Septimus faces many cruel and darke things, you will learn the many secrets that exist in the castle, the ice tunnels, the Wendron Witch Coven, and the haunted inn. In this 4th book Septimus, his best friend Beetle, and the princess Jenna are tricked into taking on a queste by a darke ghost in league with a darke wizard's apprentice.

Learn more about Septimus Heap and his adventures at www.septimusheap.com."

Image credit to Harper Collins Children's Books.

Readers' Picks--What Library Staff are Reading--Part IV

Cathy Bell, avid reader of thrillers (among other genres), offers this rousing review of Quicksand, the newest release of one of her favorite authors--Iris Johansen.

Cathy says, "If you enjoy suspense and thriller type fiction, then you will want to read Iris Johansen's books. She is one of my favorite authors and I am always anxiously awaiting her new books. She uses many of the same characters in her books which, in my opinion, make them more real and defined.

Her newest book is called Quicksand. It is the continuing storyline about forensic sculptor Eve Duncan who is desperately searching for the body of her murdered daughter. (An interesting and real life fact about the author is that Ms. Johansen's daughter was murdered and her killer was never found.) Anyone could read this book as a stand alone, but it would be best to begin with the first book about Eve Duncan entitled The Face of Deception. When I first read the story about Eve Duncan, an intelligent and courageous woman, I was absolutely hooked!

Each book tells a different suspense story, yet the recurring theme is Eve's search for her daughter's body and killer.

I usually gauge how well I like a book based on whether I can put it down or not. I can honestly say that Iris Johansen's books are so good that you will not want to put the book down until you have turned the last page."

Image credit to Iris Johansen's official website.

Readers' Picks--What Library Staff are Reading--Part III

Sharon King makes a confession: "I can't believe I haven't read it before because I'm sure everyone else has. It's The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett." Well, Sharon, you are not alone. Many of us haven't read these great classics. Thanks for reminding us that there is great reading to be found in genres and time periods that we may have overlooked.

The Secret Garden is considered to be one of the finest stories in classic children's literature. Published in 1911, the recommended age level is 9-12, but as Sharon points out, adults can appreciate the memorable plot and beautiful illustrations. If you or your children are looking for a fascinating story to read or read aloud, The Secret Garden is an excellent choice.

Read a review, history, author background, and activity suggestions at Discovery Journey.