Travel Through Story: Appalachia

Posted on Friday, August 20, 2021 by Reading Addict

 

mountains with green grass in the foregroundThe Appalachian region of the United States is one of the most unique in the country. The Scots-Irish immigrants that settled the region along with the geographic and economic isolation of the area have created distinctive dialects that sound more like Old English than the common dialects in the rest of the country.  Continue reading “Travel Through Story: Appalachia”

The Gentleman Recommends: Michel Faber (Again)

Posted on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 by Chris

Michel Faber’s astoundingThe Book of Strange New Things” earned him his first gentlemanly recommendation, and I now vigorously re-recommend reading that story of a missionary on a distant planet to spread religion to aliens. I’m typing today to recommend his newest novel, “D (A Tale of Two Worlds).”  This is his first novel that is marketed to children, but at DBRL you’ll find it in adult fiction, and to be sure, like all novels, this one can be read by the literate of all ages. Unlike some novels, it won’t traumatize the young or bore the old. Continue reading “The Gentleman Recommends: Michel Faber (Again)”

Reader Review: Hamnet

Posted on Monday, August 16, 2021 by patron reviewer

Hamnet book coverHamnet” is the fictionalized account of Shakespeare’s passionate relationship with his wife Agnes and an investigation of their grief over the loss of a son. The writing is simply gorgeous, and O’Farrell excels and creating intimate portraits and settings you can almost feel. An unforgettable interlude follows the path of a single plague-carrying flea from Alexandria to Stratford and shows the author’s incredible imagination and skill. An outstanding work of historical fiction.

Three words that describe this book: Lush, immersive, moving

You might want to pick this book up if: You love historical fiction, descriptive writing, and enjoy stories of noteworthy literary figures told through the eyes of “secondary” characters.

-Lauren

 

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading 2021. We will continue to share these throughout the year. 

Authors and the Books They Love

Posted on Friday, August 13, 2021 by LStock

I love talking books. There’s something so magical about sharing a great story with someone; the excitement is palpable. And, sadly, I can not read everything, so journeying through a beloved world with a fellow reader is an excellent way to experience a novel I may never get to dive into personally. Here’s some recommendations of chances to do just that with some authors we all love. Continue reading “Authors and the Books They Love”

Reader Review: Handle With Care

Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2021 by patron reviewer

Handle with Care book coverHandle With Care” is about a family with a daughter that has severe medical needs, yet is the highlight of their lives. Her mother decides to sue for wrongful birth in order to win needed funds for present and future medical bills. Her lawsuit slowly tears the family apart though, making her question her decision. I love this book for its ability to tug at my heart as well as make me look deeply at my own opinions.

Three words that describe this book: Sad, engaging, tough

You might want to pick this book up if: You have read any Jodi Picoult before or decide you want a really good read but aren’t afraid to cry at times.

-Anonymous

 

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog. 

Pandemic Dogs

Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 by MaggieM

I was one of the thousands who adopted a dog during the pandemic. Our new dog, Freya, is an intelligent, sweet and motivated young German Shepherd mix. We had a bit of a bumpy ride integrating her into the family back in March 2020, so I had already been working with a local trainer on obedience when I saw “The Art of Training Your Dog, How to Gently Teach Good Behavior Using an E-Collar” by the Monks of New Skete and Marc Goldberg in our new books collection and knew that I wanted to check it out. Continue reading “Pandemic Dogs”

Reader Review: Royal Sisters

Posted on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 by patron reviewer

Royal Sisters” describes the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and her sister, Princess Margaret. As a life long Anglophile, I found this book to be informative and entertaining. Much of the Queen’s early life was discussed, revealing how she evolved from minor royal to Her Majesty. Much had been written about her, so no real surprises. The fascinating aspect of this book was the life of Princess Margaret. She is a tragic figure, often misunderstood and exploited by the press. They shared a bond and history that only the two of them could understand. The peek into the palace was fascinating. I highly recommend this book.

Three words that describe this book: Touching, personal, and captivating

You might want to pick this book up if: You are an Anglophile or interested in British Royalty.

-Donna

 

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog. 

National Book Lovers Day

Posted on Monday, August 9, 2021 by LStock

book with heart shaped pages

The fourth word I ever said was “book.” I would ask to look at a book for bedtime (and then sleep with that book) long before I could read the words. Books are comfort in times of stress, knowledge in times of uncertainty, adventure when travel isn’t possible, friends in loneliness, treasured decor throughout houses, conversation impetus between strangers and so, so much more. I love how a book feels in my hand, the smell of the pages, the possibilities within the words. I know many of you feel the same way. So today, National Book Lovers Day, join me in a celebration of books. Continue reading “National Book Lovers Day”

One Read’s Furious Hours and the True Crime Renaissance

Posted on Sunday, August 8, 2021 by Seth

One of Furious Hours book covermy Saturday night pastimes is spending a couple of hours watching true-crime programs. A favorite is “Forensic Files II, (my wife calls it “How I Tried to Get Away With Life Insurance Fraud But Failed”) and modeled after the original shows from the 1990s. True-crime podcasts are literally everywhere; pick your flavor of the day on Spotify: “Crime Junkie” on Monday, “Killer Queens” on Tuesday. Still, the preponderance of media related to true-crime comes in book form. Every year an extensive array of smart, culturally relevant books in this genre are released, including the stunning One Read selection this year, Casey Cep’s “Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee.” Contemporary crime writing at its finest, “Furious Hours” weaves many themes together into a seamless whole: the racism tragically embedded in our criminal justice system, America’s bizarre life insurance industry, the psychology of a murderer, voodoo religion and the fascinating legacy of Harper Lee. Continue reading “One Read’s Furious Hours and the True Crime Renaissance”

New DVD List: Paper Tigers, Gangs of London & More

Posted on Friday, August 6, 2021 by Decimal Diver

Here is a new DVD list highlighting various titles recently added to the library’s collection.


Website / Reviews 
In this action-comedy, we’re introduced to three martial artists who were notorious in their teenage years as “The Three Tigers.” Fast forward 25 years, and each has grown into a washed-up middle-aged man seemingly one kick away from pulling a hamstring. But when their old master is murdered, the trio reunites, soon learning that avenging their sifu will require conquering old grudges if they are to honorably defend his legacy. Continue reading “New DVD List: Paper Tigers, Gangs of London & More”