Plymouth Librarians' Choicetag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice/112008-07-20T16:15:06ZLooking for a good book to read, a video to watch, or a music CD to listen to? Each month Librarians' Choice features books, videos, CDs and other Library materials which we think deserve special recognition.
Movable Type 3.35Beautiful Boytag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6392008-07-18T20:23:03Z2008-07-20T16:15:06Z Beautiful Boy by David Sheff. Adult New Non-Fiction - 362.29 S Beautiful Boy takes the reader into the heart and soul of a father as he struggles with his son’s meth addiction. In this raw account, we follow young...CarolynBeautiful Boy by David Sheff.
Adult New Non-Fiction - 362.29 SBeautiful Boy takes the reader into the heart and soul of a father as he struggles with his son’s meth addiction. In this raw account, we follow young Nic from his seemingly normal childhood into his teenage years where he starts experimenting with illegal substances. Family dynamics rapidly change as he spirals deeper into addiction. Nic repeatedly gets in trouble with the law, and finds himself in and out of both treatment facilities and work. He has hurt everyone that loves him, but his addiction has a firm grip on him that does not seem to want to let go.
This is an educational book that reads more like a fictional story that will appeal to many audiences. From parents experiencing similar struggles, to teachers and social workers, to anyone who has contact with today’s youth, Beautiful Boy is a must read. Not only does Sheff’s careful introspection of what happened with his family take the reader on an emotional rollercoaster, but he also has written a book that can provide hope and guidance to those in similar situations.
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Stardusttag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6382008-07-18T19:16:35Z2008-07-18T19:29:59ZStardust DVD Collection – Main Level – ADVENTURE STA An adaptation of a book, particularly a book by a favorite author like Neil Gaiman, has the potential for either extreme greatness or extreme badness. In this case, both my husband...KatyStardust
DVD Collection – Main Level – ADVENTURE STA
An adaptation of a book, particularly a book by a favorite author like Neil Gaiman, has the potential for either extreme greatness or extreme badness. In this case, both my husband and I were charmed. It might have helped that it had been a few years since we’d read the book. Here’s the basic plot: Tristan, our hero is a social outcast bent on winning the heart of the town beauty, Victoria. They live in the little village of Wall, so called because it is bordered by a wall. Faery is supposed to lie on the other side of the wall, although no one has been to check, except, unbeknownst to Tristan, Tristan’s father. When Tristan and Victoria see a falling star together, Tristan vows to bring it back to her by her birthday. Meanwhile, in Faery, the dying king has thrown his ruby necklace and knocked a star out of the sky. His six sons (named Secundus through Septimus, some reduced to ever-present ghosts) are willing to kill to be the first to find it. And three witch sisters send one to find the falling star, whose living heart will keep them young for centuries. For a star in Faery is a living woman. The story had the perfect blend of adventure, romance and humor to make it feel like a slightly wilder version of The Princess Bride. The actors – Claire Danes as the star, Michelle Pfeiffer as the witch, Robert DeNiro as the sky captain and newcomer Charlie Cox as Tristan (transforming beautifully from nerd to hero) were all phenomenal. This is one to come back to.
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Like Hemingway and Fitzgeraldtag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6362008-07-16T18:47:22Z2008-07-16T19:09:51Z The Reserve by Russell Banks Adult New Book Display BANKS If your taste runs to classic American authors like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, you will enjoy reading Russell Banks’ latest novel - The Reserve. On the other hand, you can...Barb D. The Reserve by Russell Banks
Adult New Book Display BANKS
If your taste runs to classic American authors like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, you will enjoy reading Russell Banks’ latest novel - The Reserve. On the other hand, you can bypass the literary stuff and just enjoy this tale of madness, betrayal, and tragedy set in the Adirondacks in the late 1930’s.
The novel’s hero, Jordan Groves, bears a striking resemblance to a Hemingway character -- he’s an artist of some renown with a storied past as WWI flying ace. The story begins when Jordan “crashes” a party by landing his seaplane in the exclusive enclave known as “The Reserve.” There he finds himself intrigued by a beautiful, seductive, and somewhat unhinged heiress - Vanessa Cole. Vanessa embodies the fragility and carelessness typical of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s female characters (think of Nicole Diver (a character based on Fitzgerald’s own wife, Zelda) and Daisy Buchanan). Desperately unhappy in what she perceives as her gilded cage, Vanessa’s rebellion wreaks havoc beyond the well-heeled environs of The Reserve and into the lives of the barely-scraping-by locals. When Jordan realizes that Vanessa is too much for him to handle he retreats to the safety and serenity of his home and family, where his wife, weary of his philandering, takes matters into her own hands.
Russell Banks is well-known for giving voice to complex, multi-dimensional characters who convey the story to the reader in their unique voices. Banks employs the same character-driven style in The Reserve and he succeeds brilliantly in channeling Hemingway and Fitzgerald, although that faithfulness to "the masters" sometimes comes at the expense of Banks own voice and style. But that’s just a minor drawback in what is otherwise an entertaining and smart novel.
(Note: If you like complex, character-driven stories check out Affliction and The Sweet Hereafter by Russell Banks. Both novels were made into movies too.)
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Every Day and All the Timetag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6322008-07-07T20:00:44Z2008-07-07T20:15:30Z Every Day and All the Time by Sis Deans. Youth Fiction - Lower Level - Deans If you are in the mood for a touching story of love, faith, family, and healing, then Every Day and All the Time...JenniferEvery Day and All the Time by Sis Deans.
Youth Fiction - Lower Level - Deans
If you are in the mood for a touching story of love, faith, family, and healing, then Every Day and All the Time by Sis Deans is a good choice. This novel tells the story of Emily Racine, a 12 year old ballerina who grapples with the death of her brother Jon while trying to emotionally and physically heal. Her brother dies in the car accident in which her leg is badly injured. This leg injury threatens to thwart Emily’s dancing career.
In the year after the accident, Emily and her parents begin to heal in different ways. Emily’s parents want to sell their home because it is a reminder of their son Jon. However, Emily is against this move because she feels her brother's spirit so powerfully within the cellar of the home. However, after many therapy sessions, dancing practices, and conversations with Jon, Emily realizes that Jon will always be with her and the family no matter where they go.
A touching novel of inpiration and hope in spite of grief, Every Day and All the Time will leave an imprint upon your heart!
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Good Dog. Stay.tag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6292008-06-30T18:28:55Z2008-06-30T20:43:27Z Good Dog. Stay. by Anna Quindlen. New Book Shelves - Upper Level – 636 Q Dogs truly are man’s best friend and in Good Dog. Stay, Anna Quindlen lovingly describes the everlasting bond between human and canine. This book...JenniferGood Dog. Stay. by Anna Quindlen.
New Book Shelves - Upper Level – 636 Q
Dogs truly are man’s best friend and in Good Dog. Stay, Anna Quindlen lovingly describes the everlasting bond between human and canine. This book is a written tribute to her beloved black Labrador retriever, Beau. As you read, you will share in the triumphs and struggles of Beau’s life with Ms. Quindlen and probably think of your own little “Beaus” who have produced the same pleasures and frustrations.
Good Dog. Stay. is truly a touching portrait of the special bonds we share with our animals. Sprinkled throughout the text are lovely black and white photographs of dogs of all sizes and types. Thus, if you have ever experienced a slobbery kiss or a moony-eyed glance from a beloved pet, this book is perfect for you!
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Without Bloodtag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6282008-06-28T18:37:09Z2008-06-28T18:46:49Z Without Blood by Alessandro Baricco Adult Fiction Shelves - Main Level Without Blood is a dark fable that somehow manages to create a rich epic story of revenge without exceeding one hundred pages. The story involves a young girl...EvanWithout Blood by Alessandro Baricco
Adult Fiction Shelves - Main Level
Without Blood is a dark fable that somehow manages to create a rich epic story of revenge without exceeding one hundred pages. The story involves a young girl Nina who witnesses the execution of both her father and brother. After this damaging incident she spends the rest of her life seeking revenge on the three men responsible. The story itself is deceptively simple, however its themes are anything but. Alessandro Baricco the best-selling author of Silk touches upon how the damages of war, the need for vengeance, and the mental scars we keep inside can continue to be passed on like a disease. While a story such as this could span more than ninety-seven pages, Baricco distils the narrative down to its basic elements. By doing this each moment of the story, every glimpse of the characters psyches, every word is imbued with more importance.]]>
Dairy Queentag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6242008-06-25T14:24:24Z2008-06-25T14:36:54ZDairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. Read by Natalie Moore. Teen Zone CD Books - Main Level - MURDOCK It’s the summer between DJ Schwenk’s sophomore and junior years. She’s managing her family’s dairy farm, with both her parents unable...KatyDairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. Read by Natalie Moore.
Teen Zone CD Books - Main Level - MURDOCK
It’s the summer between DJ Schwenk’s sophomore and junior years. She’s managing her family’s dairy farm, with both her parents unable to help and her little brother busy with Little League. Her two college-age older brothers are off coaching at a football camp. Busy, simple, boring. Then a family friend, the coach of the rival high school’s football team, asks DJ to coach his back-up QB. Brian is a rich and snotty quarterback already loathed by the entire Schwenk family. Still, DJ and Brian forge a connection as they’re running and bringing in the hay. More than that, his casual insults make her think about what she does and why. DJ decides to find a way to do more of what she really loves – football. There’s also an interesting subplot with DJ’s best friend, Amber. This is a rare book with a protagonist for whom thinking and words don’t come easily. Natalie Moore brought DJ to life with a great Midwestern country teen voice. DJ's humor and honesty with herself kept me going straight on to the second book, The Off Season. Murdock's most recent book is Princess Ben. ]]>
Blue Pillstag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6122008-06-06T20:48:46Z2008-06-25T14:24:07Z Blue Pills: A Positive Love Story by Frederik Peeters Adult Graphic Novels - Main Level - BLU Blue Pills is an autobiographical graphic novel that chronicles the relationship between the author/illustrator Frederick Peeters, his girlfriend Cati, and her three-year-old...EvanBlue Pills: A Positive Love Story by Frederik Peeters
Adult Graphic Novels - Main Level - BLU
Blue Pills is an autobiographical graphic novel that chronicles the relationship between the author/illustrator Frederick Peeters, his girlfriend Cati, and her three-year-old son. As Frederick and Cati grow closer, she must reveal that both her and her son are HIV positive. Where many might run from the relationship or fall into the trap of pity, Peeters reacts by embracing his love for Cati, albeit cautiously. With the help of a doctor who is as Peeters describes actually “human,” the two learn that the boundaries the virus creates sexually and psychologically can be broken down. With its simple monochromatic illustrations and frank and unsentimental perspective, Blue Pills is the type of book that can easily be read in one sitting. However, Peeters' true skill is his ability to turn a harrowing subject on its head and find the good in it. ]]>
Ex Libristag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6112008-06-04T16:29:18Z2008-06-04T16:37:26ZEx Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman Adult Non-Fiction - Upper Level - 814.54 F This book is a collection of essays about books and reading, every one of them just delightful. The first essay, “Marrying libraries”...KatyEx Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
Adult Non-Fiction - Upper Level - 814.54 F
This book is a collection of essays about books and reading, every one of them just delightful. The first essay, “Marrying libraries” talks about how long it took for her and her husband to combine their libraries, and the difficulties of doing so. “Never do that to a book” talks about the difference between courtly lovers of books, who would never write in or otherwise mutilate their books, and carnal lovers of books, who do so as a matter of course. (My mother, who refuses to write even in pencil on photocopied music, definitely falls into the courtly camp. I have seen her write only penciled corrections in poorly edited books.) “The His’er Problem” talks about the difficulties of gender in language, where using non-gendered language is awkward and ungainly, but gendered language really does exclude people of the non-mentioned gender. And while “essay” sounds dull, every one of these had me laughing and reading bits aloud to whomever was unfortunate enough to be around. If you are reading this blog in the first place, it’s a fairly safe assumption that you like books. And if you like books, you’re missing out if you haven’t read this one.
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The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1: The Field Guidetag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6082008-06-01T20:06:16Z2008-06-01T23:03:49Z The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. Youth Fiction - Lower Level - SPIDERWICK Young Mallory, Simon, and Jared Grace have just moved into their old Great Aunt Lucinda’s home, and strange situations are occurring. For example,...JenniferThe Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.
Youth Fiction - Lower Level - SPIDERWICK
Young Mallory, Simon, and Jared Grace have just moved into their old Great Aunt Lucinda’s home, and strange situations are occurring. For example, one night Mallory’s hair is tied to her bed. Another time, the kitchen is turned upside down during the middle of the night. While their mother blames Jared, he and his siblings soon find out that these mysterious circumstances can be explained by the magical world of faeries. This world is “closer than you think” and sets the intriguing The Spiderwick Chronicles series into motion.
The first of the five books in The Spiderwick Chronicles series, The Field Guide, is written in simple yet wonderfully descriptive prose and is an enjoyable read for all ages. Moreover, the books in the series are uniquely packaged with black and white photos and riddled passages. Who doesn’t feel intrigued or excited by the idea of a magical world all around you? If you want to enter this world, then you should pick up a copy of The Field Guide and get lost in all things imagination!
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Go Scuba Divetag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6052008-05-29T19:49:13Z2008-05-29T19:56:45Z Go! Scuba Dive by Monty Halls. Adult Non-fiction 797.23H Interested in Scuba Diving? Although scuba diving can be very rewarding, there are important safety precautions that should be taken. Monty Halls does a good job of addressing this by...CarolynGo! Scuba Dive by Monty Halls.
Adult Non-fiction 797.23H
Interested in Scuba Diving? Although scuba diving can be very rewarding, there are important safety precautions that should be taken. Monty Halls does a good job of addressing this by providing both a basic background and instructional information on this extreme sport. The focus of this book is not on photographing marine life of diving sites, but rather is designed as an overview of the sport. The pictures greatly enhance his how-to explanations.
For those who find it frustrating to learn techniques from a book, the book is accompanied with a DVD that provides the same basic information. The DVD is a wonderful addition as it allows the viewer to actually see what is happening. It is important to remember, however, that no amount of studying a book can compare to actually practicing the sport, but this book is a great introduction of what to expect or good for a quick refresher.
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Nice to Come Home Totag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.6022008-05-23T20:27:57Z2008-05-23T20:35:23ZNice to Come Home To by Rebecca Flowers Adult New Books Display - Main Level - Flowers Prudence Whistler has always been just that – prudent. She’s always had a written plan for her life, and followed it to the...KatyNice to Come Home To by Rebecca Flowers
Adult New Books Display - Main Level - Flowers
Prudence Whistler has always been just that – prudent. She’s always had a written plan for her life, and followed it to the letter. At 36, though, her plan is crashing down around her. She’s fired from her job at a non-profit and her boyfriend dumps her just as she had decided that he’d be an OK husband. Her younger sister, Patsy, is a single mother who believes in following her heart, and who’s still holding out for true love. Pru has always been sure that she’s better at life than Patsy – but a weekend trying to parent two-year-old Annali by herself as well as suddenly finding Patsy and herself in the same boat has her reconsidering. A crazy cat, a couple of gay best friends, a few NPR inside jokes, and some inappropriate romantic choices round out at lighten the story. Her search for a vocation, love and family is authentic and tender without losing the sense of fun.]]>
African Playgroundtag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.5972008-05-16T20:38:04Z2008-05-16T20:41:03Z African Playground from Putumayo Kids. Lower Level - Youth CD bins– Music, Multicultural Putumayo Kids have produced several CD’s featuring music from around the world. The songs on African Playground span several countries, languages, rhythms and sounds. The music...CarolynAfrican Playground from Putumayo Kids.
Lower Level - Youth CD bins– Music, Multicultural
Putumayo Kids have produced several CD’s featuring music from around the world. The songs on African Playground span several countries, languages, rhythms and sounds. The music is as diversified as the number of countries represented. Each song is accompanied by a brief summary of either the song itself or some aspect of the country from which it originated. Lively music and unique instruments bring this album to life. Providing all of the lyrics in their native language along with an English translation when appropriate would be the one thing that would improve this CD.
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Up in Heaventag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.5962008-05-15T19:34:29Z2008-05-15T20:50:37Z Up in Heaven by Emma Chichester Clark. Picture Book Shelves - Lower Level - CLA Arthur and Daisy are best friends who do everything together. Daisy is old, and one day she passes away. Arthur desperately misses her, but...JenniferUp in Heaven by Emma Chichester Clark.
Picture Book Shelves - Lower Level - CLA
Arthur and Daisy are best friends who do everything together. Daisy is old, and one day she passes away. Arthur desperately misses her, but through touching dreams Daisy is able to convey to Arthur that she is happy and wants him to be happy too.
Up in Heaven by Emma Chichester Clark is a sweet story of love between a young boy and his beloved dog. Losing a pet is never easy, but this book will provide comfort, hope, and peace to the grieving child. The illustrations are bright and emotional--the perfect touch to this memorable picture book!
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Y The Last Mantag:andromeda.plymouthlibrary.org,2008:/blog/libchoice//11.5942008-05-14T14:11:43Z2008-05-14T14:19:36Z Y The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra Adult Graphic Novels - Main Level - Y The thought of being the last male on the planet is probably one almost every guy has dreamt about during...EvanY The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra
Adult Graphic Novels - Main Level - Y
The thought of being the last male on the planet is probably one almost every guy has dreamt about during the course of his life. However, for Yorick Brown this dream has become a nightmare reality. Following an unexplained plague that has left the world devoid of any males, Yorick and his pet monkey (who is also male) must help save what is left of humanity. The world is of course in chaos considering there is a large political and military vacuum left in the wake of the plague. Dispelling any sexist notions that males are solely responsible for violence and power plays, the women of the world are soon at each other’s throats in search of Yorick. To some he represents the last remnants of a patriarchy that must be cleansed, to others he is the key to unraveling the mysterious plague, and to a few he might just be a fun play toy.
At turns horrifying, hysterical, and action packed Brian K. Vaughn is able to create a fantastic world that could very well be our own. Armed with an arsenal of pop culture references, strong female characters, and surprising plot twists it’s no wonder Vaughn is also writing for Joss Whedon’s “Buffy Season 8 comic.” If that’s not enough of a recommendation Vaughn has also written some of the best episodes of the labyrinthine mosaic “Lost.” The artist Pia Guerra is able to visualize the characters and story in perfect sync with Vaughn’s writing creating yet another example of why graphic novels should be taken more seriously as a literary medium.
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