Kathy recommends Robyn Carr's "Virgin River" Series

Robyn Carr has written a lovely contemporary romance series set in the California mountains that’s perfect reading for cold winter nights. Virgin River, the first title in the series, is the story of a young widowed midwife/nurse practitioner who’s doctor husband was killed in a robbery attempt. Wanting to leave the big city and make a fresh start, she answers an ad for a position in a small town (population 600). The characters she meets, the attachments she makes and the love she finds make this a charming read. And the ongoing stories of the inhabitants of Virgin River will definitely keep you coming back for more.

Recommended for adults.

Beth recommends "Pandora's Star"

It is the year 2380 and the human race has spread across the universe, populating thousands of worlds, thanks to space travel via wormholes, allowing almost instantaneous passage across vast distances. So far, the alien species encountered have not been hostile. But the observation of a distant star suddenly disappearing, and the human curiosity that insists on investigating, changes all of that. Peter Hamilton has created an amazing, diverse, fascinating world filled with multi-dimensional characters connected through several interweaving plots. This is highly entertaining space adventure, and much, much more. The survival of the human race depends on the actions and decisions of a few characters whom the reader grows to care about and empathize with. If you enjoy Pandora’s Star you won’t want to miss its sequel, Judas Unchained.

Adult, Young Adult

Lisa recommends "Click, Clack 123"

I have always loved Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin’s books, from Click, Clack Moo to Diary of a Fly. Now they have brought their fun humor and quirky illustrations to baby books. If you are looking for a fun book to share with your baby, this is it. If you have extra time, also try Click Clack ABC.

Recommended for 0-2 years.

Colette recommends "When Everything Changed: The amazing journey of American Women from 1960 to the present"

Non-fiction that reads like fiction and I mean this in the best possible way.

This compelling and timely book is accessible AND a page turner. It provides the opportunity to look back through 50 years of culture/politics/family/work and be reminded of how much the lives of women have just…burst forth!

Personalities, incidents, history & world changing events are reported in a newsy and balanced manner; don’t make the mistake of thinking that this is a ‘feminist manifesto’. It is a history lesson, replete with facts and anecdotes about extraordinary women and men as well as amazing milestones which have created so many new choices and opportunities as well as pondering the consequences of these choices/opportunities. This history, which everyone should know and from which, I hope, we all can learn, is presented in an organized and chatty style. Very enjoyable and informative.

Highly Recommended: Mature teen and adult.

305.40973C

Jamie recommends "Castle"

The mystery genre is one of the more popular sections of the books at the library, but if you’re a mystery lover in the mood for a television show there is none I’d recommend more than Castle. The show follows mystery writer Richard Castle as he indoctrinates himself into the life of New York detective Kate Beckett while he writes his latest novel. Castle becomes so enthralled with following Beckett around that he takes up a regular position as part of the team of detectives. Although an implausible premise, the characters are likable, the mysteries usually pretty solid and the dynamic between Castle and everyone else is delightful. Plus, if you’re into mysteries, the show recently published Richard Castle’s book Heat Wave, which is also in the library’s collection. If you’re looking for a new television show to catch up on, check out Castle season one on DVD.

Lisa recommends "The Circle"

I could not wait for The Circle by Bon Jovi to come out as I have all of their cds and it did not disappoint. The musical style is similar to Lost Highway (summer 2007). Most of the songs are more ballad-like, rather than hard rock, but the overall effect is excellent. There aren’t many groups today that are as timeless as Bon Jovi.

Recommended for all ages.

Colette recommends "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova

One can NEVER presume to understand what it is like to have Alzheimer’s. That being said, "Still Alice" is not a memoir, but a well researched novel that provides the reader with the rare opportunity to see through the eyes of Alice Howland, PhD & Harvard neuro-linguistics superstar, from diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 50 through the unrelenting progress of the disease during the following year.

The reader shares in Alice’s confusion and determination as she struggles to maintain control over the distorted reality that is Alzheimer’s. Most information available about Alzheimer’s is written from the point of view of family/caregivers. What a rare privilege to read this book and gain some insight and perception into what it like to lose yourself and know that it is happening. A tragedy.

Highly recommended for adults.

Brutally heartbreaking, but worth it. I couldn’t put it down.