Thursday, January 28, 2010

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.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

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.

Monday, December 14, 2009

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.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

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.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Kara recommends "Away We Go"

This was a great, quirky feel-good movie about a couple on an adventure to find “home”.

This movie is recommended for adults.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Jamie recommends "State of Play"








If you're in the mood for a fast-paced, intellectual film, then State of Play might be the movie for you. Part political thriller, part "who done it," this film, made two hours fly by. Russell Crowe plays a reporter for the Washington Globe who takes an online reporter under his wing to investigate the death of a Congressman's aide. Complicating matters is the fact that Crowe's reporter is friends with congressman under investigation. The scenery in the film was great, as was the plot. The cast also includes a lot of great actors including Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren and Jason Bateman. There is a slight violence and language, but this film would be suitable for those 13 and up.