Logicomix February 2, 2010
Posted by Book Mavens in Biography & Memoir, Graphic Novels, History, Non-Fiction, Science & Math.add a comment
Title: Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth
Author: Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos Papademitriou
Publisher: Bloomsbury, September 2009
Summary: Bertrand Russell, mathematician, philosopher, pacifist and lightning rod, was one of the most important thinkers of the twentieth century. This ambitious graphic biography focuses equally on his turbulent personal life and his groundbreaking work in the area of mathematical logic. We follow Russell as he discovers a paradox and works (and reworks) his theories. He teams with and is opposed by heavyweights of early twentieth-century philosophy, including Wittgenstein and Godel, all the while searching for truth and remaining haunted by the madness he believes is constantly circling him.
Bertrand Russell affected – and was affected by – some of the most dramatic personalities and events of the twentieth century. While a graphic novel about math and philosophy might not seem like the most enticing subject, in the hands of these gifted writers and illustrators, Russell’s story comes to life in surprising and compelling ways.
Who will like this book?: People interested in the history of science, technology and math.
If you like this, try this: For another unique take on philosophy, try The Book of Dead Philosophers by Simon Critchley. Professor Stewart’s Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities by Ian Stewart. If you are as clueless about math and science as I am, check out 100 Most Important Science Ideas by Mark Henderson.
Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian
The Evolution of Shadows January 26, 2010
Posted by Book Mavens in Fiction - Literary.add a comment
Title: The Evolution of Shadows
Author: Jason Quinn Malott
Publisher: Unbridled Books, October 2009
Summary: After having his heart-broken, American photographer Gray Banick travels to Bosnia and into a war zone. Gray’s interpreter Emil, and his mentor Jack, often question Gray about the girl in the picture he carries with him. They know she is the reason he is here, but do not know the story behind his heartbreak. Her name is Lian Zhao and she and Gray were very much in love. Lian, however, wasn’t strong enough to face her parent’s disapproval of Gray so she chose to marry another man. Gray has traveled to Bosnia to kill her memory, or kill himself. It is now almost 5 years since Gray disappeared, last seen by Emil in a Bosnian killing field. Lian, Emil, and Jack have met in Sarajevo to find out what happened to the man they all loved.
This debut novel brings to life the horrors of the Bosnian war and its aftermath. Smoothly fading from past to present and back again, the author tells the stories of Gray and Lian, Emil, Jack, and their families. This is a story of searching for lost loves and forgotten lives. Only when the search is over can the healing really begin. This is a fabulous story.
Who will like this book? Fans of literary fiction that can stand some descriptions of the horrors of war.
Recommended by: Sue, Circulation Coordinator
The Kids Are All Right January 21, 2010
Posted by Book Mavens in Biography & Memoir, Non-Fiction.add a comment
Title: The Kids are All Right: A Memoir
Authors: Diana, Liz, Dan and Amanda Welch
Publisher: Harmony, September 2009
Summary: In 1983, the four Welch children lose their beloved father in a tragic car accident, and within months their still-grieving, soap opera-star mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer. This gripping saga is emotional, poignant and hard to put down. The family lives in upper crust Bedford, New York. Their father is an investment banker who, unknown to the rest of the family, was in deep financial debt, forcing their mother to support the family. Sadly, the mother succumbs to the illness early in the story, leaving four young children in a state of shock and confusion. This is the story of these lost souls who muddle their way through a dysfunctional childhood and tumultuous teenage years.
The memoir is told in alternate voices of the four Welch children, giving each of them the opportunity to recall their own memories. The combination of despair, hurt, hope and survival makes this memoir a captivating read. I very much look forward to hearing Liz Welch tell her personal story when she visits the Fairfield Woods Branch Library on February 17 at 7:00.
Recommended by: Laurie, Branch circulation and book club leader
How I Became a Famous Novelist January 6, 2010
Posted by Book Mavens in Comedy and Satire, Fiction - Popular.add a comment
Title: How I Became a Famous Novelist
Author: Steve Hely
Publisher: Grove Press, July 2009
Summary: Pete Tarslaw writes for a living: He works for a slightly-shady company that rewrites entrance essays for grammar-challenged college and grad school applicants. When he learns that his college girlfriend (who betrayed him by being ambitious enough to apply to law school while he drifted through his slacker senior year) is getting married, he decides to take action. Pete sets out to become rich and famous enough to make Polly see the error of her ways – or at least really depressed at her wedding – by writing the best selling novel…ever. Pete discovers it’s not so hard to do: Just examine the best seller list and insert every last literary cliche into one story.
Poking fun at nearly every blockbuster author, the publishing industry, and the staggering entitlement of a certain segement of post-collegiate Americans, the story of the rise and fall and rise of Pete and his book, The Tornado Ashes Club will have fiction fans laughing out loud. And while he is a scoundrel, you’ll find yourself rooting for Pete in his scandalous adventures. A terrific book for the post-holiday season.
Who will like this book?: Readers (and writers) who go crazy looking at best seller lists. People who ‘don’t get’ the popularity of trash fiction authors. Fans of literary satire. Recent liberal arts college grads.
If you like this, try this: Books by Christopher Buckley (Boomsday, Thank You For Smoking) and Christopher Moore (Lamb, The Stupidest Angel.)
Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian
Our Favorites – 2009 December 16, 2009
Posted by Book Mavens in Favorites.1 comment so far
You’ll find something for everyone on this list. Happy Holidays from the staff of the Fairfield Public Library!
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Beyond the Sky and the Earth by Jamie Zeppa
Beautiful story of a Canadian girl who left her boyfriend and Grad school behind to teach school children in Bhutan. Falls in love with people and culture. Wonderful descriptions of landscapes and people.
Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It by Maile Meloy.
Each story is a gem unto itself; I am pointing everyone in Maile Meloy’s direction if they want to know how a good short story is written
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
The riveting real story behind the infamous school shooting. If you think the killers were trench coat wearing outcasts, you will be surprised, shocked, and ultimately saddened.
Cost by Roxanne Robinson
Damn Good Food by Mitch Omer and Ann Bauer
Mitch is the Hunter Thompson of the cooking world. He has the edge over Anthony Bourdain because Mitch Omer is probably certifiable. But Hell’s Kitchen (the restaurant) with its blood red and black décor is an undeniable success. In Damn Good Food Mitch Omer shares the recipes that led to that success
Darling Jim by Christian Moerk
Distant Land of my Father by Bo Caldwell
Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
Just where does our food come from? And how can we continue to justify eating it once we know? A great book that is as much about the ‘why’ as it is the ‘how.’
Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville
Gridiron Gauntlet by Andy Piascik
Half-broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
Hollywood Moon by Joseph Wambaugh
The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
In A Single Bound by Sarah Reinertsen
About the first female above-the-knee amputee to finish the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii
Let’s Do Nothing by Tony Fucile
Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
Lit by Mary Karr
Little Pink House by Jeff Benedict
Loved this book, and hoped it would be chosen for One Book One Town!
Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
Set on the island of Bougainville, near Papua New Guinea, where inhabitants are victims of war. Mr. Pip who is the only white person on the island becomes the island’s teacher and uses Great Expectations as his teaching tool. He teaches the children to connect their own stories with that of the Dickens book using metaphors. The narrator is a 13 year-old student. Much violence and danger ensues and the narrator is fortunate to escape the island
Molly Ivins: A Rebel Life by Bill Mitutaglio
My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor
Never Die Easy by Walter Payton
This book is a few years old, but so amazing!
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Open by Andre Agassi
Andre’s own story including his very focused childhood (or lack of childhood) and his drive to be the best in a sport he never really liked. If you follow tennis at all, this book is a must
The Red Devil: To Hell with Cancer and Back by Kathleen Russell Rich
Rose’s Heavenly Cakes by Rose Levy Beranbaum
I have a friend who uses the term “food porn” to describe a cookbook like this. Each cake is lovingly photographed and makes you want to spend time in the kitchen recreating a beautiful treat. Here’s a tip: Follow Her Directions. She knows what she’s doing – really. Don’t think you’re cool and start substituting ingredients or skipping steps or using the wrong size pan. You will fail miserably. To see what can happen take a look at Cake Wrecks by Jen Yates.
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Think you have a messed up family? Think again…
Sworn To Silence by Linda Castillo
The Art of Making Money by Jason Kersten
This book is about a very successful counterfeiter – a man with a lot of talent but he can’t keep a secret. Art Williams is likeable and you even find yourself rooting for him against the odds.
The Blind Side by Michael Lewis
You might think you know the story from the recent film, but the book also details the fascinating evolution of the game of football and the offensive line, and a serious discussion of talent, poverty, and the reality of the American Dream.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
No one is killed by strange Greek monsters or evil, blood thirsty vampires but I liked it anyway.
The Last Child by John Hart
The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, book 5) by Rick Riordan
I finally understood the attraction of Greek Mythology after completing the Olympians series. Drop a few harpies and a Cyclops or two into midtown Manhattan and you’re going to see some serious mayhem. Start reading the series now – the movie will be out in February
The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
A stunning adaptation of the Aesop fable by artist Pinkney. An almost wordless text conveys the tale that illustrates the power of an act of kindness.
The Promise of Happiness by Justin Cartwright
About an ordinary family formerly from London when prodigal daughter returns from prison and brings the love of family together. Well written
The Sisters Antipodes by Jane Alison
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
The plot concerns a longtime relationship between a Parsi woman and her maid in Mumbai, India. Both compassionate characters. A horrific incident changes their relationship. Elegantly written.
The Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer
Not your run-of-the-mill story of a marriage, but refreshingly different.
The Strain (Book 1 of The Strain trilogy) by Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan.
This is a scary book. The vampires in this book are not cute, sexy or romantic. They do not have big soulful eyes, good manners and silly hair. They are vicious killers and they are determined to multiply.
The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris
The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
Things I’ve Been Silent About by Azar Nafisi
Tiger Moon by Antonia Michaelis
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
Under the Dome by Stephen King
Stephen King is a consummate storyteller and Under the Dome is over 1,000 pages of great story. He has the enviable ability of bringing you into his world with such skill that you never quite notice when the “normal” turns into the “not normal.”
When Skateboards will Be Free by Said Sayrafiezedah
This might be the most fascinating memoir of the year – a half-Iranian kid growing up in a strictly socialist household who grows up to work for…Martha Stewart. Very rewarding.
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Yummy! Eight Favorite Fairy Tales by Lucy Cousins
Hurricane Katrina was a disaster, but the aftermath was a tragedy. This story is unforgettable, and should be read by just about everyone.
Abandoned December 9, 2009
Posted by Book Mavens in Mysteries & Thrillers.add a comment
Title: Abandoned
Author: Cody McFadyen
Publisher: Bantam, October 2009
Summary: Smoky Barrett is a special agent with the FBI, leading a team that specializes in hunting down and capturing serial killers. While Smoky and several other agents are attending the wedding of one of their own, a woman is pushed from a vehicle in full view of the guests. The victim looks ghostly with a shaved head, pasty white skin, and an undernourished body. Staggering into the wedding party, she lets out a wail and doesn’t stop. The victim is Heather Hollister, missing for more than 7 years – just long enough to be declared dead. As details of Heather’s abduction and captivity are revealed, Smoky realizes they are hunting a killer more cold and calculating than any they’ve seen before.
Abandoned is the fourth in the series by Cody McFadyen, though this is the first that I’ve read. When I started this book, I thought it was a little over-the-top with more sex and violence than needed. Not Quentin Tarantino over-the-top, just a few more details than necessary. As I continued to read, and yes, I continued to read, I found myself drawn into this story and the lives of its characters. I started to believe that it was possible, probable even, that every member of Smoky’s team had a loved one murdered by a serial killer. I realized that it wasn’t really too far-fetched that not only was Smoky’s first husband and daughter murdered in front of her eyes, but she was now raising the daughter of her best friend who was also a victim of murder. In other words, after the first few chapters of this book I was hooked and no longer questioned whether it was realistic or not. I just wanted Smoky to catch the monster before anyone else was killed or, “gulp”, lobotomized. If you like your thrillers with a little more blood and guts than usual, you’ll like Abandoned.
Who will like this book? Fans of thrillers and suspense novels.
Recommended by: Sue, Circulation Coordinator
Harry of Monmouth December 5, 2009
Posted by Book Mavens in Classics, Fiction - Historical.add a comment
Title: Harry of Monmouth
Author: A. M. Maughan
Publisher: W. Sloane Associates, 1956
Summary: This classic novel brings to life Henry V, the victor of Agincourt. From the loss of his mother as a boy to generational based conflicts with his father, Henry IV, and sibling rivalry with his brother, Tom, the young Harry grows to maturity. All hold their breath to see what kind of king he will make and get their true measure of Harry’s worth when he and the English, with their back to the walls, face the French at Agincourt. But more than his wars with France, will Harry ever succeed in winning his true love, Princess Katherine of France?
Who will like this book?: Harry of Monmouth is recommended for those who like their medieval kings in a heroic mode.
If you like this, try this: Good King Harry by Denise Giardina, Fortune Made His Sword by Martha Rofheart, and Henry V by William Shakespeare.
Recommended by: Mona, Reference Associate and Library Lecturer
Lady Jane Grey October 27, 2009
Posted by Book Mavens in History, Non-Fiction.add a comment
Title: Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Mystery
Author: Eric Ives
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, October 2009
Summary: Lady Jane Grey, granddaughter of Henry VIII’s younger sister Mary Tudor, is probably the most tragic victim of the Tudor dynasty, ending her life on the scaffold at the age of seventeen. Dr. Eric Ives, in this scholarly and page-turning account of the coup that brought Lady Jane Grey to the throne for a brief reign of nine days, provides the who, what, where, and why of a coup that on paper should have had every chance of succeeding but which ultimately failed. Refusing to rely on long accepted accounts of Lady Jane’s story, Dr. Ives offers a reassessment of this episode in Tudor history to the extent that the reader realizes “Jane, we hardly knew ye.”
Who will like this book?: Those who want to know the true story behind Alison Weir’s Innocent Traitor. For if any traitor was innocent, that traitor was surely Lady Jane Grey.
If you like this, try this: The Children of Henry VIII by Alison Weir; Lady Jane Grey and the House of Suffolk by Alison Plowden; and look out for The Sisters Who Would be Queen by Leanda De Lisle.
Recommended by: Mona, Reference Associate and Library Lecturer
The Secret Wife of Louis XIV October 8, 2009
Posted by Book Mavens in Biography & Memoir, History.add a comment
Title: The Secret Life of Louis XIV: Francoise d’Aubigne, Madame de Maintenon
Author: Veronica Buckley
Summary: Francoise d’Aubigne was born in a French prison, the youngest child of a minor, rebellious noble. She died over 80 years later as the widow of the King of France. Though her marriage to Louis XIV could never be formally acknowledged due to an extraordinary difference in social rank, Francoise had a profound influence on the Sun King, and reigned as an uncrowned queen during the most glorious era in French history.
This very readable biography immerses the reader in 17th century France, an era of absolute royal power, intense religious conflict and very limited opportunities for women. Author Buckley does a masterful job illuminating the lives of the royal ladies of Versailles and the salons of Paris. That d’Aubigne managed to rise from her humble beginnings to the pinnacle of power is incredible – and that she did so by remaining steadfast, loyal and humble in the dangerous court of the king seems almost miraculous.
Who will like this book?: Readers interested in royal biography and women’s history.
If you like this, try this: Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King by Antonia Fraser. A book about another of Louis’ paramours, Mistress of the Sun by Sandra Gulland. A terrific historical fiction on Marie Antoinette, Abundanceby Sena Jeter Naslund
Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian
Evil at Heart September 29, 2009
Posted by Book Mavens in Fiction - Popular, Mysteries & Thrillers.add a comment
Title: Evil at Heart
Author: Chelsea Cain
Publisher: Minotaur, September 2009
Summary: This is the third book featuring detective Archie Sheridan and serial killer Gretchen Lowell. Gretchen, also known as the Beauty Killer, is on the loose. Archie is in a mental health facility attempting to recover from the physical and psychological wounds she has inflicted on him. The media has glamorized the vicious murderer and now Beauty Killer fan clubs are springing up left and right. When body parts start turning up at previous murder sites, Archie is called upon to help capture Gretchen once and for all. Is it really Gretchen leaving these gruesome calling cards? After all, she did promise Archie she wouldn’t kill again, right? If you can’t trust a serial killing psychopath to keep their word, who can you trust?
Evil at Heart is a thrilling cat and mouse chase, although you’re never really sure who the cat is and who is the mouse. From eyeballs to spleens, no part of the anatomy is safe from this scalpel wielding lunatic so you might want to read this on an empty stomach, unless you’re a seasoned veteran of grisly thrillers like me. Fast-paced with page turning suspense, this is a great book.
Who will like this book? Fans of thrillers and suspense novels.
Recommended by: Sue, Circulation Coordinator
