Gail Borden Summer Reading

Review: In the Castle of the Flynns

2011-09-06T20:08:00.001-05:00

Title: In the Castle of the Flynns

Author: Michael Raleigh

Your 1 Word Review: sentimental

Review: I'd like to thank the Gail Borden library staff for introducing our reading community to the works of Michael Raleigh, Chicago professor and mystery writer. Growing up a Cub fan on the north side of Chicago one can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the old neighborhoods through his stories. I enjoyed In the Castle of the Flynns because it is the story of many families; people living life and then dying.Again, thank you for having Michael Raleigh as one of the summer "Authors on the Fox."

Reviewed By: Rosemary Stark

Review: Mirror Mirror

2011-07-08T10:00:00.002-05:00

Title: Mirror Mirror

Author: Gregory Maguire

Your 1 Word Review: page-turner

Review: I enjoyed this book as I do all of Gregory Maguire's books. I read it in 2 days so it was definitely a page-turner. It is another take on the story of Snow White and the seven dwarfs, but told from all perspectives. This book is for adults as some of the writing is a bit stronger for young audiences.

Reviewed By: Elizabeth Slover

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Review: Merle's Door

2011-06-29T09:29:00.001-05:00

Title: Merle's Door

Author: Ted Kerasote

Your 1 Word Review: informative

Review: A must read if you are an animal lover, especially if you like dogs. Lots of good information on the canine world and the human/canine relationship and history. Good personal tidbits thrown in for some laughter and tears of sadness thrown in, just plain good reading!

Reviewed By: Sandi Alcantara

Review: Armando's Treasure

2011-06-20T10:55:00.000-05:00

Title: Armando's Treasure

Author: Melody Carlson

Your 1 Word Review: leisurely

Review: Armando is a young man running from his past only to befriend an old woman who lives in it. Together, they face their futures together. This is a very well written, enjoyable story.

Reviewed By: Melissa Eiklor

Review: Sixkill

2011-06-20T10:48:00.002-05:00

Title: Sixkill

Author: Parker

Your 1 Word Review: timewaster

Review: I loved Robert B. Parker and waited impatiently for his last Spenser novel. Unfortunately, it was not up to his past standards. The smart remarks were too glib and frequent - Spenser came across as more of a smug egoist than his former self. I can only imagine that the rewrites weren't completed when he died.

Reviewed By: C. A. Shoenthal

Review: Pride and Prejudice

2009-07-29T14:02:00.003-05:00

Title: Pride and Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Your 1 Word Review: sentimental

Review: Don't be scared to read this classic book! It's a bit slow at first, but quickly catches your interest and moves right along. I loved Austen's writing style, it's so much more artistic than many books today. Her heroine, Elizabeth, an outspoken and confident young woman, transcends her Elizabethan culture. The book also has a message for the reader about the dangers of judging others too quickly.

Reviewed By: Linda

Review: Big Green Purse

2009-07-28T11:37:00.002-05:00

Title: Big Green Purse

Author: Diane MacEachern

Your 1 Word Review: informative

Review: I found this book very easy to read and gave me lots of ideas on how to go "green." I know that going green also means saving green, but its also important to know how to spend your money in a way that protects the environment. If we learn how to redirect our buying power into companies that protect the enviroment and produce eco-friendly products than we can start to make an impact! Companies will know that they need to start doing something to protect the environment! This book gave oodles of websites and companies that you can purchase products from! I also like how the author talks about what she does at home to make a difference. I highly recommend this book if you are trying to make an effort to go green.

Reviewed By: Lisa

Review: Green Living for Dummies

2009-07-09T15:40:00.001-05:00

Title: Green Living for Dummies
Author: Yvonne Jeffery

Your 1 Word Review: informative

Review: Love these books for dummies. Very informative and categorized nicely in chapters so you can find out easily things like where to donate your old computer and minimize your trash and declutter your life! Loved also the chapter for raising green kids. A easy read and a must read for all!

Reviewed By: Charlene Lee

Review: Mutual Funds for Dummies

2009-07-09T15:38:00.000-05:00

Title: Mutual Funds for Dummies
Author: Eric Tyson

Your 1 Word Review: informative

Review: Very easy read. The only complaint I have is that the author pushed certain mutual fund companies---Vanguard and T.Rowe Price based on being no load funds and low costs. Yes, they are great for the long term investor, but nothing in this book for short term. The book was written in 2007 making magazines more current like Mutual Fund magazine. Did learn some things about investing that I never knew and this book is great for a novice investor.

Reviewed By: Charlene Lee

Review: Complete Trash

2009-07-09T15:35:00.002-05:00

Title: Complete Trash
Author: Norman Crampton

Your 1 Word Review: timewaster

Review: Very outdated book. Written in 1989. Instead of reading this book, use the computer to find the best way to get rid of things.

Reviewed By: Charlene Lee

Review: Easy Recycling Handbook

2009-07-09T15:34:00.000-05:00

Title: Easy Recycling Handbook
Author: Dee McVicker

Your 1 Word Review: timewaster

Review: There are better books out there. Most useful chapter was What to do with the rest and specifically the section on composting. The rest--time waster. Book was written in 1994 so page 16 that talked about we throw away enough glass bottles and jars to fill the twin towers of NY World Trade Center every 2 weeks wouldn't be in an updated book.

Reviewed By: Charlene Lee

Review: Death Of A Gossip

2009-07-01T16:55:00.001-05:00

Title: Death Of A Gossip

Author: Beaton

Your 1 Word Review: lighthearted

Review: Hamish MacBeth is the unwilling hero in this series of mysteries set in the far north of Scotland. There are several great characters and running plot lines in the series. This is not a series you have to read in order, though! These are good for a quick, light read.

Reviewed By: K. Dietrich

Review: A Proper Education For Girls

2009-06-16T12:36:00.002-05:00

Title: A Proper Education For Girls
Author: Elaine di Rollo

Review: Alice and Lillian are twins, daughter of an eccentric, harsh dillettante who fills their country estate with all manner of collectibles, from flying machines to pickled body parts to his daughters themselves, who are always on display to potential suitors. In Victorian England, girls were raised to be Proper Young Ladies, obedient and demure. When beautiful, sensual Lillian runs away to India after a disastrous love affair, Alice immediately makes her own plans to be reunited with her sister. This unconventional and absorbing story features one of the most unforgettable sister relationships in recent literature; you will find yourself rooting for the sisters' reunion almost as if it were a romance. A welcome strain of subersive humor runs throughout this original, emotionally-charged tale.

Reviewed By: Pixie Stone

2009-06-05T11:13:00.001-05:00

Title: The Sneaky chef
Author: Missy Chase Lapine

Your 1 Word Review: informative

Review: I used to think my daughter ate a wide variety of food, but I realized recently she is eating fewer and fewer vegetables.... I saw this book while looking for another book in the area and gave some of the recipes a try. She gobbled up the "chocolate cupcakes" with spinach and blueberries in them - they tasted great. My husband also gave them an even rating with Hostess products - a high praise coming from him. I have also tried the granola bars, another big hit. I look forward to trying more ideas. Highly recommended

Reviewed By: L M

Review: Dead Until Dark

2009-05-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

Title: Dead Until Dark
Author: Charlaine Harris

Your 1 Word Review: page-turner

Review: Sookie Stackhouse, a barmaid in Bon Temp, Louisiana has a gift (or maybe a curse) she can read the thoughts of others. She believed her life was going to be unexciting, that is, until Bill, the vampire walked into her bar. Life in the sleepy town of Bon Temp starts to get dangerous when a local is found murdered and it is up to Sookie and Bill to stop the murderer before they strike again. Charlaine Harris's, Dead Until Dark, grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go until the very last page. I'm now making my way through the series of books and am currently waiting for book four. I can't wait!

Reviewed By: Robert Moffett

Review: Games for Writing

2009-05-26T09:29:00.000-05:00

Title: Games for Writing
Author: Peggy Kaye

Your 1 Word Review: informative

Review: This author has a lot of fun ideas for inspiring writing ability in your growing child. The ideas can be used with a wide range of ages (recommended K-3rd) and take minimal preparation/supplies. I see the author also has other books I plan to borrow from the library - "Games for Learning" and "Games for Math".

Reviewed By: L M

Review: Baby Rhyming Time

2009-05-26T09:26:00.000-05:00

Title: Baby Rhyming Time
Author: Linda Ernst

Your 1 Word Review: leisurely

Review: This book is mainly written for people looking to lead a program for babies, but I found it fun to do the rhyme activities with my baby. There are clear instructions for actions to do with the rhymes. There are also multiple lists of books under various themes for further rhyme ideas!

Reviewed By: L M

Review: America's Cheapest Family

2009-05-26T09:20:00.000-05:00

Title: America's Cheapest Family
Author: Steve and Annette Economides

Your 1 Word Review: informative

Review: Is it possible to live on your income? This is something I wonder. Reading this book gave me many concrete ways to work toward living within my family's means. The authors are realistic about ideas and goals - I highly recommend this book.

Review: Child 44

2009-05-21T14:15:00.001-05:00

Title: Child 44
Author: Tom Rob Smith

Your 1 Word Review: page-turner

Review: Leo Demidov is the perfect Soviet soldier turned MGB agent (secret police.) He truly believes the State takes care of everyone and that there is no crime. But what happens when a serial killer preying on children appears on the scene, clearly going against Leo's ingrained beliefs? When Leo himself is arrested, interrogated, and demoted, he begins a race against time to find the serial killer before another child is brutally murdered. You will gasp at every twist and turn while rooting for Leo. Smith is one of the best new suspense writers I've read recently--Child 44 is a chiller and a thriller!

Reviewed By: Pixie Stone

Review: Vision In White

2009-05-20T16:58:00.000-05:00

Title: Vision In White
Author: Nora Roberts

Your 1 Word Review: lighthearted

Review: This is a charming and frothy read that's still grounded in reality, with an appealing quartet of main characters. Four lifelong friends, now in their 30s, own and operate Vows, a wedding planning business. Vision In White is the first book in the 4-book series and features photographer Mac, who falls for an English teacher after he literally falls at her feet! I enjoyed the sympathetic, likable characters and the development of the love story.

Reviewed By: Pixie Stone

How are you going Green this summer?

2009-05-19T14:09:00.000-05:00

How do you make being Green and environmentally conscious an easy and everyday activity?

What are the best ways to cut down on using plastic bags? Where do you buy organic produce? What websites have the best tips? Share your experience of going green this summer and leave a comment below.