A Claim of Her Own

A Claim of Her Own
by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Stephanie Grace Whitson is a Nebraska author. The book, A Claim of Her Own, takes place in the mining town of Deadwood, South Dakota. Mattie O'Keefe is fleeing an abusive relationship with her boss while in search of her brother who tells her of the riches he has discovered in the gold fields. Once Mattie arrives in Deadwood, all of Mattie's plans change. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Sixteen Brides, also by Whitson.] -- recommended by Dorene O. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in book-on-cd, downloadable E-book and Large Print formats.]

[ official Stephanie Grace Whitson web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

New Customer Reviews - A Trio of Lemony Snickets

A Bad Beginning
by Lemony Snicket [j Snicket]

As is inevitable in the best of children?s books, the parents will die. With the adults gone, the three Baudelaire orphans will have all kinds of wonderful and fun adventures. Oh wait! I was thinking of another book. In this one, the orphans will move in with a very mean guardian. However, due to their lively and sweet ways, the orphans will melt the hearts of their strict guardian, make many friends, or somehow change the world. Sorry! Again, I was thinking of another book. In this one, the guardian will become even more despicable but none of the well-meaning adults will believe the children. Life for the orphans grows worse. I am not even sure all of them will be alive at the end. -- reviewed by Allison H.-F. - a customer at the Bennett Martin Public Library

The Miserable Mill
by Lemony Snicket [j Snicket]

In The Bad Beginning, Count Olaf subjected the Baudelaire children to the arduous chores of cleaning house and cooking meals. With him out of their lives, they are living with a relative known only as Sir. He is in charge of The Lucky Smells Lumbermill and assigns them the dangerous and daunting tasks of debarking logs, lifting them, and bundling them. They meet Phil, Foreman Flacutuno, Charles, Dr. Orwell, and Shirley. I am not giving anything away when I tell you that three of those people are enemies. If anything I'm spoiling the fun for you by saying that the Baudelaires actually make two friends. Oh, and one of those enemies is Count Olaf. Would you expect anything different? -- reviewed by Alison H.-F. - a customer at the Bennett Martin Public Library

The Austere Academy
by Lemony Snicket [j Snicket]

At long last, and again in the best tradition of children?s books, the three orphans will attend a boarding school. There they meet a rude, violent, filthy girl. They also meet Quagmire twins, who used to be triplets. They also used to have parents but lost them to a fire. Will wonders never cease? For two consecutive books, the Baudelaire children have made friends. This time, their friends are actually their own age. If you thought the suspense about when Count Olaf will appear was terrible enough, two mysteries will develop midway through this book that will have you biting your nails. -- reviewed by Alison H.-F. - a customer at the Bennett Martin Public Library

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New Customer Reviews appear regularly in the pages of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all and/or submit your own, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually as we receive them.

Perkey's Nebraska Place-Names

Perkey's Nebraska Place-Names
edited by E. Perkey [R 917.82 Per]

Perkey's Nebraska Place-Names is one of my most frequently used reference books in the reference collection at the Bennett Martin Public Library. It is an essential tool for those doing historical research on the state of Nebraska. The book is organized on a county-by-county basis, and within each county is a master list of all the communities that have existed there -- both those that are still around, and those that died off decades ago. For each community listed, there is background information about how it was named, where it was located, when/if a post office was first established, when/if rail travel existed to it, and when/if it was absorbed by a larger community or simply ceased to exist. Liberally scattered throughout the book are rare B&W photographs or pieces of art, highlighting historical events or locations throughout Nebraska. At the back of the book is a bibliography citing all of Perkey's research sources, and a master alphabetical index to all the communities and individuals referenced throughout this volume. Oddly, the latest edition available at the Lincoln City Libraries is the 1982 version, although a 1995 edition was published and is available through InterLibrary Loan. -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

The Night Season (on CD)

The Night Season
by Chelsea Cain [Compact Disc Cain]

In 1948 Vanport, Oregon was washed away when a dike holding back the Columbia River broke during a flood. Fifteen people died. The town was not rebuilt. Chelsea Cain incorporates this real-life tragedy in her latest book featuring modern day Portland homicide detective Archie Sheridan. Archie and his team have their hands full. The raging Willamette River is threatening to overflow its banks. People are evacuating the city. A serial killer is running loose and a nine-year-old boy is missing. The excitement mounts as Archie, his team and the dauntless reporter, Susan Ward, track the serial killer down the deserted streets of Portland, now knee-deep in swirling muddy water. Cain engrosses you in her tale. The characters come alive and you alternately cheer for them and hold your breath when they are peril. The Willamette River also becomes a deadly foe. As lethal as the serial killer that they are chasing. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the works of Lisa Jackson and Tami Hoag.] -- recommended by Donna G. - Virtual Services Department

[Also available in downloadable audio, and print formats.]

[ official Chelsea Cain web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

New Booktalk Booklist - Africa: The Dark Continent

Donna G., librarian in the Virtual Services Department and a regular contributor to the libraries' BookGuide web pages, presented an all-new booktalk at both Gere Branch (May 2nd) and Bethany Branch (May 13th), tapping into her vast selection of favorite mysteries.

Her theme this time was Africa - The Dark Continent -- click this link to see her Booktalk Booklist, the contents of which are hotlinked into the libraries' online catalog! Check it out for some great book and book-on-cd suggestion

James A. Michener's Centennial

James A. Michener's Centennial
based on the book by James A. Michener [DVD Michener]

Centennial was produced as a massive mini-series for television during the height of that format's popularity on TV. I remember watching every episode with intense enthusiasm, revelling in the huge cast and the impressive historical span of the production. Covering the historical period from the earliest days of western exploration and expansion all the way up to the mid-20th-century era in which the mini-series aired, Centennial focused on the lives of the residents of the fictitious community of Centennial, Colorado...covering many generations of loves, feuds, dreams, and adventures. The quality of the film has held up well when transferred to DVD, and this set features "Memories of Centennial", a retrospective featuring comments from many of the folks responsible for making the mini-series. This is a marvelous ensemble work and does a good job of adapting Michener's massive novel to the screen. I can't recommend it highly enough! [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the Shogun mini-series and the Winds of War and War and Remembrance mini-series.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in print, and book-on-cd formats.]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Two Kisses for Maddy

Two Kisses For Maddy
by Matthew Logelin [Biography Logelin]

"Life and death. All in a 27-hour period." This is the heart-wrenching memoir of a man who welcomed his premature baby into the world only to lose her mother the next day. The book envelops us from the first page into two stories. We are immersed in Matt's thoughts and feelings as he navigates the memories of meeting and building a relationship with his wife Liz - from high school to delivery, the anticipation of meeting their daughter Maddy. and everything that comes with losing a spouse and raising an infant. From the emotional highs and lows, to the struggle to live daily with tangible memories of his wife surrounding him and reflected in his daughter Maddy's face. This story will move the reader from tears to laughter along with him because of the gripping, unedited, raw emotion. The book does contain 'rough' language - as did his corresponding blog.. However, it is used to capture his voice and honest reactions. The tale also brings hope for Matt and Maddy - and hope for the future, that things can change for widows/widowers and society in general. An added bonus is that you can jump onto his blog and see how the Logelin family's life has evolved and how Maddy has thrived.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try a fiction book called Good Grief written in 2005 by author Lolly Winston. She is widowed at the age of 36. For her, the death of her husband sets off a sprial of events in the first year - some crazy, some sane. In her journey, she rediscovers who she is and re-prioritizes her life to reflect who she has become. Not only does our heroine become a Big Sister to a troubled teen, but there is an element of romance and re-birth. Written with comedic tone, this quick read gives us another look at how grief can equal growth. (But not without the dreaded growing pains.)] -- both recommended by Sarah J. - South Branch Library

[ official Matt Logelin blog -- where this book began! ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Unsolicited

Unsolicited
by Julie Kaewert

Combine bookselling, publishing, and a bit of mystery set in England, and you have "A Booklover's Mystery: Unsolicited" by a Nebraska author. (Part of A Booklover's Mystery series.). -- recommended by Meredith M. - curator of the Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors


[ official Julie Kaewert web site ]

See more titles like this in the Julie Kaewert booklist here on the BookGuide site!

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

New Customer Review - Behind Green Glass

Behind Green Glass
by Amanda von Hoffman

Entering a fantasy market already bloated with the paranormal is a book worth your time. One evening, Isolde finds a false drawer bottom with a hidden emerald colored glass. Through this glass, Isolde sees the mystical Lyric. You will need to read the book to discover his real identity, along with other secrets. In contrast to today's defiant female leads, painfully shy Isolde may portray a more realistic role model for teenagers. While beautiful description is one of the author's strengths, lengthy exposition sometimes threatened to ruin otherwise charming scenes. Behind Green Glass is a gentle book that wiggled its way into my heart. [Note: Not currently owned by the Lincoln City Libraries -- consider ordering this title through InterLibrary Loan!] -- reviewed by Allison H.-F. - customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

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New Customer Reviews appear regularly in the pages of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all and/or submit your own, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually as we receive them.

The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: The Definitive Story
by J.W. Rinzler [791.437 qStaYr]

Unquestionably the best of the Star Wars films, The Empire Strikes Back has always been among my two or three favorite films of all times. I was, therefore, quite pleased to find this massive history of the making of this film on the "new books" display at Bennett Martin Public Library. Rinzler's book goes into quite a bit of detail about the making of the original first Star Wars film, to set the stage for exhaustive background info about the making of TESB. This book is filled with hundreds of gorgeous photos and production artwork from the Lucasfilm archives. Rinzler interviewed (or had access to interviews with) dozens of behind-the-scenes personel associated with the production, and he peppers their comments throughout his narrative. The level of detail that is included in this book is astounding, and should satisfy the interests of all true Star Wars devotees and/or fans of motion picture production. I loved this book, and will be looking to acquire a copy for my own personal Star Wars collection! [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Complete Making of Indiana Jones, also by Rinzler - same level of intense detail!] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Video Trailer for this book ] | [ official J.W. Rinzler web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Swft Justice

Swift Justice
by Laura DiSilverio

Life was good for Charlotte "Charlie" Swift. She enjoyed running her own private investigation business. Charlie had a silent partner, Les Goldman, who was only interested the profit and loss statements and did not interfere with her work. But all that changed when Les ran off to Costa Rica with his personal trainer and the family funds. As his wife, Georgia "Gigi" said, "the only assets he left me are the house, the hummer and a half-interest in Swift Investigations." Gigi explained that she needed money and that being a private investigator was one way to earn it and she was here to learn how. Charlie decided that the partnership would not work when Gigi decorated the office in a kitten and duckling motif to make it homier. She tried to discourage the socialite by giving her outlandish undercover assignments such as conducting surveillance while working as the bison mascot for a fast food restaurant. Gigi is determined and no task is beneath her. Charlie learns that Gigi's social connections and people skills are a real asset when they search for the mother of an abandoned baby. I enjoyed this amusing debut novel that reminded me of the Stephanie Plum series. Charlie is more serious and competent than Stephanie. Gigi is Stephanie and Lulu rolled into one. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the works of K. J. Larsen, Donna Andrews and the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.] -- recommended by Donna G. - Virtual Services Department


[ official Laura DiSilverio and Charlie Swift web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

New Customer Review - Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After
by Steve Hockensmith

This is a new tale about classic characters. It does not endear me to parallel novels. While it does open with our beloved couple being married, Darcy is bitten by a zombie and Elizabeth leaves to seek a cure. I enjoyed seeing some minor characters developed, but disappointed that our heroes are mostly apart. The zombies, favorites of mine in earlier books, could be cars in a demolition derby for how little I now care. Our heroes have suffered a similar fate, becoming superhuman warriors. This lackluster sequel has not diminished my delight in the mash-up genre. It has rather reinforced my antipathy for parallel novels. -- reviewed by Allison H.-F. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

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New Customer Reviews appear regularly on the libraries' BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Revolution

Revolution
by Jennifer Donnelly [YA Donnelly]

The story follows Andi, a student about to graduate from one of the most prestigious schools in the U.S. Her brother is killed, her mother goes crazy so her father decides to take her to Paris. Her father, a famous geneticist, is there to test a heart that people claim to be the heart of the dauphin of France. The dauphin of France was the son of the King and Queen during the Revolution. His parents were beheaded and he was imprisoned so the people could live in a democratic world no longer ruled by royalty. While Andi is in France she discovers a diary in an old guitar case that belonged to Alex, the official companion to the dauphin. Alex took care of him, entertained him, and after he was imprisoned tried to free him. The story bounces back from Andi's life to Alex's journal entries. As Andi gets drawn in by Alex's story she notices things in her world start to overlap with Alex's. She must know whether Alex was able to save the dauphin or if it really is his heart that her father is testing. The book is great if you're a fan of historical fiction. Donnelly does a great job of explaining the French Revolution as she's telling the story. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try A Northern Light also by Donnelly.] -- recommended by Carrie K. - Bennett Martin Public Library and South Branch Library

[Also available in book-on-cd, and downloadable E-book formats.]

[ official Jennifer Donnelly web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

It's Not Easy Being Green

It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider
by Jim Henson [808.882 Hen]

I picked this up after having the chance to see a traveling Smithsonian exhibit of the history of Jim Henson and his puppetry, and read it straight through in just two sittings. This is "the world according the Jim Henson"-like -- with dozens of quotes from Henson, his co-workers, and those who were inspired by the man and his work ethic. Broken up into a variety of categories, this is inspirational but lite-weight, however if you grew up on any of Henson's creations -- the Muppets of Sesame Street, Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggie and the others of The Muppet Show, the creatures of Fraggle Rock, or the various one-shot productions (like The Dark Crystal), you'll appreciate this peek into the psyche of the man behind them all. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Jim Henson: The Works, and No Strings Attached.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Entry on this book in the Muppet Wiki ] | [ official Jim Henson Co. web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

New Customer Review - Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls
by Steve Hockensmith

If Jane Austen were around today, she might have written this book. Minus the zombies! The Bennets emotions are thrown into chaos when they encounter zombified friends. They want them to live; yet salvation will mean the community's damnation. Future zombie attacks resemble epic CGI scenes and diminish some of the book's humanity. Through romantic entanglements, motifs in Austen's novel of societal norms and true love add to the book's appeal. We all face expectations, "monsters," and love. Hockensmith has kept the spirit of Austen. I can't wait to read the final installment! -- reviewed by Allison H.-F. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

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New Customer Reviews appear regularly on the libraries' BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Wife of the Gods

Wife of the Gods
by Kwei Quartey

Kwei Quartay, a physician in Los Angeles, set his first novel in his native Ghana. Quartay contrasts the traditional healing practices involving lotions and potions with modern science. The book opens with the murder of a young AIDS prevention worker, Gladys Mensah, near the remote village of Ketanu. Gladys was medical student who traveled from village to village working on the AIDS project. She also actively campaigned against the practice of troski, which is giving a girl to the local witch doctor. She then spends her life as his slave. Inspector Darko Dawson is chosen for this assignment because he grew up in the area and speaks Ewe. Dawson is reluctant to accept the assignment. He doesn't want to leave his wife and their sick son. Ketanu also holds bad memories for him. It's the last place that his mother, Beatrice, was seen alive. Twenty-five years ago Beatrice traveled to Ketanu to visit her sister. She boarded the bus to go home and that was the last time anyone saw her. Gladys' body was found in a shady grove outside of Ketanu. By the time that Dawson arrives in the village the local police have set their sights on Samuel Boateng, an admirer of Gladys' and the town troublemaker, as the murderer. Darko isn't so sure that Boateng killed her. Gladys made enemies because of her activism. One of these enemies may have committed the crime. Darko must break through the web of secrets in this isolated area to find the real killer. Quartay fills the pages with lively, but flawed characters in this engaging novel. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the works of Malla Nunn, Michael Stanley and Deon Meyer.] -- recommended by Donna G. - Virtual Services Department
[ official Kwei Quartay web site ]

See more titles like this in Donna's "Africa - The Dark Continent" booktalk booklist

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Wishful Drinking (on Compact Disc)

Wishful Drinking
by Carrie Fisher [Compact Disc Biography Fisher]

Originally, I picked up this book on CD hoping to hear about Star Wars anecdotes, but was pleasantly surprised to hear about so much more. The book, as read by the author, includes stories about becoming a Hollywood icon at only nineteen, her struggle with drugs and alcohol, her bipolar diagnosis, memories of her mother Debbie Reynolds and growing up in a famous family, and her past marital problems. I listened to this book all the way through because she doesn't just tell us about her life but she does it in a way that keeps you laughing and intrigued throughout the entire story. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try "Here's the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding my True Voice", or any of the fiction novels written by Carrie Fisher.] -- recommended by Carrie K. - Bennett Martin Public Library and South Branch Library

[Also available in print format.]

[ official Carrie Fisher web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Customer Review - Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
by Seth Grahame-Smith

This original Austen novel is a love story. This mash-up keeps much of the original text but adds zombies. While the title and cover prepared me for gore, neither prepared me for the vomit, ninjas, or dark tone. Yet Seth Grahame-Smith cleverly integrates the zombie world. He does not simply replace random nouns with the word "zombie"; he describes their appearance and their battles. He also turns landed gentry into zombie hunters. I am hooked! The book both entertained me and renewed my appreciation of the original. -- reviewed by Allison H.-F. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

Have you read any of these? What did you think? Did you find these reviews helpful?

New Customer Reviews appear regularly on the libraries' BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Best Easy Day Hikes: Lincoln and Omaha

Best Easy Day Hikes: Lincoln and Omaha
by Michael Ream [917.822 Rea]

I'm a huge fan of the nature guides from Falcon Books -- I rely on their hiking guides to Rocky Mountain National Park every time I vacation in Estes Park and want to hit the trails. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see that this publisher recently put out a short volume focusing on hiking opportunities in the Lincoln and Omaha area. If you're looking for a quick but detailed guide to interesting places to stretch your legs here in Lincoln, you'll find more than a half-dozen suggestions here, with useful information about what sights to look out for while you're on the trail. Take it along when you head to Omaha, or any of the other nearby locations listed in this volume. The thin paperback format makes it perfect for slipping in your back pocket while you're taking a stroll. Who knows, you might discover a hidden location in the city in which you live! -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ official Falcon Books web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Scrappy Quilts

Scrappy Quilts: 29 Favorite Projects from the editors of American Patchwork and Quilting
from the editors of Better Homes and Gardens [746.46 qBet]

Every quilter has fabric scraps s/he has accumulated and is seeking projects to utilize them. Here are 29 patterns of various quilt sizes organized by color, but offers alternate color suggestions. "Light & Bright" includes 30's reproduction fabrics and pastels. "Rich & Warm" uses gorgeous fall colors, patriotics, and even a Halloween quilt. "Modern Makeover" offers blacks and pinks, denim, geometrics and even includes a pattern called "My Guy" using plaids and browns. There are patterns for all skill-levels and tips from the pros are sprinkled throughout, as well as a short chapter on making and using templates, mitering borders, attaching appliques, cutting bias strips, and making and attaching the binding. A double-sided removable sheet is at the back that includes nine full-size template patterns. Many ideas here to help the quilter use up a stash including bar quilts, checkerboards, flying geese, circles, Chinese coins, log cabins, baskets, and many variations. -- recommended by Charlotte K. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ publisher's official Scrappy Quilts web page ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

R.I.P. - Lilian Jackson Braun, 1913 - 2011

Best-selling and beloved mystery writer, Lilian Jackson Braun, died yesterday at the age of 97.

Known for her "The Cat Who..." mystery series, featuring report James Qwilleran and his Siamese cats Koko and Yum-Yum, Jackson first broke into the mystery publishing field with The Cat Who Could Read Backwards, in 1966. Two additional volumes in the series followed in 1967 and 1968. Braun then took a hiatus from publishing for 18 years, until retiring from her job with the Detroit Free Press. In 1986, "The Cat Who..." series returned to press and she averaged one new book per year until 2007, when The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers was published. That ended up becoming her final novel, as ill health prevented her from continuing work on her promised next volume, The Cat Who Smelled Smoke.

Here are some biographical portraits of Braun and her literary creations:

L.A. Times Obituary for Lilian Jackson Braun

Wikipedia pages for: Braun | The Cat Who series

Lilian Jackson Braun obit at www.legacy.com

New York Times Obituary for Lilian Jackson Braun

The Ghost and the Goth

The Ghost and the Goth
by Stacey Kade

Although I'm not the target audience for this Young Adult paranormal novel, I enjoyed it quite a bit. It has a good blend of humor, angst, mystery, and sentiment. It's not perfect by any means, and was a little slow to start, but is a good read over all. Contains a bit of PG/R language. Sequels are planned. -- recommended by Becky W-C. - Walt Branch Library

[ official Stacey Kade web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

All Over But the Shoutin'

All Over But the Shoutin'
by Rick Bragg [B B2785]

Rick Bragg wrote All Over But the Shoutin' for his mother, a woman abandoned by an alcoholic husband and left to raise three sons in the hardscrabble country of northeastern Alabama. His tribute to his mother is touching, but never too sweet: the pathos of poverty and hopelessness tempered with humor and everyday acts of kindness. Bragg's birth at a drive-in movie theater seemed to portend his eventual career as a journalist, on assignment and packed suitcase at the ready. "I am told it was a hot, damp night in late July 1959, one of those nights when the setting of the sun brings no relief. It might have been the heat, or something that she ate - an orange slush and a Giant Dill Pickle - but about the time Charlton Heston laid eyes on that golden calf and disowned the Children of Israel as idol worshippers and heathen sons of lewd women, I elected to emerge. Some births are marked by a notation in the family Bible, others are acknowledged with the hoisting of glasses. For me it all began with wandering Hebrews, flying gravel and a dangling speaker." He writes of his childhood in the backwoods of Alabama, the feel of the rich, red clay soil, the whisper of the wind through the pines in the evening and the smell of the sweat on people trying to eke out a living there. "The only thing poverty does is grind down your never endings to a point that you can work harder and stoop lower than most people are willing to. It chips away a person's dreams to the point that the hopelessness shows through and the dream accepts that hard work and borrowed houses are all this life will ever be. While my mother will stare you dead in the eye and say she never thought of herself as poor, do not believe for one second that she did not see the rest of the world, the better world, spinning around her, out of reach." Read this book because you like to read memoirs, read this book because you like characters who are hardworking and down-to-earth, or read this book because you long to read a beautifully written and fitting tribute to all the ordinary people, those people so important in each of our lives. -- recommended by Evelyn D. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Wikipedia page for Rick Bragg ] | [ publisher's official Rick Bragg web page ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.