The Sound of Music (on DVD)

The Sound of Music
by Rodgers and Hammerstein [DVD Sound]

One of my favorite movies of all time. In pre-World War II Austria, Fraulein Maria (Julie Andrews) leaves a convent to become a governess for a Naval Officer (Christopher Plummer) and his seven children. Along the way, she wins the kids and ultimately the Captain over through her music. When the Captain is forced to sign on with the Third Reich, the family sets off into the Alps to escape, with the help of some mischievous nuns. Includes famous hits such as "Do-Re-Mi," "The Hills are Alive," "Edelwiess," "My Favorite Things," "The Lonely Goatherd," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," and "Climb Every Mountain." (Also, look for the cameo appearence of Maria von Trapp herself in the background fountain scene during "I Have Confidence.") Approximately 3 hours long, but don't let that stop you from this great classic movie. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.] -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available as sheet music in a wide variety of formats, as well as the soundtrack on cd.]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]
 
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Liver Let Die

Liver Let Die
by Liz Lipperman [PB Lipperman]

In college, Jordan McAllister dreamed of being a sports columnist. After making a few bad choices she ended up in Ranchero, Texas writing personals for the Ranchero Globe. One day her editor, Dwayne Egan, asks her to take over the food column and write restaurant reviews while the regular culinary columnist recovers from a broken hip and arm. Jordan agrees with some trepidation because she can barely make macaroni and cheese from a box. Where is she going to find recipes for fancy food for her column? Jordan's friends in her apartment building come to her rescue and supply her with recipes with sophisticated names. Jordan's first restaurant review is an exposé of the way ducks are raised for foie gras and it created quite a stir. The public was outraged by the cruel way ducks are treated. Her editor is elated because newspaper sales are up. The restaurant owner had NO IDEA about the way the ducks treated and he invites Jordan back to his restaurant for a free meal (hoping for a better review the second time). Things become sticky for Jordan when her waiter from the restaurant is found murdered in her apartment building and Jordan is the prime suspect. This is the first book in the Clueless Cook series. With all of the winning characters in the series, it won't be the last. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the works of Cleo Coyne, Joanne Fluke and Julie Hyzy.] -- recommended by Donna G. - Virtual Services Department

[ official Liver Let Die excerpt on the official Liz Lipperman web site ]
 
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Wool (two reviews)

Wool
by Hugh Howey

Wool by Hugh Howey is a dystopian novel set in the cramped confines of the Silo. Originally self-published as five novellas, the omnibus edition collects the original stories in one printed volume. The Silo is an underground bunker over a hundred stories deep and housing thousands of people who are stratified into a rigid society. The level you live on determines your social status, culture, job, and values. But all residents of the Silo share the ultimate taboo...don't talk about the outside. The outside world is toxic, the only view of their surroundings visible through camera lens that are constantly being degraded by dust storms, acid rain, and caustic air. Those who wonder out loud about the world beyond the constantly degrading view will be sent to clean, and the Cleaners don't come back. In a society this cloistered, control must be absolute. When the people in power begin to question the absolutes they have always taken for granted, the fate of the Silo is called into question. Wool is many things. A dystopian examination of a society pushed to the breaking point, a tragic love story, and a claustrophobic thrill ride. This novel will appeal to fans of post-apocalyptic stories like Fallout 3, Bioshock, and Justin Cronin's Passage trilogy. Also recommended for older YA readers looking for more dystopian thrillers after they finish the Hunger Games. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Passage Trilogy by Justin Cronin, The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Pure by Julianna Baggott, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.] -- recommended by Cally O. - Gere Branch Library

This was ranked supremely high on Amazon.com, so I figured I would give it a shot. Wool is a collection of stories that were first released exclusively for the Kindle. After they went viral, they published the books in an Omnibus collection. There is a Prequel omnibus as well "Shift," and a sequel omnibus "Dust." This wasn't a fast read, I found myself re-reading passages, and some of the detail bogs down the plot. But over all I would highly recommend it to post-apocalyptic science-fiction fans. Imagine planet earth in the future, where people can't go outside but must live in underground silos, shut off from the outside world. There is a mayor, a sheriff, different levels to live on: one for Information Technology, Mechanical, Supply; people work; children play and go about their business as normal. But as punishment for a crime, people are sent outside the silo to "clean" it with steel wool, hence the title-- ultimately a death sentence because after leaving, no one is allowed back in; bodies speckle the horizon. But there is another meaning to wool, for the main character Juliette, someone has tried to pull the "wool" over her eyes, and she sees right through it. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Dune by Frank Herbert.] -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

 [ official Hugh Howey web site ]

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Girl Genius: Omnibus One: Agatha Awakens

Girl Genius: Omnibus One: Agatha Awakens
by Phil and Kaja Foglio [741.5 Fog]

For anyone interested in trying out the world of Steampunk literature, this graphic-novel format story is a perfect place to start. Creators Phil and Kaja Foglio refer to it more as a "gaslamp fantasy", but this amusing and exciting adventure story has a lot of the elements that go into typical steampunk stories as well -- plucky and adventurous heroes (in this case a heroine, who is only just coming to realize that she's "special"), anacrhonistic technologies, including airships and steam-powered robots, and an oppressive government to fight back against. Phil Foglio has been doing comical fantasy art for decades -- I loved his "Phil and Dixie" comic strip in Dragon magazine for many years, and his were the illustrations I liked best for the Robert Asprin "Myth" fantasy novels. With Girl Genius, he's given free reign to let is humor go loose, and a whole world to invest with interesting stories. If you enjoy this first hardback graphic novel compilation, you should be aware that the Girl Genius storyline is much longer than just this volume -- it has continued with a long-running plot online at Girl Genius Online Comics -- you can read the whole thing for free there! -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

See more books like this in Scott's Thrilling Airship Adventures Steampunk booktalk booklist

[ official Girl Genius Online Comics web site ]

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Here Comes the Boom

Here Comes the Boom
[DVD Here]

I find Kevin James goofily appealing, and this recent film of his, from Adam Sandler's production company, is no exception. At times it does not sufficiently suspend disbelief but it does have a certain charm. James is a burned-out teacher who, through no initial intention of his own, becomes the best hope for saving the music program at his high school, and also getting in the good graces of the sexy school nurse. How? by becoming a Mixed Martial Arts competitor! As the teacher's trainer and manager, Henry Winkler and Bas Rutten steal the movie. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Paul Blart, Mall Cop; I've Never Met an Idiot on the River; School of Rock.] -- recommended by Becky W C - Walt Branch Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official Here Comes the Boom web site ]
 
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The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World

The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World
by Guillaume de Laubier [727.8 qLau]

This book provides the reader with short histories of libraries around the world complemented with large full color photographs. The histories of each are only a few pages long, but covers every stage of each building's history up to modern times. I finished it feeling informed about the specific libraries and about library history in general. I think it would appeal to library lovers, architecture fans, and history buffs. There are no Nebraska libraries featured in this book, so if you are looking for a bit of their history, checkout this webpage by the NE Library Commission: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/history/carnegie/. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Library: an Illustrated History by Stuart A.P. Murry.] -- recommended by Kristen A. - Gere Branch Library

[ official Guillaume de Laubier web site (in French) ]

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The Bookseller

The Bookseller
by Michael Pryor

First in a new mystery series, set in Paris. Hugo Marston is the head of security for the U.S. Embassy in Paris, recovering from a relationship break-up and enjoying the prestige of a job he's good at after years of intelligence work. When one of his Parisian friends, a quirky bookstall owner named Max appears to be threatened and then disappears, Hugo feels obligated to look into the matter on his week off of work -- mainly because the local authorities seem to be turning a blind eye to the situation. With the assistance of an old ex-CIA friend and a crusading female reporter (with whom he's begun a new relationship), Marston steps on lots of the wrong people's toes as he tries to discover the fate of his friend...the bookseller. Really nice descriptions of the settings, even if the characters are a bit wooden. The second volume is due out in 2013. -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in downloadable E-book format.]

[ official Mark Pryor blog ]

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Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits

Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits
by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel [Compact Disc 781.66 Sim]

I remember listening to the vinyl record of this album when I was younger from my mom's old records, and I was thrilled that Lincoln City Libraries had it in our collection. This CD includes the greatest hits of Simon and Garfunkel. It was released in 1972, two years after the group disbanded (they reformed later--twice, and have performed as recently as 2010). Interestingly, several of the songs on the CD were recorded live from a 1969 concert in St. Louis, so many of the tracks include audience applause. Every single song on the CD is great, including: "Mrs. Robinson," "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)," "I Am a Rock," "Scarborough Fair," "Homeward Bound," "Bridge over Troubled Water," and my personal favorite: "Cecilia.". [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Simon and Garfunkel: the biography, by Victoria Kingston; The Essential Simon and Garfunkel, Music CD; The Best of Simon and Garfunkel, Music CD.] -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ official Simon and Garfunkel web site ]
 
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Shadows on the Coast of Maine

Shadows on the Coast of Maine
by Lea Wait

Lea Wait weaves a bit of her family's history in this engaging cozy. Wait's family summer home in Maine was built in 1774 on an island and moved across the river to the mainland in 1832. The original fireplace was walled up when the house was moved and uncovered by Wait, her mother and grandmother when Lea Wait was a child. Wait's family summer home is the setting for this novel. The characters in the novel also uncover a fireplace in their home. Antique print dealer Maggie Summer is thrilled when her old college roommate, Amy Douglas, invites her to come to Madoc, on the coast of Maine to see her new home. Amy and Drew's "new" home was built in the 18th century and they are busy restoring it. Things are not as tranquil as Amy and Drew would like. Amy thinks that the house might be haunted because she heard a baby crying during the night. There was a mysterious fire in the unused ell that connects the house to the barn. And there are the eerie late night phone calls. When Crystal, Amy and Drew's summertime helper, is murdered on way home from work Maggie puts on her sleuthing cap and finds the murderer. I love the sense of that this book evokes and I plan to read more by this author. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the works of Emyl Jenkins, Sharon Fiffer and Lyn Hamilton.] -- recommended by Donna G. - Virtual Services Department

[ official Shadows on the Coast of Maine page on the official Lea Wait web site ]

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New Customer Review - Kiss Me Again

Kiss Me Again
by Rachel Vail [YA Vail]

Cliches. We watch them, we read them, and sometimes we like them. This is one of those times where you're actually going to like it. Kiss Me Again caught my eye by just seeing the title. You know why? Because of the AGAIN. It means there's a past there. There's a story waiting to be unfolded. Which I then found out because this was the second book to a series. But that's beside the point! The point is, this book is a good book. If your looking for a quick read, grab it. If it's a rainy day and you just want some clicheness in you, steal it (don't actually steal it, I'm just trying to find a better word than grab but nothings coming to the mind). Happy Reading! -- review submitted by Vanessa L. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

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New Customer Review - The Great Tree of Avalon

The Great Tree of Avalon: Child of the Dark Prophecy
by T.A. Barron [j Barron]

I was browsing at Gere for a good fantasy when I came across this great book. The plot was sort of slow at the beginning, but quickly heated up with elements of magic. It will really attract people who love magic and science fiction. -- review submitted by Brenton Z. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

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Lincoln (on DVD)

Lincoln
[DVD Lincoln]

This isn't a full birth-to-death biography of Abraham Lincoln's life, but centers more on his emancipation of the slaves and his inner-working of Congress up to the end of the Civil War and his death (and don't worry, they don't show the assassination.) Daniel Day-Lewis won a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Lincoln, and the movie had a plethora of other Oscar nominations and awards. I especially liked Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln. Overall, it was historically accurate, and tastefully done. It really opened my eyes to Lincoln's personality and temperament through his story-telling. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Killing Lincoln - Bill O'Reilly, Lincoln: A Biography - Ronald White.] -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Based in large part on the award-winning non-fiction work A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin.]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official Lincoln Movie web site ]
 
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New Customer Review - Saint Louis Armstrong Beach

Saint Louis Armstrong Beach
by Brenda Woods [j Woods]

An engaging story, Saint Louis Armstrong Beach by Brenda Woods is about an eleven-year-old who loves music and a neighborhood dog. The ending is somewhat abrupt, and with too many contrivances, but I still enjoyed this story set in New Orleans at the time Hurricane Katrina hit. Main character Saint endears himself to me, first because of his dream to save up for a clarinet. Second, there's the neighborhood dog. On the day Hurricane Katrina, their relationship is put to the test. The setting of New Orleans rings true because of the subtle details. Saint refers to the muddy Mississippi River, big-enough-for-dinner fish, big-mouth pelicans, and noisy seagulls. As he takes his rounds to play clarinet music for tourists, I can visualize his neighborhood because Saint both names and describes its streets and shops. Author Woods has roots in New Orleans and this shines through in her tale. The bulk of the action surrounding Hurricane Katrina also feels accurate. The action starts out innocently enough, with Saint's parents informing him that a tropical storm is supposed to hit Florida. The moment the storm is upgraded to a hurricane some families leave, which leads to a discussion between Saint and his dad about why some families choose to stay. The fear which the rising water and the destructive winds of Hurricane Katrina create in Saint make for a suspenseful story, which only slightly misses its mark due to the contrived and abrupt end. Despite this, Saint Louis Armstrong Beach is a powerful story about the New Orleans region, one of United States most damaging hurricanes, and the love of family. Recommended! -- review submitted by Allison H.-F. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

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Hot X Algebra Exposed

Hot X Algebra Exposed
by Danica McKellar [512 McK]

This is basically an algebra text book companion. It's written by mathematician Danica McKellar, who starred as Winnie Cooper on the Wonder Years television show. It covers algebraic concepts in a friendly conversational way, making difficult concepts more approachable than most text books or other help books. The overarching theme of the book is making math something you feel you can conquer, maybe even have fun with. She starts off each chapter with a real life story and ties it into the concept covered in the chapter. Each algebraic topic is explained, then lists out the steps, then sees the steps applied to a few examples. There are some practice problems at the end of each chapter with answers in the back. You can also check the author's website to see all the steps involved in answering each question. This way if you get it wrong, you can check where you made your error. As great as this book is, it is written with a teenage girl audience in mind. She'll use flowers for variables, talk about pesky little brothers spoiling your party, and includes encouraging quotes and stories from other teen girls. This aspect didn't bother me too much, but it could annoy other readers. If you are brushing up on your math skills, or are taking an Algebra class this is a good book to have around for reference. If you are looking for practice problems, I would also recommend 'The complete idiot's guide to algebra practice problems' by Jane Gardner. This one has plenty of practice problems to work through as well as the how-to part. This book may also appeal to those those interested in reading about women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, & math). For more information and stories about women in these fields, checkout the Ada Lovelace Day webpage at findingada.com. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Complete Idiot's Guide to Algebra Practice Problems by Jane Gardner.] -- recommended by Kristen A. - Gere Branch Library

[ official Hot X web site ] | [ official Danica McKellar web site ]

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New Customer Review - The Compound

The Compound
by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen [YA Stuve-Bodeen]

The Compound is a great, quick read for any young adult. I read this for our teen book group at Gere and was finished with it in 2 days from the time I started it. The story line never hangs onto one scene for too long, and is constantly evolving and keeping you on your feet. The most apealing factor of this book, is that I can really see the plot of having to go into a underground compound after a nuclear weapons launch, and having to adapt to all the changes happening. I think that it is excellent because it is told from the point of view of a teenager and that they aren't set into stone about what should be and shouldn't be happening. I'm excited for the sequel to come out this September and I highly recommend this book for anyone. -- review submitted by Alex A. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

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Let's Pretend This Never Happened

Let's Pretend This Never Happened: [a Mostly True Memoir]
by Jenny Lawson [Biography Lawson]

Be ready to laugh, cry, and laugh some more as you get a glimpse of Lawson's life from childhood to adulthood with all the raucous adventures that form her into the woman she has become. If reading in public, be warned you might not help but burst out into laughter quite frequently as Lawson brings humor into every situation she encounters. Warning - explicit language used. -- recommended by Sarah J. - South Branch Library

[ official The Blogess web site ]
 
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I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had

I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High
by Tony Danza [Biography Danza]

Actor-singer-dancer, ex-professional boxer, ex-amateur wrestler, and problem student Tony Danza had a lifelong dream to be a teacher. In 2009-2010, he fulfilled it by teaching (under strict supervision) for one year at Philadelphia's largest public high school via Teach for America and A&E Television, which aired a short-lived reality series (Teach: Tony Danza) about it. Just shy of 60 years old, first-year teacher "Mr. Danza" shepherded 26 students through their 10th-grade English class. This chronicle of his eye-opening stint at Northeast High runs a wide range of emotions: charming, passionate, clueless, frustrated, comical, touchy-feely, hopeful, humble. When network executives wanted Danza to "create" more drama, he refused. They pulled the cameras, and he stayed put, refusing to bail on the kids or make an irresponsible representation of what was happening. Along the way, He came up with some creative ways to flesh out lesson plans and he developed a number of lasting bonds with his students. Who knew?! -- recommended by Becky W. C. - Walt Branch Library

[Also available in downloadable E-book format.]

[ official I'd Like to Apologize... web page on the official Tony Danza web site ]

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The Baker Street Letters

The Baker Street Letters
by Michael Robertson

When I saw the third volume in this quirky series at Barnes & Noble recently, I realized I had missed the first two entries, so I backtracked to read The Baker Street Letters. Two British brothers, respectable Reggie Heath and his flightier younger brother Nigel, have set up a legal office on the 2nd floor of the office building at 221 Baker Street in London. Part of the conditions of their inexpensive lease is that they are required to answer all of the fan mail that comes addressed to Sherlock Holmes at 221B Baker Street, with standard form letters -- no personal responses. When Nigel believes foul play is afoot in Los Angeles, based on a 20-year-old letter that has had a recent follow-up, he disappears from England on the even of a hearing to reinstate his law license. Reggie follows his errant brother to the States, and finds himself hip deep in a mystery involved falsified land records, a missing surveyor, and his brother...who is soon accused of murder. Not perfect -- there's a few lapses in logic and it could have used a tighter editorial hand, but this is still a fun and fast read, with likeable characters and an amusing premise. I definitely recommend this, and look forward to reading the subsequent volumes in the series! -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library



See more books like this in our Elementary booklist -- Holmes parodies, pastiches, sequels and homages 

[ official Baker Street Letters / Michael Robertson web site ] 

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Dining Out at Home Cookbook

Copykat.com's Dining Out at Home Cookbook
by Stephanie Manley [641.5 Man]

Do you love the Ham & Egg Casserole from Cracker Barrel and wish you could make it at home? Or how about the Pasta Alfredo from Olive Garden? Here are easy-to-read, unauthorized recipes that taste like the real thing. Copykat.com has been publishing copycat recipes for years on her website and this is her first cookbook that pulls together some of the favorites. (Complaint: I have a copycat recipe for KFC Coleslaw that is spot-on and was surprised she didn't have one as well.) Recipes are divided into standard categories — Drinks, Appetizers, Salads, Main Dishes, Sides, etc — and the book includes a Recipe Index by Restaurant at the back. Ingredients are basic ones you can find at your local grocery store and the instructions are easy to follow. There are many recipes from Chili's, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster, and T.G.I.Friday's but there are still 71 other major chains included (though on principle I didn't copy any recipes from Hooters). One more minor complaint, there is no nutrition info for each recipe. Just keep in mind restaurants are usually higher in fat, calories, and sodium. -- recommended by Charlotte K. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ official Dining Out at Home web site ]

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Redeeming Love

Redeeming Love
by Francine Rivers

I came across this book while searching the highest rated books on Amazon.com; 1200 out of 1400 people rated it 5 stars, so I thought I would give it a try. It is a retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, who married the prostitute Gomer. She keeps running off with other men, but Hosea keeps going to get her back and continues to forgive her. Redeeming Love is set in the 1850's California Gold Rush. The story's main character Sarah/Amanda/Angel has had a rough life. With her astounding beauty she ends up working in a brothel, the only thing she has ever known. It is up to Michael an extremely devout man to get her out of her situation. I was really pleased with the overall message-- it wasn't preachy for a Christian Fiction novel, especially when God "talks" to Michael. The love scenes are tastefully done (remember she is in a brothel), but without being crass. I really enjoyed the character development on multiple levels, and it was even suspenseful towards the end! Don't expect a literal retelling of the biblical book of Hosea, but it contains similar themes about love, faith, and redemption in a very classy way. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try An Echo in the Darkness – Francine Rivers; Glory – Heather Graham; Mark's Story – Tim LaHaye.] -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

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

[ official Redeeming Love page on the official Francine Rivers web site ]

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Bram Stoker's Dracula (on DVD)

Bram Stoker's Dracula
[DVD Dracula]

This movie is based on the novel by Bram Stoker. I haven't read the book so I can't say how close it is to the original, but it was a decent movie. It begins in the past showing Dracula as a Drakel warrior leaving his love to fight in battle. She is sent news that he has perished and throws herself into the river. He returns to find her dead, and drinks blood to become an immortal vampire. We then jump forward in time when a London lawyer travels to Transylvania at the request of Count Dracula. The lawyer leaves his love behind in London and promises to marry her upon his return, but he is held captive. While he is being held, Dracula travels to London, seduces the lawyer's fiancé and wrecks mayhem in the city. It was not as frightening as I expected it to be, but it is still a rated R horror movie, so if that's not your the kind of movie, I suggest you pass on this one. However, if you enjoy classic stories and or monster movies you'd probably enjoy it. There is also a romance story involving the friend of the fiancé in London, which may also appeal to some viewers, and provide a temporary break from Dracula himself in the early parts of the film. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the original novel by Bram Stoker.] -- recommended by Kristen A. - Gere Branch Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]

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The House

The House
by Patrick Lewis and Roberto Innocenti [j811 Lew]

There is a poem that runs through every other page of this book, but the illustrations tell just as much of the story. The poem centers round a house built in 1656, and we watch the passage of time through the years of 1900 to 1999. The house narrates the poem about itself, it's occupants and the historical events that affect them. The illustrations are all drawn from the same point of view so we can watch the changes occur page by page. After you've read it through it's fun to flip back and look for differences in the landscape, see how the residents grow up, and see the house get tended to, fall to disrepair, then get found again. This book is the children's section of the library but could be enjoyed by any age or as a book to read together. Whether you enjoy poetry, history, art, or any combination of those, I suggest you pick this one up – it's a wonderful book. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Castles by J. Patrick Lewis j811 Lew.] -- recommended by Kristen A. - Gere Branch Library


[ official J. Patrick Lewis web site ]

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A Question of Identity

A Question of Identity
by Anthea Fraser

Rona Parish is a successful biographer and freelance journalist. She also has a reputation for solving murders that she likes to downplay. Rona is working a biography about the reclusive artist, Elspeth Wilding. Her research is going slowly but she is committed. Her twin sister, Lindsay, asks Rona to find out the identity of a person inked out of an old school photo for a friend. At first, Rona balks at the idea. She is trying to discourage people from thinking of her as an investigator. But Lindsay persists and Rona is bored with her research so she agrees to meet with William and Glenda Stirling to hear their story. They tell her about the black and white photo of a school group at Springfield Lodge with the date, July 1951, scrawled on the back. One of the people blotted out of the photo. Glenda found the picture in the bottom of a sewing box and asked her mother about it. Her mother, Trish Cowley, became very upset and refused to talk about it. Glenda found the photo again after Trish died and decided to find out who had been scratched out. That is where a reluctant Rona comes in. An improbable set of coincidences allows Rona to identify the person and the reason the individual was obliterated. -- recommended by Donna G. - Virtual Services Department

[ Wikipedia's Anthea Fraser entry ]
 
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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide website. 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. Click the tag for the reviewer's name to see more of this reviewers recommendations!

Argo

Argo
[DVD Argo]

Based on a true story – After the American Embassy in Iran is invaded by Iranian revolutionaries six Americans escape and hide out at the Canadian Ambassador's house. Tony Mendez, a CIA agent played by Ben Affleck, is put in charge of getting them home. His plan is to make it look like the Americans are in Iran scouting locations for a movie and then sneak them out as part of the production crew. With some help from some Hollywood friends (played by Alan Arkin and John Goodman) they find a script that would fit and Sam flies over as an Associate Producer. The whole movie has you sitting on the edge of your seat. Ben Affleck did a great job as both Director and lead actor. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the book Argo: how the CIA and Hollywood pulled off the most audacious rescue in history by Antonio Mendez,and Zero Dark Thirty, another movie based on a true story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.] -- recommended by Carrie K.- Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official Argo web site ]
 
Have you watched this one, or read the shooting script? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide website. 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. Click the tag for the reviewer's name to see more of this reviewers recommendations!