The Halloween Tree

The Halloween Tree
by Ray Bradbury

This short stand-alone novella, originally published in 1972, is a masterpiece of thematic writing. On Halloween night, in an average midwestern town, in an indeterminate time period, eight rambunctious trick-or-treating boys gather at the haunted house at the edge of town, awaiting the arrival of their ninth friend, Pipkin, to begin their holiday shenanigans. When some unknown force spirits the ailing Pipkin away, the remaining friends soon find themselves on the adventure of a lifetime! The haunted house's owner, Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud takes the boys on a trip through time and space, exploring the historical and cultural origins of many Halloween traditions (embodied by their costumes of Skeleton, Gargoyle, Witch, Mummy, etc.). Bradbury's tale, while an adventure told in language that may be a bit flowery for today's kids, is still engaging -- and does a terrific job of explaining many of the holiday's established lore, from the terror felt by cultures who thought the sun died each night, to the persecution of enlightened individuals in the middle ages by their uneducated and superstitious masses, to the Mexican celebration of El Dia de los Muertos. The adventure soars from Egyptian pyramids, to druidic stone circles, to the highest parapets of the Cathedral of Notre Dame. I have friends who have made an annual tradition of reading this story out loud to each other, and I've now read it in back-to-back Octobers, finding new facets to this little gem with each reading. I highly recommend this title, with the caveat that it can feel just a bit dated, and there are no girls in the story. I should also point out that this was adapted into an animated TV special by Hanna-Barbera (the folks who bring us Scooby Doo) in 1993. This version has both its fans and its haters, and if you choose to track it down, just be aware that a lot has been changed between the book version and the video version! [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try most any other Ray Bradbury work, but particularly Something Wicked This Way Comes.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [Subscribe to Scott's monthly booklist newsletter It's All Geek to Me! - on the Books, Movies & More newsletter sign-up page]
 
[ Wikipedia page for The Halloween Tree ] | [ official Ray Bradbury web site ]
 
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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!

Scary Staff Favorites from Past Years

For the past several years, we've featured reviews of spooky, creepy, horrific, paranormal and unexplained books, DVDs, CDs, etc. each October on the libraries' Staff Recommendations pages.

Today being Halloween, we thought we'd provide you with some links to go back to some of those reviews. Happy reading, and Happy Halloween!

Trick or Treat!

October 2004 - 10 spooky reviews

October 2005 - 10 spooky reviews

October 2006 - 11 spooky reviews

October 2007 - 10 spooky reviews

October 2008 - 7 spooky reviews

October 2009 - 6 spooky reviews

October 2010 - 5 spooky reviews

October 2011 - 12 spooky reviews

Here's an extra link, to all the "horror"-related booktalks and booklists archived on the libraries' BookGuide readers advisory site:

Horror Booklists

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer
[DVD Buffy]

In all the years we've been offering up Staff Recommendations here on the BookGuide site, I can't believe nobody has recommended the DVDs of Buffy the Vampire Slayer! This being October, it seems only appropriate to recommend this incredibly iconic seven-season fan-favorite supernatural show. Joss Whedon took the idea he'd introduced in an unsuccessful 1992 movie (starring Kristy Swanson as Buffy), and turned it into a weekly television series in 1997. Sarah Michelle Gellar starred as Buffy Summers, latest in a long line of mystically empowered "vampire slayers", whose mission is life was to hunt down not only vampires but all of the other supernatural menaces that threatened mankind. Problem was -- she just wanted to be a normal high school student, without all the carnage and mayhem. Paired with her "Watcher", the somewhat stuffy high school librarian Giles, Buffy quickly makes friends at her new high school is Sunnydale, CA -- which sits on a gateway into Hell (The Hellmouth), and the supernatural proves unwilling to let her live a normal lifestyle. Breaking with centuries of tradition, which state that the Slayer's life is a solitary one, Buffy and her friends...the Scoobies...proceed to go through three years of high school and four years of college, battling the threats to humankind. Filled with snappy dialog, absolutely terrific performances from the main cast (Giles, Xander, Willow, Angel, Cordelia, Oz, Faith, Tara, etc.) and each season's "big bad" villain, cool effects and make-up, and great music, Buffy is a pop culture treasure. Whedon and company manage to use a wild and crazy concept of a teenaged demon fighter to tell emotional tales about the "real world" and what it takes to survive adolescence and young-adulthood. Three key episodes stand out above and beyond all the others: "Hush" (season four) is almost complete dialog-free as a group of demons steal everyone's voices and float menacingly down the streets at night harvesting victims' hearts; "The Body" (season five) features some of the cast members' best performances, as Buffy finds the body of her mother, who has died unexpectedly but of natural causes; and "Once More, With Feeling" (season six), in which a visiting demon forces everyone to experience key emotional moments in the form of song and dance - all of the cast turn in bravura musical performances in an emotionally-wrenching storyline. Each of the seven seasons features an over-all story arc, with a primary villain that Buffy and company have to fight against in the season finale. Personally, I found certain seasons stronger than others -- Season Two features Buffy's vampire boyfriend Angel turning into the darker Angelus. Season Three features the Mayor of Sunnydale building up to a demonic "ascension" and also sees the destruction of the high school in the final episode. Season Six features a resurrected Buffy (killed at the end of season five) coming to terms with having been brought back to life, and shows gal-pal Willow (a witch) going to the dark side when her love is killed. the series wraps up many of its overall plots at the end of the seventh season, but leaves several plot threads dangling, which have been picked up in official "season 8" and "season 9" comic-book/graphic-novel follow-ups. Happy Halloween! [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the spinoff series Angel.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [Subscribe to Scott's monthly booklist newsletter It's All Geek to Me! - on the Books, Movies & More newsletter sign-up page]
 
[ Internet Movie Database entry for this series ] | [ Wikipedia entry on this series ] | [ Detailed episode guide at epguides.com ]

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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!

New Customer Review - The Help

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett [Stockett]

I really, really liked this book and it was the first historical fiction book I've ever read that I've actually liked. I liked being able to see segregation from the view of a maid and also a white girl. The plot was also really good and I couldn't put this book down!!!! -- review submitted by Ellen L. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library.

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New Customer Reviews appear regularly in the pages of the BookGuide web site. You can visit the Customer Reviews 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 Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: A Novel in Pictures
by Caroline Preston [741.5 Pre]

I suppose it technically falls under the graphic novel category, but this is a very unique book. It is a scrapbook diary from a girl in the 1920's. She is given the book as a gift for her high school graduation, and she chronicles her life from that point till she gets married. Her dream in life is to become a writer, and she practices her typing skills by making captions and notes about the various scraps in the book. Her journey takes her Vassar College, to Europe and back home again when her mother becomes ill. What I liked about it was that it was so full of little mementos to look at, that even though there is minimal text, it feels as if you've read a whole novella. If you have stayed away from graphic novels, because you don't think you like comic books, try this one. It's different enough that you may find you like them more than you expected. [If you want to try another great graphic novel, you might like The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel by Paulo Coelho. It too is a story of following your dreams.] -- recommended by Kristen A. - Gere Branch Library

[ Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt page on the official Caroline Preston web site ]

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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!

New Customer Review - Night Runner

Night Runner
by Max Turner [YA Turner]

The book was very fast paced and kept me reading and the action throughout kept my interest. However the actual plot wasn't that great. Sometimes i feel like there should have been an emotional pull but that was left out, doing so made me not feel very connected to the main character of Zack. The writing was okay not my favorite though and I doubt I'll read the next books in this series. -- review submitted by Wyatt P. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

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

New Booktalk Booklist - I Thought With a Shudder...The Works of H.P. Lovecraft

In the month of October -- when many a reader's interests turn to the creepy, spooky, horrific, unexplained or paranormal -- it seems only appropriate to share Gordon A.'s booktalk booklist from his Gere Branch BooksTalk in April 2012.

Gordon's theme was on the overall works of legendary and influential horror writer H.P. Lovecraft -- creator of the Cthulhu Mythos. Most of the Lovecraft novels or short-story collections that are available in the Lincoln City Libraries' collection are listed in Gordon's booktalk content, as well as a checklist of individual Lovecraft stories for you to track down. Check it out!

I Thought With a Shudder...The Works of H.P. Lovecraft

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
[DVD Salmon]

This was simply, to me, a sweet story. A wealthy sheik dreams of bringing salmon fishing to the desert. It is then up to a scientist and fishing expert (Ewan McGregor), and the sheik's land agent (Emily Blunt), to make the seemingly impossible, possible. -- recommended by Alyse S. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in book, downloadable e-book formats.]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official Salmon Fishing in the Yemen web site ]

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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!

New Customer Review - A Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches
by Deborah Harkness [Harkness]

The writing is perfectly masterful with the right amount of description and prose to illustrate the text. Every character has a lavishly constructed back story adding to the primarily character driven story. I have no complaints when it comes to Harkness's well researched story, other than I felt that action was lacking but I hope that will pick up in the future editions of the series. -- review submitted by Wyatt P. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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

UR

UR
by Stephen King

This relatively short audiobook is certainly a "nod" to the Kindle e-reader, written exclusively as a Kindle book which was later released as an audiobook. Wes Smith, a college professor, tries to veer away from traditional books and buys a Kindle. However, after an error in his order, he receives a pink Kindle (traditionally only available in white). The pink Kindle contains a particular "UR" function that reveals tragic alternate universes. Wes Smith must use the device to prevent a future murder in his own universe-- which leads to potentially horrifying consequences. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try other Stephen King works, such as: It, N, 11/22/63, or Mile 81.] -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Wikipedia entry for UR ] | [ official Stephen King web site ]

Have you listened to this one? 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!

New Customer Review - Cold Cereal

Cold Cereal
by Adam Rex [j Rex]

Scottish Play Doe (a.k.a. Scott) can "see things" like a giant Rabbit-Man with a lisp, a two-foot leprechaun named Mick, and mermaids, unicorns, etc. But when he realizes they're REAL, and that they've just escaped from, off all places, the Goodco Cereal Company, a cereal factory with "a little bit of magic in every box," things start to take a turn for the weird...er...weird-er. And when, worse, he and his twin brother-and-sister-friends (the girl, by the way, barfs rainbows and burps butterflies) discover a weird cult is behind the draining of magic from magical creatures and the implanting the magic in cereal so they can rule the world and turn all cereal-eating-children into mindless zombie-slaves, what do they do? Only the obvious--camp out for a few days in Bigfoot's tree house (who happens to be a house-cleaner and nanny) and then they attack! Will the reign of the GoodCo Cereal Company ever end? Or will "Burlap Crisp" and "Peanut Butter Clobbers" take over the world? With a little help from Bigfoot, a Queen-Punching-Actor, and various magical creatures (including a fire-breathing Finch and a flabby Merlin from the future) this amazing book will leave you begging for seconds! -- review submitted by Elanor J. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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

Bloom: A Memoir

Bloom: A Memoir
by Kelle Hampton [Biography Hampton]

An emotional rollercoaster of a story when author Kelle Hampton's second child is born with Down's Syndrome. Follow her journey from grief to joy and the slippery spots along the way of Baby Nella's first year and redefining what the words 'special' and 'different' mean. Laugh, cry, and grow as an individual....whether your are a parent or not. -- recommended by Sarah J. - South Branch Library
 
[ "Bloom" blog entry on the official Kelle Hampton blog ]

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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!

New Customer Review - The Storm Makers

The Storm Makers
by Jennifer E. Smith [j Smith]

What if you had the power to create storms? When a mysterious man shows up and tells a girl named Ruby her twin brother Simon has this power, she responds how a normal person would. She doesn't believe him. But after evidence, Ruby is forced to accept the truth. And then she and Simon discover a plot to take over the world, destroy it, etc. etc. Can Ruby help Simon to master his power in time to save the world? And why is it he can only do it when she seems to be thinking the physics of the storm out? With delightful pictures by Brett Helquist, known for the Series of Unfortunate Events (uh...series) this book will electrify your wildest wishes! -- review submitted by Elanor J. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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

One Last Thing Before I Go

One Last Thing Before I Go
by Jonathan Tropper

Drew Silver has been floating through a mid-life crisis for years now. He was once famous as the drummer in a popular rock band, married to the woman he loved and father to a new baby daughter. Now he makes his living doing gigs at weddings, his divorced wife is getting remarried, and his estranged, Princeton-bound daughter has confided in him that she's pregnant (only because she doesn't care what he thinks). When he finds out he's got a heart condition that needs immediate surgery, he decides his life as it has become is not worth saving. Instead of having the surgery he decides to use the time he has left to reconnect with his family and try to become a better person. As with Tropper's other novels, One Last Thing Before I Go is full of well-developed, likable characters. He manages to deal with middle-aged angst and failed dreams in a real but witty and humorous way. Several of Tropper's books, including this one, have been optioned for movies. But you know the book is always better than the movie, so read it first! [All of Tropper's books are strikingly similar, and all are engaging, fun reads.] -- recommended by Steph E. - Anderson and Bethany Branch Libraries
 
[ One Last Thing Before I Go page on the official Jonathan Tropper web site ]
 
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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!

New Customer Review - Pillage

Pillage
by Obert Skye [j Skye]

I expected more from this book. I enjoyed all of it, except for the fact that the dragons were evil. I'm probably just being narrow-minded about this...it was a nice take on dragons, since nowadays they're mostly good. But I still expected more from it. -- review submitted by Elanor J. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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

North by Northwest

North by Northwest
[DVD North]

An advertising agent is wrongly accused and framed as a killer. After fleeing the United Nations in New York, a suspenseful chase ensues across the United States, the apex of which ends atop Mt. Rushmore. Lot's of twists and turns to the plot (some more predictable than others), great script, and excellent music score by Bernard Herrmann. Continually listed as one of the top movies of all time. Great performances by Cary Grant, and Eva Marie Saint. (Also, keep an eye out for Hitchcock's cameo appearance!). [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try other Hitchcock DVDs: The Birds, Notorious, Dial M for Murder, Vertigo, Marnie, Lifeboat, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Psycho.] -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]

Have you seen this one? 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!

New Booklist - Spunky Old Ladies

Back in February we celebrated “Spunky Old Ladies Month”. In honor of this celebration,  Carrie K compiled a list of books written by or about spunky old ladies. Spunky Old Ladies are classified as "women over 50, who are interested in living a regret-free life."

Most of these spunky old ladies are still alive and kickin’, while others lived out their lives in a brazen and animated manner before they passed. Whether they're contemporary actresses, comedians and writers, or noted historical figures, we hope you'll find a spunky old lady here that you'll enjoy reading about!

Check out the Spunky Old Ladies booklist, on BookGuide!

New Customer Review - A Hero for Wondla

A Hero for Wondla
by Tony DiTerlizzi [j DiTerlizzi]

Tony DiTerlizzi has a sequel to his 'WondLa' book that is as spectacular as the first! Filled with adventure, aliens, danger, fear, worry, and every emotion a teenage girl practically stranded in a strange world filled with friendly and very very unfriendly aliens can feel! Both Rick Riordan (author of the Percy Jackson, Lost Hero, and Red Pyramid series) and Suzanne Collins (author of Gregor the Overlander and Hunger Games series) recommend this book! If you love Science Fiction, this is the book for you! -- review submitted by Elanor J. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New Customer Reviews appear regularly in the pages of the BookGuide web site. You can visit the Customer Reviews 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 Girl in Hyacinth Blue
by Susan Vreeland

A college professor questions whether or not an oil painting is an authentic Vermeer. The novel progresses backward through various stories of each previous owner until the actual inspiration of the painting is explained-- revealing the true identity of the painter. Is it truly a Vermeer?! The concept of a book tracing the painting backward through smaller short stories works very effectively; however, some of the origin stories are more interesting than others. Overall, a very great read. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Other reverse chronology/retrograde books: Alvarez - How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accent, Banks - Use of Weapons; Reverse chronology movies: Memento, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; Retrograde music: Coldplay - The Scientist (Music 787.877 Col), The Beatles - Strawberry Fields (Music 781.66 Bea).] -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library
 
[ The Girl in Hyacinth Blue page on the official Susan Vreeland web site ]

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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!

Escape From New York

Escape From New York
[DVD Escape]

One of my all-time favorite stylistic scifi films. John Carpenter brings us a gritty, action-filled storyline with a tight countdown to disaster. In a near-future dystopian United States, Kurt Russell is purely iconic as Snake Plissken, the ultimate tough guy, blackmailed and forced to go onto the island of Manhattan, which as been walled off and turned into a penal colony for the country's worst criminals. His mission: rescue the President of the United States, whose plane has gone down somewhere on the island. Filled with colorful characters, impressive set pieces, and an unforgettable and driving minimalist score, Escape From New York is the ultimate guilty pleasure film. Russell's performance is the best thing in the film, but there are some other great character actors chewing the scenary, including Lee Van Cleef, Donald Pleasance, Adrienne Barbeau, Isaac Hayes and Harry Dean Stanton. Followed by the much inferior sequel Escape From L.A. many years later. -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [Subscribe to Scott's monthly booklist newsletter It's All Geek to Me! - on the Books, Movies & More newsletter sign-up page]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official John Carpenter's Escape From New York web site ]
 
Have you seen this one? 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!

New Customer Review - Chomp

Chomp
by Carl Hiaasen [j Hiaasen]

Carl Hiaasen has done a spectacular job in his new book Chomp. He combines adventure, drama, humor, and real-life-issues and danger into one thrilling and laugh-filled book. Included are two snakes (a Burmese Python named Beulah and a Banded Water Snake called Fang), one Alligator named Alice, one Florida Mastiff bat, one snapping turtle, and approx. 2,000 mosquitoes. Humans included mainly consist of a teen boy (missing a thumb) and his dad who practically own a reptile zoo, a teen girl and her dad (who is a drunk with a gun and a quick-to-strike-hand) and a not-so-tough "survivalist" who prefers cheese and jacuzzis to spending one day in the wild by himself, Derek Badger. Along the way, Mr. Badger gets "chomped" by all 2,005 creatures previously mentioned. Think he'll learn to survive? Ssssink your teeth into this good book! -- review submitted by Elanor J. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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

Frozen Heat

Frozen Heat
by Richard Castle

After a vaguely disappointing third entry in this meta tv tie-in series of novels, this fourth volume was terrific. The Nikki Heat novels are supposedly written by Richard Castle, the famous writer character played by Nathan Fillion on the TV series Castle. The multiple layers of meaning to the characters' relationships -- Nikki and Jameson's relationship in most ways parallels the on-screen relationship between Castle and Kate Beckett -- means that fans of Castle will get more out of the Nikki Heat novels that the average reader. However, even standing on their own, the Nikki Heat novels are excellent mystery/thriller stories. In Frozen Heat, NYPD detective Nikki Heat is finally able to dig into the unsolved murder of her mother over 10 years earlier -- a new murder victim has distinct ties to Cynthia Heat. Ace reporter Jameson Rook assists Heat and her squad, as Nikki delves into elements of her own past that reveal previously unknown secrets. The dialog is snappy, the plot is fast-paced, and the characters are likeable, even if somewhat formulaic. This was a quick read, and I do recommend it very strongly. If I weren't a Castle fan, I'd probably rate it slightly lower, but since I love both the show and the books, it gets a 9 from me! I, like many other fans, am still intense curious as to the identity of the author who is actually writing these novels. The studio and publisher have still managed to successfully conceal who is ghost-writing these as "Richard Castle". [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the rest of the Nikki Heat novels, as well as the Castle DVD sets.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [Subscribe to Scott's monthly booklist newsletter It's All Geek to Me! - on the Books, Movies & More newsletter sign-up page]

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

[ Frozen Heat page on the "official" Richard Castle web site ]
 
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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!

New Customer Review - Sweet Venom

Sweet Venom
by Tera Lynn Childs [YA Childs]

This is a great fantasy book for teenagers and preteens. It combines the lives of three teenage girls and their everyday drama with Greek myth and monster hunting to form a well balanced, fast-paced novel. The characters are well thought out and easy for most teenage girls to relate to. -- review submitted by Sammy B. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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

You Had Me at Goodbye

You Had Me at Goodbye
by Jane Blackwood

Katherine "Kat" Taylor has ended her engagement to her cheating fiance and agrees to house-sit for her recently-widowed aunt Lila on Martha's Vineyard to heal her broken heart. Unknown to Lila, before he died her hubby had told a friend, author Lawrence Kendall, that he could have the house to write. They agree to an uneasy truce to share the house for the summer. And thus it begins. Published by Zebra Contemporary Romances, this is a more character-driven romance than usual and told from both Kat's and Larry's points of view. A quick, enjoyable read. -- recommended by Charlotte K. - Bennett Martin Public Library

Have you read this one? 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!

Alien

Alien
[DVD Alien]

"In space no one can hear you scream!" I can still remember this advertising catch phrase, from the first time I saw this film. I had read the novelization already, and was young enough that I needed my dad to go to the Cooper Theater with me to get me in to this R rated film. Knowing the plot, I ended up covering my face at the "chest-burster" sequence in the ship's mess hall. Now, years...and multiple viewings later, I can still look back on Alien as one of the classiest, most compelling science fiction films made in the last 30+ years. Referred to by critics as a "haunted house in space" film, Alien (especially the extended cut) triggers a lot of visceral reactions. Though later films in the Aliens franchise have thrown dozens of the deadly predators at the screen, there's nothing quite like the creepy quality of having a single one of these creatures stalking the Nostromo's crew through the darkened halls. And Sigourney Weaver shines in her role as Ripley -- although she's even better in the follow-up film Aliens. Alien is a near-perfect film -- terrific performances, spine-tingling soundtrack, gorgeous visuals, and one of the scariest creature designs ever seen on film. No matter what you may think of Prometheus, the prequel film that came out this summer, I highly recommend revisiting the original Alien. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Aliens, Alien³ or Prometheus.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]
 
Have you seen this one? 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!

The Last Victim

The Last Victim
by Karen Robards

This is the first book in a new series by Karen Robards. At the age of seventeen, Charlie Stone was the soul surviving witness to a serial killer known as the Boardwalk Killer, who was responsible for murdering her best friend. Driven from that moment, she became a prominent psychologist specializing in profiling serial killers. Fifteen years later, the FBI needs Charlie's help because a new wave of killings have cropped up and either the Boardwalk Killer is back in action or there's a copycat in play. Charlie's reluctance of getting involved isn't just because it makes her an easy target for the killer to finish what he left behind, but also because of Charlie's ability. Charlie can see ghosts of the recently deceased. One ghost, in particular, makes this not just a murder mystery, but a romance with a fun twist. This book is a combination police procedural /paranormal/romance/mystery/thriller/humor. -- recommended by Diane E. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in regular print and Large Print formats.]

[ Last Victim page on the official Karen Robards web site ]

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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!

Charmed: Season One

Charmed: Season One
[DVD Charmed]

Charmed was a TV show that aired from 1998-2006 about three sisters who were witches and came into their powers when their grandmother died. The entire first season is about them learning how to use their powers to fight demons and save innocents. Meanwhile they're trying to live normal lives but magic keeps getting in the way. There's a lot of humor to the show, and some great special effects. The first season stars Shannen Doherty as the eldest and most stubborn sister, Prue, Holly Marie Combs as the middle and caring sister, Piper, and Alyssa Milano as the wild child sister, Phoebe. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Supernatural -- the TV series starring Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles about two brothers who also kill demons, or "Hocus Pocus" which is about another group of three sisters who are witches - though they are the evil kind.] -- recommended by Carrie K. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available: Numerous Charmed tie-in novels -- see the complete list on the TV Tie-Ins booklist on BookGuide.]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this series ] | [ Detailed episode guide at epguides.com ]

Have you seen this one? 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!

New Customer Review - Sean Griswold's Head

Sean Griswold's Head
by Lindsey Leavitt [YA Leavitt]

This book starts out with a very organized girl who finds out that her mom and dad have been lying to her about her dad having MS or multiple sclerosis. Then she is very mad and does not even talk to her parents, and has to go to counseling. Her counseler says to find a focus object so she does and it is a person's head -- Sean Griswold's head. Great for 6th graders and up! She might find a new crush too...will it be Sean or someone else? Find out in...Sean Griswold's Head! -- review submitted by Natalie S. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New Customer Reviews appear regularly in the pages of the BookGuide web site. You can visit the Customer Reviews 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 Nanny Diaries

The Nanny Diaries
by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a nanny to the rich? Two New York nannies spin their real-life experiences into a fictional diary following the life of 'Nanny' who takes a job for Mr. and Mrs. X while attending college. She soon finds out that - like her young charge, Grayer - she has become nothing more than a pawn in an endless cycle of greed and dishonesty. Time and time again, Nanny is put in awkward positions that make question her own moral judgement. Should she stay on and try to protect young Grayer from self-destructing in the endless cycle and vengeful society or try to save herself and whatever semblance of a life she has left? -- recommended by Sarah J. - South Branch Library

[Also available in downloadable audio, book-on-cd and DVD Adaptation formats.]

[ The Nanny Diaries page on the official Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus web site ]
 
Have you read this one? 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!

Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express
[DVD Murder]

Perhaps one of the most perfect films ever made, Sidney Lumet's Murder on the Orient Express is an exquisite adaptation of one of Agatha Christie's most memorable novels featuring Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot. Years before David Suchet's take on Poirot became so incredibly popular, Albert Finney's performance dominates this film completely. Which is hard to do when you've got a huge celebrity-filled cast that includes Lauren Bacall, Martin Balsam, Ingrid Bergman, Jacqueline Bisset, Jean Pierre Cassel, Sean Connery, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Widmark and Michael York. The set design, costuming and camerawork are incredible, but in the end it all comes down to Finney's quirky performance as the vacationing detective, called upon to solve a brutal murder aboard an iconic railcar that has been stopped by an avalanche of snow on the tracks. This should be essential viewing for any and all mystery fans. This DVD edition features numerous extras, including a profile of Agatha Christie, and a four-part documentary on the making of the movie. I love David Suchet and his portrayal of Poirot in dozens of television episodes (including this very story!), but Finney is forever stuck in my mind as Poirot from just this single performance! -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [Subscribe to Scott's monthly booklist newsletter It's All Geek to Me! - on the Books, Movies & More newsletter sign-up page]

[Also available as the original printed novel and as an episode of the Poirot mysteries starring David Suchet.]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]
 
Have you seen this one? 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!

New Booklist - The Name is Bond, James Bond

A new booklist, celebrating the world of Agent 007, upon the 50th anniversary of the launching of the film franchise, has been posted to the BookGuide booklists page.

Scott C., one of BookGuide's mystery and thriller fans, has contributed a brand-new fiction list entitled The Name is Bond...James Bond, and covers every authorized "official" Bond novel, from those written by his creator Ian Fleming through the recent new releases by such authors as Sebastian Faulks and Jeffery Deaver.

In addition to the mainstream novels, the list includes the Young James Bond series, written for young adults, and the Miss Moneypenny novels, focusing on M's secretary and her fascination for the spy life.

Finally, since this list was inspired by the film series' 50th anniversary this year, you'll also find all of the official and not-so-official James Bond films, from 1962's Dr. No through 2008's Quantum of Solace.

If you like your vodka martinis shaken, not stirred, your sidearms of the Walther PPK variety, and your villains of the world-threatening megalomaniac flavor, you need to explore the world of James Bond!

Two new Reviewer Profiles - Alyse S. and Jeremiah J.

We've added two new Reviewer Profiles to the BookGuide site -- part of our ongoing efforts to introduce readers to the folks who review materials on the Staff Recommendations pages of the BookGuide site.

Alyse S. (r) has been contributing reviews since 2010, and you can look forward to more from her in the upcoming months. In the meantime, if you'd like to hear a little bit about Alyse's background, click this link to see her profile, and a list of all that she's reviewed so far!

Jeremiah J. (l) joined Lincoln City Libraries in early 2012 and has been sharing reviews regularly ever since. You can also expect to see more of his recommendations in the near future. If you'd like to hear a little bit about Jeremiah's background, click this link to see his profile, plus a list of what reviews he's shared thus far!


You can also see all past Reviewer Profiles by visiting the Staff Recommendations Indexed by Reviewer page and looking for the "reviewer profile" links next to the reviewers' name.

New Customer Review - Nim Chimpsky

Nim Chimpsky, The Chimp Who Would Be Human
by Elizabeth Hess

Nim Chimpsky, The Chimp Who Would Be Human was a very touching story about a captive chimpanzee being studied for the ability of animals to learn languages. Nim Chimpsky was the chimp's name, a pun on a leading language researcher, Noam Chomsky. Nim was eventually able to learn American Sign Language, with the ability to communicate with other humans. Yet this project was looked down upon by some scientists, since they thought that this did not harness the chimp's true ability. -- review submitted by Felix C. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

The libraries do not own this book -- you may wish to order it through our InterLibrary Loan service. The libraries do, however, have the movie Project Nim on DVD, which was based on this book.
 
Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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

New Customer Review - More Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet

More Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet
by Lola Douglas [YA Douglas]

It was a really cool book. The drama of it was really well written and the characters are all really well described. Overall, it was a good read. -- review submitted by Taylor J. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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