Hershey Public Library

A Gift from Us to You ...

Compiled May, 2001

CAS=audio book  CD=book on CD  LP=large print book  Pbk=paperback

...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer [FIC SAN] - This was my second reading of this amazing novel which was originally published in 1984. Despite its 1,400 pages, it was well worth it. This American classic centers on the members of a book club and their struggles to understand themselves, each other, and the tumultuous world they live in (from 1868 to 1930). A perfect choice for summer reading; it is guaranteed to enthrall and intrigue readers.

Anil’s Ghost by Michael Ondaatje [FIC OND, CD, LP] - A deeply moving and poetic embrace of the author’s native Sri Lanka and the victims of its political upheavals.

Atticus by Ron Hansen [MYS HAN, Cas] - The prodigal son reconstructed as a mystery. Atticus Cody travels to Mexico to search for answers to his son’s apparent suicide. As the official story falls apart, Atticus searches for his son’s murderer. Much more than an ordinary mystery, this is a story of paternal love and filial redemption.

The Awakening by Kate Chopin [FIC CHO, Cas] - A classic and often overlooked novel about a woman forced to reconcile mother -hood and self-fulfillment. Set in 1899, though still a relevant story.

Beach Music by Pat Conroy [FIC CON, Cas, LP] - A story about a South Carolina family where painful secrets travel through many generations. An excellent chapter on the Holocaust is included. This is one of my favorite books of all time.

Beatles Anthology [784.54 BEA] - The Beatles tell their own story with never-before-published color photography and notes on recording sessions for Abby Road. Devoted Beatles fans won’t want to miss this book.

The Caveman’s Valentine by George Dawes Green [MYS GRE] - (Read this exciting thriller before you see the new movie starring Samuel L. Jackson.) How does a Julliard trained composer come to live in a cave in Inwood Park? How does a man suffering from paranoid delusions convince the authorities that he has witnessed a murder? How does a brilliant, deluded, homeless composer solve the murder of a young photographer’s model? You’ll just have to read the book.

Chosen by God: A Brother’s Journey by Joshua Hammer [974.7 HAM] - Newsweek reporter Hammer explores his brother’s decision to enter into Hasidic Jewish society. Both were raised as secular, nonobservant Jews. His book explores universal themes of sibling rivalry and religious commitment.

The Coalwood Way by Homer Hickam [B HIC, LP] - In this follow-up to his best-selling autobiography Rocket Boys, Hickam writes about 1959 in his hometown, the West Virginia mining town of Coalwood. As a high school senior, he chronicles the nostalgia of small town America and the dawning of the new technological age. The characters are appealing and the story tender yet gritty as he portrays coming of age in a “company town.”

The Constant Gardener by John LeCarre [FIC LEC] - Although the end of the Cold War removed some of LeCarre’s best subject matter, he has been able to find equally exciting material for his novels. Set in Kenya, this novel leads us through a maze of corruption and terror surrounding international business. The setting is vividly portrayed, and, as always, the atmosphere is tense and compelling.

The Crimes of Charlotte Bronte by James Tully [FIC TUL] - Historical fiction that reads like non-fiction. This is an interesting account of the lives of the Bronte family.

The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman [FIC LIP] - A humorous look at the combustible combination of romance, anti-semitism, and revenge set at a vacation resort in Vermont. Lipman is a master of social satire and has been called “a modern Jane Austen.” Great read.

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri [FIC LAH] - This Pulitzer Prize-wining book is also the author’s stunning literary debut. It is a compelling collection of nine stories that explore the lives of Indian immigrants and expatriates. Despite the barriers of Indian culture and traditions, the themes are universal ones, and Lahiri’s sensitive portrayals of ethnic diversity give the reader rare insight into Indian culture.

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes [J FOR, J Cas] - The Newberry Award-winning story of the Revolutionary War as seen through the eyes of a young man.

Julie and Romeo by Jeanne Ray [FIC RAY, LP] - Great book for the beach or a plane trip! Could not put it down. It is a modern, mature take-off on the classic star-crossed lovers. This is a comic and refreshing love story about two rival florists in their sixties who fall in love and then must deal with a generations-long feud between their families who try to intervene and stop their romance. Very funny book!

Les Miserables (unabridged) by Victor Hugo [FIC HUG, Cas] -One of the most magnificent books I have ever read! An epic tale and great work of literature, the story deals with profound topics such as law, justice, sacrifice and unselfish love. Set in the time of the French Revolution, the first publication sold out within 24 hours. I highly recommend this book. Much better than the play – and that was excellent.

Marrying the Mistress by Joanna Trollope [FIC TRO, LP] - The Wall Street Journal has described her work as “readable...but not trivial,” and once more she explores with sensitivity and insight the complexities of personal relationships without cliches or predictable, pat endings. Her fans among the HPL staff and Friends consider this novel Trollope’s best yet!

On Writing by Stephen King [813.54 KIN, Cas] - I am not a fan of King’s horror/mystery books, but this book is an exception to the rule and provides surprising perceptions into this unabashed family man who is devoted to his wife and children. There are two parts to the book: a touching autobiography which will cause you to fall in love with King, and a practical “writer’s toolkit” with chapters on the practical requirements for aspiring novelists. The book offers excellent insight into a complex, sharply perceptive and passionate writer.

Orwell: Wintry Conscience of a Generation by Jeffrey Meyers [B ORW] - This biography is well edited and enjoyable to read. Newly published material adds insight into how Orwell’s novels Animal Farm and 1984 changed the way we think about ourselves and our society in the 21st century.

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse [Y HES] - This Newberry Award winner will affect readers of all ages as they share, through a series of free verse entries, the experiences of fifteen-year-old Billie Jo and her family during the Depression in the Oklahoma Dust Bowl.

Over to You: Ten Stories of Flyers and Flying by Roald Dahl [823.914 DAH] - Here’s my pick for book of the year! These exciting stories were written by an acclaimed children’s author. He was also a pilot who saw combat.

Perfect Recall by Ann Beattie [FIC BEA] - Another fine book by one of our finest American writers. This collection shows Beattie’s talent for the short story form.

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult [FIC PIC] - This fast-paced read centers on an Amish family whose daughter is accused of killing her newborn baby. A lawyer from outside the community must defend her. As the lawyer prepares her case, she lives with the family on their Amish farm. Even her lawyer is unsure what to believe. A compelling read and an interesting view of Amish life from the inside. You’ll never guess the ending! **Author Jodi Picoult will visit the library to discuss this book and her other novels on October 21 at 2:00 p.m.

The Diaries of Adam and Eve translated by Mark Twain [813.421 TWA, Cas, CD] - This short book is a hilarious and touching look at two truly unique characters. Twain was on the mark in calling this work: “A little gem if I do say so myself.”

Dogs with Jobs: Working Dogs Around the World by Merrily Weisbord and Kim Kachanoff [636.7 WEI] - If you are a dog lover, as I am, then you must read this delightful portrayal of some of the world’s most amazing working dogs, who accomplish incredible tasks. Beautiful photographs and succinct chapters touch on dogs that “search and rescue at earthquakes,” sniff out bombs in Bosnia, warn epileptic owners about an upcoming seizure, and aid the physically handicapped. You will enjoy the stories in this book even if you don’t own a dog.

Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America with Einstein’s Brain by Michael Paterniti [814 PAT] - Quirky and original. Paterniti combines a road trip (with Einstein’s pathologist in the front seat and a certain Tupperware container in the trunk), a personal odyssey, and musings on how the theory of relativity has come to change modern perceptions of reality.

Dumbing Us Down by John Gatto [370.973 GAT] - Collected works and speeches by renegade teacher John Gatto, who spent over 20 years in the New York City public school system. A call for a radical rethinking of the current “factory” model of schooling. A quick read (106 pages).

Evensong by Gail Godwin [FIC GOD] - This sequel to Father Melancholy’s Daughter can stand alone as the story of a young female Episcopal priest struggling to understand her complex husband (who is dealing with unique and troubling issues of his own) and her role in a community experiencing difficult times. You’ll want to savor the prose in a leisurely read. This is a literary read featuring complex characters and thought-provoking issues.

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers by Loung Ung [959.604 UNG] - This heartbreaking, gripping story of a loving family ripped apart by Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge is conterpointed by the intense courage and spirit of the author and those lucky enough to survive.

The First Time by Joy Fielding [FIC FIE] - A woman must try to trust a husband she knows has been unfaithful as he takes care of her after she learns she has Lou Gehrig’s disease. The husband must try to repair his relationship with his teenage daughter after he moves back home to care for his wife. This complex situation makes for a compelling read.

Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels [FIC MIC] - Michaels uses the metaphor of geology as her characters, Holocaust survivors, sift through the sediment of memory down to the essential life force, the magma of human existence. Powerful, poetic prose.

Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling [J ROW, J Cas, J CD] - A thick book, but a fast read. The charming, unassuming Harry Potter delights the reader as he and his best friends, Ron and Hermione, use their quick wit and friendship to battle against the dark forces or the infamous Lord Voldemort. (2)

A History of the Wife by Marilyn Yalom [306.872 YAL] - Tracing marriage customs and the economic and social status of wives throughout history, Yalom, a Stanford senior professor, shows just which of our current practices and expectations are old or new or, in large part, borrowed. She also features the stories of several notable wives who helped to change convention: among others, Heloise, Katharina von Bora (Mrs. Martin Luther), and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

An Hour Before Daylight by Jimmy Carter [B CAR] - As Jimmy Carter recounts his rural childhood, he is also describing the experiences of many of that “greatest generation” who came of age during the Depression and World War II.

The Hours by Michael Cunningham [FIC CUN] - An enjoyable book dealing with a few hours in the lives of several characters. Interesting and meaningful on its own, but more significant if Mrs. Dalloway, by Virginia Woolf, has also been read.

In the Fall by Jeffrey Lent [FIC LEN, LP] - A white soldier and black woman fall in love in the aftermath of the Civil War. The tragic consequences of their union span generations in this sad story redeemed by willful character.

A Poem a Day edited by Karen McCosker and Nicholas Albery [821.008 POE] - Last summer, I started a ritual that I found profoundly relaxing: the reading of one short poem a day. Take it in slowly, under a shady tree, with a glass of ice-cold lemonade, and watch your stress slip away!

Potshot by Robert B. Parker [MYS PAR, Cas, CD] - Spenser’s back, as smart and sassy as ever, and this time he has been hired to clean out a gang of bullies from a Western town. He gathers a band of cohorts (maybe six or so!) and hunkers down in the hills. If the plot already sounds familiar, you’re in for a double treat as Parker skillfully manages both these references and his own original twists and turns.

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver [FIC KIN, LP] - A heartbreaking, beautiful tale of three unique and spellbinding people who live on a mountain in southern Appalachia. Their stories are gently intertwined by their attachment to nature and their personal commitment to the fragility of life. Explores complex family relationships and attitudes to the land and its inhabitants. The most outstanding book I have read this year. (2)

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant [FIC DIA, Cas, LP] - Gave me insight into what life must have been like for women in Biblical times. The story itself was a page-turner too!

The Same Mistake by Mark Hess [FIC HES] - This first novel by former Hershey resident Hess focuses on a man who pursues love recklessly and with no thought to moral consequences. **This author will discuss his work at a program hosted by the library on October 3 at 7:00 p.m.

Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy [FIC BIN, LP] - Classic Binchy. The story is about two young, creative chefs who start a catering business in Dublin. As they encounter numerous business and personal obstacles, a charming cast of zany secondary characters join forces to confuse their lives. If you are a fan of Binchy, you will love her latest book. If you have never read her work, please start – she never lets her readers down and is a master spinner of tales.

A Severed Wasp by Madeleine L’Engle [FIC LEN] - Concert pianist Katherine Vigneras plans to enjoy her recent retirement and sort through old memories, which include a Nazi prison camp and a tempestuous marriage. However, she becomes involved with the troubles of an old friend, now an Episcopal priest. Katherine is a unique and fascinating character who will enchant you.

Shopgirl by Steve Martin [FIC MAR, Cas] - A witty and wry take on the American dream – consumerism, celebrity, and reinventing oneself – with a touch of old-fashioned sweetness to soften the irony. Skellig by David Almond [J ALM, J LP] - A young adult book, but a powerful message on friendship and real joy. A great book for both young adults and adults!

The Sky is Falling by Sidney Sheldon [FIC SHE, Cas, LP] - Another page-turner by Sheldon. Keeps you guessing to the end.

Squashed by Joan Bauer [Y BAU] - Relive your first love in this modern Cinderella tale. Sixteen-year-old Ellie is determined to win the Rock River Pumpkin Weigh-In. The road to glory is paved with pitfalls such as pumpkin thieves, mean-spirited rivals, hail, and the pangs of first love. A light-hearted romp through Iowa’s growing fields.

White Teeth by Zadie Smith [FIC SMI] - An exuberant novel. Where, one asks, did a 24-year-old learn to observe characters so astutely? Where in her short life did she hone her ear for this wide range of dialogue and the nuances of many accents? Smith describes the multicultural mix and tensions of today’s Britain, and rightfully reigns as a bright new literary star.

Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare [J SPE, J Cas] - Newberry Award-winning book about religious intolerance in early Puritan America. Told from the point of view of a young woman coming to the colonies in the late 1600s from Barbados.

May 2001