Hershey Public Library

Amagansett by Mark Mills [FIC MIL] - This is a thoughtful and complex first novel that includes a mystery. Set in the post World War II era, two fishermen find the body of Lillian Wallace. As we discover the truth about her death, we learn about the conflict between the wealthy who summer at Amagansett, Long Island, and those who work and live at the shore. Mills skillfully weaves together a number of plotlines. Fascinating work.

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown [FIC BRO, CAS, LP, Pbk F 2457] – Another action-packed, page-turner, full of twists and turns to the very end from the author of The Da Vinci Code. Science vs. God comes to a head when a bomb made of antimatter is hidden somewhere within the Vatican with only 6 hours to go before the bomb explodes. As the plot weaves through the streets and buildings of Rome and Vatican City, the reader is also introduced to interesting facts and information about locations and buildings existing within these cities.

Arson and Old Lace: A Far Wychwood Mystery by Patricia Harwin [MYS HAR] - This is a fun, light mystery in the cozy British village style and is the first in a planned series. Retired librarian, Catherine Penny, moves from bustling New York to a cottage in the Cotswalds. Her husband has left her for a younger woman, and she moves to her beloved England to be with her grown daughter and new grandchild. When her neighbor is killed, and everyone but Catherine is convinced it was an accident, she sets out to prove them wrong. Great fun!

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron [153.35 CAM] – If you haven’t heard your inner artist’s voice in awhile, this book can help you hear it again – perhaps louder than ever before. Also recommend the sequel: Walking In This World: The Practical Art of Creativity [153.3 CAM].

A Bear in the Attic by Patrick McManus [814.6 MCM, CAS, CD] – To anyone who has spent time outdoors camping, fishing, or hunting, this collection of humorous tales will bring relief in knowing you have never had experiences quite as catastrophic as those retold.

Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason by Nancy Pearl [011.73 PEA] – The title says it all. Pearl is a librarian and former director for the Washington Center for the Book. She teaches at the University of Washington Library School. She knows her stuff and loves to share her joy in reading. A wonderful resource for finding your next good book.

The Case for Democracy: The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror by Natan Sharansky [321.8 SHA] – This is the controversial and interesting book that President Bush quotes from. Natan Sharansky was a Soviet political prisoner for nine years. He expounds on what freedom and democracy mean to him and why tyranny can uproot world security and stabilization.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger [FIC SAL, Pbk C 1061, Pbk C 1063, Pbk C 1181] – A brilliant coming-of-age novel about sixteen-year-old prep school adolescent Holden Caulfield and the struggles he experiences in dealing with adolescence and the phoniness of the adult world.

The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarity [FIC MOR, CAS, LP] - Julie Dretzin (who reads the audio version) brings to life a likeable young heroine in a coming-of-age story that has appeal for all ages. A bright 10-year-old as the story opens, Evelyn Bucknow learns to survive outside that elusive world of schoolgirl cliques and popularity contests, transforming herself into a perceptive, responsible young woman who rises above not only the usual adolescent travails and heartaches, but also the greater challenges of her oddly dysfunctional family and the poverty that ensnares them.

A Child Called It: One Child’s Courage to Survive, The Lost Boy: A Foster Child’s Search for the Love of a Family, and A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness (a trilogy) by Dave Pelzer [362.76 PEL, CAS, LP] – Keep the tissue box close by. Of the three, I found Lost Boy the most moving, Child Called It the most disturbing, and Man Named Dave the most inspiring. Although a trilogy, they can still be read out of sequence.

Child of my Heart by Alice McDermott [FIC MCD, LP] – This coming-of-age novel focuses on 15-year-old Theresa, whose parents move to Long Island in the hope that their daughter’s beauty will catch a wealthy husband. Theresa babysits and petsits for the rich. She is perceptive beyond her years, and it is fascinating to watch her inauguration into the complex world of adults.

Chocolate: A Bittersweet Saga of Dark and Light by Mort Rosenblum [641.3 ROS] – In this mouthwatering book on chocolate, the author describes the popularity of chocolate through history, the making of chocolate from bean to bar, the debate over child labor in Africa, and an interesting section on European chocolatiers.

Colibri by Ann Cameron [J CAM, J CAS] – Visit Guatemala with Tzunun, a brave young girl who travels with a man she knows only as Uncle, although he isn't really. Kidnapped at an early age, her memories of life with her parents are sketchy. As she grows older, she is more deeply disturbed by Uncle's con artistry. Her attempts at resisting his attempts to include her in his schemes are growing increasingly futile. With the help of a Mayan "daykeeper," Tzunun is able to find her voice and to fight for her freedom. The audiobook narration is particularly lyrical and mesmerizing. Not your typical beach read.

The Crush by Sandra Brown [FIC BRO, CAS, CD, LP, Pbk F 2333] – You’ll love figuring out the plot twists and turns. The storyline involves cops, a doctor, and, of course, the guy with “the crush.” You wouldn’t want flowers from this guy!

Digital Fortress by Dan Brown [FIC BRO, CD, LP, Pbk F 2468] – I read three of Brown’s four books. While The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons are good, I found Digital Fortress more entertaining. No religious background needed.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems [JP W] – Mo Willems is an up-and-coming children’s book author. Catch his first hit – a Caldecott Honor Book. You’ll laugh; you’ll cry; you’ll scream with rage. Just don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!

Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama [305.8 OBA] – Obama gave the keynote speech at the Democratic Convention. The son of a white American mother and a black African father, Obama writes about his struggles with his own racial identity and the issues of race in America.

Envy by Sandra Brown [FIC BRO, CAS, Pbk F 2163] – Overall an enjoyable book – very suspenseful at times. It was fun to figure it out. It’s about two best friends…or are they? Enjoy!

Even More Parts: Idioms From Head to Toe by Tedd Arnold [JP A] – Everyday expressions and their possible meaning in any child’s eyes. Pure fun and laughter for the light-minded.

Father Joe: The Man Who saved My Soul by Tony Hendra [282 HEN] – This is the story of a remarkable and enduring friendship. At an early age Tony Hendra, future comedian, writer and producer, meets Father Joe to sort out a youthful indiscretion. As Mr. Hendra passes through the highs and lows of his life and faith, Father Joe remains a constant. Whatever your spiritual leanings, you will come to appreciate this exceptional man’s example and goodness. What a beautiful tribute. The ending brought me to tears.

Favorite Poems: Old and New by Helen Ferris [808.81 FAV] – Long ago we memorized poems in school. Now, every once in awhile those poems come back to us in bits and pieces. This book has all the old familiar poems plus some lesser known ones. In only a few words, a poem can transport us to another time or place, and comfort us with its rhyme and rhythm. I enjoyed reading the familiar and not-so-familiar poems.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Miguel Ruiz [299.792 RUI] – The four agreements presented in this book are a simple and concise guide for those on the path to self-awareness. A very powerful little book based on Toltec wisdom.

Fraternity: A Journey in Search of Five Presidents by Bob Greene [973.92 GRE] – The fraternity that Greene refers to is the small group of living former Presidents. Greene interviewed each man individually over a period of years to delve behind the aura of “former President” to see the men they have become. I found it interesting to see how the presidency affected their lives, how they perceived the job and their performance of it, and how they are living now.

Furry Logic Parenthood by Jane Seabrook [818 SEA] – A great book for parents because we can identify with the thoughts expressed in these pages. A book that will make you smile and ponder.

The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith [MYS SMI, CAS, CD] – Mma Precious Ramotswe, traditional lady of Botswana and owner of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency, serves up a book full of life’s lessons, common sense, and understanding of human beings as she detects for the individuals that come to her agency,as well as reflecting on relationships in her own life. The 5th book of the series is full of Mma Ramostwe’s gentle humor and wisdom.

A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest Gaines [FIC GAI] – A memorable collection of determined characters who change their lifelong subservient attitude to one of determination and quiet dignity, which brings self-respect and power to the group of 70- and 80-year-old black sharecroppers. Set during the social changes of the 1970s in Louisiana.

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson [FIC ROB] – Rev. John Ames, a minister in small town Gilead, Iowa, writes a letter to his young son. Ames is old and dying. His son is the product of a marriage to a much younger, second wife. He wants to offer his son a kind of narrative of his life for when he is no longer around. This is a quietly powerful novel.

Folly by Laurie R. King [MYS KIN] – A woman with a history of mental illness goes to live on an island in the Pacific Northwest. She plans to rebuild her great-uncle’s house as she uses the island’s solitude to heal. However, the feeling of being watched turns out not to be pure paranoia. This is not a typical mystery or a fast read. It is a character-driven book to savor.

Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts [973.3 ROB, CAS, CD, LP] – A fascinating variety of stories featuring the wives, mothers, and sisters of the men who made the history books. Roberts’ writing style is intimate and engaging. She tells us how these formidable women used their wit and wisdom to influence the making of a nation. Not intended to be a comprehensive history, this small book is a fun and informative read.

Hot Six by Janet Evanovich [MYS EVA, CAS, LP] – If you aren’t already a fan of this series, or of audiobooks in general, hop aboard for a madcap ride with Trenton’s inimitable bounty hunter, master of mayhem and misadventure, Stephanie Plum, along with her always wacky cast of characters: feisty, and slightly loony, Grandma Mazur, 80 going on 13; wise-cracking, gun-toting ex-prostitute and bounty hunter wannabe Lula; Bob, the overgrown, bumbling dog who shares Lula’s penchant for all things edible; and of course two hunky love interests, dependable vice-cop Joe Morelli and enigmatic, larger-than-life Ranger, who keep Stephanie on the edge of indecision. C.J. Critt (who reads the audio version) finds the perfect voice for each character and brings them vividly to life with Evanovich’s snappy dialogue and fast-paced comedic style.

I Am David by Anne Holm [Y HOL] – I saw the movie and was so moved, I had to read the book that inspired it. Follow 12-year-old David as he escapes from a prison camp in Eastern Europe and struggles to survive.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde [FIC WIL] – Oscar Wilde’s famous play is a classic, with a plot concerning how men and women should behave toward each other. The play appealed to me for its wit, farces, and parodies.

Inside the Kingdom: My Life in Saudi Arabia by Carmen Bin Laden [B BIN, LP] – Ever wonder what life would be like for a Muslim woman, veiled behind the chador and controlled by rigid Saudi customs? Carmen Bin Laden, born and raised in Europe and married for a time to Osama’s older brother, tells the courageous story of her experiences and perspectives as wife and mother living inside the powerful, complex royal family.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer [917.9804 KRA, LP] – The mystery of Christopher McCandless and his tragic end will grab you immediately. A young but intelligent and experienced adventurer, he entered the Alaskan wilderness for the summer and never returned. The author investigates Christopher’s life to try and explain his wanderings and need for solitude. It’s a fascinating affair.

Isaac’s Storm: A Man, A Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larsen [551.55 LAR] – The remarkable hurricane season of 2004 should spark interest in the deadliest storm (10,000 died) on record. It hit Galvaston, TX, in September of 1900. Isaac Cline was the meteorologist on the scene who feared disastrous mistakes and impending doom. Any weather fan will wonder why they haven’t discovered this book sooner. It’s a thriller.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini [FIC HOS, LP] – Dealing with the great themes of literature, this is a work of fiction I will remember for a very long time. Set in Afghanistan from the final days of the monarchy until those of the Taliban, portraying father/son relationships, friendship, betrayal and a slight hope of redemption. Especially interesting are vivid pictures of the land and events we’ve been hearing about for the last few years.

Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler [FIC TYL, CAS, LP, Pbk F 1581] – At 40, Delia Grinstead has a midlife crisis and walks away from her husband and three nearly grown children. While on vacation in Bethany Beach, Delaware, Delia decides she’s had enough of her life as the wife of a prominent Baltimore physician and decides to recreate herself in the almost idyllic town of Bay Borough, Delaware. While there, she takes on new responsibilities, a stray cat and lonely father and son who need someone in their lives to take care of them. Read this book to find out if Delia’s family finds her or if they give her up for dead.

The Laments by George Hagen [FIC HAG] - This lyrical novel is a mixture of all that's good about John Irving and Anne Tyler pieced together in a transcontinental quilt. Follow the Lament family from colonial Africa to London to New Jersey in the years following World War II. The world is changing as the British Empire collapses, civil rights become a catch-phrase, and the assassination of JFK is the new shot heard 'round the world. Through it all, the free-spirited Lament clan laughs, cries, screams, and follows the family motto: Laments travel.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare [822.33 SHA, CAS, CD, Pbk C 18128] – Shakespeare’s “Scottish” play. Just skip the footnotes – you’ll get it. It’s short but full of murder, intrigue, greed, ghosts, and a touch of magic. Go for it! Screw your courage to the sticking place – you shall not fail!

The Mamur Zapt and the Donkey-vous by Michael Pearce [CAS FIC PEA] – This is only one of a series of Michael Pearce’s light, witty mysteries set in Cairo, Egypt, in the early 20th Century. The exotic characters, location, and political intrigue are even more memorable than the plots, which are never dull or predictable.

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd [FIC KID] – I loved The Secret Life of Bees (by this author) and did not expect this to be a sequel, so perhaps that is why I enjoyed it so much. Yes, it is another story about a woman trying to find herself after leading a monotonous life, but I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the way Jessie’s discovery of the truth behind her father’s death causes her to become a stronger person.

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley [FAN BRA] – For fans of the Arthurian legends, this story has it all – the scandalous, the miraculous, the scintillating, and the magical. Bradley breathes life into her characters and brings the Arthurian legend full circle to focus on women. More than any other Arthurian novel, this one tells the story of the women, the power of the goddess, and the wonder of the mystical Avalon. It tells the epic tale of the struggles between the old pagan religions and the growing Christian church in England.

Moby Dick by Herman Melville [FIC MEL, Pbk C 13977] – A historically accurate tale of whaling told by an author who experiences it firsthand. Join the obsessed Captain Ahab on the Pequod as he leads his crew and ship in search of the great white whale.

Monkeewrench by P.J. Tracy [MYS TRA] – A tightly-plotted thriller. Monkeewrench, a small software company run by the mysterious recluse Grace McBride, has developed a new video game called Serial Killer Detective, but things turn ugly when someone copies the game’s methods to kill real people. Those in the company study the victims to try to prevent another killing. Intelligent, fast-paced and surprising.

Mossy Creek: A Collective Novel by Deborah Smith, et. al. [FIC MOS] – Other titles in the Mossy Creek series are Reunion at Mossy Creek [FIC REU], Summer in Mossy Creek [FIC SUM], and Blessings of Mossy Creek [FIC BLE] – Mossy Creek is a fictitious small town in Georgia, populated by quirky, loveable characters. One of its unique features is that the “voice” of each character is written by a different author, and they blend together seamlessly.

Mrs. Kimble by Jennifer Haigh [FIC HAI] – Winner of the 2004 PEN/Hemingway Award recognizing first novels, Mrs. Kimble weaves the stories of three women, each unable to resist the same odd and elusive, yet somehow charming, opportunist. It is well-written in a style that draws the reader through the shifting storylines of beleaguered, alcoholic Birdie, strong, career-driven Joan, whose cancer surgery has left her unexpectedly lonely and vulnerable, and finally the physically marred, but ultimately resilient, Dinah, who brings a surprising turnabout to the role of Mrs. Kimble.

Murder Among Us by Ann Granger [Pbk M 1381] – A modernized traditional British village mystery. One of the protectors of a local animal shelter is murdered during a party at the site of the fashionable hotel that threatens to end the shelter’s existence. Humor and psychological insight make this series worth a look.

Nehru: The Invention of India by Shashi Tharoor [B NEH] – A short, very readable biography of India’s first prime minister, balancing his popularity during his lifetime with today’s evaluation of his legacy.

The Once and Future King by T. H. White [Y WHI] – The quintessential Arthurian novel tells the story of Wart, the page destined to become King Arthur. Guided through life by the wise Merlyn, Wart learns a lifetime of wisdom by the time he reaches adolescence. White creates a magical classroom for Wart and the reader, sending both on journeys across land, sky, and water. Merlyn has lived across the span of time and so helps King Arthur create the world of the Round Table. A great read, equal parts humor and life philosophy with a bit of the harsh realities of life thrown in for good measure.

One Hundred and One Ways by Mako Yoshikawa [FIC YOS] Kiki Takehashi feels a real connection with her grandmother, who worked as a geisha in Japan. Kiki bemoans the fascination of American men with Asian women, yet falls in love with a successful American lawyer. However, her relationship is jeopardized by her mourning for her dead first love. Beautifully written.

The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester [423 WIN, CD, LP] – Who’d have thought a dictionary could be so interesting? I read this a long time ago, but recently picked it up again. Just as good the second time around.

Robin Williams by Andy Dougan [B WIL] – An excellent unauthorized biography on the famous star. It tells about his life as well as his work without sensationalizing it. It is a good, complete biography.

The Sands of Windee by Arthur William Upfield [CAS FIC UPF] – After listening to this mystery, set in the Australian bush, I was disappointed to find that we did not own another by the same author, who wrote prolifically about the country and people he knew well.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families: Building a Beautiful Family Culture in a Turbulent World by Stephen Covey [648.78 COV, CAS] - A practical guide on how to create, maintain, and promote good family relationships through holding regular family meetings, special one-on-one times, the writing of family statements, and other very useful strategies.

Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts [FIC LET, CAS, CD, LP] - Letts has done it again. In fact, her third novel may be her best. You may not have discovered Where the Heart Is or waited with anticipation for The Honk and Holler Opening Soon, but you won't want to miss this one. Venture to DeClare, OK, a small town whose biggest event was the brutal murder of Gaylene Harjo over twenty years ago. Gaylene's infant son disappeared that day, the only clue a pair of pajama bottoms lying creekside. When a young man comes to town claiming to be the long missing Nicky Jack Harjo, he is met with open arms, hostility, and the fear that he will uncover secrets perhaps best left alone.

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell [SF RUS, CAS] – In this technically astute science fiction offering, Russell sends a group of philosophically and religiously diverse explorers to the previously unvisited world of Rakhat, with both enlightening and ultimately disastrous results. Thought-provoking work on the risks and beauties of religion and our expectations therein.

Sweets: A History of Candy by Tim Richardson [641.8 RIC] – This book is a delicious history of candy, from chocolate to juicy fruits. Each chapter introduces the author’s favorite candies, and the book ends with his top ten sweets. A very sweet journey!

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo [J DIC, CD] – A fairy tale combining the best ingredients for an enjoyable, suspenseful, and captivating story. A mouse falls in love with a princess and that is the start of a new era of events. Newbery Award Winner.

Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks [B SPA, CAS] – Sparks, along with his brother Micah, wrote this heartfelt memoir of their three week adventure around the world and of their journey to reconnect as brothers and the only surviving members of their family. It is a story of travel, of childhood memories, of love and of finding joy in the midst of pain. Beautifully written. / I loved the book because it was a touching story reminding us to live each day to the fullest. You travel to many parts of the world, which I enjoyed learning about, and you come to know Sparks and Micah personally. It brought tears to my eyes on a few occasions. (2)

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffendegger [FAN NIF, LP] – An ordinary love story in extraordinary circumstances. The time-travel twist and the shifting point of view make this an especially captivating read. / I felt that this novel was very enjoyable because it was a sci-fi concept of time traveling entwined with a love story. There were times I was a bit confused with the way it was written because of Henry’s “traveling,” but it was still a beautiful journey. (2)

To Have and To Hold by Jane Green [FIC GRE, CAS, LP] – I loved this book as I did all of Jane Green’s books. The heroine of this book, Alice, is forced to move to the USA from England, a move she doesn’t want to make, but her life only truly begins when she makes the move. I rooted for Alice throughout the book.

A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute [FIC SHU, CAS] – British-born Nevil Shute, an aeronautical engineer whose life spanned both World Wars, traveled widely before settling in Australia. A Town Like Alice, reflecting his interests and experiences, is a masterly story of a harrowing journey that ends on a note of optimism. Enjoyable for its rich background detail, character development and plot.
May 2005