Hershey Public Library

All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie [MYS CRO] – This is the second in this series. The books can be read out of sequence, but the development in the relationship between detectives Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James is interesting to follow. This is a traditional mystery series based in Britain. The writing is sharp, witty and character-driven.

The Big Over Easy: A Nursery Crime by Jasper Fforde [FIC FFO] – Another novel from Fforde in the “Thursday Next” universe, but staring Detective Inspector Jack Spratt of the Reading, England Nursery Crime Division. The story begins with Spratt being assigned a new assistant, Mary Mary (of “quite contrary” fame) and a new case, the seemingly cut-and-dry death of Mr. Humpty Dumpty. But things are not as they seem, and Spratt and Mary have to work against unknown foes and plots from the criminals and the police force itself.

Blue Shoe by Anne Lamott [FIC LAM, CAS, LP] – Better known as an essayist and regular contributor at Salon.com, Anne Lamott’s fiction should not be missed. Mattie, a newly divorced 30-something mother of two, lives in a ramshackle house in Northern California. Her support system includes Jesus, her brother, her handyman, and her mother’s new boyfriend. She struggles with being out of love, watching her mother’s health decline and raising her spirited, wounded children. Yell, pray, and cry along with Mattie as she clutches the little blue shoes that provide the link to her father’s secret life.

The Bridge by Doug Marlette [FIC MAR] – Political cartoonist Pick Cantrell beats up his boss, gets fired and moves from New York to his home in small town North Carolina. Then things get interesting. He must face his boyhood nemeses and grandmother, Mama Lucy. A fierce family matriarch, Mama Lucy, Pick discovers, was also a leader in the violent textile workers strike of 1934. As he finds out more about his family and their history, Pick discovers where he belongs and who he is.

Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos [FIC KAL] – Margaret Hughes lives alone in a Seattle mansion, her extensive collection of valuable antiques her only company. When she is diagnosed with a brain tumor, she decides to open her life to others by taking in boarders. This eclectic clan becomes her family. Together they help Margaret face her heartbreaking past and help each other find connection in a lonely world. No summary can adequately describe this amazing work. You will care about these quirky people and their world.

The Buffalo Soldier by Chris Bohjalian [FIC BOH] – This is a really interesting book by an author who visited the Hershey Library a few years ago. It is a story about how a family, after losing two children of their own, decides to consider adopting a child. The characters are well-developed and it speaks directly to the heart about love and loss. I couldn’t put it down.

Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella [FIC KIN, LP] – Cute, fun read! Great for passing time at the beach. A good read for all the fans of British authors with a flair for comedy.

The Challenge of Anne Boleyn by Hester W. Chapman [B BOL] – I enjoyed rading this book, as I was always interested in learning about the life of Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn, the “dark lady.” How did a love that passionate end in such tragedy? The author sketches a brilliant picture of Tudor history and the ruthlessness that prevailed during her time.

Chill Factor by Sandra Brown [FIC BRO, LP] – Excellent! Gripping right from the start. You think you have it figured out and then it zigzags!

Christ the Lord by Anne Rice [FIC RIC, CD] – Anne Rice has beautifully imagined the life of the child Jesus from his time in Egypt to his family’s return to Nazareth. She presents Jesus as a curious, playful, intelligent child looking for answers to explain his powers, his family, the circumstances of his birth, etc. Known for her meticulous research, she makes that ancient time come alive. Her imaginings help us to picture the humanity of Jesus. I hope that people of all faiths can appreciate this lovely presentation.

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory [FIC GRE, CD] – Catalina, the youngest daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, arrives at the Tudor court at the age of 15 to wed the future King of England, Prince Arthur. After a few short months of marriage, Prince Arthur dies, leaving Catline alone and bereft until she weds Prince Arthur’s brother, Henry. Queen Catherine, the first of Henry the VIII’s seven wives, endears herself to the people of England as she protects the English border from the Scots through her courage and military intellect. Philippa Gregory’s fictional tale of Queen Catherine makes one wonder at Chatherine’s motivations and ambitions behind the facts of history. A must read for those who enjoy history and historical novels.

Dean and Me: (A Love Story) by Jerry Lewis [B LEW] – This book tells the behind-the-scenes of a famous partnership that catapulted both actors on to fame. It also tells us about the reasons for the break-up and how they eventually reconciled. Jerry is very open and honest about himself and Dean, delving into their personal lives to explain the extreme ups and downs of their friendship.

A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me by Jon Katz [LP 636.7 KAT] – This is a book about a man who starts the year out with two docile, well-behaved Labradors, and ends the year with two feisty Border Collies. Animal lovers especially will enjoy and appreciate the transformation his life goes through.

Finding Betty Crocker: The Secret Life of America’s First Lady of Food by Susan Marks [LP 641.5 MAR] – This is an interesting book that reveals how an icon influenced, guided, and encouraged a whole generation of women, and how she changed the way we cook. It highlights what the daily concerns and thoughts were of many housewives in a distant time about which more important events are usually chronicled. It also tells what this icon is doing now.

Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt [330 LEV, CD] – This is not your usual book pertaining to economics. Levitt tackles stuff from everyday life. There is a hidden side to everything. Some of the questions answered are What Makes a Perfect Parent? And What do Schoolteachers and Sumo Wrestlers Have in Common? You will marvel and enjoy his observations. Brilliantly written with humor and detailed information.

Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris [FIC HAR] – If you enjoy being blindsided by a plot’s conclusion, then this is the book for you. Set in an exclusive English boy’s school, it involves the efforts of the caretaker’s child to become one of its students. Ultimately, because of an inevitable tragedy, the child’s ruse must end. And then years later…! The book requires some concentration because of its sometimes confusing narrative (2 different speakers), but it is definitely worth the effort. (2)

The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls [B WAL] – This is a wonderful memoir that leaves the reader feeling that no matter how bad life is, it is possible to overcome anything. From the beginning of the book it was hard to imagine some of the struggles that this family endured. It is a page-turner that was touching and gave hope at the same time. Never have I read such a story of self-perseverance that showed how every pain can be learned from.

God’s Joyful Surprise by Sue Monk Kidd [ ] – Before her novels, The Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair, Sue Monk Kidd wrote thought-provoking, inspirational non-fiction. She tells her personal story in God’s Joyful Surprise, of the beginnings of her spiritual awakening, resulting in a deeper knowledge of God’s love. This book preceded her other award-winning titles: When the Heart Waits and Dance of the Dissident Daughter. It offers the reader challenges and comfort through Kidd’s experience and search for spiritual stability.

Growing Your Own Turtleneck . . .and Other Benefits of Aging by Martha Bolton [814.54 BOL] – This is a wry and delightful book full of new insights and observations on many topics about aging and baby boomers. In 44 vignettes, with such titles as Its All Downhill from Here, Dreaming Your Life Away, and Road Signs for the Middle-Ager and Beyond, Martha brings a different, humorous twist to old issues.

Here Comes the Sun: The Spiritual and Musical Journey of George Harrison by Joshua Greene [B HAR] – A fascinating biography on the “quiet one” of the Beatles. This is more than a biography on George Harrison, it is the story of spiritual growth and of what influenced his music.

Hershey: Milton S. Hershey’s Extraordinary Life of Wealth, Empire, and Utopian Dreams by Michael D’Antonio [B HER] – This biography on our founder Milton S. Hershey is the first national biography. It covers his early childhood, his three business failures, and his ultimate success. This well edited biography is also a history of business in this area in the 20th Century.

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen [J HIA] – No surprising plot twists here and a predictable, upbeat, if somewhat improbable ending, yet this Newbery Honor book is an absolute delight. Its pages are filled with the kind of memorable, quirky characters only Carl Hiassen could envision – a quick, engaging read for adults while thoroughly enjoyable for its intended middle school audience.

How Proust Can Change Your Life by Alain De Botton [843 DEB, CAS] – A soothing work asserting that and how books are supposed to help us lead better lives. De Botton shows how Proust’s work provides comforting advice on how to handle love, suffering, the shortness of time…

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith [FIC SMI] – This is an endearing coming-of-age story set in 1930s England. Wonderful!

The Innocent by Harlan Coben [MYS COB, CAS, LP] – The first writer to win the triple-crown Shamus, Edgar, and Anthony awards, Coben is known for his complex thrillers with roller coaster plots that turn and surprise from intriguing starts to their startling ends. The Innocent is no exception. Weaving several seemingly unrelated plot lines into a single, riveting story, Coben has created another page-turner that examines the life-changing repercussions our choices can have.

Keeping Watch by Laurie R. King [MYS KIN, LP, CD] – Though best known for her two successful mystery series, King also writes outstanding stand-alone novels. This one features Alan Carmichael who rescues women and children from abusive situations. He is about to retire when some loose ends concerning one of the rescues nearest to his heart surface. The story is suspenseful and fascinating with characters you will care about.

Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann [746.4 ZIM] – Before there was Stitch ‘N Bitch, Elizabeth Zimmerman told us how to knit fearlessly. Whether you are new to the latest knitting “craze” or have been knitting for years, you’ll find something to try in this book. More than just how-to, Zimmerman’s acerbic, practical wit and opinionated descriptions will have your fingers itching for needles and wool.

Lance Armstrong’s War: One Man’s Battle Against Fate, Fame, Love, Death, Scandal, and a Few Other Rivals on the Road to the Tour de France by Daniel Coyle [B ARM] – A great read. It was awesome to learn about the sport of cycling, the Tour de France and the man with an unconquerable spirit who overcame all odds to become a larger-than-life figure.

Marley and Me by John Grogan [636.7 GRO] – If you’ve ever shared your life with a “bad” dog, you’ll laugh out loud at the antics of loveable, but incorrigible Marley, the endearing Lab puppy who grew into 100 lbs. of clumsy, lunatic dog. Written with warmth and humor, this is a captivating tribute to man’s most loyal friend and the family who loved him despite his foibles.

Mary Mary by James Patterson [FIC PAT] - Very good story with a lot of twists and turns. Mary Smith is a serial killer but is Mary a man or a woman? Are the killings in New York City in any way related to the killings in Hollywood? Does the killer have a list and, if so, who's on it? Who will be next? Will Dr. Cross find true love? Mary Mary is a must read for lovers of suspense, but be prepared for a lot of whiplash.

Mommy Yoga: The 50 Stretches of Motherhood [818 TIL] – Take a deep breath. Just relax and feel good.

Native Speaker by Chang-Rae Lee [FIC LEE] – Korean-American Henry Park grew up in a culture that valued suppression of emotion. He married an American wife, but feels alienated from both Korean and American cultures. He works as a spy for a private investigation agency and is trying to work things out with his estranged wife. A wonderful story that goes beyond the usual exploration of immigrant issues.

Never Hit a Jellyfish with a Spade by Guy Browning [828 BRO] – This is a collection of short (1-3 page) humorous essays on various topics in everyday life. Some of the writings are collected from Browning’s daily column in London’s Guardian and some written for the U.S. edition, but they are all hilarious. I especially liked “How to …Control the Duvet” in the “Love and Marriage” chapter.

No Graves as Yet : a Novel of World War I [MYS PER, LP], Shoulder the Sky [FIC PER, LP, OS CAS], and Angels in the Gloom [MYS PER, LP] by Anne Perry - These titles are for the first three books of Anne Perry’s planned five-book series of World War I. I found them fascinating reading, partly for the story, following the lives of two brothers and their sister, all involved in the war in one way or another, but also for the background details. Since the mystery is still unfolding, I will be sure to read the next two books as soon as they are available.

On Beauty: A Novel by Zadie Smith [FIC SMI] - I enjoyed and remembered many funny passages from Zadie Smith’s White teeth, but enjoyed On Beauty even more. This book, which is more compact and well designed, deals with a similar mix of multicultural, multinational characters whose antics cannot fail to intrigue and astonish. The two families, whose relationships involve extremes of love and hate, act out their beliefs, state their opinions, and rarely seem to notice the inconsistencies in their attitudes towards what they hold to be true and beautiful. Always witty and humorous, the fast-paced story is never predictable, though some of the situations are familiar to any parents of teens or members of a small college community.

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory [FIC GRE] – This book is historical fiction, but the timeline of events is factual. The story offers a unique point of view of Henry VIII’s court from Mary Boleyn, sister of ill-fated Anne. Even though you know the ending, you won’t want to put it down.

The Pepins and Their Problems by Polly Horvath [J HOR, J CAS] – The Pepins have problems. From toad-filled shoes to trying to make cheese from lemonade, their peculiar problems require solutions. Fortunately, the Pepins have their very fine neighbor Mr. Bradshaw, psychic author Horvath, and a world full of creative readers on their side. Put your fingers to your temples and think away – the Pepins are waiting!

Prey by Michael Crichton [FIC CRI, CAS, CD, Pbk F 2406] - Michael Crichton can always turn a snippet of news into a terrifying and thrilling adventure. In this case nanotechnology, "the quest to build manmade machinery of extremely small size, on the order of... a hundred billionths of a meter,” is his concern. A cautionary tale in which the reader is fully engaged.

The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton [B MER, LP] – One of the most influential autobiographies of the twentieth century, Merton’s The Seven Storey Mountain reflects on man’s desire for love, community, and truth. He describes the events of his life from childhood through his entrance into the Trappist Monastery of Gethsemani. Merton is not only amusing and colorful in his writing, but also skilled in telling a story so filled with characters, it sometimes reads like a novel.

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane [FIC LEH, CAS] – This is a book like no other. The setting of this suspenseful page-turner is an island just off the Massachusetts coast, a former army facility turned hospital for the criminally insane. When a patient escapes this inescapable island, two U.S. Marshalls are sent in to find out what happened. What they find is that nothing is what it seems to be. Plan to stay up all night.

The Sky Fisherman by Craig Lesley [CAS FIC LES] - The tale of a young boy growing up in the Pacific Northwest. Twelve and a half hours of good listening.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See [FIC SEE, LP] – Lisa See offers an insight into female society and customs of 19th Century rural China. The book follows Snow Flower, daughter of a poor farmer, as her mother binds her feet at a young age and arranges a match with a lifelong friend or “laotong,” in the hope that this will elevate her and the family to a higher social status. The love Snow Flower and her “laotong,” Lily, feel for one another is chronicled throughout their lives as they exchange their thoughts by writing “nu shu,” a secret language created and used only by women of that era to each other on a fan that is passed back and forth over the years.

Stories and Legends by Leo Tolstoy [FIC TOL] – A wonderful collection of short, thought-provoking legends. Each is cause for self-reflection. Tolstoy’s characters remind us of what love and peace can do for human beings.

Stranger Than Fiction: True Stories by Chuck Palahniuk [813.54 PAL] – This collection from the author of Fight Club, Survivor, and Choke details personal observations and adventures, such as his encounter with Hollywood while sporting a bad haircut, an interesting festival in Montana, and the events surrounding the murder of his father. In his usual minimalist style, Palahniuk shows us an America that thrives beneath our everyday surface.

Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives by Terry Jones [909 JON] – Apart from being will versed in Spam usage, this Monty Python alum also knows a thing or two about history. In this book, Terry offers a unique perspective, educating as well as entertaining. He dispels a few myths concerning peasants, witches, and maybe even knights who say “Ni.”

That Night by Alice McDermott [FIC MCD] - The recollections of a young woman who had been a ten year old - looking on that night – when the 1960s neighborhood peace had been changed forever by the passionate love affair of an older girl and troubled young man from a wealthier family. It is sad to see the passion, energy, and misdirection of youth change the lives of family and neighbors, and turn to disillusioned adulthood.

Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin [616.89 GRA] – A fascinating and insightful glimpse into the world of autism.

Tony and Me by Jack Klugman [792 KLU] – Great story about along friendship between the “odd couple,” Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. This book shows how an unlikely partnership turns into a friendship and changes a hard, cynical New Yorker into a trusting, caring person. Randall and Klugman were as different as two actors could be. Details five decades of their friendship, along with many stage and television anecdotes. The book also includes a DVD with outtakes from The Odd Couple and private stories. (2)

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion [B DID] – For a year following the sudden death of her husband, Joan Didion recorded and described her grieving and coping mechanisms. Her beautiful spare prose presents us all with the opportunity to reflect and learn. The reading experience, while unsettling, is enlightening and worth the lessons.

You Can Do It! The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-up Girls by Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas [646.7 GRA] – A handy resource for women who want to learn a skill or activity. With 60 to choose from, there is truly something for everyone (from learning photography to wine appreciation). The book is modeled after the Girl Scout Manual.
May 2006