Book Reviews for You From the Farmington Library

Mistress of Nothing

2011-08-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

Title: Mistress of Nothing
Author:
ISBN:

Historical fiction. Lady Duff Gordon, known for her book "Letters from Egypt", and her lady's maid go to Egypt inasmuch as she has tuberculosis and warm dry weather is good for this malady. The trip down the Nile is delightful in description, living in Egypt is so engrossing as is the love affair her lady's maid has with the main man servant. The Irish lady's maid thought that her Lady loved her like a member of the family, but finds out that she is loved only like a pet dog. Nice way to learn a bit of history, mankind and deception, and a bit about love and passion!! 5 stars.

Another Man's Moccasins

2011-08-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

Title: Another Man's Moccasins, a Walt Longmire Mystery
Author: Craig Johnson
ISBN: 9780143115526

Walt Longmire, a northern Wyoming sheriff, solves the roadside murder of a young Vietnamese woman with well-interspersed flash-bacjs to his military (Marine) service in 1968 Vietnam. With well-paced action, vivid dialog one moves easily between the windy vistas of the Big Horn Mountains and the hot, humid U.S. military bases in war-torn Vietnam. With a Crow Indian as the prime suspect, this is a good mystery with an excellent epilogue concerning human trafficking in the U.S.

Hell Is Empty

2011-08-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

Title: Hell is Empty
Author: Craig Johnson
ISBN: 9780670022779

Excellent mystery novel from a native Wyoming writer. No lack of suspense, Indians or the cold of the Bog Horn Mountains, this novel is a page turner and a literary gem.

Faithful Place

2011-07-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

Author: Tana French
Title: Faithful Place
ISBN:978-0-670-02187-1

Third novel by Irish author (and trained actor at Trinity College, Dublin) sparkles with suspense. Main character, Francis Mackey, Undercover detective and native of the Liberties area of Dublin, presents his 41 years both in flashback and current time, as he pursues the murderer in a 20-year cold case and his brother's recent death. Family life on Faithful Place (which at one time did exist as an address in Dublin) is cleanly depicted. The poverty reminds one of Angela's Ashes. The dialog is crisp and the psychological turmoil of one trying to leave behind the life he came from is immensely satisfying and redemptive in the hope-filled ending.

A Classic - All Creatures Great and Small

2011-06-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

Title: All Creatures Great and Small
Author: James Herriot
ISBN: 9780312330859

This memoir (Book 1 of a number that Herriot penned before his death in 1995) tells the story of a young veterinarian working in Yorkshire, England, during the 1930’s. Both humorous and poignant, the animal life and death narratives are interspersed with up-close-and-personal tales of the unique humans who love these creatures, in addition to a travelogue of the Yorkshire Dales. You’ll be tempted to greet the next friend you meet with “Naow then, how ista?”

Day of Honey

2011-06-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

Day Of Honey
Annia Ciezadlo
ISBN: 978-1-465-8393-6

This is a wonderful memoir, with recipes, of time spent in both Baghdad and Beirut. It gives a fresh insight, through Western eyes, of the politics and people of the region. The book is framed with food, from the food of her childhood, to the foods of the region and how they reflect the times and the history of the region.

Four Stars.

Cutting For Stone

2011-06-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

Cutting For Stone
by Abraham Verghese
ISBN 9780375714368
* * * * *

This was a remarkable novel and the best I've read in a long time. Moving and powerful, the characters grabbed me from the beginning of the book. I loved the well researched history and learning about Hindu beliefs and Ethiopia as well as medicine. The richness of Verghese's writing was exquisite.

The Book of Unholy Mischief: A Novel by Elle Newmark

2009-09-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

The Book of Unholy Mischief is a book for people who like food, Renaissance Venice and a good thriller. Not the best story ending, but great prose and character development. Learn a lot about food, too. Intriguing chef angle.

Mew Is for Murder by Clea Simon

2009-07-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

Mew Is For Murder by Clea Simon.

Over-complicated and difficult to follow, it does hold the reader's attention and but wham! it goes downhill in the last 20 pages. Interesting read for mystery reader's, it might be trying too hard to set up a series run.

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie.

2009-05-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie.

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie. An interesting twist on the
'reinvented Middle Ages' Sword and Sorcery genre. Very dark, with
some passages that you don't want to read while eating, but also very
quirky, humorous, and with believable characters. Shown from the
points of view of individual characters, its still well-written enough
not to be confusing. The first book in a trilogy.

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

2009-05-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie. An interesting twist on the'reinvented Middle Ages' Sword and Sorcery genre. Very dark, with some passages that you don't want to read while eating, but also very quirky, humorous, and with believable characters. Shown from the points of view of individual characters, its still well-written enough not to be confusing. The first book in a trilogy.

Muse of Fire

2009-05-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

Muse of Fire by Dan Simmons.

Muse of Fire by Dan Simmons. A charming little book that will appeal
to Shakespeare lovers as well as Sci-Fi aficionados.

Family History by Dani Shapiro

2009-05-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Family History by Dani Shapiro.

This novel by a Connecticut writer is an engaging, compelling, well written contemporary novel. Ms Shapiro is not shy in thoroughly exploring class, relationships, family trauma, and lives in transition. It is a small book with a big story.

Crazy School by Cornelia Read.

2009-05-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Crazy School by Cornelia Read.

A very true to reality book about the unbalanced atmosphere found in a special school and about how good teachers and students can prevail. The writing style is descriptive without being tedious and the story is action packed. I would give this book a 4 on a 5 scale, 5 being the highest.

Cooking and Screaming

2009-04-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

Cooking and Screaming by Adrienne Kane.

An autobiography and a cookbook in one. Most of us have associations between certain dishes and certain memories. This author cleverly ties the two together to talk about her life. Its a well-written, moving memoir.

ISBN 1416587977

The Jewel of Medina by Sherry Jones

2009-02-09T11:18:00.003-08:00

The Jewel of Medina, by Sherry Jones

An imaginative telling of the story of A’isha, one of the wives of the Prophet Mohammed. Its really a story about growing up and finding oneself, amid strictures and rules. A fascinating look at how women were involved in early Islam, and how some of the strictures surrounding women perhaps happened. The author does take a few liberties, and takes later traditions and mixes them in, so its not as accurate as one would like. She does have a bibliography and a good Q&A as well.

ISBN:9780825305184

The View From Garden City by Carolyn Baugh.

2009-02-09T11:18:00.001-08:00

The View From Garden City, by Carolyn Baugh.

Fictional stories of several Egyptian women of different classes, as told to an unnamed American student living in Cairo. Just a very well-written book, really showing what life in Egypt is like for many women, and sometimes the huge class gap. Lovely, lyrical descriptions of life in Cairo. It also makes a telling point about FGM, and why it continues…

ISBN:9780765316578

The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir

2009-02-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

The Lady Elizabeth, by Alison Weir.

Anyone who likes historical fiction will like this. A retelling of Elizabeth’s life before she took the crown, it’s a fascinating view of the impacts of the events of her time and family on her own life, giving a deeper view of some of the possible personal motivations of people involved.

ISBN:9780345495358

Welcome Teen Librarian Sarah Kline Morgan

2009-02-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to have recruited Sarah Kline Morgan, to take charge of the Teen Library and its associated responsibilities. Sara comes to us from the Cheshire Library where she won many accolades for her work with Teens and especially her work integrating technology into the Teen program. She is the recipient of the Connecticut Library Association's statewide Award for Excellence in Public Library Service. Sarah received this distinguished award through her successful nationally-recognized Teen Podcast program. Sarah is enthusiastic about her duties here and looks forward to a wonderful future with us. Please join me in welcoming Sarah to Farmington. Jay

Silks by Dick Francis

2009-01-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

As always, an action packed horse racing mystery. If you have been a Dick francis fan you will like this one!

ISBN: 9780399155338

The Anglo Files: A field guide to the British by Sarah Lyall

2009-01-03T07:33:00.001-08:00

The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall.

A thoroughly entertaining read (apart from some slight queasiness in the chapter on British teeth). It recalled some of the quirks I experienced firsthand growing up in a British-run institution. There are certain British characteristics that never change! And there is still a wide gulf between Britain and America. Written by an American who married an Englishman, and procreated, it is a wry, witty work, perfect for the Anglophile in your life.

ISBN:9780393058468

Mademoiselle Boleyn by Robin Maxwell

2009-01-03T07:32:00.001-08:00

Mademoiselle Boleyn by Robin Maxwell.

A fictional account of Anne (and her sister Mary) and their lives in the French court. Very good, but some very risque and sexual situations. It was refreshing to read about a different part of Anne Boleyn's life, although there were some great contrivances for the sake of irony. A different take on a well-written theme.

ISBN:0451222091

No-Man's Lands by Scott Huler

2009-01-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

No-Man's Lands by Scott Huler.

A light, almost superficial trek through the Odyssey, with the author retracing Odysseus's famous journey. It touches on how the Odyssey has touched popular culture and still resonates today. The author has done some research, and mentions some interesting books, in passing. Its a combination of travel writing, memoir, personal growth story...

ISBN:9781400082827

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

2008-11-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

A book in letter format, containing the correspondences of Juliet Ashton, writer. Set in 1946, the book not only shows Juliet's life, but also introduces us to the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, formed during the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands.

This is a truly heartwarming book and love story. Its a deceptively complex book, because its a book about people and relationships. I read it in one day, I couldn't put it down.. it is lighthearted, warm, sad, happy... its a book about love. All kinds of love, but nothing graphic! Its just a simple, refreshing book.

ISBN: 9780385340991

A Lion Among Men

2008-11-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

A Lion Among Men by Gregory Maguire.

A continuation of the Oz saga, as told by and with the Cowardly Lion and the oracle Yackle. It ties up some of the loose ends from his previous two Oz books, but to me was not quite as good as Wicked, but is still entertaining. There are a lot more allusions to the original Oz books and characters from those, one of which does make it in (the glass cat). I do love how Maguire merged the Oz that Baum created with a more adult Oz.

ISBN: 9780060548926

The Seduction of Water

2008-11-20T17:27:00.000-08:00

Seduction by Water by Carol Goodman

This novel was interesting enough to try and read other books by the same author. The book seems predictable, and the arch story definitely is, but there are a few unexpected twists that get the reader twisted up. The story goes slowly, like the McCall Smith's Dalhousie books but has more urgency about it which speeds the story along, but the details are such that it cannot be read as quickly. The Dalhousie books allow you to get the details the first time, so there isn't a need for me to re-read the book (as I frequently do - the first time a read for the arch story, the second time for the details), but this book has so many details that I will likely re-read it. It is possible, however, that the book may have too many details, that the author hasn't found the right balance.

ISBN: 0345450906

D-E-D Dead

2008-11-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

D-E-D Dead! by Geoffrey McGeachin tells the story of an undercover Australian agent that has discovered mischief in the Australian Outback. Everyone and anyone istrying to kill him. Who can he trust?

The audio recording was amazing to listen to. This author is Australia's version of Robert B. Parker. The book is fast paced with the usual, but unexpected twists you would find in Parker's books. No psych stuff though, just a good story.

ISBN: 1740938798

Loving Frank

2008-11-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan.

Partially based on a true story this fictional presentation recounts the life of Frank Lloyd Wright's married mistress and the effects of their life decision.

A good read!

ISBN: 9780345494993

Beach House

2008-11-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

Beach House by Jane Green.

On Nantucket, eccentric Nan has run out of money and decides to rent out rooms for the summer. The intersection of these renters for one summer forever changes their lives.

Well written and vivid characters make this light summer read perfect for the beach.

ISBN: 9780670018857

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County

2008-11-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker.

An xxx-size woman, sister to the town beauty, is forced into an awkward relationship with her brother-in-law and becomes a natural healer on a quest to find the family secret cure-all.

The book was enjoyable but questions about morality and legalities arise in her quest to find the secret recipe for an elixir that cures all.

ISBN: 9780446194204

Catch 22

2008-11-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller.

The book is a classic that shows how ridiculous and absurd life really is, especially in times of war.

ISBN:

Snow Angels

2008-11-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

Snow Angels by Stewart O'Nan.

A murder in a small town unravels the histories and secrets of this quaint midwestern hamlet. It is so far a very good book.

ISBN: 9780385475747

Murder on Marble Row

2008-11-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

Murder on Marble Row by Victoria Thompson.

Murder on Marble Row by Victoria Thompson
When a wealthy industrialist is murdered in an explosion in his office, there are plenty of family members under suspicion. This Victorian mystery a la Anne Perry teams a police detective and upper class lady, who moonlights as a midwife to the poor, to solve the mystery.

Plenty of intrigue in all directions makes this an exciting read.

ISBN: 9780425196106

Ender's Game

2008-11-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

This book is a classic coming of age novel set in the near future where the