Lima Public Library Book Reviews

Non-fiction

Even Buffett Isn't Perfect by Vahan Janjigian (332.6 J)

Dispels the many myths about Warren Buffett and his "solid as a rock" investment style and delivers a brand-new look at the creative thinking that has made Buffett the most successful and revered investor of all time whose secrets everyone wants to know. Good advice for both the pro and novice investor.

Change in the Weather: Life after Stroke by Mark McEwen (362.196 M)

In a candid and moving memoir, the former morning show weatherman traces his harrowing journey of rehabilitation and recovery from a stroke, discussing the misdiagnosis and lack of awareness that caused his condition to be overlooked, and his campaign to restore dignity to stroke survivors.

The Much Too Promised Land: America's Elusive Search for Arab-Israeli Peace by Aaron Miller (956.05 M)

In this extraordinary account of 20 years on the front lines of Arab-Israeli peacemaking, career diplomat Miller provides an insider's view from a place at the negotiating table, filled with unforgettable stories and colorful behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

Mary Martin, Broadway Legend by Ronald Davis (92 Davis)

Lively and engaging, this biography fills a major gap in theater history, moving beyond Martin's own 1976 memoir to provide a complete picture of the theater icon, spanning her life and career to reveal facts about her childhood, marriages, friendships and artistic collaborations. It is must reading for fans and an essential resource for theater aficionados.

Fiction

Names on a Map by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Gustavo Espejo flees the United States to dodge the draft for the Vietnam War. In his grandfather's country of Mexico, Gustavo must adjust to the vast cultural divide if he is to survive. His actions uncover family secrets that may unravel the very fabric that holds them together. This is a powerful and candid story that brilliantly depicts the timeless struggles of family and society.

Sitting Practice by Caroline Adderson

Newlyweds Ross and Iliana's life takes a drastic change when a car accident leaves Iliana paralyzed. As Ross struggles with his guilt and Iliana accustoms herself to using a wheelchair, they both must come to terms with the direction their marriage has taken. This remarkable tale of love colliding with reality is told in nimble prose. Adderson's understanding of human nature shines through in her characters.

Miracle Myx by Dave Diotalevi

Fourteen-year-old Myx Amens is a child prodigy, with a penchant for illicit snooping into the lives of his neighbors. When a serial killer strikes his hometown of Miracle, Mass., only Myx and his astonishing talents can crack the case. However, as his digging unearths the town's most well-kept secret, the townsfolk may decide that having a killer on the loose is better than being exposed. An exceptional and provocative debut penned by up-and-coming Diotalevi.

Fidelity by Thomas Perry

Emily Kramer is left penniless when her husband is shot dead on the streets. Unsure as to why her husband emptied their accounts, she sets out to discover exactly who the man she married was. Meanwhile, the man hired to kill the late Mister Kramer is given a contract to bump Emily off, as well. Suspecting a bigger payoff in the making, he too embarks on a quest to determine exactly who Phil Kramer was. Perry has written a riveting thriller that invites a deeper look into the nature of human loyalty.

Children's

A Day With No Crayons by Elizabeth Rusch

This picture book is about a little girl named Liza who loves to draw and color pictures with her crayons. Then one day Liza runs out of blank paper. What is she supposed to use to color on now? Liza decides that the nice white blank wall in her bedroom will be a perfect canvas for her artwork. Then Liza's mother finds out that she is writing on the wall with her crayons and as punishment takes the crayons away for the day. Liza is so sad that her crayons have been taken away, her whole world turns gray! Read this book to find out what happens!

Ages: 4 to 8

Unleashed by Kristopher Reisz

Daniel Morning, Big Man on Campus, has just been accepted to the Ivy League. But Daniel is tired of the pressures of always being Mr. Perfect. Then he meets Misty. She is like no other girl Daniel has ever known - in a big way. Misty and her pack of outcast friends are shape-shifters who prowl the night as wolves. Daniel is allowed into their pack and learns how to shape-shift himself. The freedom to follow his most primal instincts is quickly addictive, but Daniel soon comes to realize that such freedom comes at a price. If you liked "Blood and Chocolate," don't miss this!

Ages: Young Adult