Lima Public Library Book Reviews

Non-fiction

Bad Money: Reckless Finance, Failed Politics, and the Global Crisis of American Capitalism by Kevin Phillips (330.973 P)

The bestselling author reveals how the U.S. financial sector has hijacked the economy and put America's global future at risk. Phillips examines the sources of such issues as rising debt, high mortgage rates and increasing oil prices to show the foolish web of dubious strategies in which they are entangled.

The Girl with the Crooked Nose by Ted Botha (363.258 B)

Botha weaves the absorbing story of Frank Bender, a gifted, self-taught forensic artist, whose work focuses on putting a face to the nameless victims of brutal crimes, and the most challenging and bizarre of his career. Even the most savvy true-crime reader will not be able to resist the author's insightful storytelling.

Iwo Jima: World War II Veterans Remember the Greatest Battle of the Pacific by Larry Smith (940.542526 I)

This account of the 1945 battle documents the significant losses on both sides, the controversy surrounding the famous photograph, and the alleged suicide of Japanese general Tadamichi Kuribayashi. It draws on the testimonies of 22 veterans, including the last surviving Mount Suribachi flag raiser, a Navajo code talker and two Medal of Honor recipients.

Made From Scratch: A Memoir by Sandra Lee (92 Lee)

Sandra Lee's candid account of her personal journey, from being raised in an abusive home, living on food stamps, to starring in her TV show on the Food Network, offers a rare glimpse into the life of the woman behind the phenomenal success of "Semi-Homemade Cooking." Her powerful memoir is an uplifting tale of determination and survival.

Fiction

The Price of Blood by Declan Hughes

Down on his luck private investigator Ed Loy accepts a baffling missing person case to bolster his dwindling bank account. His digging unearths secrets of the Tyrrell family, one of whom is the man who hired him. When more people connected to the Tyrrells are killed, Loy must race to the truth before the killer can enact his master plan. Hughes imbues his characters with passion and mystery in a chilling tale with a shocking conclusion.

The Girl with No Shadow by Joanne Harris

In this beautifully depicted sequel to "Chocolat," Harris spins the tale of Vianne Rocher, a woman perpetually on the move. In an effort to settle her and her daughters' whirlwind lifestyles, she opens a chocolate shop, intent on putting down roots. However, when a mysterious woman from her past worms her way into her daughter's heart, Rocher must decide whether to flee once more, or face and conquer her demons. Harris' storytelling is at its finest in this expansive novel.

Things I want My Daughters to Know by Elizabeth Noble

Barbara realizes she's not long for this world and longs to depart some of her wisdom to her four daughters. As she knows they will not be very receptive, she writes each of them letters, detailing the trials and tribulations in their lives and imparting her advice. Now with their mother gone, the four women take the letters to heart, finding solace and inspiration in her words. Noble's latest is a powerful and heartfelt celebration of family, friends and the endless possibilities of life.

The Ginseng Hunter by Jeff Talarigo

A confirmed hermit and hunter of ginseng unexpectedly finds himself responsible for the lives of a North Korean prostitute and her four friends. As his self-imposed exile crumbles around him, he realizes that he can no longer isolate himself from the tragedy that is unfolding right across the border. Talarigo shares the story of little-understood North Koreans is sparse yet intimate prose.

Children's

Please, Louise! By Frieda Wishinsky

Jake's younger sister, Louise, just wouldn't leave him alone. She went in his room and played with his toys, so he locked her out. Still pestered him outside his door. Jake runs outside with a book to get away from Louise, but she follows him. He wishes she were a dog. After a while, all is quiet - too quiet - and Jake starts to wonder where Louise is. He looks everywhere for her, but she is nowhere to be found until a dog comes bounding up to him. Thinking it's Louise, Jake tries to take his wish back. Then out of nowhere, Louise goes speeding by with Billy, a boy who just moved in next door. She tells Jake that they want to play alone and for Jake to go away.

Ages: 3 to 8

Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark by Will Grace and Ken Geist

The classic story of the Three Little Pigs gets an underwater twist in this colorfully illustrated book. With houses of seaweed, sand and a sunken ship and phrases like "Little fish, little fish, let me come in" and "not by the skin of my finny, fin, fin" this book is sure to be a favorite read-aloud for fans of sea creatures.

Ages: 3 to 8