Lima Public Library Book Reviews

Non-fiction

Discover's 20 Things You Didn't Know About Everything by Editors of Discover Magazine (001.9 D)

This original book looks at many popular and sometimes unexpected topics in science and technology and reveals quirky, intriguing and little-known facts. Whether you're just curious or think you already know everything, this book is guaranteed to expand your mind.

Black Wave by John and Jean Silverwood (910.9164 S)

A couple describes how they took two years off to embark on an extraordinary sea voyage with their four children, a journey that led from Long Island Sound to French Polynesia, and the disaster off the coast of Manuse that transformed their peaceful idyll into a desperate fight for survival.

Bob Schieffer's America by Bob Schieffer (973.92 S)

A volume of signature pieces by the award-winning commentator for "Face the Nation" covers a wide range of topics, from today's most relevant issues and the human condition to the legacies of presidents and the everyday elements of life. The anthology is wise, rueful, and candid, and also features original writings by Schieffer on his life and work.

Shopping for Porcupine: A Life in Arctic Alaska by Seth Kantner (92 Kantner)

Kantner returns to the setting of his debut novel "Ordinary Wolves" with a fascinating account of his life on North America's last frontier. He describes an Alaskan childhood spent trapping wolverines and jigging for grayling with his back-to-nature parents and, later, on his own. Suspense and heartache are matched by wry humor and outrage.

Fiction

Goldengrove by Francine Prose

Thirteen-year-old Nico tells readers about the tragic summer after her beautiful sister, Margaret, passed away. While her parents deal with their grief, she is left alone and develops a dangerous relationship with Margaret's boyfriend. With the normal awkwardness of being a teenager, Nico discovers her own way of growing up and must come to terms with her sorrow in this touching coming of age story.

Ties of Affection by Tessa Barclay

Olivia Fletcher runs an eco-friendly cleaning service and is the only one on staff that is willing to clean for the spoiled and demanding Moorfield family. Against her own advice, she finds herself becoming much attached to this family and plays a special role in their lives. Olivia is a single mother, whose life becomes even more complicated in this heartwarming and romantic tale.

Different Paths by Judy Clemens

Dairy farmer Stella Crown gets involved when someone begins to assault local women. One of these assaults is deadly. Now with the help of her boyfriend, Nick, and her farmhand, Lucy, Stella must figure out what is going on before the killer turns to her. Well developed characters, a puzzle of a plot and a unique setting make Clemens' latest a compelling and engaging whodunit.

Liberty by Garrison Keillor

The fourth of July parade in Lake Wobegon is spectacular thanks to its chairman Clint Bunsen. With fireworks, a living flag, cannons, horses, and marching bands, even CNN and the governor have come out to see the festivities this year. Clint is under pressure to decide his future - he could stay at Lake Wobegon, fly away to California, or run for Congress. Stop by Lake Wobegon and find out what happens next. The whole town is waiting to share the hilarious tale.

Children's

Jazzmatazz by Stephanie Calmenson

The weather is getting cold and if a mouse would happen to slip in your house, would you be surprised if he jumped on the piano seat and began to play jazz? And your family wouldn't be able to help joining in on the fun! Soon the whole neighborhood will be jamming ... Doo-Dat, Diddy-Dat, Doo! A note at the end of the story gives the history of how this story came to be.

Ages: Preschool to kindergarten

Spin the Bottle by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Aspiring actress Phoebe Hart is looking forward to starting middle school and joining the Drama Club, where they put on real plays, not dumb skits involving dancing animals they way the did in elementary school. Phoebe's confident that she will make a splash at Drama Club - after all, she's been to theater camp. Phoebe makes a splash at the audition all right, but not in the way she hoped: she chokes and barfs all over the stage right in front of the cute guy she has christened OOMA (Object of My Affection). How will she ever live this down? And how true are the rumors that you have to play spin the bottle in order to get into Drama Club, anyway?

Ages: Young Adult