Lima Public Library book reviews

Lima Public Llibrary Book Reviews

Non-fiction

The Woman Who Can't Forget: A Memoir by Jill Price (153.12092 P)

A first-person account of the author's experiences with her extraordinary photographic memory describes efforts to come to terms with abilities that cause her to remember events and details with complete recall, in a memoir that speaks volumes about how the delicate balance between remembering and forgetting shape our lives.

One to Nine: the Inner Life of Numbers by Andrew Hodges (513.211 H)

A lighthearted celebration of mathematics furnishes a comprehensive introduction to mathematical conundrums, from the puzzles of the ancient Greeks to superstring theory, in a volume that demystifies the mathematical properties of everyday objects and phenomena.

Escape from the Deep by Alex Kershaw (940.54 K)

Details the accomplishments of the U.S. Navy submarine Tang in the Pacific theatre of World War II, the explosion that led to its sinking, the ordeal of its surviving crew, their harrowing escape and capture by the Japanese, and their horrific months of brutal torture until being liberated in August 1945.

When We Get to Surf City by Bob Greene (973.92092 G)

Beginning in the 1990s, award-winning journalist and best-selling author Bob Greene spent summers traveling and performing with surf-usic legends Jan Berry and Dean Torrence. Hilarious and heartbreaking, moving and brilliant, this travelogue of his experiences takes readers on an unforgettable American journey of music, memories, and universal longing.

Fiction

Assassins at Ospreys by R.T. Raichev

Detective novelist Antonia Darcy and her husband Hugh were expecting a quiet visit from one of her adoring readers. What they discover is sinister intrigue that leaves the two of them desperately investigating a gruesome murder, and trying to prevent another. When nothing her alleged fan has told her being the complete truth, Antonia must puzzle out the mystery before someone else is killed. Raichev's latest cozy is a traditional and witty mystery that fans of Agatha Christie will enjoy.

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

Failed debutante Josey Cirrini escapes the mundanity of her life with candies and steamy romance novels. When fugitive Della Lee decides to hole up in Josey's closet, Josey's life is suddenly turned on its ear. Della quickly becomes a hated fairy godmother figure, intent on expanding Josey's horizons and encouraging her to discover her hidden talents. Told with warmth and wit, Allen's remarkable tale of friendship and love highlights the hope found in each new dawn.

Mercy Street by Mariah Stewart

One spring morning, two teenage boys are found shot in a park, and two other teenagers have vanished. Private investigator Mallory Russo and police inspector Charlie Wanamaker team up to determine exactly what happened. Uncovering dark and twisted trails into the city's past, they find that similar murders have happened before. Now they are out for justice, determined to bring this cold-hearted killer to the light, no matter how much power he may wield. Compelling suspense, detailed characters, and romantic subplots make this one of Stewart's best books to date.

Three Girls and Their Brother by Theresa Rebeck

When three naive Brooklyn girls suddenly make the limelight, they find themselves easy prey for every mooch and shark in show business. As the fame spirals out of control, their family ties start unraveling, revealing the resentment and greed underneath. As the family strain reaches its breaking point, circumstances force them to realize that in the dog-eat-dog world of celebrities, family is the only thing you can really count on. This moving and poignant tale begs the reader to reflect on their priorities, before it is too late. Rebeck's debut novel is sharp and perceptive, marking her as an author to watch.

CHILDREN'S

Dear Deer by Gene Barretta

Aunt Ant has just moved into the zoo. She describes the animals' behavior by using homophones: the toad was towed to the top of the seesaw, the moose love mousse, and the horse was hoarse. This is a great read-aloud picture book and teaching tool for elementary students learning about homophones.

Ages: 4 to 8

There Is a Bird on Your Head! By Mo Willems

Elephant Gerald learns that there is something worse than having a bird on your head, namely two love birds, a nest, and three hatchlings. Trying to help her friend, the always playful Piggie ends up with a problem of her own.

Ages: 4 to 8