Lima Public Library Book Reviews

Non-fictionForward from Here: Leaving Middle Age-and Other Unexpected Adventures by Reeve Lindbergh (305.262 L)In her funny and wistful new book, Reeve Lindbergh contemplates entering a new stage in life, turning 60, a time she writes, that produces some unexpected surprises. This reflective, funny book will charm and fascinate anyone on the journey from middle age to the uncertain future that lies ahead.American-Made: The Enduring Legacy of the WPA by Nick Taylor (331.13 T)Launched in 1935, at the bottom of the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration lasted for eight years. Its accomplishments were enormous, yet during its lifetime it was the most excoriated program of the entire New Deal. We have only to look about us today to discover the lasting presence of the WPA. Taylor’s colorful and compelling account paints the full story of the WPA from its inception to its shutdown.Classics for Pleasure by Michael Dirda (814 D)In these delightful essays, Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Dirda introduces nearly 90 of the world’s most entertaining books that have shaped our imaginations and inspired our dreams and adventures. The compilation makes a perfect companion for any reading group or lover of books.Murder of a Medici Princess by Caroline Murphy (92 Medici)Beautiful, gifted, and ambitious, Isabella de Medici was the doting daughter of a powerful father in whose eyes she could do no wrong. The author of “The Pope’s Daughter,” captures the richness and fragility of Renaissance Florence in her gripping account of Isabella’s life and death, recreating the loves, the family conflicts, political plots, and violence in which she was enmeshed.FictionCold Plague by Daniel KallaA mysterious lake found underneath Antarctica is purported to have mystical healing properties. However, its discovery coincides with a massive outbreak of mad cow disease, and a microscopic particle called the prion is at the root of the problem. Dr. Noah Haldane from the World Health Organization is called to investigate and quickly becomes enmeshed in a series of suspicious disappearances. Now he must fight multi-billion dollar corporations to bring the truth to the people if only he can stay alive. Kalla’s masterful skill is on full display in this latest medical thriller.Dunston Fall by Al LamandaA quaint Maine town in the 1950s suffers a terrible blizzard, completely isolating it from the world. When a serial killer decides this is the perfect time to start his reign of terror, Sheriff David Peck must lead a manhunt in the raging snow to protect his community. However, David is in no state to be leading anything, as he begins to exhibit signs of severe psychosis. When the roads are finally cleared, the feds make Peck their No. 1 suspect. Now he must elude capture, track down the killer, and overcome his own mind if he is to prove his innocence. A gripping tale told by a former private investigator and security officer, this debut is full of authentic, mesmerizing suspense.Devil’s Peak by Deon MeyerThobela Mpayipheli is a former government mercenary working towards a new, peaceful life for his son and himself. However, when his son is caught in the cross-fire at a gas station shoot-out, he engages on a deadly crusade for revenge. Hunting him is Inspector Benny Griessel, a wife-beating alcoholic who must stay sober for six months or he’ll lose both his family and his job. When prostitute Christine Van Rooyen ensnares both men in a plot of her own, all three find themselves in harrowing adventures, determining for themselves exactly where the line between justice and morality lies.Tracing the Shadow by Sarah AshAbandoned street orphan Celestine is the daughter of the last of the outlawed mages. Now she must hide her developing talents, while managing to teach herself the magic if she is to avenge her father. Joined with a spirit guard and an alchemist’s apprentice, she embarks on a journey of adventure and battle, political intrigue and spiritual introspection. This first in a new series is an exemplary epic fantasy.Children’sRemembering Raquel by Vivian Vande VeldeFourteen-year-old Raquel Falcone may have been the largest girl in her high school, but she was practically invisible — that is, until the day she died. In the wake of a tragic car accident, many people who knew the dead girl step forward to tell what they remember about Raquel. She was many things to many people and almost nothing to some. Which causes some of her survivors to wonder: when she stepped off that curb into the path of the oncoming car, was it just a terrible accident or was it intentional?Ages: Young AdultSpace Boy by Leo LandryWhat do you do to relax at the end of a long day? Nicholas is ready to go to bed but can’t seem to shut out all the noise from his house. His sister is crying, his dog is barking, and he hears a loud radio on the porch. So what’s his solution? A trip to the moon, of course! Your budding astronaut won’t want to miss this imaginative adventure.Ages: 4 to 8