The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Flanagan, John. The Ruins of Gorlan (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1). Puffin, 2006.

Choosing Day has arrived at Castle Redmont and Will and his cohorts are anxiously awaiting their assignments. Will is hoping for a Battleschool appointment, but is passed over due to his small stature. Instead he is apprenticed to the grim and mysterious Halt, a member of the secretive cadre of Rangers. The core of the book is Will's training as a Ranger in the fields of archery, woodsmanship and knives. Will's skills are ultimately put to the test several times revealing both his character and his aptitude. While the ending is satisfying, it is a clear set-up for the rest of the series which presumably is concerned with the impending war with Lord Morgarath.

The focus of this YA novel is the characters, as opposed to a fantastical world populated by exotic creatures. Herein lies its greatest strength. The characters are given enough dimension and room to develop that readers come to identify with and care about Will, Horace, Halt, Alyss, Jenny and George. Written by the Australian Flanagan for his son, this is an enjoyable read, appropriate both for its younger target audience and adults looking for clean escapism.

Recommendations:

Foundling by D.M. Cornish

An orphan like Will, the foundling is Rossamund Bookchild, a boy with an unfortunate name. Assigned to be a lamplighter, he ventures into a world at war with monsters. This first in the Monster Blood Tattoo series (from a fellow Australian author) is darker than the Ranger's Apprentice series, but contains more detailed world-building and fantastical creatures for fans of high fantasy.

The Naming: The First Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon

Featuring Maedra, a female heroine, this series from another Australian author is richly imagined and executed.

Beginner's Guide to Traditional Archery by Brian J. Sorrells

Bring out the Ranger in you!

Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior by Dick Couch

This book offers incredible insight into the making of a green beret. Readers who enjoyed the accounts of Will's training will marvel at the rigorous foreign language, physical, combat and cultural training that green berets endure.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Game. T. Doherty Associates, 1985.

Ender Wiggin must save the world. Ho-hum. Another fantasy plot of brilliant hero against aliens bent on genocide. But this would be selling this excellent novel short. Ender's Game transcends genre and like all good literature explores the human condition.

This amazing book delves into the life of genius Ender Wiggin who is drafted into Battle School for training to help defend mankind against destruction by the alien Formics ("Buggers"). Ender rapidly outpaces any of his classmates resulting in him being placed in Command School. His meteoric success causes resentment and jealousy among his peers, so Ender is seen as either a threat or as superior and leads a lonely existence save for his brief interludes with his sympathetic older sister. *Spoiler Alert*

In a harrowing climax, Ender is told he will have to pass a grueling final exam that consists of realistic war games against the Buggers. Not liking who he has become through his increasingly violent training, Ender decides to violate the rules of engagement in hopes of getting expelled from his program. What he does not realize is that the "exam" is reality and when he annihilates the Buggers, he has saved mankind.

I do not like fantasy. I mean, I used to not like fantasy. If this is what fantasy is like, then sign me up! This was a riveting, fast-paced thrill ride. But more than that this was an introspective work of tremendous skill. Ender as reluctant killer, Peter as sadist (for reasons he later reveals) and Valentine limited by her gender are brilliant, deep characters. Exploring universal themes such as loneliness, Card has created a classic.

Recommendations:

Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein

Ender's Game is most often compared to this classic of science fiction/fantasy. See what you think of the comparison. Follow a futuristic military recruit as he is trained to become one of the elite forces in the universe so that he can fight to save mankind.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

A juvenile title, this new novel offers a mysterious school for genius children as its setting. After passing a series of enigmatic tests, gifted children are asked to infiltrate a strange academy to discover what threat it hides.

Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
Readers interested in the plight of "innocent killers" like Ender being being pressed into war, might find this heart-rending memoir interesting.

Paid to Play: An Insider's Guide to Video Game Careers by Alice Rush

Want to see what it takes to play video games for a career, but not actually have inter-galactic consequences? Check out this gaming resource.

A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne

Payne, Ruby K. A Framework for Understanding Poverty. aha Process Inc, 2005.

Written primarily for teachers, this book is a must-read for anyone working in the public sector. Packed with charts, tables and worksheets, Payne reveals how poverty is a complex issue that requires more than a singular financial solution. Showing how all socioeconomic classes have their own nuances and "culture," she demonstrates how poverty is a multi-pronged attack that forces people into survival mode and shuts down their ability to see opportunities. Not only does Payne offer a a framework for understanding poverty, but strategies for more effective ways of fighting it.

My boss recommended this book to me after I was baffled by an encounter with a patron who wanted me to waive her fines just because she was on public assistance. I am so glad that I have read this book. It has given me a more compassionate and fully-developed view of the many faces of poverty. More than that it offers hope and realistic ideas for beating it down.

Recommendations:

Growing up poor: a literary anthology edited by Robert Coles and Randy Testa

Essays, stories and poems are offered from literary giants, incarcerated teens, high school students and accomplished professionals who have experienced poverty. This collection offers a broad perspective of this major social ill.

Angela's Ashes: A Memoir by Frank McCourt

From poor Irish school boy to successful American high school teacher, McCourt documents his hard-scrabble upbringing in this approachable Pulitzer Prize winner.

Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools by Jonathan Kozol

A modern classic in the field, Kozol's book reveals the inequities of the American school system.

The Thread That Runs So True by Jesse Stuart

An older classic in the field, Stuart's touching memoir of being an educator in rural Kentucky is enchanting.

Human Smoke by Nicholson Baker

Baker, Nicholson. Human Smoke. Simon & Schuster, 2008.

Controversial author Baker does not flinch in this new look at the causes of WWII. Written in a choppy style more evocative of newspaper clippings, this is a "blurb-style" book with no clear story line or narrative, but a clear thematic thread nonetheless. Baker seeks to blow open the notion of the "Good War" by revealing some of the more hidden roots of anti-semitism both in the United States and Europe.

Baker has a clear pacifist agenda and is attempting to alter perceptions about history that most Americans hold dear. Are those perceptions so much myth? Is there ever such a thing as a "good war"? I don't ultimately side with Baker on the entire anti-war premise, but in light of current events, the questions he raises are legitimate for public discourse. I found his unique perspective enlightening and useful for providing a thoroughly rounded view of WWII.

Recommendations:

Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky

Compelling, haunting and lyrical, these two novellas offer an interesting glimpse into the occupation of France by the Nazis. It is is a fascinating character study showing how hardship brings out peoples' true natures. (The author lived in France during this time and died in a concentration camp before she could finish her intended four novellas.)

Days of Infamy by Newt Gingrich

For a different perspective on the start of WWII, readers might like this novel of Pearl Harbor.

Churchill, Hitler, and "The Unnecessary War": How Britain Lost Its Empire and the West Lost the World by Patrick J. Buchanan

Another controversial tome with another viewpoint of how the West was drawn into conflict. While Buchanan and Baker might not agree on the details, they both would agree that war could have been avoided, but was a juggernaut that took on a life of its own through a series of hidden and seemingly minor decisions or beliefs. Fascinating!

The War: An Intimate History, 1941-1945 by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns

This is the most recent definitive work covering the entire conflict from the United States' perspective.

Crown of Fire by Craig & Janet Parshall

Parshall, Craig & Janet. Crown of Fire. Harvest House, 2005.

Set in 1546 during the Scottish Reformation, Ransom Mackenzie witnesses a reformer being martyred. This causes him to search out the truth about this movement that is sweeping the land. His quest ultimately lands him at the feet of John Knox himself, but also at court where the glitter and intrigue of politics threatens to beckon him away from his calling.

Masterfully weaving historical and fictitious characters, the Parshalls have crafted a fascinating look into a chapter of church history perhaps less well-known than others. Meticulous research, credible characters and complex plot lines are the hallmarks of this team. This is the first in The Crown & the Thistle series which follows the MacKenzie clan through to colonial America.

This is an excellent book that would appeal to fans of historical fiction. The faith of the characters shines through, but in a realistic manner, not a cloying preachy one. This is, after all, a book about the Reformation. There are elements of action and romance to further the draw of this book.

Recommendations:
First Light (A. D. Chronicles, Book 1) by Bodie and Brock Thoene

The first couple of historical Christian fiction, the Thoene's are known for outstanding historical research and are respected even outside of Christian circles for their incredible accuracy. The AD Chronicles offers insight into the first centuries of the Early Church.

The Game of Kings (Lymond Chronicles, 1) by Dorothy Dunnett
Set in Scotland in 1547, this first of the historical romance series the Lymond Chronicles, depicts Francis Crawford and his quest for redeeming his reputation and fighting for his country. While this book is not of the Christian genre, fans of the Parshalls will appreciate the historical accuracy, plot twists and literary quality of this series set in the same period.

For Kirk & Covenant : The Stalwart Courage of John Knox by Douglas Wilson

Readers interested in learning more about John Knox will enjoy this biography which specifically looks at him in light of his leadership qualities and courageous stand against both the religious and political establishments of his day.

Christian History Made Easy: 13 Weeks to a Better Understanding of Church History by Timothy Paul Jones

Readers wanting to brush up on church history after having their appetites whetted will appreciate this user-friendly guide.

Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins

Jenkins, Jerry B. Riven. Tyndale House, 2008.

In this modern-day parable that reads like a movie, Thomas Carey is a frustrated and depressed prison chaplain who is clinging to his faith. Brady Wayne Darby is the trailer-park kid who finds himself in and out of trouble and prison. Their stories are told in alternating chapters until their lives intersect. The hyperbolic and sensational conclusion requires readers to suspend disbelief, but most readers will willingly do so as the riveting and moving drama grips them.

Jenkins, most famous for his Left Behind series, has said that this tome is his magnum opus. This is not the suspense drama of that series, so the pacing is much slower, the writing more literary and evocative. People who read Christian fiction will find this novel to be of the highest caliber. People who don't read Christian fiction for the seeming lack of quality available would do well to search this book out if they are interested in a very thought-provoking read. Quality Christian fiction exists. You just have to look for it. In Riven you will find it.

A patron recommended this to me and I am so glad I read it. It is lyrical, haunting, gripping and thought-provoking. The end will leave you breathless.

Recommendations:
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

One of the more literary and quality authors of the genre, Rivers is an excellent choice for anyone looking for well-written inspirational fiction. Readers interested in the redemptive themes in Riven will like Redeeming Love, a more modern retelling of the story of Hosea, the prophet of the Bible who married a prostitute. Set in the 1850s Gold Rush, Angel is a woman who as a child was sold into prostitution. Michael Hosea is the kind-hearted farmer who pities and marries her.

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin

From another literary author, this story will appeal to readers who are interested in the theme of the intersecting lives of two hurting people. The Christian message of this book subtly permeates, but is not overt.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Rob Hall & Denver Moore

(This is one of my favorite books!) Rob Hall is a white international art dealer whose wife dragged him to serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Denver is a homeless black man who Rob met there. This is a true story of two people, how they met and how they changed each other's lives -- and it's not how you think! You will never look at poverty the same way again.

Jesus Mean and Wild: The Unexpected Love of an Untameable God by Mark Galli

Think Jesus is a kind-hearted, but kind of milk-toast wimp? Galli explores several passages from the New Testament that show just the kind of sometimes stern, confrontational man the real Jesus was. If people thought Christian fiction was boring, but were gripped by Riven, they may enjoy a book about Jesus that also shakes some cobwebs loose.

Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain

Sherrill, Martha. Dog Man: An Uncomon Life on a Faraway. Mountain. Penguin Press, 2008.

During WWII, the Japanese were so desperate, they began slaughtering their dogs for meat and pelts to line soldiers' coats. By the end of the war only sixteen Akitas, the magnificent national dogs of Japan, existed.

At the start of the war, Morie Sawataishi had never even been interested in dogs, but as the war dragged on and it became illegal to own a dog, his desire for them increased. When he first brought home an Akita puppy acquired on the black market, his wife Kitako was livid. Morie was forced to hide it in a shed. But as these noble dogs began to flourish under his care, Kitako came around to Morie's way of thinking. Woven together by their desire to live a traditional Japanese lifestyle, Morie and Kitako, now in their nineties, live in the remote mountain country of Japan breeding and raising champion Akitas. Morie is now credited with almost single-handedly saving the breed from extinction and increasing its popularity throughout the world.

Anyone interested in animals will enjoy this book. There are chapters dedicated to several of Morie's individual dogs and the book is full of black & white photos of Morie, Kitako, their dogs and their natural lifestyle. Sherrill capably views her subjects through an unsentimental lens, but her portrait is nonetheless moving and evocative.

Recommendations:

Nop's Trials: A Novel by Donald McCaig

Dog lovers will enjoy a romp with Nop a border collie trained for sheepdog trials. Nop's real trial begins, though, when he is stolen from his devoted master. Excellent insights into dog behavior and border collies.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

A modern spin on Hamlet set in rural Wisconsin, this debut novel features mute Edgar Sawtelle whose grandfather bred a unique breed of dog the Sawtelle.

Akita: Treasure of Japan by MIP Publishing

At over 500 pages and weighing six pounds, this is THE manual for everything Akita!

Hachiko Waits by Leslea Newman

Readers wanting to know more about the most famous Akita will want to turn to this award-winning juvenile title.

A Charmed Life: Growing up in Macbeth's Castle by Liza Campbell

Campbell, Liz. A Charmed Life: Growing up in Macbeth's Castle. Thomas Dunne Books, 2007.

When Liza Campbell receives the news of her father's death, she uses the time to reflect upon his powerful and often negative influence on her life. The last child to be born at Cawdor Castle, of Macbeth fame, Campbell is presently a journalist and artist. Her father Hugh, the twenty-fifth Thane of Cawdor, was an enigmatic man whose own low self-image and feelings of inadequacy caused him to spiral into alcoholism, drug abuse and adulterous affairs. Through it all he remained the driving force in his three children's' lives shaping and influencing them in various ways. This memoir acts as Campbell's way of exorcising some of those demons.

I enjoyed this book so much, we read it for my book club. Campbell is a remarkably deft writer who gives insights into what appears like a fairy tale from the outside, but what at times was a nightmare. Of course, life is never this simple, so she explores the complexities of her dysfunctional family and the pressures that formed them. A very personal and condensed version of Scottish history adds another rich layer.

Recommendations:
The Silent Duchess by Dacia Maraini

Readers who want to explore the damaging effects of a traumatic childhood might like this selection which is the story of a young woman struck deaf and mute by a childhood incident.

Macbeth The Graphic Novel: Original Text by Wiiliam Shakepeare

If Cawdor Castle has piqued your interest in the classic tale, experience it in a whole new way while remaining faithful to the mother tongue.

Haunted Castles of the World: Ghostly Legends and Phenomena from Keeps and Fortresses Around the Globe by Charles A. Coulombe

Readers interested in other historic castles will enjoy this excellent volume with a haunted twist.

The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls

Walls shares many of the same family characteristics as Campbell: an alcoholic father, eccentric mother and unsteady childhood. Fans of memoirs will find Walls a compelling storyteller.

Dark Sister by Graham Joyce

Joyce, Graham. Dark Sister. TOR, 1999.

After a visit to some affluent friends' house, Maggie convinces her archaeologist husband Alex that their house could use some renovating. As they tear into a disused fireplace, they discover a dead blackbird and a journal with some herbal jottings. Maggie, feeling trapped in her dull marriage and frustrated by her unresponsive children, turns her energies to interpreting the ancient diary. To this end she enlists the help of her friends Ash and Old Liz. Together they try to unravel the mysteries of the book, but unwittingly unleash a malevolent power that threatens both Maggie and her family.

This was a well-written story. Riding the cusp between fantasy and horror this novel is not gory, but totally creepy. I would read other horror titles of this type.

Recommendations:

The Creaking Door: And Other Tales of Madness and Horror by Andrea D'Allasandra

If you like stories that will keep you awake in terror and shock you with twisted endings, you will love this collection of thirteen horror tales.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson AND

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Readers interested in a good scary haunting would do well to pick up either of these classic ghost stories. Shivers and uneasiness guaranteed.

Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise by Scott Cunningham

Those not having a friend like Ash, but interested in the folklore and magic associated with herbs can consult this encyclopedic volume.

What Your Contractor Can't Tell You: The Essential Guide to Building and Renovating by Amy Johnston

Your contractor won't be able to tell you if your house is haunted, but before you embark on any repairs (and possible unwanted discoveries), check out this book.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Penguin Classics, 2003.

Victor Frankenstein is a Swiss medical student who discovers the secret of life. He uses his knowledge to build a creature from corpses. The resulting creature is so horrific, he abandons him in terror. The creature then suffers a miserable existence of cruelty and neglect. Learning of his providence, he exacts revenge on Victor's brother, frames the maid and then confesses to Victor. He then demands a mate so that he will no longer be alone. Terrified, the doctor agrees. When Victor later has second thoughts and destroys the bride, the heart-broken and enraged creature murder's Victor's family.

More than horrifying, I found this tale to be hauntingly beautiful and touching. In some ways it resonates with modern issues such as cloning and other ethical issues surrounding biomedical research. Mythological and biblical references abound. Anyone interested in history, literature, psychology or ethics would enjoy this classic.

Recommendations:
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Readers interested in brushing up on that other classic monster will want to read Stoker's original.

The Jigsaw Man by Gord Rollo
A homeless man on the verge of suicide takes a $2 million offer for his arm! Being a horror novel, the terror does not end there. . .

Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters by Anne K. Mellor

Readers interested in the life of Mary Shelley may wish to read a biography of this intriguing woman.

How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster
Feeling bad about all those books you should have read or read and can't remember? Revisit the classics or approach new favorites with a fresh perspective.

Sharing RA Tools

This list started out on the excellent Reader's Advisory listserv FictionL. I have added to and annotated it. These social networking/reader-sharing sites may prove helpful when directing patrons to books or for trying to decide "what to read next."

BiblioTravel: A free online resource for identifying stories that are set in distinct locales started by two librarians.

Book Blogs: “Our members read books, blog books, write books, and publicize books.”

Book Crossing: Where books take on a life of their own. BookCrossing is earth-friendly, and gives you a way to share your books, clear your shelves, and conserve precious resources at the same time. A book registered on BookCrossing is ready for adventure.

Book Glutton: Our intent: build an experience that is simultaneously a book group, a computer, and a book. Chat chapter by chapter, comment on each paragraph.

Book Jetty: BookJetty is a social utility that connects you with your friends' bookshelves and checks books' availability in the libraries.

Book Movement: “BookMovement.com was founded in 2001 to give book clubs a way to recommend books to each other on a national level.”

Books I Read: A Facebook application. (Must register to use.)

Books Well Read: The goal of BooksWellRead is to be the online destination of choice for people who want to 'digest' what they read by capturing their thoughts in writing. BooksWellRead has been designed to be simple, fast, and easy to use.

Crime Space: A place for readers and writers of crime fiction to meet.

eBooklists: RA wiki being constructed by librarians who were in graduate school together.

Goodreads: Keeps track of what you’ve read and what your friends are reading. Also on Facebook.

I Read Wiki: A collaborative website by Iowa librarians of reading suggestions.

Library Thing: Helps you create a library-quality catalog of your books and connects you with people who read the same things.

Reader2Reader: A UK network that allows readers to discover and suggest books to each other, chat and share reader experiences or do author/title searchers.

Read Me: User editable wiki of book suggestions and queries.

Revish: Revish is a place where people share their reading experiences. You can use Revish to keep and share a list of books you're reading, write reviews of books, find recommendations from other readers, and a whole lot more.

Shelfari: Allows you to share what is on your bookshelf with others and discover new books. Also on Facebook.

What Should I Read Next?: Searchable database of real readers’ favorite books (over 47,000 and growing) to suggest what you could read next.

What's On My Bookshelf: This is a book trading communitywhich allows members to exchange their books using a simple point system.

Which Book: This is a book recommendation tool that makes suggestions based on your moods.

Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

Willis, Connie. Doomsday Book. Bantam, 1992.

In the mid-21st century, historians at the University of Oxford conduct field research through time travel and direct observation of historical events. Safeguards are put into practice to prevent the altering of history including slippages which shift the time of arrival for the researcher to a time as close as possible as the original target date, but deemed safer.

Kivrin Engle is a medieval specialist who talks her superiors into allowing her to travel to 14th century England. Previously thought to be too dangerous, they reluctantly relent. It is here things begin to fall apart. The technician who sends her to the past, collapses after he sends her, a victim of an influenza epidemic which sweeps Oxford. Meanwhile Kivrin also succumbs to the flu she has carried with her. When she awakes, she is far away from her initial entry point which is key to her return. In addition, due to the flu affecting her technician's calibrations, Kivrin is unknowingly twenty years off her target date and has landed in the midst of a Black Death outbreak in 1348.

Kivrin is a curious anomaly to her hosts and must dodge a variety of situations arising from her appearance and education. In addition, she becomes involved with people of her village, nursing them through sickness and death. On the other end in Oxford, as they recover from he flu epidemic, university staff are attempting a rescue of Kivrin.

This is an award-winning novel rich in detail and meticulous in research. While the science is a little weak, the medieval aspects are especially satisfying and enjoyable. Readers who enjoy science fiction or historical fiction would appreciate the gripping plight of Kivrin.

Recommendations:

Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks

Knowing that it is a virtual death sentence, the village of Eyam, England decides to quarantine themselves to keep the plague from spreading to others in 1666.

Timeline by Michael Crichton
Very similar to Doomsday Book, except in this time traveler's tale, the heroes are historians who end up in medieval France.

The Black Death: Natural & Human Disaster in the Medieval Europe by Robert S. Gottfried

A historian examines how the plague reshaped the face of Europe and impacted every facet of society.

Guns, Germs & Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond

For an even broader look at the over-arching forces that have shaped civilization and history, check out this acclaimed biologist's work. You'll never view the world the same way again.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Niffenegger, Audrey. The Time Traveler's Wife. MacAdam/Cage, 2002.

Henry a librarian and Clare an artist live in Chicago like a normal married couple, but Henry harbors a terrible secret. He suffers from Chrono-Displacement disorder which causes him to time travel at random moments. With absolutely no control over his condition, Henry is dropped naked anywhere within his past or those of his loved ones. This inventive novel has Henry meeting his wife when she is six and himself when he needs his own assistance. Sound confusing? The narration also switches viewpoints between Clare and Henry. My head sometimes hurt trying to wrap my brain around the ramifications of the words on the page!

Beyond a bizarre story, however, this is a tale of the anchoring love of Clare for Henry and her willingness to care for him despite the incredible upheaval in their lives. It is about the bravery of Henry facing the travails of his incurable disorder and attempting to lead a "normal" life. In some ways the book has all the of a typical romance novel. A couple meets, falls in love, marries, has a family. Of course, here the plot line is twisted and tied in knots and unraveling it is half the fun.

Recommendations:

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

In this, the ultimate time traveler series, Claire Randall moves between a husband in 1945 and a lover in 1743 Scotland.

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

Fans of the time travel motif will enjoy this classic of the genre.

Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation, and Time Travel by Michio Kaku

Looking to do a little time travel? See what scientists have to say about the possibilities.

Masterpieces of Chicago Architecture by John Zukowsky and Martha Thorne

Readers who enjoyed the Chicago setting or who want to see what the Newbery Library looks like will enjoy this pictorial work.

A Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson

Drayson, Nicholas. A Guide to the Birds of East Africa. Houghton Mifflin, 2008.

Mr. Malik is in love with widow Rose Mbikwa and plans to ask her to the Nairobi Hunt Club Ball. His plans are stymied when his school days nemesis Harry Khan returns to town and announces his plans to woo Rose. Harry and Mr. Malik stage a friendly bird-watching competition to determine who gets to ask Rose to the ball. While the plot sounds simple enough, the engaging characters, charming dialog and glimpses into Kenyan wildlife and politics weave a rich African tapestry.

I chose this title for my book club to read and we really enjoyed it. Comparisons to Alexander McCall Smith are inevitable, but I like both Drayson and Smith equally well. Drayson's portrayals of Africa are a little more realistic than Smith's touching on crime, AIDS and poverty more overtly. Drayson uses the unique device of an anonymous narrator who offers humorous asides and directly addresses the reader. And while the plot is not the most complex, there is a revealing of character and layered nuance that hallmarks the literary fiction genre.

Recommendations:

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith is the first in a series that introduces the iconic, "traditionally-built" Mma Ramotswe. Smith offers an evocative African setting with charming and elegant prose.

A Rant of Ravens by Christine Goff (#1, Birdwatcher's Mystery series)

Readers enjoying the birding aspect of Guide will enjoy this series which features amateur sleuth and birdwatcher Lark Drummond.

Birds of East Africa (Collins Field Guides) by J.G. Williams

This specific guidebook is the namesake for Drayson's novel. Having an actual guide book at elbow would add to readers' enjoyment of Mr. Malik's and Khan's exploits.

Kenya - Culture Smart: A Quick Guide to Customs and Etiquette by Jane Barsby

If readers are interested in booking a birdwatching expedition, they won't want to forget to pack their Kenyan etiquette guide. They could end up in jail like Khan's two Australians!

The Invention of Everything Else by Samantha Hunt

Hunt, Samantha. The Invention of Everything Else. Houghton Mifflin, 2008.

Reclusive inventor Nikola Tesla lived out his final decade in the Hotel New Yorker hiding from the world, befriending pigeons and bemoaning the loss of his radio patent to Marconi. In a masterful blending of fiction and history, Hunt tells Tesla's story through the eyes of fictitious chambermaid Louisa who is drawn to Tesla through their mutual interest in pigeons.

Tesla is one of my favorite characters in history and Hunt does justice to this prolific inventor, possibly one of the most brilliant men to ever live. This is literary fiction at its finest; a quirky real life character, elegant prose, seamless blending of fiction with history and a compelling story.

Recommendations:
The Prestige by Christopher Priest
Readers interested in Tesla's Colorado experiments with electricity will like this tantalizing tale of two magicians who seek his assistance in creating the most amazing illusion of all.

The Tesla Testament by Eugene Ciurana
For people interested in another of Tesla's inventions, Ciurana envisions what would happen if terrorists got their hands on Tesla's Death Ray, the blueprints to which were lost during the 1940s.

Tesla: Man Out of Time by Margaret Cheney
Cheney's biography is considered to be the definitive work on this man who many believe was too before his time to be fully appreciated.

Empires of Light: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse and the Race to Electrify the World by Jill Jonnes
Readers who want to know more about the epic battle among the titans of invention will enjoy this chronicle of competition during the beginning of the technological revolution.

Superdove: How the Pigeon Took Manhattan ... And the World by Courtney Humphries

You can't read Invention without seeing pigeons in a different light. If you want to read more about their natural history and their presence in New York, you might enjoy Superdove.

Utopia's Avenger by Oh Se-kwon

Se-kwon, Oh. Utopia's Avenger. TokyoPop, 2006.

Gildong and Danu are bounty hunters who happen upon a violent scene, intervene, save a scantily-clad girl through inventive and magical martial arts and decide to ransom her to her father. Little do they know that their actions will draw the ire of the The Bright White Killers. The thin plot winds through various violent episodes, later revealing that Gildong ages in reverse and is the master of an ancient form of martial arts. He and Danu are on a mission to overthrow the evil Red Dragon Kings and restore the utopian Yulda to its previous state.

I chose this manga title because it was one of the few selections our library had that didn't read "backwards." I tried another one, but not only was the right to left confusing, but the movement within each page was insurmountable. Coupled with the frenetic drawing style of manga was too much system overload.

Utopia's Avenger is neither terrible or great. The story is weak and fairly predictable. The bad guys are really evil, the good guys humorous and sarcastic, the girls buxom and hardly clothed. The big "reveal" is alluded to so many times from the beginning of the novel that when it finally comes, it is no surprise. I also found the drawings confusing and a distraction at times. The movement, as indicated by swooping lines, permeated the action scenes, which went on for several frames without dialog. This was tedious and did not feel like "reading."

Recommendations:
Shaman warrior by Park Joong-Ki
Fans of Korean manga (manhwa) will enjoy this series that includes a master warrior and his apprentice as they battle political rivals. A cleaner drawing style avoids some of the confusion of Utopia's Avenger.

There Will be Dragons by John Ringo
When their utopian society collapses, all hope is on Edmund Talbot to restore The Net. While not a graphic novel, readers who enjoyed this theme in Utopia's Avenger will find it in a more well-developed form here.

The Art of Expressing the Human Body by Bruce Lee
Readers intrigued by martial arts may find Lee's physical conditioning and philosophical tome interesting in this classic that changed martial arts forever.

Draw Manga: How to Draw Manga in Your Own Unique Style by Bruce Lewis

If you are interested in trying your hand at manga drawing, this guide might interest you.

A Thousand Ships by Eric Shanower

Shanower, Eric. Age of Bronze Volume 1: A Thousand Ships. Image Comics, 2001.

In this first of a projected seven volumes, Shanower combines exquisite artwork, meticulous research and compelling storytelling to recreate the prelude to the Trojan War. From Paris tending cattle on Mount Ida to the fateful meeting of Helen to the setting off of the men to battle, the Greek epic is painstakingly crafted in spectacular fashion.

I was shocked that I enjoyed this so much! While I tend to be a visual learner, the few times I've glanced at graphic novels, I found them visually overwhelming and over-stimulating, so I was not expecting to like this. I chose something related to history hoping that would help the "bitter pill go down," but a sugar-coating of history was unnecessary. Everything from the dialog to the illustrations to the authenticity and historicity strikes just the right note. Whereas a novelist is limited to words to convey emotion, the graphic novelist has at his disposal both words and pictures. Shanower uses them both to great advantage, the illustrations portraying the full range of experience of the characters. Especially poignant was before Paris set off, as his parents pack his belongings, they find his baby swaddling and wonder at the fact that their son is now a man. The feeling conveyed in the images is heart-wrenching.

Even more impressive are the detailed maps, fascinating Afterword, glossary of names, genealogical charts and seven pages of bibliographic material. This is a class act from start to finish.

Recommendations:

Fables, Volume 1: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham

For those who enjoy old tales made new or for those still not sold on the idea of graphic novels, Fables offers full-color mayhem as the characters of our childhood fairy tales eke out lives in New York City. These are a much lighter frolic, but as well-executed in their own right as Shanower's epic.

Lord of the Silver Bow (Troy Trilogy #1) by David Gemmell

Peopled with both historical figures and those from Gemmell's imagination, the Troy Trilogy strays a little further into fiction than Shanower's take, but is still an excellent retelling of this epic.

Greek Gods and Heroes by Robert Graves

Readers interested in some of the background and characters from A Thousand Ships will enjoy this concise look at Greek mythology.

The Trojan War: A New History by Barry Strauss

Classics professor Strauss offers a fresh look at the plausibility of Homer's Iliad and what elements may be fact or fiction.

Edge of Midnight by Shannon McKenna

McKenna, Shannon. Edge of Midnight. Brava, 2007.
(#4 McCloud Brothers series)

More erotic than romantic, this book was a real eye-opener to the erotic suspense genre. Liv Endicott returns to her hometown to open a bookstore. When an arsonist targets her store, her family and ultimately her, Sean McCloud comes to her rescue. A promiscuous playboy who has always carried a torch for Liv, they rekindle old feelings and fight off the evil that stalks them.

So that's what the plot line looks like, but really this book was a bunch of graphic sex scenes strung together with some thriller suspense moments in between. I chose this book because there is a large volume of romantic suspense checked out at our library. I was curious what these legions of fans are reading. Now I know. I don't think I'll be reading this type of book in the future. I'm not into books that make me blush if I read them while my kids are in the room.

Recommendations:

Killer Secrets by Lora Leigh (Tempting SEALs series)
Fans of the alpha male, former military man Sean McCloud will like Leigh's Tempting SEALs series. Homeland Security Agent Kira Porter is sent to keep an eye on the motives of Navy SEAL Ian Richards.

Midnight Man by Lisa Marie Rice (#1 Midnight series)

Another Navy SEAL scenario with interior decorator Suzanne Barron needing the protection offered by her new tenant Navy Commander John Huntington.

FabJob Guide to Become a Bookstore Owner by Grace Jasmine

Do you want to open a bookstore like Liv Endicott (and maybe meet the man of your dreams?). This FabJob Guide will show you how.

The End of the Twins: A Memoir of Losing a Brother by Saul Diskin

Readers sympathizing with the tragedy of Sean's loss of his twin brother 15 years earlier, may be drawn to this touching memoir. Depicting how twinship defines ones very essence, Diskin delves into the relationships between twins and siblings.

The Reef by Nora Roberts

Roberts, Nora. The Reef. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1998.

Tate Beaumont is studying to be a marine archaeologist. When her family hooks up with rogue treasure hunter Matthew Lassiter and his uncle to recover a legendary amulet off the coast of St. Kitts, an uneasy partnership ensues. The dialog was cloying with the typical bad boy/good girl who hate each other, are forced to work together on a project, fall madly in love, bodice ripping commences. Actually it wasn't quite that bad. The main love story was predictable, but it was actually wrapped in another plot that was reasonably interesting and the characters, while not very complex (note to author -- just b/c he is "brooding" does not make him complex or interesting!), were at least engaging and likable.

Being a SCUBA diver and sailor who lived in the Caribbean for a few years, I chose this book thinking that if I didn't like the characters, I might like something about the setting or plot. While the boating and diving scenes were evocative, they were also rife with errors, which were distracting and irritating. Several technical aspects of diving were off, such as characters swimming to the bottom (as opposed to sinking gradually as they decrease the air in their BCs) or staying still with small movements (experienced divers, such as Tate, control buoyancy through breathing which is imperceptible to an observer). Roberts even describes swimming through fish bubbles! Really, she must have gotten her knowledge of diving and reef fish by watching the bubbling diver-guy in her home aquarium!

The sex scenes were predictable, not too graphic (good), and humorous while not intending to be. One scene has Tate's "sea begin to toss." Anyone seasick?

Recommendations:

The Alibi by Sandra Brown

Fans of Roberts' forbidden love and romantic suspense themes might enjoy this tale of assistant District Attorney Hammond Cross who is drawn to the mysterious Dr. Alex Ladd, who later turns out to be the prime suspect in a case he is prosecuting.

Out of the Mist by Joanne Ross (1st in Stewart Sisters Trilogy)

Rife with bad boys and intriguing career women, Ross' plots strike a similar tone as Roberts'. Lily Stewart is drawn to a hunky Scottish filmmaker when he arrives to film her annual Scottish Highland Games event.

Treasure Hunting on a Budget by Robert E. Park

Don't have the funds to go to St. Kitts? Want to try your hand at finding lost treasure? Pick up this handy guide which shows thrifty and frugal ways of starting a new and interesting hobby.

Fatal Treasure: Greed & Death, Emeralds & Gold, and the Obsessive Search for the Legendary Ghost Galleon Atocha by Jedwin Smith
Readers interested in tales of true, contemporary treasure hunts might be interested in the story of Mel Fisher and his search for the Atocha.

A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton

Grafton, Sue. A is for Alibi. Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1982.

In this first Kinsey Millhone mystery, readers are introduced to the quirk- and foible-ridden heroine that has made Grafton a titan in the genre. Millhone, former insurance investigator turned PI, is both protagonist and narrator. This first person style was startling at first, but Grafton carries it off well. The California setting offers a strong ambiance that permeates the story while Millhone is a character with plenty of room for development over the course of twenty-six novels. Grafton left clues throughout the book and then had a nice twist at the end which was not unrealistic and was reasonably satisfying.

A procedural in every sense of the word, A is for Alibi was slower paced than expected. Millhone spends an inordinate amount of time on paperwork, note cards, taking notes, organizing notes, writing notes and going through old files. While this is probably the unglamorous truth of the PI biz, it doesn't make for compelling reading. In addition, the emphasis on the paper and pen makes the novel feel a little dated. That said, A is for Alibi is a completely legitimate and readable mystery. One can see where Grafton intends to take her heroine and character qualities will expand and grow. There is certainly something to be said for witnessing the birth of an icon. The only question left to ask is, "What happens when she gets to 'Z'?"

Recommendations:

Indemnity Only by Sara Paretsky (1st in V.I. Warshawski series)

Readers looking for a long-running series with a slightly harder edge than Grafton and an independent female lead will enjoy the V.I. Warshawski series set in Chicago.

Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr (1st in Anna Pigeon series)

Another strong protagonist is Ranger Anna Pigeon who solves crimes in the National Parks system. Her tough exterior masks an inner vulnerability which makes her a good match to Millhone.

Catch Me if You Can: A California Saga of Murder, Greed & Two Heroic Detectives by Kraig Hanadel

Two hard-working detectives devote three years to following the faintest of leads to prove that playboy Dana Ewell killed his parents and sister. A good read-alike for people who enjoy the southern California setting of Grafton.

Private Investigation 101 by Norma M. Tillman
Want to be a PI like Kinsey? Check out this step-by-step guide to starting a successful investigating business.

Tripwire by Lee Child

Child, Lee. Tripwire. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1999.

In his Jack Reacher series, Child has created a character who men will admire and women will love. Amoral Reacher, a transient Vietnam vet, finds himself in all sorts of precarious situations that stretch credulity. But Child creates in Reacher a protagonist so silently charming and appealing, readers will willingly suspend their disbelief and go along for the fast-paced ride.

In Tripwire, Reacher is digging pools in Key West -- with a shovel --when a detective comes looking for him. The guy ends up dead and Reacher has the presence of mind to know that something is wrong. The clues lead him to a “kid-sister” figure from his past where he is drawn into discovering the fate of a Vietnam helicopter pilot. In the midst of uncovering the truth about the pilot, Reacher stumbles onto a coverup more than thirty years in the making.

Child's writing style moves along at a fast clip and dialog is often pithy and staccato. There is minimal profanity; sexual encounters are not very detailed, but are present; action-based violence can be gory at times. One strength of this series is that it is not a true series in that each Jack Reacer title is a stand-alone written in no chronological order. A new reader can jump in at any point.

Recommendations:

The Camel Club by David Baldacci (1st in Camel Club series)
Baldacci creates a similar strong rootless protagonist with a shady military history who operates against a government run amok and who is aided by righteous insiders. Like Child, this thriller series is action-packed, but sex and language are kept to an ungraphic minimum.

Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn (1st in Mitch Rapp series)

Mitch Rapp, the CIA's top counterterrorism operative is called upon to settle an insurrection that has taken hostages at the White House and driven the president into hiding in his bunker. Fast pacing, brutal action and light romance round out this political thriller.

My Father The Spy: An Investigative Memoir by John H. Richardson

As his father lies dying, the author decides to investigate his father's government jobs that took them all over the world including Vienna after WWII, Manila and Vietnam at the onset of the conflict. He is stunned to discover that rather than being an attache to the US embassy, his father was one of the founding members of the CIA. This is a fascinating look at modern US history from an insider's perspective, as well as, a bold look at the author's family and their struggles with alcoholism. Riveting.

Warriors: An Infantryman's Memoir of Vietnam by Robert Tonsetic

This a fast-paced, realistic, unsentimental, but not unsympathetic look at a rifle company commander's experiences during the Vietnam War.

Hola!

As a way of documenting what I have read for a UWM class, I have started this blog to record the two books from each genre that we are required to read. After this semester, this seems like a nice place to create book reviews of the books I read. I read A LOT (several books a week) and writing is one of my favorite ways of solidifying and ordering my thoughts.

Welcome to the Bibliosphere!