Many of the books I review, are at times, not on the New Books Shelves, but in the stacks in the back, and, I’ve found, they need exploring too. Some books are selected by an intriguing title I see while re-shelving books; others come from recommendations of many of the ‘intriguing’ people who enter our Library. Case in point is an author that had been highly recommended to me, and I somewhat resisted as I did not feel “turned on” by the subject matter of his books. HOWEVER, I found BLUE HEAVEN as written by C. J. Box and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mr. Box writes a series of books featuring his character Joe Pickett who lives near the Cheyenne area of Wyoming. But, his book, BLUE HEAVEN is written as a stand-alone, not part of the series, and features two youngsters who are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Set in North Idaho (not Northern) somewhat near the resort area of Couer d’Alene, the brother and his slightly older sister find themselves fleeing for their lives with the realization that they cannot trust many acquaintances. A captivating book with an unusual ending; it’s impossible to lay aside once you start to read it.
I’ve enjoyed reading the author Dennis Lehane’s books previously, and therefore, I grabbed his newest once it arrived on our shelves. Entitled LIVE BY NIGHT it’s set in the Boston area during Prohibition. Labeled a “crime epic” the plot deals with many of the major and minor characters involved with “speaks”, distilleries, corrupt cops and other parties of the criminal atmosphere. As the author’s research is excellent, the reader will learn more about life in that era of our Country’s history then one might really wish. And Lehane’s description of early Havana during that period of time seems to be true, you can almost see yourself walking down the street midst the many older and Spanish-styled buildings. Lehane’s books hold your interest completely; beautifully written with stunningly drawn characters.
And, in the line of self-improvement, Angela Lansbury’s POSITIVE MOVES was fun to read. Somewhat of an autobiography, Ms. Lansbury also deals with the problem of keeping slender while working on Broadway and filming her television series. I’d always enjoyed her very professional appearances in many films, so, therefore, thought her book would be somewhat mesmerizing along with the much needed, though easy, exercises for improvement. This is not Jane Fonda’s style of exercise, but one that a slightly older woman can appreciate. And, it is just that. To the point I’ve copied some of the recipes, menus and pictures of the exercises. Now, if I can just stick to them.
It’s now the middle of November, and plans are already being made in many homes for the Holiday Season that begins with Thanksgiving. To assist you in planning specific menus or delightful desserts or a stunningly decorated home, do stop by and check out the many fun Christmas cookbooks and the books devoted to decorations for the dining table and other rooms. We also have several writers whose fiction becomes quite topical during this special time of year. Hope to see you, soon.
And remember: Our Library is open on Monday & Tuesday from 9-1 & 2-6; on Wednesday, we open at 1:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m.; Thursday from 12:00 Noon till 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m.
“When an old person dies, a Library burns down”
Karin Gillespie
