Queen Isabella

Queen Isabella: Treachery, Adultery, and Murder in Medieval England, by Alison Weir; Ballantine Books, 2006

Reviewed by Alice Fraser

Queen Isabella is a compelling and accessibly written account of Isabella of France's marriage into the English royal family. Her husband, Edward II, was bisexual, launching Isabella into situations that pushed the conventional boundaries of her time. This is an interesting portrayal of a charismatic and politically astute woman, and her subsequent rise to power. Lord Jim, by Joseph Conrad, is a classic story of Jim, and his momentous personal struggle with ethics, as seen through the eyes of Captain Marlow. Although this book requires some fortitude to wade through the more viscous half of the narrative, Conrad's writing is full of brilliant descriptive passages. The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde, is yet another classic book to enjoy. It is the engrossing story of Dorian Gray and his life of progressive corruption. The novel plays heavily on the themes of beauty, love, death, and morality, and ends with a gruesome twist.

A is for Alibi

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

Reviewed by Mike Hamilton

A is for Alibi is a top notch story about Kinsey Millhone, a twice-divorced private eye. Sue Grafton has created a well developed plot studded with interesting places and real characters. Another very good choice is Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, by Mary Roach. How do you write a readable, and quite amusing book about cadavers? This author does, and makes an excellent read by taking a unique approach to issues surrounding death. For a change of pace, try C.S. Forester's The Hornblower Series. The series chronicles the career of Horatio Hornblower, from midshipman to top admiral in the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The book offers a good glimpse at life in England and other parts of the world at that time.

The Girl With No Shadow

The Girl With No Shadow, by Joanne Harris; Black Swan Publishing, 2008

Reviewed by Cathy Colson

If you enjoy modern fairy tales, read The Girl With No Shadow, the sequel to Joanne Harris' bestselling book Chocolat. The characters have evolved; the romance between Vianne and Roux continues. Do they finally get it together? This book is full of magic and chocolate, with plenty of romance and a contest of wills. Craig Lesley's River Song is the modern-day story of Indian tribes that have historically lived along the Columbia River. This book tells of the process through which they lost all but 40 acres of their ancient homeland. Friends, Lovers, Chocolate, by Alexander McCall Smith, is a very peculiar mystery. This story revolves around the recipient of a heart transplant who needs to find the family of the donor to understand his recurring nightmares. Isabel is a kick!

Comfort Food

Comfort Food, by Kate Jacobs; Putnam, 2008

Reviewed by Diane Allen

Comfort Food is a tasty novel about the competitive lives and occupations of two television cooking mavens--Augusta "Gus" Simpson, and former beauty queen Carmen Vega, who are forced to work together. This rivalry spices up the show, and a rating battle begins. Born on a Blue Day is an interesting memoir written by Daniel Tammet, an autistic savant. Tammet shares his life story, and recounts his meeting with Kim Peek, who was the inspiration behind the movie "Rainman". Tammet was also featured as "Brainman" in a BBC documentary. Hot House Flower and the 9 Plants of Desire by Margot Berwin, is an intriguing blend of botany, betrayal, strange people and exotic locations that enhance the story's magic and thriving romance.

The Ingenious Edgar Jones

The Ingenious Edgar Jones, by Elizabeth Garner. Random House Publishing, 2009

Reviewed by Paul Rogland

Set in Oxford, England during the 1800's, The Ingenious Edgar Jones is a well-written and unique story of a young boy and his exceptional talents, and the impacts these talents have on his family. I also enjoyed the "noir" storyline of Amberville, by Tim Davys, about a city which is populated by stuffed animals who exhibit the range of human motivations and characteristics. This book also incorporates spiritual conflicts and paradoxes. The Sacred Book of the Werewolf, by Victor Pelevin, is a stimulating, fun and profound read. Pelevin is widely considered as one of the best Russian novelists. His writing is creative, funny, and tightly constructed.

People of the Book

People of the Book, by Sally Fallon. 2007

Reviewed by Colleen McCaffrey.

This book provides a wonderful, fictionalized account of a modern day discovery of historic Jewish illuminated texts in Sarajevo. This storyteller weaves historical events from 1400 AD to present day. I also recommend the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall-Smith, is a great, light summer read, with well-defined characters and an exotic location. I also enjoyed Unaccustomed Earth, by Jhumpa Lahiri. This beautifully written book of short stories covers the immigrant experience in America. The characters are so vivid that they seem to come directly off the page.

Pillars of the Earth

Pillars of the Earth
Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett. William Morrow. 1989

Reviewed by Mariah Watson


Be warned...this is a long book (almost 1000 pages of small print). Set in medieval twelfth century England, this book weaves the tale of a monk named Philip, who sets out to build a huge cathedral, with Tom, the mason who becomes the architect of the structure. It is a fun, interesting book. I also enjoyed the well-written A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini. It shows the disturbing reality of women's lives in Afghanistan. The story unfolds through the interwoven lives of two women who end up married to the same abusive husband. It's sad, but a good read. I highly recommend reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver--a true, fascinating story about a family who sets out to eat locally and seasonally for a year. This book also includes many interesting facts about growing vegetables, tips for planting, and recipes. Kingsolver's fine writing has literally changed the way I think about food.

Summer Reading Program Winner 2009

Nourishing Traditions: the Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition. by Sally Fallon. 1999

reviewed by Brooke Forman

This book provides a great foundation for eating healthy. Every receipe I have made was delicious. I also enjoyed Sign with Your Baby, by Garcia W. Joseph. It helped my baby to communicated with me and we enjoyed the mustache man!

Now just for me, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. The description of the footbinding was a little hard to take but totally worth it. This is a love story worth reading.

Winds of Dune

Winds of Dune. by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Tor Books. 2009

Reviewed by Library Patron

If you like to read about Frank Herbert's world of Dune than "Winds of Dune" might be just the thing for you. It's written by his son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. It takes place immediately following "Dune Messiah" and before "Children of Dune" is set to begin. (Both by Frank Herbert) The authors have done a wonderful job of helping to fill in gaps in the life of Paul Atreides, also known as Muad 'Dib. We are treated to stories of Paul's youth, aiding in our understanding of how he came to be Emperor of the Known Universe. The duo of writers have also fleshed out the other characters as well helping to create a fuller image of the world of Dune and it's inhabitants. As an avid "Dune" fan, it's nice to have Brian and Kevin scouring Frank's notes so that the humble reader might have more of the dots connected creating a much larger, brighter picture for us.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Time Traveler's Wife. by Audrey Niffennegger. 2003 Reviewed by Patron Ali Dyche

This book is unique in the sense that it covers many genres at once. It is the story of a man who can travel through time due to a genetic twist, so it's sci-fi/fantasy right? Yet it also is about his wife and what she goes through and their enduring love, so it is as well, a romance. I kept finding myself laughing throughout the story at dating anecdotes and such, so, is it humor too? And was it drama that caused the tears to roll at just the right times? A truly all encompassing and well written novel. Cheers to Audrey Niffennegger and her debut!

Tracy Kidder 's Surviving in the City, Against All Odds

This looks like a very good book for the book club . I have it on order and can say more after I have actually read it .But all the reviews indicate that it is a multileveled book of a real story that had to be told .
Thanks, Beth Mackey

Literary Latte Reviews

A Mercy by Toni Morrison. November 2008. Knopf

Reviewed by : Linnea Patrick

This is the story of a young slave girl given to a northern colonial merchant in payment of debt. She is never able to understand why her mother would let her go and keep her baby brother. This is a theme that continues from the Pulitzer prize winning book Beloved written in 1987. The voice of Florens is lyrical and full of passion. "I dream a dream that dreams back at me," she says. "Perhaps these words need the air that is out in the world. Need to fly up then fall, fall like ash over acres of primrose and mallow. . . . I am become wilderness but I am also Florens. In full. Unforgiven. Unforgiving. No ruth, my love. None. Hear me? Slave. Free. I last."

Preserving Summer's Bounty

A Variety of Pickling, Canning, and Preserving Books.

reviewed by: Ali Dyche, Friends of the Library board.

Preserving Summer's Bounty by Susan McClure is a quick guide to freezing,canning,preserving and drying what you grow. It is beautifully laid out, easy to follow and comprehend. The mouth watering recipes are reminiscent of the Ball book. I will definitely want to check this out again. Putting up: A Year Round Guide to Canning in the Southern Tradition by Stephen Palmer Dowdney is a book with truely unique recipes. It is one I will continue to use for the choices for peaches, green tomatoes, and bean dip! What Can I Do With My Herbs? by Judy Barrett is a wonderful compilation of the most commonly used herbs and a few exotic ones as well. It has good advice on how to grow them and possible uses.

Between Heaven and Hell

Between Heaven and Hell: A Dialog Somewhere Beyond Death with John F. Kennedy, C.S. Lewis and Aldous Huxley. Paul Kreeft. 2008

Reviewed by : April Canaday

As you may or may not know, Huxley, Lewis and Kennedy died within minutes of one another, and this book imagines what it would be like if they met each other in a type of Purgatory. One reviewer writes, "Kreeft writes out a very believable (and highly Socratic) debate between them. I highly suggest it. In the book, Kennedy represents the modernist; Huxley represents the eastern mystic; and Lewis represents the Christian. They debate about truth, Jesus, and textual issues. Lewis presents his Mere Christianity style of debate, avoiding the minor issues and focusing on the more important truths about God and Christ.One of my favorite lines from the book happens right after Kennedy complains that Lewis is too "black and white". Kennedy prefers the idea that everything is gray and that there is no absolute truth. Kennedy asks Lewis to demonstrate one thing that is "black and white", one absolute. Lewis responds, "I'll give you two... black and white."

The Awakening

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong is the second book in the Darkest Powers Trilogy. It begins right where the first book (The Summoning) left off. Chloe Saunders has discovered that she is a necromancer: she can see and raise up the dead. She has recently escaped from Lyle House with her supernatural friends: Derek, Simon, and Rae. However she and Rae were caught and imprisoned in a laboratory run by an organization called the Edison Group. This organization is a sinister group that wants to control and exterminate unstable supernaturals. Chloe Saunders escapes and finds Derek and Simon. They are now fugitives on the run from the Edison Group and are trying to locate Simon's dad, the only person who could possibly help them.

Reviewed by Fuxia

The Summoning

The Summoning is the first book of the Darkest Powers Trilogy by Kelley Armstrong. Chloe Saunders wants to be a normal 15 year old but she has one problem: she can see ghosts. After an horrible encounter with a ghost she is sent off to Lyle house, a center for "disturbed" teens. At first Chloe just wants to get better but when her roommate disappears, Chloe begins to get suspicious about Lyle House and the other teens there. Why are they there? Who owns Lyle House? What is wrong with her? Step by step Chloe Saunders begins to uncover the truth about Lyle House, the residents there, and more her special ability.

Reviewed by Fuxia

Breath

Tim Winton

Farrar, Straus, Giroux 2008

Reviewed by Keith Darrock

With writing as raw as a drying reef and smooth as a peeling left point, Breath delivers on every level. Set in rugged Western Australia in the 1970's - two boys searching for adventure are taken under the wings of a legendary big wave surfer. What they tap into will change them forever. Breath is one ride you don't wanna miss.

The 19th Wife: A novel. David Ebershoff. Random House. New York. 2008

Reviewed by patron: Catherine Robinson

This is a well written "mystery" about polygamy in Utah. The story moves back and forth between Brigham Young's 19th wife and a modern day 19th wife. The story is especially insightful about the effect of polygamy on the men and the children as well as the women.

Summer Reading

Borderlines. Nevada Barr. G.P Putnum's Sons. 2009

Reviewed by patron: Kathleen Kenneweg

First, I love reading mysteries set in the National Parks, the ones I've visited and the ones that I have yet to discover. Second, I enjoy her lead character, Anna Pigeon, who solves the mysteries despite being surrounded by the inept gang of male park rangers. If you have ever worked at one of these parks you know what I mean!

Happy Fourth of July!

America America. Ethan Canin. Random House. 2008
Reviewed by Pauline Carter

Here are two books I got from "book club" table at Lynnwood library. America America by Ethan Canin is a Richard Russo type novel of politics and family life in a midwestern town. Named a 2008 "best books of the year" book by Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and other papers. John Updike liked it. I really enjoyed it. The next is Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris (2008)which I just started but looks great. A first novel by a woman who lived in Saudi Arabia and also a "best books" choice of Washington Post. It is a mystery set in Saudi Arabia so lots of interesting and new to me info about that country. Excellent writing in both.

Cris Wilson adds: If you don't have the time to read David McCullough's John Adams this week check out the HBO Miniseries starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney as the spirited Abigail. There is also an interview with David McCullough at his home and in his "writing shed." Port Townsend residents will love this feature.

Literary Latte Reviews

This summer our patrons are sending in reviews to earn Literary Latte coupons. We will post them here. Cheers to reading diversity!

Bill Bryson. Mother Tongue.

reviewed by: Lauren Brown

While some of this history of English is familiar territory, it is told with Bryson's trademark humor and offers a few insightful nuggets. Lauren also recommends, When You Catch an Adjective, Kill It, She says, "This is a usage book, very entertaining, that challenged many of my long-held preconceptions."

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. Dai Sijie and Ina Rilke. Anchor. 2002

reviewed by: Jennifer Nielsen

I picked up Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress from your staff picks shelves and was very glad I did. It was very engaging. I enjoyed the story and the style. I teach English at PTHS and as part of our World Literature curriculum we read the great Orwell classic, 1984. I can see ways I will use Balzac...to enrich our study of 1984 since both are about oppressive regimes and how people cope with the loss of great works of literature.

The Theory of Clouds. Stephane Audeguy. 2007

Reviewed by Sarah Fairbank

I am now fascinated and interested in clouds and have joined the Cloud Appreciation Society. This all started with two books from Port Townsend Public Library: (I LOVE having a book that leads to another and then onward in an ever increasing and never ending palette of ideas and questions. ) The first book was "The Cloudspotter's Guide: the Science, History and Culture of Clouds", by Gavin Pretor-Pinney 2006. The other, "The Theory of Clouds" by Stephane Audeguy ,2007, is a novel about an archival librarian who works with an eccentric collector of cloud memorabilia . Her job become listening to his story rather and doing her work. It is the story of story of the classifying and naming of clouds. The academic hubbub and politics of presenting this to a scientific community with all the cast of characters, the stealing of work, the wheedling, the posturing. One interesting and creepy aspect of this book is that many of the cloud scientists lost it and became mentally ill.

Sarah Fairbank

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Dial Press Book. August 2008.

Reviewed by Cris Wilson

Port Townsend already loves this book. I think we are a mirror to the Guernsey Literary Society and the island's regular folks ourselves. If you enjoy Alexander McCall Smith's "Sunday Philosophy Club" series you'll like this even more. Traditional without seeming stale, and romantic without being naïve” (San Francisco Chronicle), this epistolary novel, based on Mary Ann Shaffer’s painstaking, lifelong research, is a homage to booklovers and a nostalgic portrayal of an era. As her quirky, loveable characters cite the works of Shakespeare, Austen, and the Brontës, Shaffer subtly weaves those writers’ themes into her own narrative.(Book List) However, it is the tragic stories of life under Nazi occupation that animate the novel and give it its urgency; furthermore, the novel explores the darker side of human nature without becoming maudlin. The Rocky Mountain News criticized the novel’s lighthearted tone and characterizations, but most critics agreed that, with its humor and optimism, Guernsey “affirms the power of books to nourish people during hard times” (Washington Post).