Anne (with an e)

I’m reading the newly published Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson. I’ve heard mixed reviews about it. It’s true – Budge Wilson is not Lucy Maud Montgomery. But there are moments, when I feel like she’s written this book. It’s a treat for fans of Anne (with an e) and I know people who’ve read it and were inspired to go back and read the original series again. So far, I’m really enjoying it, but there are times when I think – would a five year old really talk like that? I could go on and on. To quote Anne “ I know I chatter on far too much... but if you only knew how many things I want to say and don't”. Happy reading, hopefully outdoors, in the sunshine.

Fiction break?

I'm thinking I'm on a break from fiction b/c I can't think what I might want to read next. So I'm going through some of the non-fiction I've never gotten around to reading.

My mum gave me an autographed copy of Alberto Manguel's A History of Reading a couple years ago and I haven't gotten around to reading it. So that's where I'm truly starting my summer reading :) I'm only in the first section, but so far it's fascinating and I should have an update soon. He described us as "book fools" which seemed so apt, as I know I may appear foolish when it comes to books. I'll bet many of you feel the same way in your desire to read and read a great deal.

Anyhow when I have some good tidbits I'll get them up here. He has great quotations in the book and pictures of famous readers, e.g. Francesca and Paolo reading the book that sent them to the second circle of hell.

Happy reading :)

Kitchen Confidential

A little while ago, I came to love certain television shows involving Chef Gordon Ramsey. Besides Hell's Kitchen (which is a great show by the way), Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares is both interesting and appalling. I love to see Ramsay shape up a restaurant that is down and out, but can't help but wonder just how many restauants I've visited that practice the same techniques that would make the Health Inspector nausous (especially scenes from the original BBC episodes). Not something I like to dwell upon. Anyways, now I have have come across another chef who has a written a fantastic book detailing his experiences inside numerous kitchens in New York City. Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly is a wonderfully humerous and honest tale of Bourdain's rise from lowly dishwasher to head chef at New York's Brasserie Les Halles (you might recognize Bourdain's name from his TV show No Reservations on the Food Network). His love of food becomes apparent right away, as well as his love of the industry which he has dedicated 30 plus years to. If you want a great (yet brutally honest) read and want to learn secrets the top chefs use, this is the book.

Plum tuckered out

Hi. I'm on my third 7 day loan in a week and I've got a date with Stephanie Plum. I've started the new Janet Evanovich novel, Fearless Fourteen. As usual, I'm loving it. They're funny, light and I love the cast of recurring characters. And it always makes me think - who would I choose Ranger or Joe. Looks like there are 80 holds on it, so you might have a bit of a wait. It's worth it. It's Evanovich at her best. You just can't help but smile.

And another 7 day book

Hi. I'm very close to finishing my second 7 day loan. I'm reading Friday nights by Joanna Trollope. I usually enjoy British authors and this was my first novel by her. It took me a while to get into it. I seemed to keep getting the characters mixed up. But now I'm really enjoying it. It begins with an older woman inviting two young mothers over for a visit on Friday night. Their little group expands and it follows each of their lives. I would suggest adding it to your reading list and maybe it's only me that had problems keeping the characters straight. Enjoy.

A new Emily Giffin book

There's something new for Emily Giffin fans - "Love the one you're with". Have you ever wondered about how your life could have been different, if you had stayed with a former partner? When Ellen, a newlywed runs into Leo, an old flame she begins to wonder about what could have been. And when Leo a writer offers her a chance to do a photoshoot of a rock star, she jumps at the opportunity. It wasn't my favourite novel by this author, but it makes for interesting reading. Right now it's a 7 day loan, but it's quick to read.

Roots

I have been listening to Roots on MP3 book all week. Although I remember the movie well, I just thoroughly enjoyed the audio book. I would recommend it. Now I am on Heart Sick by Chelsea Cain, it is a first novel, but the reviews intrigued me, and it is moving along quickly. Today has a hint of summer in it, so I hope you have found the first of your summer books. Please add your comments to our blog, we look forward to hearing from you.

Travelling!

So I'm headed to Minneapolis tomorrow morning and I was able to decide on only 4 books to bring (I doubt I'll get through them all, but just in case . . .). The first one was an easy decision: Michael Crichton's "Next." I started reading "Next" about a week ago but haven't had much time to finish it; hopefully somewhere in my travels over the next few days I can remedy that. The second book was also an easy decision: "If I Were an Evil Overlord" edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Russell Davis. I've been reading this short story collection off and on for the last few months and it's a great read! I'm about half way through it right now, but I don't mind if I don't finish it; I like anthologies for when I'm in school because I can read an entire story without taking TOO much time away from my studies.

The final two books I decided to bring on a whim: "Starcraft Ghost: Nova" by Keith R. A. DeCandido, and "Lamb" by Christopher Moore. I've read most of the Starcraft books that are out, and most of them have been really good; hopefully that will be the same with "Nova." And my aunt really recommends "Lamb," saying it is a hilarious read. I figure I could use a good laugh. I'm not sure which of these two I will be reading after I finish Next, but at least I'll have a bit of choice!

Trinity

A few nights ago, I picked up the graphic novel "Trinity" by Matt Wagner. It tells the story of how Batman and Superman first met Wonder Woman. The story contrasted the three characters beautifully, showing how they accomplish their goals in drastically different ways and slowly learn to trust one another. And any story that gets away with calling Ra's al Ghul "Racer Cool" is great fun in my books!

Wicked Lovely

I recently picked up "Wicked Lovely" by Melissa Marr randomly from work and started reading it on my break. "Wicked Lovely" is a modern fairy tale about a girl who can see fairies all around. She tries her best to live by her grandmother's rules to not interact with them or draw attention to herself in any way, but then something changes and she finds herself pursued by the fairy king. I think the ending could have been a bit different, but overall I thought "Wicked Lovely" was a great story that is definitely worth reading if you need a quick, light read.

Who's Who - Modern Literary Giants of 2008?

As many of you may know, the exterior of the Brodie street library features literary giants in stained glass fanlights; Among others, you will find the likes of Charles Dickens, Robert Burns, Oliver Goldsmith, and Shakespeare. These men are the literary giants that someone deemed worthy for such an honour when the Brodie Branch first opened in 1912. Having just completed a Library Detective collumn for The Chronicle Journal (June 15th) "Who's Who in the Library windows" I wondered if the avid readers of this blog would be interested in discussing a modern equivalent. So,

Who would you consider a literary giant of 2008?
and
How might you honour their contribution to modern culture?

Please post your thoughts!

A great beach read

Hi. How time flies, it's summer again(sort of). This week I'm reading "Moon shell beach" by Nancy Thayer. She's the author of the Hot Flash Club series, which I love. This book takes place in beautiful Nantucket and follows 2 childhood friends. As children Lexi and Clare spent summers doing what kids do best - swimming and biking. Once they entered the dating scene, life changed and harsh words were spoken over their choice of boyfriends. Now it's ten years later. Will they be able to recover their lost friendship. I can't wait to find out.

Yippee!

Summer Reading Game is almost here and I get to sneak the first post :) I'm sure I'll be forgiven for it and of course I'm rather excited. It's a great way to record what you've been reading and share good books with everyone else. My list always includes some children's and teen fiction, but right now I'm in the mood for adult mysteries, so I'm hoping to glean some good stuff from the blog. I'm almost finished the fabulous Maisie Dobbs series and could use some more of the same. Happy Reading!

Welcome

Welcome to the Thunder Bay Public Library's Adult Summer Reading Game for 2008. We are grateful for the support of the Valhalla Inn, that provides scrumptious rewards for our readers. The game is simple, just pick up a menu at any branch, or print one from our website, and read five books over the summer. We have two draws, a Tide You Over Draw at the beginning of August and our grand prize at Labour Day. The Tide You Over Draw is for a dinner for two at the Timbers Restaurant. The grand prize is a gourmet dinner for two at the Nordic dining room at the Valhalla Inn.

This blog is a place to share our summer reading. Here you will meet fellow readers including staff from the library who love to share what they are reading. Feel free to add your voice, put in a comment and share your suggestions with us. If you have suggestions as to how I can improve this blog, please feel free to contact me at rcasella@tbpl.ca