Berlin Diary, by William Shirer

A journal of an American foreign correspondent stationed in Europe (particularly Germany) between 1934 and 1941. Shirer provides a first-hand account of the steady rise of the Nazis as the official political power in Germany, through the early stages of World War II.

Today, the broad details of the path that led to the War are basically familiar and might seem to have an inexorable quality. So it is fascinating to read an account that captures the uncertainty and confusion of the actual period. 

Shirer in 1961  (By IvoShandor at en.wikipedia
 [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons)

Shirer also provides a striking account of the character of German life during the Nazi era. One story that particularly stood out for me was that of a German woman who was officially informed that her son was missing and presumed killed in action. However, the BBC reported that her son had been taken prisoner. When eight of her friends and family let her know that her son was still alive, she reported them all to the police and had them arrested for listening to the BBC (listening to foreign broadcasts was illegal in Germany after the war began). Details such as this make for a compelling and eye-opening read.

Reviewed by Corey, First Regional Library

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For Holidays: Sarah Bird, Lily King, Larry McMurtry and Other Good Books from 2014

The holidays are a great time to read when our schedules loosen up a bit, hopefully after Christmas and the days are dark and cooler if not cold and icy, snowy like our Northern neighbors. What could be more peaceful than a fireplace and a book? Over the years I've enjoyed looking at a special New Yorker edition just for holidays and packed full of book ideas for gifts, advertisements along with stories. But, I don't subscribe anymore.

I was excited to see the Seattle Times list and see my friend on it. Sarah Bird and I are facebook friends through another Texas friend, Tracey that I share a lot of poetry writing and ideas with. We have so much in common like Southern Sisters meant to be in spirit. I have voted on preferred book cover selections for The Gap Year  and have seen her photographs, which are beautiful. I admit, I have not gotten to reading her just yet.

In her most ambitious, moving, and provocative novel to date, Sarah Bird makes a stunning departure. Above the East China Sea tells the entwined stories of two teenaged girls, an American and an Okinawan, whose lives are connected across seventy years by the shared experience of profound loss, the enduring strength of an ancient culture, and the redeeming power of family love.

The New York Times Review on Above the East China Sea

I have read Euphoria  by Lily King which was a wonderful tale of anthropologists working out in the field with native cultures. It is based loosely on the life of Margaret Mead.

A Review from the New York Times on Euphoria

There are many good books on this list both fiction and otherwise that I have seen come to the libraries. I enjoy reading these lists and seeing perhaps that I have not read it all, but a little bit of what is considered good by many reviewers. I see that I am perhaps on a fair path. Reading is thinking of books, perhaps not reading them now, listening to others' ideas or loves and planning for the future and browsing at bookstores or libraries, sharing that book with others or ordering online and waiting for it to arrive either electronically or otherwise. I am just now reading Tom Robbin's biography after a good friend suggested a couple days ago but published much earlier this year!

Have lovely Holidays, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, (I am sure I'm leaving something out I have seen that atheists are protesting this year in a handful of cities by billboard about what everyone else calls it) but I am hoping to include all even those having a Non-Holiday!!!!

--from Michelle at FRL



Seattle Times List of Good Books from 2014

Place a Hold on Sarah Bird's Above the East China Sea

Place a Hold on Lily King's Euphoria

Place a Hold on Larry McMurtry's The Last Kind Words Saloon

Tracks of a Rolling Stone, by Henry J. Coke

I am reading Tracks of a Rolling Stone by Henry J. Coke. Coke wrote his memoirs in 1905 and it describes upper class English society in the last half of the nineteenth century. I started reading it because he is reported to be a writer with one of the largest vocabularies in a study called "Vocabulary Analysis of Project Gutenberg". Melville is also on that list.

Coke is not nearly the writer that Melville was, but he is still interesting. His account of his travels, east to west, across the Rockies reminds me a little of Stanley's trip across Africa to find Livingston. When Coke finally drags himself out of the American wilderness, a physical ruin with nothing but his clothes, he presents himself to American army officer in Dalles, Oregon:

"Pray sir,’ said I in my best Louis Quatorze manner, ‘have I the pleasure of speaking to Major Dooker?"

"Tucker, sir. And who the devil are you?"

Let me describe what the Major saw: A man wasted by starvation to skin and bone, blackened, almost, by months of exposure to scorching suns; clad in the shreds of what had once been a shirt, torn by every kind of convict labour, stained by mud and the sweat and sores of mules; the rags of a shooting coat to match; no head covering; hands festering with sores, and which for weeks had not touched water—if they could avoid it. Such an object, in short, as the genius of a Phil May could alone have depicted as the most repulsive object he could imagine.

"Who the devil are you?"

"An English gentleman, sir, travelling for pleasure."

Louis Quatorze is Louis XIV, King of France. Phil May was a popular cartoonist for Punch magazine.

Reviewed by Ed, First Regional Library

Read book online at Project Gutenberg

Craft Fail : When Homemade Goes Horribly Wrong by Heather Mann

Sometimes a book is so good that we cannot help but share with the others in our back room as we open the box, receive it, catalog it, attach the call number labels, and so on. I would have to say this process of discovery is the best benefit from working with the library along with possibly seeing one to check out. This book is quite fun especially if you think Martha Stewart is a prude and couldn't hope to accomplish all those crafting projects even with a large staff. We have all laughed to the point of tears and shared our own stories of failed projects.

It made me think about the time I wanted to decorate my son's first birthday cake. I did not realize cake decorators are trained professionals with education and practice along with specialized equipment. So, I buy something in Kroger that was completely overpriced, full of chemical colorings, insufficient, inadequate, and the cake looked just as undecorated when I got finished. I was able to construct some sadly shaped leaves for Fall even though I doubted myself all the way through the process.

I think we are all a bit idealistic when undertaking a craft. More often than not, it turns out mediocre. It doesn't always speak to us the same in completion as the idea seemed so wonderful to do! Many times we cannot share success stories that will make us look so smart, so crafty. It certainly makes us realize, life is not the destination but the journey.

This book is very enjoyable and will make you enjoy your failed crafts truly more than any that turned a success! Why not look and laugh too?

Place a hold on Craft Fail: When Homeade Goes Horribly Wrong

by Michelle at FRL, enjoyed by Glinda, Libby, and Jenny as well

The Official Book Club Selection:a Memoir, by Kathy Griffin

If you like funny, Kathy Griffin is the go to girl. I decided to listen to her memoir on CDSW, I believe I benefited greatly from it. Just listening to tell her story was very refreshing.

You, as the listener, get an in depth view into the crazy world of Kathy Griffin; from the disaster of an plastic surgery encounter, to an not-so honest husband.

This book is very good if you want to laugh until it hurts.

Reviewed by Jackie, First Regional Library

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Knucklehead, by Jon Scieszka

A combination of Leave It To Beaver, The Brady Bunch and Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? Knucklehead by Jon Scieszka is a hilarious look back in time - when kids still played outside until dark, read under the covers with a flashlight, had family dinners each night and wore hand me downs. Secretly, parents still want these close bonds of a family life and kids would like to have set limits.

Knucklehead clearly captures growing up in a not so technologically advanced world and leaves you with plenty of ideas for bringing the emphasis back to family time, creativity and outrageous fun. This book is a roadmap for parents longing to create strong family bonds and an eye opener for techno teens who couldn’t imagine an hour without a cell phone.

Reviewed by Carson, First Regional Library

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Dewey : the small-town library cat who touched the world, by Vicki Myron

Dewey is a story about a kitten found in the book drop of the public library in Spencer, Iowa the morning after the coldest night of the year. Dewey was 'adopted' by the library staff, in particular, Vicki Myron (the author of the book). Vicki tells how Dewey grew up in the library and of his unique personality and personable interaction with so many library staff members and patrons alike. Dewey Readmore Books (Dewey's official name) was responsible for 'changing a town' and became internationally famous! 

I have chosen what I view as a few profound statements from Dewey to share:

Then there were the complainers...There is nothing on God's green earth that someone won't complain about, including both God and green earth.

His authority came from his lack of words, not his use of them (spoken about the vet)

...we're a town. We're in this together. Let's not point a finger. Let's fix the problem.

When times are tough you either pull together or fall apart. That's true of famililes, towns, even people

The library isn't a warehouse.... It's a vital community center.

Reviewed by Brenda, First Regional Library

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***

The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls

This is a moving story about a dysfunctional family that is chock full of love, faithfulness and determination. Jeannette Walls describes her upbringing in a tender story, how her and her siblings survive is amazing.

Her father who she adores was a genius and fun loving, until he decided to let booze run his life. The love she showed to him was remarkable.

Her mother was a very self-absorbed artist who didn't wanted to be bothered by raising her children.

I enjoyed this book, I was amazed at the way Ms. Wells tells her story with absolutely no whining. The National Review described it best to me......"The Glass Castle will at times exhaust you, occasionally fill you with fury and finally leave you slacked jaw in wonderment".

Reviewed by Teresa, First Regional Library

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***

Wonderful Tonight, by Pattie Boyd

This book was about Pattie Boyd, the woman who inspired the songs “Wonderful Tonight” and “Layla”. Being a huge music fan, I really enjoyed this book, reading about Pattie’s early life modeling with her sister and Twiggy, how she met and married George Harrison and the life they led with the Beatles. Later, she became involved in an affair with George’s best friend Eric Clapton.

At first he pursued her until she finally relented, and they eventually married. However as in most rock and roll couples it didn't work out. I thought this was a very interesting book.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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***

Dolley Madison Saves History, by Roger Smalley Illustrated by Anna Maria Cool, Scoot Rosema and Charles Burnett III

This book is part of a non fiction series called The Graphic Library Books in which history is told in a rich comic book style.

In Dolley Madison Saves History, the true story of Dolley Madison’s life is recorded from the time she and her husband, James move from Philadelphia to Washington, DC in the early 1800’s. The story of Dolley’s charming manners and beauty as first lady is told through illustrations and captions. As the war between the United States and the British threatens the city of Washington and the safety of the White House, the book depicts Dolley Madison’s courage and strength.

 In this book, young readers learn about this difficult time in history and the life of Dolley Madison. The graphic novel format of this biography is an accurate account of the First Lady’s life and will appeal to even the most reluctant readers.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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***

A Skating Life, by Dorothy Hamill

Olympic gold medalist Dorothy Hamill became a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” a few months ago, only to bow out of the competition due to a back injury. Her appearance on the show led me to read her autobiography, “A Skating Life” published in 2007.

In her book, Hamill describes starting skating lessons at age 8 and the sacrifices she and her family made in order for her to train.  After becoming both an Olympic and world champion, she became a media darling in the 70’s with her Hamill camel spin and signature haircut.

But all was not rosy. Battles with her parents over money and her own bankruptcy caused friction. She was also not lucky in love. Her first marriage to Dean Paul Martin ended after only 2 years. Then he died in a plane crash. Her second marriage ended when she learned her husband was having multiple affairs.  Through it all she has kept skating and has even given love a third try. She has been married since 2010 to John MacColl.

Review by Sherry, First Regional Library

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The End of Your Life Book Club, by Will Schwalbe

I have just finished reading "The End of Your Life Book Club," a non-fiction book by Will Schwalbe.  I found the title of the book intriguing enough, but on further examination realized that this would be a perfect book for book lovers:  a book ABOUT books!  More importantly, it's about two people who love each other, and find a way to show it by a shared love of books. It is a mother and son, and the mother has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Each chapter discusses a different book, and the family members' reaction to it--and to each other, in terms of the mother's illness.  There are 28 chapters in all, but some mention more than one title--most of which are familiar, but I regret to say that I've read very few of them. ( I will be doing so now.)

Along the way the author and his mother make some statements that I found very profound. With regards to "People of the Book," the mother says, "…Every great religion shares a love of books, of reading, of knowledge.  The individual books may be different, but reverence for books is what we all have in common.  Books are what bring all different people in the novel together."

That line, more than any other, was important to me, and kept me reading even when the discussion of the mother's cancer and impending death made me uncomfortable.  She remained mentally alert throughout the illness, and you could almost share the growing bond between mother and son even as they shared the books they read.

Near the end, the author makes the observation that his mother's bedroom is filled with the books they have read, with their colorful spines and dust jackets, and that "they were Mom's companions and teachers.  They had shown her the way.  And she was able to look at them as she readied herself for the life everlasting that she knew awaited  her.  What comfort could be gained from staring at (the author's) lifeless e-reader?"

Though I have an e-reader of my own, I could not have said it better myself.
I encourage you to read this book.

Reviewed by Miriam, First Regional Library

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His Bright Light, by Danielle Steel

This book was written by Danielle Steel after her oldest son, Nick Traina, committed suicide. In it she tells of what a sweet boy he was growing up. Nick started having self-control problems when he was about eleven or twelve years old, but the family just thought he was a little hyper. After another year or so, he started having serious problems at school. He eventually was kicked out of school for his behavior. 

This cycle would continue for years to come. His mother tried different schools, different teaching programs, and medications to help control him. By the time he was fifteen years old his mother realized Nick was seriously mentally ill. But, the different doctors that treated him did not believe he was could possibly be as ill as she thought. His depression was so bad at times he couldn’t cope with just the day to day activity of getting out of bed and dressing. The doctors would just not believe a young man of his age could be so depressed.

It wasn’t until he was eighteen that his mother found a doctor who was willing to treat Nick with medications for manic depression. Before his nineteenth birthday he had tried to commit suicide three times. Nick could not accept that he would be on medication his whole life and that he would never be able to live the life he wanted. He was disappointed and depressed about his future and decided to end his life at the age of nineteen. Nick was very bright and talented. He performed with his own band and wrote all of the songs they recorded. His mother wrote this book to honor his life and included many of his song lyrics and poetry inside.

Reviewed by Judy, First Regional Library

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What The Bible Says About Healthy Living, by Rex Russell, M.D.

I originally picked up this book because I have been struggling with my weight for many years. At the time I didn't know it, but reading this book was to become a life-changing event.

Regardless of what direction your personal faith walk has taken you, it is evident that our country is in the midst of an epidemic of obesity. Further, it would appear that there is more to it than simple gluttony. There is a cliche that says, When all else fails, read the instructions.

That is what this book is about: it re-states some of the Old Testament Hebraic dietary laws, but backs them up with 21st century science. It is based on three basic principles, then goes on to break them down into language anyone can understand. The most astonishing thing the author reveals is the travesty that has been foisted upon the American people by the so-called Food Industry. It seems that in the quest for profit, grain, for example, has been stripped of nutrients in order to make it "shelf stable," leaving only the starch, which is then mixed with other nutrient-devastated sugars, dyes, and so-forth so people will eat it. Bacteria will not grow on it. And if bacteria can't live on it, neither can we! Instead, our bodies simply store the starch as fat, and struggle to waddle on, bereft of any real nutrition. Then wonder why we feel so sick.

After reading this book, and following the principles contained therein for the past 5 months, I have lost a total of 32 lbs. and counting. Indeed, after reading this book , I look at the bread and cereal aisle at the grocery store and think, instead of cute cartoon graphics on the boxes, each should sport a big skull and cross-bones!

Please, please, please read this book!

Reviewed by Miriam, First Regional Library

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***

Stitches, by David Small

David Small’s childhood plays out like a black and white movie with plenty of story and characters you will have to see to believe. His mother, and her family, hinge slightly off to the side with self enforced silences and cruel punishments. His father, rarely home, often not seeing the forest for the trees in his young son’s life. And little David who faces childhood illness after childhood illness until he wakes up from a normal operation to find his throat “laced up like a leather boot” and his own voice taken away.

This is a story of personal adventure in the most literal sense, the adventure of family, personal betrayal and finding your own voice when you feel yours has been lost forever. David may never speak again, but that didn’t prevent him from crafting his own story frame by frame.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin

This book tells the story of how a virtually unknown prairie lawyer is elected to the office of President of the United States over three powerful and famous politicians, William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates.

Goodwin’s ten year study of the life of Abraham Lincoln and his Cabinet reveals details of Lincoln’s life, how he was raised, fell in love and dealt with situations of monumental historical consequence. His own experiences helped him understand and work with people from all walks of life.

Lincoln put together a cabinet of men who were once his opponents. These men became a “team of rivals.” This book includes not only the biography of Lincoln but tells of the lives of Seward, Chase and Bates, Mary Lincoln, the Lincoln children and the extended members of the Lincoln family. It tells of the heartache of the choices made during the Civil War, loss of family and friends, and how Lincoln’s decisions as president shaped the history of our nation.

Goodwin is a gifted storyteller. Her book, Team of Rivals, won the National Book Critics' Circle Award in 2005, and  is the basis for a Steven Spielberg movie which is projected to be released in 2012.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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The Blind Side, by Michael Lewis

Football and Family

The Blind Side by Michael Lewis is a story about football and a family. The story begins by explaining the evolution of the game. If the quarterback is the highest-paid position in the game, the evolution of the game is that the second highest-paid position is the one that provides protection for the quarterback, the left tackle.

The book also tells the story about Michael Oher, a poor black kid growing up in Memphis, Tn. Michael is adopted by a rich white family, the Tuoheys. The story follows Michael as he enters a Christian private school through his first year of college. It tells of his struggles from grades to social skills. The story also shows a side of college football recruiting and the NCAA. It’s a must read for any football fan.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Write it When I'm Gone, by Thomas DeFrank

Glimpse into the Life of President Ford

This collection of interviews is interesting. The author, journalist Thomas DeFrank, gives an insider’s glimpse into the life of former President Gerald Ford. This rarified perspective of Ford’s personal thoughts and opinions reveals his true character.

Far from being the boring, clumsy character he is often portrayed as being, this book introduces him as he really was, thoughtful, humble, intelligent and downright fun to be around. This touching story pays tribute to a man many underestimated. One who struggled to bring our nation through very troubling times following the resignation of President Nixon over Watergate. His simple, honest character held the country together, while his ties of loyalty (and a presidential pardon) cost him an election. Truly a “team” player, he put the needs of his country and his beloved Republican Party first. Sacrificing himself to serve the needs of both was second nature to President Ford.

This is a must read for any history buff no matter what his/her political affiliation. It also gives the reader insight into one of the most exclusive clubs around, how the experience can make friends of former political adversaries, and just exactly what it is that former presidents do after they leave office.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

Peace through Education

Don’t think the actions of one person amounts to a hill of beans? You’ll think differently after reading this account of Greg Mortenson, who to date has built over 60 schools for boys and girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Greg’s story starts in Pakistan in 1993 with his attempt to climb K2, the second highest mountain in the world, to place a necklace in memory of his recently deceased sister, Christa. His team was unable to reach the summit and turns back. Lagging behind his guide, Mouzafer, Greg takes the fork in the trail that leads to the village of Korphe, not Askole, where his party awaits.

Exhausted from his three months in the mountains, Greg is taken in by the family of the village chief, Haji Ali, and nursed back to health. On a walk during his recovery, he is stunned to see children scratching school lessons in the dirt with a stick, as they have no school, no supplies and a teacher just a few days each week.

Greg decides to repay the villagers’ many kindnesses and honor his sister’s memory by building a school. Greg had barely enough money to return to his home in the United States, let alone build a school. He wasn’t sure how he would accomplish this, but he was determined to do so.

This is the wonderful story of how he achieved his goal, and gives us a glimpse into a part of the world and its Muslim inhabitants in a way few of us have ever experienced. Greg now dedicates his life to promoting peace through education, one child at a time.

Sarah Thomson adapted the story into a Young Adult format (with the same title) and by Greg as a juvenile book entitled “Listen to the Wind”

For more information, go to his websites: www.threecupsoftea.org or www.gregmortenson.com

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Arnie, the Darling Starling, by Margarete Corbo & Diane Barras

An Unexpected Companion

This is a true story about Margarete, a grandmother, who raises a baby bird after several attempts to put it back in its nest. Rather than let it die, she feeds it and puts it in a rat cage to keep it safe from her cats. When she returns from an errand, she finds the bird in the middle of the floor. Her cats were situated around it as if babysitting. Arnie, the darling starling learns to talk and becomes an unexpected companion to Margarete.

This story is full of human and human-like compassion and warmth. It is something children and adults would enjoy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to read the next book "Arnie And The House Full of Company".

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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