The Rosie Project, by Graeme Simsion

Don Tillman in his own words is "thirty-nine years old, tall, fit, and intelligent, with a relatively high status and above-average income." Unfortunately, even with all of these qualifications, he has never had a second date.  Relationships in general do not come easy to him and this is typified by the "Apricot Ice Cream Disaster" where his date walks out on him when his back is turned.  This does not stop Don, however, who has decided he would like a life-partner.

So the "Wife Project" is born.

How does an extremely logical, process oriented academic go about determining the identity of this new life partner?  With a twenty-six page questionnaire, of course. So, when his best friend, Gene, sends a woman to his office, he assumes that she has passed the questionnaire and asks her to dinner. He wonders if it was a joke when he finds out about her habitual lateness, vegetarianism, disorganization, and smoking habit.

She is totally unsuitable to the Wife Project and Don feels it is a good thing they won't see each other again. However, she had an interesting project of her own that would dovetail into his own genetics research.  Maybe he should contact her again, just as friends of course...

---

So, I found that this book slips through the boundaries of genre classification.  Is it a cerebral romance? humorous mainstream? a look at social issues?  The answer, is all that and more.

All of us have felt out of place at one time or another, this gives us a starting point to empathize with Don, who has always been out of sync with "social norms".  I enjoyed reading this book from Don's point of view and seeing how he dealt with life.  Overall, I found the book to be a fun, enjoyable read.

Cheers,
Amy

View or Place a hold on "The Rosie Project".

See more information on the 2015 reading challenge

Mississippi Author, Richard Ford, a Podcast to Enjoy Over Thanksgiving

I have never read Richard Ford. He has written Independence Day  and the Sportswriter  which have earned him a lot of respect not just as a Mississippi writer, but a contemporary American writer. I  loved listening to Ford's conversation and his opinions of other writers. I love his lack of ego, his intellect, and his Mississippi accent. Ford, I want to read! Let Me Be Frank With You  will be coming soon!


New York Public Library's Richard Ford Podcast

To Place holds on Richard Ford (Let Me Be Frank With You is available soon, check back in a few days!)

Let Me Be Frank With You

Canada

Independence Day

The Sportswriter

Happy Thanksgiving Holidays from FRL!!!

--by Michelle at FRL, New York Public Library Interview Podcast for Richard Ford

Empire Falls, by Richard Russo

Miles Roby has forgone his college education and chance to leave the old mill town to stay and work at the local greasy spoon restaurant. His daughter and ex-wife need his help surviving high school and small-town living. As he tries to make a better life for his daughter and himself, old family history revisits him and he has to struggle with the town's benefactor to make a clean break.

Reviewed by Shanna, First Regional Library

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To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is well known, especially in the South. It tells the sordid tale of southern "justice" as meted out by a rabid majority eager for a scape-goat. Atticus Finch, a small-town southern lawyer is picked to represent a black man, Tom Robinson, in his defense of rape charges against a young white woman. His children - younger, tom-boyish Scout and her brother Jem, and next-door neighbor Dill - are act as an innocent audience to the madness that unfolds. The family is derided, threatened, and even attacked later in the book. The children are also weary of local reclusive legend "Boo" Radley, although they later find there is nothing to fear and much to embrace.

The fictional setting of Maycomb Alabama, early 1900s, could just as easily be a factually accurate representation of many southern towns during that period. Perhaps it is even a little more Mayberry, RFD than was the general reality. (For example, there was actually a trial, a competent and non-collusive public defender, etc). However, it transports the reader back to a time from which we could learn much.

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Reviewed by Blake, First Regional Library

***

Book Trailer: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, by Helen Fielding

Londonite Bridget Jones faces the challenges of maintaining sex appeal as the years roll by, the nightmares of drunken texting, the skinny jean, the disastrous e-mail cc, total lack of Twitter followers, and TVs that need ninety buttons and three remotes to simply turn on.

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***

Book Trailer: Bad Monkey, by Carl Hiaasen

Here is Hiaasen doing what he does better than anyone else: spinning a tale at once fiercely pointed and wickedly funny in which the greedy, the corrupt, and the degraders of what's left of pristine Florida—now, of the Bahamas as well—get their comeuppance in mordantly ingenious, diabolically entertaining fashion.

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True Colors, by Kristin Hannah

This story takes place in a small town in Washington, and is about three sisters who become best friends after their mother’s death. The oldest seeks her fathers approval, the middle sister becomes the peacemaker, and the youngest sister is the star of the family.

Winona, the oldest becomes the town lawyer. Luke, her secret crush in high school returns to town and falls in love with her youngest sister, Vivi Ann, resulting in jealous betrayal. Aurora, the middle sister who has her own secrets, recognizes Winona’s true feelings for Luke and tries to get Winona to tell her little sister because she can see that Vivi Ann is not really in love with Luke. Meanwhile, Vivi Ann falls for the new ranch hand who later is arrested for murder. Throughout all the trials that reach the Grey family, their father desires to maintain his standing in the community and continues to expect their loyalty.

True Colors was very easy to read at a fast pace. It definitely held my attention. A story about family--love and devotion, tears and heartache, family struggle and triumph.

Reviewed by Fran, First Regional Library

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***

Diary, a Novel, by Chuck Palahniuk

Today’s weather is curiosity with a sprinkle of intrigue.

Chuck Palahniuk’s Diary revolves around a character named Misty Wilmout and her mysterious accession into Waytansea Island, a curious place. When the reader discovers alongside Misty that there is something more to her life then working as a waitress at a hoity toity hotel, it will be impossible to put down. The uncertainty at the mystery of Misty’s life will crawl under the reader’s skin until the very last page.

You will read Chuck Palahniuk’s Diary.

As with any other novel by Palahniuk, Diary contains a clever dialogue with a delivery unlike anything you’ve casted your eyes upon.

But Diary is not just a story; it is an experience. It is a mirror into which the reader will discover simple truths about him or herself that were always there to begin with. Diary has a way of crossing all barriers thought impenetrable, written in a strange manner that is relatable to everybody regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, etc. More simply put, it is a modern day holy word. It puts into perspective what was always there but could never be understood in the form of an endless loop of infinite wisdom. Even when one believes they have finally found the end and meaning of the loop it still manages to keep on going, further hypnotizing the reader.

Just for the record, Diary is not recommended for the weak or faint of heart, or for those with a phobia of needles. But a phobia or weak stomach is worth conquering for Diary, with the reward being consuming a hearty story with the recommended daily doses of fulfilling wisdom.

Reviewed by Gabby, First Regional Library

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***

Beach Music, by Pat Conroy

Beach Music is by far Pat Conroy's finest novel.  It is primarily set in the Outer Banks of South Carolina, which is Conroy's homeland.  As with all of his books, the plot is heavy, as he shares many true life experiences.  It is at times hilarious, other times bleak.

All of the many characters are well defined and easy to follow.  You feel as though you truly know the people you are reading about.

Though at 628 pages, it is a quick read, a page turner.  He addresses many topics in this novel.  Many that hit home with the reader, and help in dealing with the downfalls and tragedies in our own lives.

This is a book that will stay with you long after your first reading.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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***

Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan

This work is a fictionalized version of Frank Lloyd Wright’s illicit affair with Mamah Borthwick, which had a horrifyingly tragic ending.  This has been one of the top books read by book clubs in the past few years.  This is no surprise as there is a lot to discuss, including the social norms of the time.  A slow paced book with detailed descriptions of the times and places, which made up these two people’s lives.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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***

The Help, by Kathy Stockett

This book is about Skeeter, a new graduate of Ole Miss in the early 1960s. Skeeter is a very head-strong young woman who notices how black maids of some of her friends are being treated. She eventually has the idea of letting the maids tell there stories: of being maids, and raising their employer's children. In doing this, Skeeter raises tensions even higher in 1960s Mississippi.

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The Cherry Cola Book Club, by Ashton Lee

Meet Maura Beth Mayhew, a late 20-something red-headed public library director in Cherico, Mississippi, population approximately 5,000 located in northern Mississippi. Maura Beth has three things to accomplish before she is thirty (plus a p.s.).

Right this minute, Maura Beth is sick with worry over the rumor that the Cherico’s “leadership” has little use for its public library and wants to use the library’s operating money to make improvements to the industrial park!

The Cherry Cola Book Club is then born to demonstrate to Councilmen Durden Sparks, Chunky Badham, and Gopher Joe Martin just how important a public library – in particular the Cherico Public Library – is to the community it serves.

Local radio personality Becca Broccoli began to advertise the Club on her morning cooking show; Periwinkle Lattimore offered half price desserts or free drinks to patrons showing up at her restaurant, The Twinkle, Twinkle Café, with a library card; and even Mr. Hannigan over at the Cherico Market got into the act with his “Attention, shoppers!” announcements.

Sure enough, the idea of terrific food sprinkled with more than a dash of literary conversation began to take hold in that tiny town. Besides, when folks began to hear that their LIBRARY might be shuttered for good, their good sense turned to smoldering anger.

People poured into the Library, bringing their grandmother’s recipe for tomato aspic with cream cheese or yeast rolls. The Club ate Becca Broccoli’s Easy Peasy Chicken Spaghetti, discussed "Gone with the Wind" and "To Kill a Mockingbird", and then enjoyed Maura Beth’s Chocolate, Cherry Cola sheet cake for dessert. And yes, that sly but single-minded Councilman Sparks was there also – keeping tabs on attendance and trying his best to outwit Maura Beth.

Eventually, more than half of the town’s registered voters signed petitions of protest. A huge crowd of citizens appeared to stand beside Maura Beth as she made her pitch for continued public library funding from the Town.

Would the Cherico Public Library live to serve the Chericoans another day? Would Miss Voncille and the widower Locke Linwood get together? Would Stout Fella survive his heart attack? How do you make Connie McShay’s Frozen Fruit Salad?

These and other mysteries of small town Cherico, Mississippi life will be made known to you as you zip through Ashton Lee’s delightful novel, The Cherry Cola Book Club which is to be published in March of 2013 by Kensington Publishing Corporation of New York. This book is suitable for all libraries and will be enjoyed by patrons of all ages.

Reviewed by Catherine A. Nathan, Director
First Regional Library

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A Million Heavens, by John Brandon

I am not always a fan of books with many narrators. With A Million Heavens I did not have that problem. John Brandon made me care about all the characters in this story. Even the wolf who roams throughout the novel and the chickens who live in someone’s backyard.

Set in a suburb of Albuquerque, the uniting force of the novel is a child who has fallen into a coma. His father waits for him to wake up. The parking lot of the clinic where the boy is a patient has become a vigil spot for a group of people. A wolf wanders during the night. A musician who died young is in a sort of purgatory. A gas station owner decides to journey into the desert to find himself. And the Mayor of the town is ready to turn his life around.

This all might sound odd, but John Brandon has a talent for making the different stories flow together. By the time you have met each character you are ready to know what happens to them next. A Million Heavens will be found on the Oxford Staff Picks shelf until it gets checked out!

Reviewed by Laura Beth, First Regional Library

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Miss Julia’s School of Beauty, by Ann B. Ross

Miss Julia has eloped with Sam Murdoch to Tennessee. When they return from Dollywood, Sam takes her to his house without talking to her about it first.

One unexpected problem is Lillian, her housekeeper and James, Sam’s housekeeper have trouble getting along in the kitchen. But before she can resolve this matter her late husband’s mistress, Hazel Marie, and her son little Lloyd move into her house.

As complicated as it sounds, they turned out to be a blessing to Miss Julia. While Miss Julia is adjusting to being a wife again she has agreed to help Hazel Marie put together a beauty pageant for the Sheriff’s department. 

So begins a series of events--starting with the possibility that Sam and Miss Julia may or may not be married. 

This book was a delightful read and the characters are well developed. Ann B. Ross’s books are always funny and heartwarming, this one is no exception and that Southern flavor adds just the right touch. These characters stay with you long after you close the book.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, by Beth Hoffman

CeeCee, a young adolescent, becomes the “adult” her mom has to count on when her dad basically abandons them both when times get hard. CeeCee’s mom is dealing with bipolar and schizophrenia disorders, and her dad cannot take the emotional toll her diseases puts on him so he stays away on business trips.

Eventually, the diseases have a tragic end for CeeCee’s mom, and CeeCee is forced to move to Savannah, Georgia with her Aunt Tootie, whom she has never met. Moving to Savannah, CeeCee meets a collection of very eccentric and proud southern women.

These women, through their own experience and knowledge show CeeCee that life is always going to have problems, but it is ultimately up to you how you decide to deal with them. These different women eventually give CeeCee two things that she never had: a family and a childhood.

This is one of the best novels that I have ever read.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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True Colors, by Kristin Hannah

In a small town in Washington, three sisters become best friends after their mother’s death. The oldest seeks her fathers approval, the middle sister becomes the peacemaker, and the youngest sister is the star of the family.

Winona, the oldest, becomes the town lawyer. Luke, her secret crush in high school, returns to town and falls in love with her youngest sister, Vivi Ann, resulting in jealous betrayal. Aurora, the middle sister who has her own secrets, recognizes Winona’s true feelings for Luke and tries to get Winona to tell her little sister because she can see that Vivi Ann is not really in love with Luke. Meanwhile, Vivi Ann falls for the new ranch hand who later is arrested for murder. Throughout all the trials that reach the Grey family, their father desires to maintain his standing in the community and continues to expect their loyalty.

True Colors was very easy to read at a fast pace. It definitely held my attention. A story about family love and devotion, tears and heartache, and struggle and triumph.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Miles to Go, by Richard Paul Evans

"Miles to Go" continues the journey of Alan Christoffersen. The first book of this series, "The Walk", introduces us to Alan. He has lost his beloved wife due to complications from an accident, lost his successful advertising business, lost his home, lost his vehicles and lost all of the “life that he has known”.

An extraordinary event stops Alan from ending his own life and he determines to walk - beginning from his hometown in Seattle, Washington with his destination being Key West, Florida.

"Miles to Go" finds Alan in the hospital with multiple stab wounds and a mysterious stranger, Angel, at his bedside. This enigmatic lady agrees to take him into her home and take care of him while he recovers. Who is this lady? Is Angel actually an angel sent to take care of Alan? Or is Alan, in fact, divinely sent to take care of her? Will Alan be able to continue his quest? Will he want to follow through with his plan? Through one man's journey, readers find themselves looking at their own journey of life through amazingly different 'eyes'.

This book makes me realize the truth to a quote by George F. Will “It is extraordinary how extraordinary the ordinary man is”.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Hold Tight, by Harlan Coben

Small Town Crime

In this thriller, a murder, a missing housewife and a suicide occur in a New Jersey suburb. Each crime appears to be independent and random.

The story gains interest immediately by introducing the families who have been faced
with these tragedies. Parents are suffering the loss of a child through suicide. Others are dealing with the effect the suicide has on friends left behind and possible involvement.

Spouses and children are dealing with the uncertainty of a missing mother, and police are trying to solve the murder of a woman beaten to death and dumped in bad part of town. Because this is a small suburb, the characters are linked by everyday life, schools, doctors, teachers and friends.

Harlan Coben skillfully places the clues to each crime. It isn’t until the final chapter that Coben reveals how the crimes and families are connected. Throughout this fast paced murder mystery, the reader is reminded of how important family is and to “Hold Tight”.

 Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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The Testament, by John Grisham

Results of greed

This was one of his best novels. It revolves around a family that is clearly dysfunctional.

It starts with a last testament of a father, Troy Phelan, who commits suicide. He leaves a stipulation that the entirety of his funds go to a lost daughter from an illicit affair.

The attorneys hire Nate O’Riley, a rehabilitated alcoholic, to find the missing daughter. Nate travels to the jungles of Brazil and ultimately finds Rachel Lane, who is a missionary to a tribe of Indians. Meanwhile the other family members continue to argue and fight to get control of the billions left.

The story really goes into the difficulties of divorce, absent fathers, and greed. But it has a great message concerning Nate and the faith in God he learns from Rachel.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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The Lost Empire, by Clive Cussler with Grant Blackwood

2nd in Fargo Adventure series

The book takes place during modern times, in two main exotic locations: Off the East African Coast, and the Singapore Islands. The main characters, Sam and Remi Fargo, come across a confederate era artifact while diving off the coast of Africa. It leads to questioning the origins of the South America Aztec Indians.

An adventure thriller with plenty of suspense and action.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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