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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
The Loopy Librarian has commented on (55) products
Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands
by
Chris Bohjalian
The Loopy Librarian
, July 14, 2015
Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands is a different kind of dystopian novel in that it feels like something that could happen tomorrow in any city or town. The events that destroy Emily Shepard’s family and town are described so well that I kept having to remind myself that I was reading a work of fiction. Emily, rendered homeless by the tragedy that befalls her town, grabs the reader’s attention with her uncensored honesty and toughness. Her story is dark, disturbing, unsettling, tragic, painful and gripping. The point of view of this young girl as she reflects on the events leading up to her current state is at once hard to read and impossible not to read. Being in her head helps the reader to understand and feel her fear and motivation. A remarkable story of desperation and survival that leaves the reader reeling.
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Hummingbird Lake
by
Emily March
The Loopy Librarian
, July 12, 2015
For women who want a feel-good read with romance and friendship in a picturesque setting, the Eternity Springs books are a good choice. Like all of the Eternity Springs books, the central themes in Hummingbird Lake are love and healing. A goofy dog adds pleasure to the mix. The romance between Colt Rafferty and Sage Anderson, who suffers from PTSD do to an unimaginably violent event in her past, is complicated by her deep pain and emotional issues. Colt perseveres with an affable smile and nearly unbreakable will and spirit. Although occasionally sappy, the story was also uplifting and positive. It wasn’t always easy for readers or her friends to like Sage, but once the full story of her experiences is learned, it is impossible not to sympathize with and ultimately forgive her.
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Attachments
by
Rainbow Rowell
The Loopy Librarian
, July 12, 2015
It’s official! Rainbow Rowell has become my go-to author when I want witty, quirky and nostalgic stories. Her writing style is clever, including unique and surprising metaphors that are infinitely quotable. Attachments, her debut novel, perfectly captures the twenty-something years when people are trying to find their footing as adults. Her characters are ones that I wanted to meet after work and hang with in order to enjoy whip-smart conversation and share a laugh or two. The year is 1999, and the featured event is the non-event of Y2K. The humor of all the drama surrounding that anticlimactic point in history was well mined. The story was impossibly romantic although occasionally frustrating due to the inability of the two main characters to make a move for so long (resulting in some drag in the middle of the book). What drove this book was not so much the plot as it was the dialogue (largely via email) and the relationships. While some authors seek to give us ideal lovers in fantasy locals under unlikely conditions, Rowell celebrates romance in all its awkwardness and humor between the average oddball in worlds we can all recognize.
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Natchez Burning
by
Greg Iles
The Loopy Librarian
, June 11, 2015
Obviously well-researched novel that covers history, civil rights, dirty politics and family secrets. Brutal, heart-breaking, intense, and emotional with the Southern Gothic themes of redemption and regret well-played. The first half of the book takes time because so much information is packed into the narrative: a large, complex network of characters, fictionalized historical events several of which are monstrous acts that are gut-wrenching to imagine, and the unique politics and character of Natchez, Mississippi. Many of the images are violent and graphic. The mysteries are perplexing and compelling. Conspiracy theories and political intrigue weave throughout the story. A heavy, but rewarding read rich in character. While it took me a few days to read the first half due to the amount of information to digest, I devoured the second half, the denouement, in one very late night. Once everything hit the fan, the pace of the novel ratcheted up to an adrenaline-fueled ride. It was all I could do not to pick up The Bone Tree and keep going right away. Despite a few contrivances that seemed a bit too convenient, I thought this was an excellent book. Fans of Southern Gothic, political thrillers, and civil rights era historical fiction, should definitely read this book.
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At Home In Mitford 01 Mitford Series
by
Jan Karon
The Loopy Librarian
, November 09, 2014
As the title suggests, I instantly felt at home in Mitford and was quite content to stay a spell. Delightful characters. Good humor. A dog that likes poetry and responds positively to scripture. Animated descriptions and lively conversations. The town and its residents spring to life in the details. As a reader, I became invested in the lives of the characters, and the town of Mitford is definitely one I'd like to revisit. Honestly, I was a bit surprised to enjoy the read as much as I did. I half expected to be bored by such a seemingly tranquil town and the mild-mannered Father Tim, but I never was. Rich storytelling made all the difference. I found myself quite caught up and felt as though I'd just enjoyed a home-cooked meal with all the fixings when I finished the book. I can see now why the series has enjoyed such popularity for so many years.
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The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher
by
Hilary Mantel
The Loopy Librarian
, November 09, 2014
Because this was a book of short-stories and I was in the process of reading other novels simultaneously, I had planned to read one story each night and finish in ten days. When I reached the second story, my plan went out the window because I became swept up in the psychological dramas that were playing out on the page. I ended up reading the book in two days instead of ten. Mantel's gift in these stories was the ability to reach into the heads of her characters to convey, in a short span, a range of human nature, emotion, cruelty, insanity and more that was captivating. The complex inner-lives of the characters made most of the stories surprisingly rich.
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Authority (Southern Reach Trilogy #2)
by
Jeff VanderMeer
The Loopy Librarian
, November 09, 2014
Clever characterizations. Humor in the form of sarcasm, irony and wry observations. Screaming rabbits (that's a sound/image very difficult to shake). Filled with beguiling mysteries and disturbing anomalies. What is the most secretive, dangerous and bizarre? Area X or the Southern Reach? One mystery leads enticingly and maddeningly to another demanding that the reader keep digging for the truth. Most fascinating series I've read in quite some time. Highly recommend to sci-fi fans and readers in the mood for something different.
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Annihilation (Southern Reach Trilogy #1)
by
Jeff Vandermeer
The Loopy Librarian
, October 29, 2014
Area X has my undivided attention. An amazing genre-bending start to what is sure to be a surreal trip through three books. The writing style is clear and linguistically appealing creating vivid mind-blowing pictures that mix myth with an unsettling and horrifying “reality.” The atmospheric distortion is tense, creepy and brilliant. I was completely engrossed and terrified. The unreliable narrator adds to the fear and uncertainty of the characters and the reader. A bizarre blend of sci-fi, horror, mystery, and suspense that is riveting. Highly recommended for any adventurous reader! Don’t expect to find familiar ground here, but expect to be sucked in.
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Dovekeepers
by
Alice Hoffman
The Loopy Librarian
, October 13, 2014
Sometimes the most difficult reads are the most rewarding. The Dovekeepers took me a long time to read. I put it down at several points and had to come back to it. The writing was lyrical and dense with information. The book was obviously well-researched and is based on historical events. The voices of the characters rang with authenticity and their strength was earned through many trials. I could feel the desperation, the unquenchable thirst (both literal and figurative). The emotions were sensual, primal, and often brutal. The sheer courage of these women, their ultimate humanity and resolve reward the reader. Also, the events depicted here are not well-known, but deserve to be told. Hoffman tells this story with beauty, mysticism and an unrelenting commitment to the truth. I was profoundly moved. This is story that will remain with me for a long time.
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The Enchanted
by
Rene Denfeld
The Loopy Librarian
, August 04, 2014
So much depth packed into less than 300 pages; a book unlike anything I’ve ever read. I was immediately enraptured by the narrator’s voice, visions and observations. The imagery is ripe for the imagination, and the reader quickly becomes consumed by the “enchanted” place. Chilling, gut-wrenching, gripping, and yet, somehow, inexplicably full of wonder. Both horrifying and hopeful. Poetic. Weaves a spell over the reader that transcends the story, the characters, and the death row setting to a place that is, well, enchanted.
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Amity & Sorrow
by
Peggy Riley
The Loopy Librarian
, July 20, 2014
I’ll be haunted by this story for quite some time. The narration sets a tone of fear and despair. Immediately, the reader is thrown into the desperate, frantic situation of a mother on the run with her two daughters. The characters have been brainwashed and this fact is exhibited in their thoughts and actions making them very creepy and disturbing. Even so, Amity’s humanity and Sorrow’s anger show through as does the level of their mother’s desperation and ultimately, her hope. But, the horror never truly leaves, giving the reader an unsettling experience. Booklist gave it a starred review, and while this is outside my usual genre, I’d have to agree.
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Storyteller
by
Jodi Picoult
The Loopy Librarian
, June 04, 2014
What would you pack if you were leaving home, never to return, and could carry only one suitcase? This is one of the many questions we pondered in our book club after reading The Storyteller. All of us loved this book and most, including me, couldn’t put it down. With such an innocuous title, I had no idea what to expect. I only new that the author was Jodi Picoult, so it was bound to ask deep questions regarding the gray areas of morality. The meticulously drawn characters are so memorable that they have persisted to live in my imaginings. The plot is suspenseful and heart-wrenching. The history is well-researched and shared in such a way that the horrors of the Holocaust come alive in a very personal way. We’ve all seen pictures and shuddered, but Picoult painted pictures with words that are indelibly stamped on my consciousness. The characters aren’t divided into neat little categories of good and evil, victim and perpetrator. What is forgivable? What is not? I began this book thinking that I knew the answer, but in the end, it wasn’t so simple. A remarkable book that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend the read, especially for fans of historical fiction. Quotes: “The words are a flood rushing out of me; just speaking them, I am drowning” (p.36). “If history has a habit of repeating itself, doesn’t someone have to stay behind to shout out a warning” (p. 91)? “Repeat the same action over and over again, and eventually it will feel right” (p.120). “That’s why we read fiction, isn’t it? To remind us that whatever we suffer, we’re not the only ones” (p. 220)? “If you had to pack your whole life into a suitcase-not just the practical things, like clothing, but the memories of the people you had lost and the girl you had once been �" what would you take” (p.270)?
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Good Luck of Right Now
by
Matthew Quick
The Loopy Librarian
, May 04, 2014
If you like quirky characters, this may be the book for you. The main character, Bartholomew, writes to Richard Gere. Another character fears alien abduction and attends grief counseling because his cat died. There’s also a bi-polar priest. Though the characters are flawed, or maybe because they are, they have fascinating insights on the world. They are carefully drawn, sympathetic and sometimes amusing. The story is hopeful and the narrator, Bartholomew, is a sheltered character who knows little of how to navigate in the world. However, Bartholomew, never stops trying. His growth and his willingness to “pretend” to be stronger than he is make him and his friends characters worth rooting for. This book isn’t for everyone as one of the characters has a bad habit of cursing incessantly. However, I highly recommend this book for people who like character-driven novels. Quotes: “I feel as though I am a fist opening, a flower blooming, a match ignited, a beautiful mane of hair loosened from a bun-that so many things previously impossible are now possible.” “Her voice was…reluctant and damaged and beautiful and maybe like a bird with a broken wing singing unfettered all alone in the wilderness when she thinks no one is listening, if that makes any sense, which it probably doesn’t.” “The universe hiccups, and we poor fools try to figure out why.”
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Good Kings, Bad Kings
by
Susan Nussbaum
The Loopy Librarian
, December 16, 2013
This book gives the reader insight into a world rarely visited; a world well known to the author. It is the world of the disabled. In particular, it is the world of the institutionalized where residents are young and have little to no say in their own lives. Everything is determined for them including when they rise, what they eat, when they shower, etc. They try to navigate this world with humor, friendships, and even romance but are often at the mercy of neglectful, even abusive caregivers. The author reveals the story through the eyes of several different characters, all of whom are complex and interesting. The characters are revealed to have strength, anger, frustration, and humor. Their is no self-pity here, but there are also no Pollyannas. These are real people with real emotions and real lives. This book affects the reader’s view of the ‘disabled’ and has the reader cheering when these residents take a stand. The author is unflinching in her writing. The language is coarse and some of the story, like the abuse, is very hard to read. However, this book needed to be written and it needs to be read. Social injustice like that portrayed here should never go unaddressed. What I liked most about this book was the fact that I often forgot that the characters were disabled because in their thoughts and actions they were not defined by their disabilities. Able-bodied people often neglect to see past disabilities to the person underneath. This book is an eye-opener. Quotes: “Dissatisfaction with my work makes me feel more employed” (p. 13). “Once you laugh with a person? That person is your friend. You can’t help it” (p. 34). “Not that invisibility is hard to achieve when you’re a crip. We’re minor characters in someone else’s story” (p. 104). In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a free copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.
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Perfect
by
Joyce, Rachel
The Loopy Librarian
, October 30, 2013
Wow!! If I had the final print instead of an uncorrected proof, I'd be quoting this book left and right. It is so beautifully written. The imagery is striking; the observations are witty or profound or both, and the characters are precisely drawn right down to the buttons on their clothes. Even the setting, the moors, is vital to the story. The author makes outstanding use of personification. Everything is animated. Time, in particular, becomes a living, breathing entity that appears to willfully disrupt and destroy. Who or what is to blame for the accident that changes everything? That central question defines this mesmerizing story. The end has a twist and a glimmer of hope. I highly recommend Perfect for fans of literary fiction. The characters and their story will remain with you long after you've turned the final page. In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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Girl You Left Behind
by
Jojo Moyes
The Loopy Librarian
, September 07, 2013
I became so caught up in the storytelling and so invested in the characters that I barely remembered to take notes as is my habit. The two love stories, nearly 100 years apart (St. Peronne, France under German Occupation 1916 and London, England 2006) and linked by a portrait, were interlaced beautifully and compassionately. I especially liked the two female characters. They were strong-willed but kind, flawed but likeable. Both were willing to sacrifice everything for love. At times this made them do foolish things, but it was hard not to root for them just the same. This book had hope and tragedy, history and art, war and sacrifice, cruelty and unexpected kindnesses. I was captivated from start to finish, and I highly recommend for fans of historical fiction and romance. Favorite quotes: "This was the story of our lives: minor insurrections; tiny victories; a brief chance to ridicule our oppressors; little floating vessels of hope amid a great sea of uncertainty, deprivation, and fear" (p.14). -Sophie "Sometimes life is a series of obstacles, a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes, she realizes suddenly, it is simply a matter of blind faith" (p. 332). -Liv In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I was given a free copy of the book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Birdsong
by
Sebastian Faulks
The Loopy Librarian
, September 04, 2013
Birdsong was passionate and yet dispassionate, graphic yet cold, unflinching yet painful. It was a study in contrasts as is often the case with the subjects of love and war. The author does not glorify love or war but rather exposes their ugly underbellies �" what happens when desperation takes hold. The descriptions of war were almost poetic in their brutality. Love was not as romantic as dreamers like to think it is. I felt the horror of it all, particularly the battle of the Somme, and saw how it could destroy a man or change him irrevocably. The ending was appropriate but seemed almost cliche compared to the rest of this remarkable book. I highly recommend it for readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in World War I.
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Worlds Strongest Librarian A Memoir of Tourettes Faith Strength & the Power of Family
by
Josh Hanagarne
The Loopy Librarian
, May 07, 2013
Amazing and Inspiring! Josh is a natural storyteller with a quick wit that comes through in his writing. That he would choose to be a librarian (a place for quiet and stillness) when he struggles with one of the worst cases of Tourette's that one could have is a testament to his determination to master his disorder rather than have the disorder control him. He's 6 foot 7 inches tall but a self-professed bookworm. He's not at all what you would picture when you think of a librarian which makes him something of an enigma. His story is all the more fascinating for it. He writes in a series of entries headed by Dewey decimal numbers designating the subject area. Very clever. Rather than a running narrative, the book switches back and forth through stories of library patrons (you may be surprised by the insanity with which librarians sometimes have to deal), growing up with Tourette's, and living out his Mormon faith. He also includes other interesting anecdotes about dating, becoming a father, strength training, etc. It was an unusual writing style, but it worked. I stayed up until 2AM to finish this book. I was never bored. Josh has lived such a fascinating life and met some rather extraordinary people. He is also refreshingly and brutally honest. He does not make himself out to be a hero, and he gives his family most of the credit for where he is today. His battle with Tourette's rages on, but his strength training has helped him to cope. As a reader, I couldn't help but get caught up in his story. As a librarian, I related. As a bi-polar, I related. I've even taken some of the same medications that he has. But mostly, I felt a connection as a fellow human being trying to make sense of a sometimes nonsensical world. I think Josh says it well when he notes that not even libraries hold the answer to every question. Not every question has an answer. Ideas to discuss: Importance of Faith Adoption Dealing with Tourette's or other conditions Words I liked: Desiccated Transcendent Obelisk Schism Excoriate Hoary Vassal Disquisition Conversations to strike up: Hardships you've had to overcome The value of libraries and literacy The support of family I highly recommend this book! It truly is an inspirational, educational, and humorous read. In compliance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a free advance reading copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry A Novel
by
Rachel Joyce
The Loopy Librarian
, January 02, 2013
Inspiring from start to finish, this book had me rooting for the characters at every juncture. Whenever I would go to the mailbox, I would think of Harold and how his intent to post a letter became a 600 mile journey. He sets out to save his friend, but ends up saving his marriage and changing his life. I think I was even jealous of Harold. I was captivated by the idea of taking off on a whim as he did and accomplishing the impossible despite all odds. He wasn’t trying to be heroic, nor was he. He was just an old man trying to find redemption and purpose. I felt privileged to have taken the journey with him. A worthy read! In accordance with FTC guidelines, I was provided a review copy through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
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The Edge of Nowhere
by
George, Elizabeth
The Loopy Librarian
, October 01, 2012
The heavily wooded Whidbey Island is the perfect setting for this mystery. The characters all have secrets and are suspicious of one another. Rumors abound. The truth is elusive. Nothing is exactly as it seems. Becca King, the main character, must keep her secrets or risk her life. Becca has courage and heart. I couldn’t help but like her. The relationships she develops are filled with complex emotions as she struggles to trust in the face of uncertainty. Her unique ability to hear “whispers” is a magical thing that she has yet to master but is very intriguing. The Edge of Nowhere is the first in a cycle of books that will be following these characters, and I look forward to the next in the series. There are many secrets yet to be revealed. In compliance with FTC regulations, please note that I received a free review copy through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
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Mortal Fire
by
C F Dunn
The Loopy Librarian
, September 21, 2012
I was drawn into this story almost immediately. The author created a setting and atmosphere that breathed tension and suspense. The danger was unknown and unseen, but palpable. The characters were well-formed for the most part and the romantic elements managed to be almost erotic without conflicting with Christian values. It stands out from other Christian fiction that I've read in that it has flawed characters and never gets preachy. The plot itself unfolds rather slowly, but the relationships, especially the one between Matthew and Emma with their intense attraction to one another, keep the reader's interest. Also, the author does an amazing job of sustaining the suspense and tension before anything particularly sinister occurs. I'm looking forward to the sequel as I can't wait to see what happens next! In compliance with FTC regulations, please note that I received a free review copy from Kregel Blog Tours.
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Broken Glass Park
by
Alina Bronsky
The Loopy Librarian
, September 10, 2012
Sascha is a vulnerable girl hiding behind a tough veneer. I couldn’t help but admire her candor and her unflinching fight to deal with a disturbing childhood filled with domestic violence and childhood abuse. The author told Sascha’s story without sentimentality but with a straightforwardness that was refreshing yet brutal in its honesty. The writing was sparse and lyrical. I couldn’t put it down.
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The Art of Racing in the Rain
by
Garth Stein
The Loopy Librarian
, August 19, 2012
Besides the great reviews, I bought this book because I am a dog lover. I was not disappointed. I have always felt that dogs have much to tell us about living, and Enzo, the dog in this story, is wise and philosophical. His observations are amusing, heartbreaking, and very accurate. Limited as he is in a dog’s body, he finds ways to express himself that are downright hysterical at times. He is an observant and entertaining narrator to a story that encompasses terminal illness and an ugly custody battle. He is strong for his master, Denny, and finds ways to encourage him and keep him fighting when he otherwise would’ve given up. The book was well-written, and Enzo was impossible not to love. Discussion ideas: Reincarnation, thoughts of dogs, and auto-racing. Favorite words: Lugubrious and implacable. Overall philosophy: Your car goes where your eyes go or that which you manifest is before you. An engaging read!
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What Happened to My Sister
by
Elizabeth Flock
The Loopy Librarian
, August 05, 2012
It is difficult to read a story about child abuse and neglect, but the author does an amazing job of capturing the innocent voice of the main character, young Caroline. Two families suffer almost unbearable loss and grief and there is much tragedy and pain. However, there is also hope and healing and justice in the end. What Happened to My Sister is engrossing and well-written. I fell in love with little Caroline just as the Fords did. Her brave struggle to survive and her optimism in the face of despair and horrific circumstances was a beautiful thing beautifully told.
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Unbroken A World War II Story of Survival Resilience & Redemption
by
Laura Hillenbrand
The Loopy Librarian
, June 25, 2012
Unbroken is a well-researched and well-written work that is by turns humorous, heartbreaking and inspiring. I learned a great deal about the bombers of WWII and the men that courageously flew them. The horrors that the Pacific POW's endured were unspeakable and gut-wrenching, but the will that they had to survive and even defy was a testament to their character. They refused to be broken. I came to adore Louis Zamperini and his comrades. What an amazing, miraculous life that he has lived, and what a remarkably in-depth and honest portrayal was this book. Not only was I hooked from start to finish, my appreciation for all the things in life that I tend to take for granted grew immeasurably.
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Book of Jonas
by
Stephen Dau
The Loopy Librarian
, June 22, 2012
The Book of Jonas is an elegantly written book that stimulates thought and emotion while challenging conventional viewpoints on war and religion. While I didn't necessarily agree with the actions or beliefs of the main characters, I was fascinated and empathetic. The sparse prose and short chapters meant no word was wasted and the story moved quickly between past and present and various points of view. I was profoundly moved by this engrossing book that packed a powerful punch in nearly poetic fashion.
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Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry A Novel
by
Rachel Joyce
The Loopy Librarian
, June 14, 2012
Inspiring from start to finish, this book had me rooting for the characters at every juncture. Whenever I would go to the mailbox, I would think of Harold and how his intent to post a letter became a 600 mile journey. He sets out to save his friend, but ends up saving his marriage and changing his life. I think I was even jealous of Harold. I was captivated by the idea of taking off on a whim as he did and accomplishing the impossible despite all odds. He wasn't trying to be heroic, nor was he. He was just an old man trying to find redemption and purpose. I felt privileged to have taken the journey with him. A worthy read! In accordance with FTC guidelines, I was provided a review copy through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
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Land of Decoration A Novel
by
Grace McCleen
The Loopy Librarian
, April 13, 2012
Reading The Land of Decoration was a unique experience. It was imaginative and hopeful, philosophical and dark, fascinating and disturbing, and brilliant. It was not an easy read, but it was definitely compelling. Sometimes the experiences were very uncomfortable and upsetting, as when Judith cleans up after the boys deface the sidewalk in front of her house. But, Judith has this inner strength about her that makes you as the reader want to be strong on her behalf, even as you cringe and want to look away. This story gives the reader a great deal to consider about religion, sanity, philosophy, psychology, and humanity. The author offers up few answers, and the book is all the better for it. If you should visit The Land of Decoration with it’s candy-wrapper lakes and pipe-cleaner people, be prepared to be challenged. Like Judith, you will spend much time pondering, even long after you’ve turned the final page. In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a review copy from the publisher.
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Simon and the Easter Miracle
by
Mary Joslin
The Loopy Librarian
, March 27, 2012
Simon and the Easter Miracle tells the story of a farmer who is on his way to market when he encounters Jesus being beaten and forced to carry his cross on the way to his crucifixion. Simon is enlisted by the Roman soldiers to help Jesus carry the cross. This encounter changes the way Simon views the world. The author does a good job with the telling of the story. The text is simple and straight forward as well as lyrical and beautiful. I’m not sure that a young child would understand all the imagery (such as the hatched eggs representing the open tomb), but I like the imagery nonetheless because it creates perfect discussion points for parents and children. The illustrations are colorful and inviting, especially at the end of the story where Jesus’ resurrection is depicted in the sudden appearance of spring. This is an ideal story to share with children at Easter as it emphasizes the peace and the promise of Christ as well as the hope and joy of spring. Please note: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received a free review copy from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.
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Halflings
by
Heather Burch
The Loopy Librarian
, March 22, 2012
Halflings took me by surprise by how intensely romantic it was and how hooked I became on the characters. It was that intensity more so than the plot that kept me reading. The halflings (half angel, half human) were never explained to my satisfaction. The attempts at explanation were often awkward, confusing, and unconvincing. For example, when Nikki asked Mace how old he was, he said it was difficult to explain in human terms. Apparently, it was also difficult for the writer to explain because it made no sense. I was willing to overlook it because I was drawn to the plight of the flawed and sympathetic characters, but I hope the next book explains things better. Also, though I liked Nikki (the main character), she was inconsistently drawn. One minute she’s strong enough to defeat a hell-hound (something that apparently no other human had ever done) and the next minute she’s fainting…again. One thing I did appreciate was that although this was definitely Christian fiction, it wasn’t preachy. I would’ve liked for the supernatural elements to have been better developed and explained, but I have hope that the next book will answer some of my questions. Despite the inconsistencies and occasionally unconvincing plot elements, I enjoyed the read. It kept my attention throughout, and I’m intrigued enough to want to read the next in the series. Please note: In compliance with FTC guidelines, I was provided a review copy by the publisher through NetGalley.
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Thelonious Mouse
by
Orel Odinov Protopopescu, Anne Wilsdorf
The Loopy Librarian
, March 20, 2012
I won a signed copy of Thelonious Mouse in a drawing held by the author. I was drawn to the cover and the title because they implied sass and humor. I was not disappointed. The pictures are lively and the text is jazzy. Thelonious is a little bit too sure of himself and cocky, but he's a precocious character who knows no fear. The story of a musical mouse who just can't help himself winning over the cat through music is a good one. I would have preferred a little less telling and a little more showing, but in the main, I enjoyed it very much. I also believe it will be a hit with children because of its energy. Parents will have to wet their whistles before they read this one aloud. It's a mouthful when Thelonious is at his scatting best.
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Jonah's Whale
by
Eileen Spinelli
The Loopy Librarian
, February 24, 2012
The simple text and soft, comforting illustrations make the story of Jonah’s whale very endearing. Told from the point-of-view of the whale, it gives the gentle message of what it means to obey and to wait on the Lord. This book does not explain Jonah’s story, and at first this bothered me. He is thrown overboard because he is at fault for the storm, but that is the only explanation given. Upon a second reading though I began to appreciate this story for what it was. It was never meant to be Jonah’s story, but the whale’s. And the message that it delivers is both biblical and beautiful. In compliance with FTC guidelines, please note I received a review copy for free through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
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Oath of Office
by
Michael Palmer
The Loopy Librarian
, February 14, 2012
If ever there was a cautionary tale against genetic food modification, Oath of Office is it. The author combines medical mystery with political corruption in a suspenseful, fast-paced thriller that is a real page turner. I was stepping outside my usual genres by picking up this book, and I’m ever so glad that I did. I particularly enjoy books that take me outside of my realm of knowledge and experience and teach me something new while entertaining me. I found that Oath of Office did that very well. I also liked the main characters a great deal and appreciated that they had baggage. Palmer was able to make doctors and politicians into people to whom the reader could relate. This book had high speed car chases, shootouts, medical traumas, radiated termites, murder, and romance. It came together in a plot that was frighteningly believable yet surprising and nearly seamless. I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend it for a quick read with a bonus adrenaline rush.
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Fault in Our Stars
by
John Green
The Loopy Librarian
, January 28, 2012
The Fault in Our Stars is profound in its unflinchingly honest portrayal of young people living with cancer. I was moved and my eyes were opened to an experience that is alien to me. The beauty of Green’s writing is that he was able to tell the story of children and cancer without making a depressing book. It was tragic at times, but it was also sardonic, witty, romantic, and intelligent. The characters were not saints but regular people who happened to have cancer. I fell deeply in love with the two protagonists, Hazel and Gus. Sometimes I forgot how young they were because they ruminated and bantered in ways far beyond their years. In any other story, it would have been unrealistic. But, in this story, it was a logical side-effect of cancer. Face to face with mortality at an age when most consider themselves invincible, the characters would naturally think more on death and religion and life’s true meaning than the average teenager. It didn’t make them wiser, just more cognizant. I hope young people will find and read this book. It isn’t the paranormal or dystopian fantasy that so many teenagers gravitate toward, but it is very real and gut-wrenching, dramatic and funny. This book will resonate with me for a very long time, and I highly recommend it. Note: The novel does contain language and sexuality that might make it inappropriate for younger teens.
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In the Garden of Beasts Love Terror & an American Family in Hitlers Berlin
by
Larson, Erik
The Loopy Librarian
, January 22, 2012
Imagine being an American diplomat in Germany just as Hitler was coming to power. This unique perspective is granted the reader by Larson’s well-researched and infectiously readable book. Dodd was an unassuming and, in many ways, ill-suited and unlikely diplomat. He loved the Germany of his youth where he had studied, but Germany under Hitler was a whole different animal. Unlikely diplomat though he may have been, Dodd saw Hitler and the Nazi’s for what they were and tried in vain to convey his concerns to the US State Department and President Roosevelt. This book reads like a novel, but it is all the more striking because it is true. The players are very real, as is the terror and the tragedy. I wasn’t always riveted, but I was definitely engaged. The Dodd family and their friends and lovers were complex and the reader becomes invested in their lives. As the true horror of Hitler’s Germany dawns on them, the reader feels the tension and fear while sharing their sense of disbelief. A truly fascinating read!
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Buried Secrets
by
Joseph Finder
The Loopy Librarian
, January 19, 2012
This book had my heart racing almost from the very beginning. From the victim’s horrifying ordeal to the frantic pace of the story, I was hooked. It is more than just action-packed though. It is filled with political intrigue and mystery. The author keeps the reader guessing and anxiety ridden, but he also manages to throw in sardonic humor and romance. Some parts are a bit cliché, but the exciting ride makes up for that. If you’re into thrills and chills, I recommend Buried Secrets.
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Darker Than Night The True Story of a Brutal Double Homicide & an 18 Year Long Quest for Justice
by
Tom Henderson
The Loopy Librarian
, January 12, 2012
The disappearance of two hunters in the Michigan Woods in 1985 took 18 years to solve and prosecute. This story was not so much a who-done-it as it was a how-to-prove-it. The break in the case came when one eyewitness to the brutal homicide was eventually persuaded to testify by state policeman Bronco Lesneski. He worked the case every day. He spent many of his off hours tirelessly re-interviewing witnesses. Everybody seemed to have an opinion as to what had happened, but nearly all fingers and lines of questioning pointed back to the Duvall brothers. It’s a story straight out of Deliverance. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of this case was that it was successfully prosecuted without a body, without a weapon, and without one iota of physical evidence. The courtroom testimonies are the most fascinating and at many times rather amusing parts of this story. It’s a horrific crime. No doubt about that. And certainly nothing amusing about it either. But the cast of characters is so unbelievable that one can’t help but laugh. And some of the testimonies were beyond belief. The writing however was sloppy, and the editors missed many an error. The mystery didn’t really carry the story either because early on, the reader had a good idea of what happened and who had done it. What keeps the reader engaged is perhaps one of the same motivators that kept Lesneski plowing away. The reader wants to see justice done and the truth come out. I’ve read better true crime novels. Ann Rule is hard to compete with in terms of quality of writing and storytelling. However, the courtroom drama in this book makes it worth the read for true crime fans. It leaves the reader shaking his head and wondering if he picked up a work of fiction or non-fiction. There’s a quote attributed to different people that says the difference between fiction and reality is that fiction has to make sense. That’s how I know this crime and these players are real. No one could have made them up in their wildest imaginations. The witness who by his own definition was a recovering amnesiac still has me laughing. The world can be a crazy…and scary…place.
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Switched
by
Amanda Hocking
The Loopy Librarian
, January 08, 2012
Switched starts off with a murderous mother and a scene that can’t help but grab the reader’s attention. I was immediately hooked. Occasionally, the book leans on overdone premises and cliches, but it also has a fresh idea in creating a world of trolls that are beautiful and powerful. Frankly, I was relieved to read a teen book that didn’t involve vampires. The storytelling wasn’t always riveting, but it was good. The characters and the romantic tension drive this story more than the plot itself. A massive battle towards the end, however, had me holding my breath. If the second and third books were already out, I’d be picking up the next one immediately. I’ll definitely be recommending this one to my daughter, but I doubt my son would care for it. He would say it doesn’t have enough action and has too much romance. He’d be right. But, for teenage girls, this is definitely a winner. I’m sure it will be a very popular trilogy. In fact, it already has a following from the self-published e-books that first drew the attention of publishers. I enjoyed the read very much. It should be noted that some bad language and sexual situations might make it inappropriate for younger teens. But older teens and young adults who enjoy fantasy and romance will love it. In compliance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received this book for free through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
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Healer
by
Carol Cassella
The Loopy Librarian
, January 04, 2012
The storytelling in this novel is filled with an underlying tension that grabs the reader and doesn’t let go until the last page. I didn’t expect that from a novel about a doctor who is forced to return to work after her husband loses a fortune on a failed cancer drug. Because she never completed her residency, the only work Claire can get is at a struggling health care clinic that primarily treats migrant workers. I was expecting a good story, but I was surprised at how gripping it was. The author creates a subtle but undeniable drama around the marriage, parenthood, health care, and friendships that make up the story. It kept me on edge with anticipation. I also became emotionally involved with the characters and felt very much entrenched in their lives. Healer is a story about marriage and friendship, but it is also a book that shines a spotlight on the plight of illegal immigrants and the ethics of medicine. I appreciated that the author was able to tell such a compelling story while allowing the reader to draw his/her own conclusions about difficult subjects. I recommend this satisfying and engrossing read to anyone who enjoys stories of courage and hope in the midst of adversity. In compliance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
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Night Circus
by
Erin Morgenstern
The Loopy Librarian
, January 01, 2012
The Night Circus is perhaps the best book I’ve read in a very long time; it is certainly the most imaginative. The plot is deceptively simple. Two aging magicians train young proteges to compete against one another at the circus. But this is no ordinary magic. These are no ordinary students. And this is definitely no ordinary circus. I was entranced from the first line and remained so throughout. I’ve never read a book quite like it. It had a dreamlike quality to it that caught me up in it’s tendrils and wove it’s tale around me. The circus itself was dark and bizarre while remaining beautiful and inviting. The characters were intricately made, much like the clocks in the story. I loved the author’s use of second person in various passages throughout the book. “You” are at the circus. “You” smell the aromas and visit the magical tents with their extraordinary performers. “You” are there. I highly recommend that you get your ticket and experience the circus that “arrives without warning.”
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The Orphan Masters Son
by
Adam Johnson
The Loopy Librarian
, December 13, 2011
The story of Park Jun Do, the son of a man who runs a work camp for orphans in North Korea, is remarkable in its telling. It's apparent from the beginning that the author did extensive research. The characters all seemed very authentic. I was amazed at the author's ability to capture the essence of a country that is as secretive and closed off as North Korea. The writing was superb and the storytelling was engrossing. I could not put this book down. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this book is not for the faint of heart. The author does not spare the reader stories of violence, torture, starvation and cruelty. It is often disturbing and gut-wrenching. Also, there is some salty language. It all made sense in the context of the book, but some images are hard to erase and continue to haunt me. The knowledge that Kim Jong Il is still in power and that atrocities and suffering continue makes the story of Park Jun Do all the more unsettling. Even so,despite the oppression and inhumanity, there is also love, friendship and self-sacrifice. I wouldn't be surprised if this book wins awards because it has broken new ground and put a face to those who continue to suffer under the leadership of an oppressive tyrant. The story of Park Jun Do's journey from boy to man is filled with a myriad of experiences and ultimately an outrageous deception. If you can stomach the darkness and want to get a real feeling for life in one of the most oppressive countries in the world, I highly recommend this book. It will disturb you, but it will also enlighten you. This book is an amazing literary achievement.
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Refuge on Crescent Hill
by
Melanie Dobson
The Loopy Librarian
, October 24, 2011
Refuge on Crescent Hill was a cozy mystery with light romance. Although it touched on the serious topic of domestic abuse, it didn’t dwell on the dark side of that issue. It offered hope instead. Overall, I liked the book. It wasn’t too preachy, the characters were more or less realistic, and the story was engaging. It was a good book to curl up with on a quiet afternoon.
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Fairytale Retellings 02 Sweetly
by
Jackson Pearce
The Loopy Librarian
, September 19, 2011
Sweetly, published in August of this year, is an updated version of Hansel and Gretel featuring them as teenagers, twelve years after they originally encountered the witch in the woods. Because it is written for teens, I asked my fifteen-year-old son to read it and give me his review. This is what he had to say. “If I were to give it stars, I’d give it four out of five. It took me a couple of pages to get into it, but I was hooked after that. Sweetly is an adventure book. It starts out with Hansel and Gretel traveling out farther into the woods than they had ever dared, but something happens to get them kicked out the house. Now they are traveling randomly and break down in a mostly deserted town, but I cannot tell you why it’s deserted without giving away part of the plot. The reason I don’t give it five out of five stars is because it didn’t have enough action. However, if you’re into cooking it does tell you how to make some candies; not step by step but the basics. Finally, remember that not all stories have happy endings. You’ll have to read the book to find out whether this one does or not.” As for me, I’m hoping to read it soon. It seems very creepy and delicious to me. Besides, if my son likes it, I’m sure I will too.
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Do You Have a Dog?
by
Eileen Spinelli
The Loopy Librarian
, September 19, 2011
Do you have a Dog? is a lively book that makes for a great read-a-loud while also offering a bit of a history lesson about famous people and their dogs. I liked the rhyming text overall though some of the rhythm felt a bit off. The illustrations were fluid and cheerful with a constant sense of movement and activity. The only negative is that without the helpful text, it was very difficult to distinguish between any of the breeds. I would have liked the pug to look more like a pug and the boxer to look more like a boxer. As it was, they just looked like loveable mutts. Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I see it being popular with children and those that read to them.
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The Chocolate Diaries: Secrets for a Sweeter Journey on the Rocky Road of Life
by
Karen Scalf Linamen
The Loopy Librarian
, September 14, 2011
The Chocolate Diaries was a light uplifting read although I didn’t really learn any “secrets.” The recommendations for a sweeter journey were what you would expect: pray, read the Bible, spend time with friends, listen to music, cry when you need to, laugh whenever you can, and of course, eat chocolate. But the stories that some of the women shared were very inspiring, and the book itself is a good pick-me-up. The author also inserted a great deal of humor. I would give this book as a gift, maybe as part of a basket with indulgences like bubble bath and chocolate truffles. Though I didn’t learn anything new, I felt encouraged after reading it. I also liked the collection of recipes that were scattered throughout the book. I don’t cook, but for many of the recipes there was no cooking required. Overall, The Chocolate Diaries is a feel-good read featuring godly women that have endured much but have learned to live lives of joy and peace despite great hardship and trial.
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Help
by
Kathryn Stockett
The Loopy Librarian
, September 01, 2011
Pitch perfect! It struck just the right balance between storytelling and message. Stockett doesn’t sugarcoat the racism of the time period in Jackson, Mississippi, but in The Help she finds a way to address it without creating a depressing book. In fact, she stirs in just the right amount of humor, drama, friendship, and hope. Change is often slow in coming, but it can come when people take a stand and face their fears. Skeeter, Minny, and Aibileen make an unlikely trio of heroines, but they take a big chance and help to bring some positive changes to their community and to their own lives. This book touched on all of my emotions at various times. Sometimes I laughed out loud; other times I wanted to cry. There were things that happened that made me furious and other things that gave me hope. Basically, it was awesome storytelling with a compelling message, and it doesn’t get much better than that.
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Mrs Darcy & the Blue Eyed Stranger
by
Lee Smith
The Loopy Librarian
, August 29, 2011
Forever after, when I should happen to think about Mrs. Darcy and the Blue-Eyed Stranger, I’ll think of blue eyes, beaches and gin and tonics, pleasant summer evenings, and romance. But, I will also remember adultery and sadness, suicide and loss, abandonment and loneliness, and loss of youth. The thread stringing together these stories was life-changing moments when a character was inspired to choose one direction or another; to accept or not accept; to blossom or to fade away. The characters were so real to me and their choices so important that I continued reading whether I liked the story or not. I needed to know what became of these people. That is how well they were drawn. In truth, these stories had a lot of gray. Each character was flawed in some way. Maybe she drank too much, maybe he was unfaithful, maybe she was bitter, maybe he was socially awkward, but most characters felt like a neighbor or a friend. I wanted to forgive them and let them enjoy their gin and tonics on the beach. So I did; not because they deserved it, but because they trusted me with their secrets.
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Sarahs Key
by
Tatiana de Rosnay
The Loopy Librarian
, July 30, 2011
I read Sarah’s Key earlier this year, and I was deeply moved as well as troubled by it. It is not a happy story, but one that needed to be told. The author takes the story of the Vichy government’s treatment of the Jews and makes it very personal through a little girl named Sarah and her family. It will make you sick, and it will make you cry. But, it will also teach you about a relatively unknown event in French history: the Vél’ d’Hiv’ roundups. The shocking aspect of this story is that the Jews are not rounded up by the Nazi’s but by the French police. This book received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, and it was well deserved. But it is not light read, and it will break your heart. Nevertheless, I highly recommend it. I hope to go see the movie when it is released.
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Help
by
Kathryn Stockett
The Loopy Librarian
, July 30, 2011
Pitch perfect! It struck just the right balance between storytelling and message. Stockett doesn’t sugarcoat the racism of the time period in Jackson, Mississippi, but in The Help she finds a way to address it without creating a depressing book. In fact, she stirs in just the right amount of humor, drama, friendship, and hope. Change is often slow in coming, but it can come when people take a stand and face their fears. Skeeter, Minny, and Aibileen make an unlikely trio of heroines, but they take a big chance and help to bring some positive changes to their community and to their own lives. This book touched on all of my emotions at various times. Sometimes I laughed out loud; other times I wanted to cry. There were things that happened that made me furious and other things that gave me hope. Basically, it was awesome storytelling with a compelling message, and it doesn’t get much better than that. I hope the movie does it justice.
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Driving With Dead People
by
Monica Holloway
The Loopy Librarian
, July 30, 2011
Driving with Dead People is a brutally honest memoir with heart. The author recounts a dreadful childhood without any ounce of self pity. Instead she intertwines happy and humorous memories with the unhappy ones, and the result is good storytelling that ends with hope and possibility.
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Glastonbury Tor
by
Leanne Hardy
The Loopy Librarian
, July 25, 2011
I was fascinated by this book and its story. The author obviously did a great deal of research on the history of Glastonbury as well as the period of Henry VIII and his persecution of the church. Colin Hay, the protagonist of this story, grows from a young impetuous and angry young man into a true man of God. Besides being an awesome coming-of-age story and superb historical fiction, it is, at its heart a story of forgiveness. Colin and others must forgive those who persecute them in order to be obedient to God and also in order to receive forgiveness themselves. Little Wil reminds them all of this one simple biblical fact. Also important to the story is the conflict of doctrines between what Colin learns in the Catholic monastery and what he witnesses being practiced by the Thatcher family. The conflict between practicing religion and seeking a personal relationship with God is explored throughout the book. The author also delves into local tradition and folklore by having Colin fight evil in the form of Gwyn ap Nudd of the Celtic underworld. She includes King Arthur and the Holy Grail as well as the story of Joseph of Arimathea. Glastonbury Tor is very well-written book that takes the reader on a trip to Glastonbury, England during a turbulent time in history. Sometimes the book gets a bit preachy, but overall I highly recommend it.
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Branded: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture
by
Sinclair, Tim
The Loopy Librarian
, July 20, 2011
WARNING: Do not read this book unless you are willing to be convicted of being a complacent Christian. If you want to continue to witness to people in the ineffective ways that used to work before but no longer do, don’t go anywhere near this book. It will scare you. It will shake your foundation. It might even {shudder} make you want to do something different. I gave this book four out of five stars because I would have liked more examples of people who had done some of the radical things that Tim suggests in his book and the results that occurred. Overall though, I say, “Wow!” and “Amen!”
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Love Always
by
Harriet Evans
The Loopy Librarian
, July 20, 2011
Love Always captures a complex family dynamic with captivating and intriguing characters. Nothing was quite what it seemed, but the truth was gradually revealed through the catalyst of Cecily’s diary. I love the way the writer rotated between time periods to gradually reveal the truth behind Cecily’s death as well as the many other mysteries that permeated the book. Those mysteries and the desire to know the truth behind them made the book hard to put down. It also made me impatient at times because I wanted the author to get to those truths more quickly. When the truths did come they were surprising and shed light on the family dynamic. As for Natasha, she was a sympathetic character that made you care about her and that you couldn’t help but root for. I was very pleased when she got her new beginning. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.
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Dominance
by
Will Lavender
The Loopy Librarian
, July 20, 2011
Dominance is not what I expected it to be. I was afraid I’d be reading a gruesome tale of an ax-murdering serial killer, but that’s not really what this book is about. It’s about a game, specifically literature as a game. It’s a game based on the works of a writer whose identity is unknown. When a literature class is brought together to study the works of this unknown author, their assignment is to use clues from the books to discover the writer’s identity. Their professor is a convicted killer whose guilt is also called into question during the course of the class. The game continues long after the class is over, and just as some mysteries appear to be solved, others begin. What are intriguing about this book are its intricacies and puzzles. It reminded me somewhat of the Da Vinci code because of the embedding of codes, clues and maps throughout. Even when I figured out the whodunit part of the story, I learned I didn’t really know what I thought I did. The book’s ending leaves the reader questioning everything they thought they knew about the characters. How many of them were still playing the game and will the game ever really end? Although it starts a little slow, Dominance is a fascinating novel that the reader will still be pondering long after reading the last page.
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True North Choosing God in the Frustrations of Life
by
Gary Heim
The Loopy Librarian
, July 20, 2011
Gary and Lisa Heim speak with an authority that comes from years of active ministry and counseling. Their book, True North, is both convicting and encouraging. It is so easy to get beaten down by the fallen world in which we live and believe the lie that we just aren’t good enough. Then we go south to whatever gods we can find comfort in, forgetting all about our loving God who wants to meet our needs. The other gods always disappoint and lead us into sin. But our Father God loves us unconditionally and teaches us to live for Him. The first part of the book talks about what it means to go south and it is difficult to read because it is so convicting. But the book isn’t about making people feel guilty for not seeking God first. In fact, the Heims point out that we all fall short of that goal at times. What this book teaches the reader is how to recognize the lies and notice when we are about to go south. “We have a Father who has promised never to condemn us, but rather to help us with our weaknesses so that we might bring him glory. He lives within us; we are never alone (p. 155).” True North is designed as a Bible study with questions at the end of each chapter. It is difficult to read straight through as I did because there is so much to ponder. It is not a light read although there are light moments. It is a book with a mission. A very worthwhile one.
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