tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads/11 2009-11-19T15:51:48Z A reading blog from Milwaukee Public Library. www.mpl.org Movable Type 4.31-en tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.998 2009-11-19T15:40:14Z 2009-11-19T15:51:48Z

The National Book Awards celebrate the best of American literature. Their purpose is to expand its audience, and to enhance the cultural value of good writing in America. Here are the 2009 winners for fiction and nonfiction. For a full...

Jacki The National Book Awards. In 1974 Manhattan, a radical young Irish monk struggles with personal demons while making his home among Bronx prostitutes, a group of mothers shares grief over their lost Vietnam soldier sons, and a young grandmother attempts to prove her worth. Check catalog for availability. A biography of the combative man whose genius and force of will created modern capitalism, documenting how Vanderbilt helped launch the transportation revolution, propel the Gold Rush, reshape Manhattan, and invent the modern corporation. Check catalog for availability. Submitted by Jacki @ MPL Central ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.974 2009-11-18T15:26:13Z 2009-11-18T19:06:41Z

Set in Milwaukee during the summer of 1959 and narrated by ten year old Sally O'Malley, Whistling in the Dark is a sentimental tale of family, trust and commitment. Sally and her sister Troo spend their summer playing red...

Dan K. Set in Milwaukee during the summer of 1959 and narrated by ten year old Sally O'Malley, Whistling in the Dark is a sentimental tale of family, trust and commitment. Sally and her sister Troo spend their summer playing red light, green light with their friends on Vliet Street and visiting Sampson at the Milwaukee Zoo until a murderer starts preying upon the little girls in the neighborhood. The murders almost become second fiddle to the insights and imagination of the ten year old storyteller. The Milwaukee locale and references to landmarks like the Uptown Theater and Washington Park add to the nostalgic feel of this warm story. Check catalog availability Submitted by Dan@Central ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.989 2009-11-16T15:24:28Z 2009-11-16T15:30:20Z

In the front of Ms. Oates' latest book there is a bibliography of the books she has written over the years. With a few exceptions, Oates has written a book a year starting in 1964. Her latest is Little...

Jacki In the front of Ms. Oates' latest book there is a bibliography of the books she has written over the years. With a few exceptions, Oates has written a book a year starting in 1964. Her latest is Little Bird of Heaven. When I started this book, I didn't think I was going to like it. It's not a particularly nice story. But as I continued to read, I got absorbed into the story, and into the lives of the characters, particularly of Krista Diehl, a little girl when the story begins, caught up in a tragic death that changes her world and breaks apart the lives of those she loves. The story is also told from the perspective of Aaron Kruller, another innocent victim of the tragedy. And because of the tragedy, their lives are thrown together, albeit haphazardly. So, in a sense, it's also a love story. As an aside, when I was in college, I remember Oates was one of the authors we studied in a literature course. I don't remember what we determined about her writing, but an interesting characteristic that runs rampant in this book is her use of very long sentences. One sentence started mid page on one side of the book and finished a few lines down on the next page. I think this adds somewhat to the tenebrous tone of the book. Check catalog for availability. Submitted by Mary S. @ MPL Central ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.969 2009-11-13T15:21:59Z 2009-11-16T15:31:02Z

Eugene "Huge" Smalls, an eccentric but brilliant 12 year old boy who admires the detective stories of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, takes on a "case" of his own after his grandmother's nursing home is vandalized and he vows...

Dan K. Eugene "Huge" Smalls, an eccentric but brilliant 12 year old boy who admires the detective stories of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, takes on a "case" of his own after his grandmother's nursing home is vandalized and he vows to find the guilty party. As Huge meanders through the 1980's landscape of suburban New Jersey, he misinterprets, misconstrues and misbehaves until the case is solved. Though the plot is sketchy at best, I liked Huge in the same way I liked Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye. Huge reeks of confused adolescence as only a grown adult can understand. Unlike other teen detectives like Encyclopedia Brown or The Hardy Boys, Huge is a foul-mouthed, brash kid that I may have grown up with! Or maybe he was me. Either way, this is middle school for adults. Check catalog availability. Submitted by Dan@Central ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.985 2009-11-11T18:04:29Z 2009-11-11T18:48:32Z

This is the story of Youssef El Mekki, who lives in the slums of Casablanca with his single mother. She has kept many secrets from him, but he's about to enter college and join a fringe Islamic group and...

Jacki This is the story of Youssef El Mekki, who lives in the slums of Casablanca with his single mother. She has kept many secrets from him, but he's about to enter college and join a fringe Islamic group and he's curious and determined to find out the truth about his family. His mother has always maintained that his father died in an accident, but Youssef finds out he's alive, and is intent on meeting him. Will his father accept him? Does he have siblings? Will he prefer his father's lifestyle over that of his mother? All these questions and more are answered as Youssef comes of age amidst the turmoil of change occurring in Morocco. Check catalog for availability. ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.978 2009-11-09T15:58:32Z 2009-11-11T18:33:34Z

The Joy of Sox by Linda Kopp. There has been much ado with sock knitting in recent months, thanks in part to the magic loop method (knitting two pair of socks on one long circular needle). Although those who...

Jacki The Joy of Sox by Linda Kopp. There has been much ado with sock knitting in recent months, thanks in part to the magic loop method (knitting two pair of socks on one long circular needle). Although those who have been bitten by sock knitting will tell you it has nothing to do with the magic loop method, but simply the fun in being able to create something so practical, warm and sized to your foot. I thought this book stood out from some of the others because of the nice tutorial section in the beginning that discusses the anatomy of the sock, sizing, and the three main methods of knitting socks (using double pointed needles, two circular needles and one circular needle). Then, once you get past the tutorial (optional, of course) you will find patterns that range from anklets, toe thongs, mosaic, self striping, lacy and over the knee. In all, the book is fun to look at and if you're a serious knitter like me, you'll be chomping at the bit to knit some socks! Check catalog for availability. AwareKnits, by Vickie Howell and Adrienne Armstrong, contains knit and crochet projects for the eco-conscious stitcher. All natural fibers are used in the patterns, including yarns that are made from soy, corn fiber and bamboo, to name a few. Animal yarns mentioned, such as alpaca, are raised organically. There are scarf patterns, glove patterns, sock patterns, baby patterns (including a diaper pant pattern!) and patterns for both sexes. The authors include nifty tips for being green in your daily life, and there is even a bag pattern that incorporates plastic bags, with instructions on making your own plarn (plastic yarn). I think everyone will find something in this book, including small enough items that will make nice holiday gifts. Check catalog for availability. Submitted by Mary S. @ MPL Central ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.905 2009-11-06T20:00:00Z 2009-11-06T20:02:44Z

This is the first book in this series featuring Catherine LeVendeur, a very unlikely detective. She serves as a nun at the Convent of the Paraclete. Sharan Newman, the author, writes a thoroughly researched novel about 12th century religion,...

Paula N. This is the first book in this series featuring Catherine LeVendeur, a very unlikely detective. She serves as a nun at the Convent of the Paraclete. Sharan Newman, the author, writes a thoroughly researched novel about 12th century religion, politics and everyday life. Along with that she weaves in a complicated mystery and the love story of Abelard and Heloise. Catherine's story is not for someone looking for a light read. This book weighs heavily with historical facts which may turn out to be overwhelming if the reader is not prepared. Having said that, as someone who has an interest in medieval Europe, I enjoyed reading this well written historical mystery. Check the catalog for availability. - Submitted by Paula @ Central ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.973 2009-11-04T15:00:00Z 2009-11-04T15:06:31Z

Essex County Trilogy by Jeff Lemire (c2007 & 2008) Canadian graphic novelist Jeff Lemire has received numerous awards and accolades for his Essex County series, and with good reason as this trilogy has an equal appeal to both teens...

Tom S. Essex County Trilogy by Jeff Lemire (c2007 & 2008) Canadian graphic novelist Jeff Lemire has received numerous awards and accolades for his Essex County series, and with good reason as this trilogy has an equal appeal to both teens and adults. The main story line moves back and forth between several generations of the rural Canadian farming and hockey playing Lebeuf family. The characters are immediately likeable and the overall mood is sentimental without ever being cloying. Themes of coming-of-age, growing old, isolation and family obligation abound. Both well-written and well-drawn... if you've never read a graphic novel before, this might be a fine place to start. Check catalog for availability. - submitted by Tom @ MPL Central]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.970 2009-11-02T14:41:46Z 2009-11-02T15:15:41Z

Patsy MacLemoore wakes up in the drunk tank with no recollection of how she got there. Finally, a police officer starts reading the homicide report to her; Patsy killed two Jehovah's Witnesses while driving drunk and turning into her...

Jacki Patsy MacLemoore wakes up in the drunk tank with no recollection of how she got there. Finally, a police officer starts reading the homicide report to her; Patsy killed two Jehovah's Witnesses while driving drunk and turning into her own driveway. Prison time is served and Patsy finds sobriety while embracing her guilt. Once released she returns home, but things are different now, she intends to do good things and go to AA meetings, but it turns out that the blame that's hardest to live with is the blame she's assigned to herself. I read this book quickly because I was gripped by the story. It could so easily have come off as preachy, but it didn't to me. Instead it was more philosophical and I also liked that the dialog was written without punctuation, it gave Patsy's story more clarity. This is the first novel I've read by Ms. Huneven and I look forward to reading her other work. Check catalog for availability. Submitted by Jacki @ MPL Central ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.964 2009-10-30T14:05:07Z 2009-10-30T15:00:20Z

Duncan and Lily's marriage is straining and they decide to try to revitalize it by spending the summer in upstate New York. Lily has an old family home there, a collapsing Victorian with plenty of quirks. But those quirks...

Jacki Duncan and Lily's marriage is straining and they decide to try to revitalize it by spending the summer in upstate New York. Lily has an old family home there, a collapsing Victorian with plenty of quirks. But those quirks are nothing compared to their run-in with a wild boar (involving a tire iron), the discovery of human bones in the backyard (involving a poodle) and a peeping Tom (involving laughing gas). At times, I wondered where we were going with all these story lines, but they tie together remarkably well and the story took me on a very fun and wild ride! Check catalog for availability. Submitted by Jacki @ MPL Central ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.942 2009-10-28T14:10:03Z 2009-10-28T14:10:11Z

I found this stunning collection of neo-noir short stories to be tasteless, brutal and entirely mesmerizing! I wish this book was twice as long! From the opening story, Double Down, that involves a double-dealing and double-crossing private eye, to...

Dan K. I found this stunning collection of neo-noir short stories to be tasteless, brutal and entirely mesmerizing! I wish this book was twice as long! From the opening story, Double Down, that involves a double-dealing and double-crossing private eye, to Customer Service, a story involving a hit-man with scruples, this hard hitting collection of "not so nice" short stories is sure to please fans of hard-boiled mysteries. If you liked "Pulp Fiction," chances are you'd also enjoy this book. Check catalog availability Submitted by Dan@Central ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.965 2009-10-26T13:22:07Z 2009-10-27T23:46:20Z

Leopold Bloom King, so named by his mother because she is a Joycean expert, abhors his name and all the rituals that his mother assigns to it. Given that, he is perhaps the most interesting character I have come...

Jacki Leopold Bloom King, so named by his mother because she is a Joycean expert, abhors his name and all the rituals that his mother assigns to it. Given that, he is perhaps the most interesting character I have come across in a long time. The story begins when Leo is in high school, undergoing therapy and on probation for an attempted suicide and possession of drugs. As part of the payback for the grief he has put his mother through, she makes him caretaker of seven other individuals his age, all from very different walks of life, including two whose father is a serial killer. As he helps these seven fit into the school, they begin a lifelong friendship that takes them all through many experiences, good and bad. I loved this book, all the while feeling that I was a part of their friendship. Conroy is a master at the element of surprise. Check catalog for availability. Submitted by Mary S. @ MPL Central ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.962 2009-10-23T14:35:00Z 2009-10-23T14:43:49Z

Chinatown Beat by Henry Chang (c2006) Police detective Jack Yu is an American-born Chinese assigned to the Chinatown streets of his youth where the local residents have no trust in the mostly non-Chinese NYPD. When a crime takes place...

Tom S. Chinatown Beat by Henry Chang (c2006) Police detective Jack Yu is an American-born Chinese assigned to the Chinatown streets of his youth where the local residents have no trust in the mostly non-Chinese NYPD. When a crime takes place the locals go mum and it falls on Yu to piece together any clues he can gather. In Chinatown Beat, which is Chang's first installment of the Detective Jack Yu Investigation series, Yu is investigating both a serial rapist targeting juvenile Asian girls and the murder of a Chinese mob boss. Chang delivers the story in compact chapters with noirish undertones, while deftly intertwining the point of view between different key characters. The writing is such that one can easily visualize the action taking place in a pleasing movie-like fashion. It all makes for an excellent debut novel. Check catalog for availability. - submitted by Tom @ MPL Central]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.900 2009-10-21T14:26:52Z 2009-10-21T14:28:59Z

Helen and James are a kind of "ghost" that is trapped on earth for the cliché reason of unresolved issues. However, this novel is nothing like the cliché. The eerie story flashes back and forth to Helen's life and...

Paula N. Helen and James are a kind of "ghost" that is trapped on earth for the cliché reason of unresolved issues. However, this novel is nothing like the cliché. The eerie story flashes back and forth to Helen's life and her unusual ghost life. The manner in which Helen and James find each other and figure out how to pass beyond earth to the next phase of their "life" mesmerizes the reader. Check catalog for availability. Submitted by Paula @ MPL Central ]]> tag:blog.mpl.org,2009:/mke_reads//11.921 2009-10-18T20:30:50Z 2009-10-18T20:48:40Z

Published in 1948, The Naked and the Dead was the first novel penned by future two time Pulitzer Prize winning author Norman Mailer. Based on his own experiences as a soldier in the Pacific Theatre during WWII, The Naked...

Dan K. Published in 1948, The Naked and the Dead was the first novel penned by future two time Pulitzer Prize winning author Norman Mailer. Based on his own experiences as a soldier in the Pacific Theatre during WWII, The Naked and the Dead is widely considered to be one of the finest novels written about WWII and is listed by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels. The gripping tale revolves around an army platoon fighting the Japanese on a fictional island named Anopopei. The coarse language and journalistic style of writing are as brutal, tenacious and dirty as the battles and experiences they describe and add to the overall realism of the story. Check catalog availability Posted by Dan@ Central ]]>