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Showing posts from May, 2019

Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue with illustrations by Pamela Zagarenski

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Can the king and queen coax their stubborn, not-tired daughter to bed? By imagining herself as different animals settling in for the night, the princess is finally able to relax enough for sleep.   Mary Logue’s language is gentle and Pamela Zagarenski’s textured illustrations are filled with enough details to occupy your eye for hours. Reading the book is akin to having a dream – a perfect read for bedtime. Sergei Franson Library Assistant Available at the Langley Adams Library

A Year Off: A story about traveling the world - and how to make it happen for you by Alexandra Brown & David Brown

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"A Year Off  is one part travel guide, one part travel essays and photos, and one part memoir documenting the story of Alexandra and David Brown, a couple who decided to take a year off from their jobs and 'regular lives' to travel the world together after only knowing each other for a few months.  This inspiring book is for all the dreamers, would-be adventurers and endearingly practical professionals looking to scratch the travel itch and take a risk on what may be the best time of their lives."* Originally I thought I was just going to flip through this book but the authors stories and tips really captured my attention as someone who wants to travel a lot more. Their approach to traveling was practical and I believe anyone could replicate the advice that it given. The photos that were included in this book were beautiful and just added more appeal to the book. I would recommend this book if you having a love of traveling. Kelsey Fitzgerald Library Assistant ...

Westworld (TV Series)

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"Westworld isn't your typical amusement park. Intended for rich vacationers, the futuristic park -- which is looked after by robotic "hosts" -- allows its visitors to live out their fantasies through artificial consciousness. No matter how illicit the fantasy may be, there are no consequences for the  park's guests, allowing for any wish to be indulged. "Westworld" -- which is based on the 1973 Michael Crichton movie of the same name -- features an all-star cast that includes Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins and Golden Globe winner Ed Harris." (Google) If you haven't heard of Westworld it is a must see for those who are into the sci-fi and fantasy genres. It does an amazing job of keeping you guessing because in Westworld things aren't always what they seem. The season is only 10 episodes but the writers pack a lot of information into them. No episode is wasted trying to help the story line along. Westworld deals with themes of blurred rea...

The Dark by Lemony Snicket with illustrations by Jon Klassen

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Laszlo lives comfortably in his great big house. What happens when Laszlo’s greatest fear, the dark itself, confronts him? Can Laszlo overcome his fear of the dark? Lemony Snicket has crafted a treat for readers with The Dark . By personifying Laszlo’s fear into a physical character, Snicket seriously considers Laszlo’s fear without ridicule. The lesson Laszlo learns from his fear is just as authentic.   Jon Klassen’s dazzling illustrations play with the ratio of shadow to light on every page. Recommended for readers of all ages. Recommended for reading aloud. Sergei Franson Library Assistant Available at the Langley Adams Library

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

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"Nana the cat is on a road trip. He is not sure where he's going or why, but it means that he gets to sit in the front seat of a silver van with his beloved owner, Satoru. Side by side, they cruise around Japan through the changing seasons, visiting Satoru's old friends. He meets Yoshimine, the brusque and unsentimental farmer for whom cats are just ratters; Sugi and Chikako, the warm-hearted couple who run a pet-friendly B&B; and Kosuke, the mournful husband whose cat-loving wife has just left him. There's even a very special dog who forces Nana to reassess his disdain for the canine species. But what is the purpose of this road trip? And why is everyone so interested in Nana? Nana does not know and Satoru won't say. But when Nana finally works it out, his small heart will break." (Goodreads.com) The Traveling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa In looking at the cover (eye pleasing art work) and reading the title, I assumed this book was going to be a col...

The Matchmaker's List by Sonya Lalli

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"Raina Anand may have finally given in to family pressure and agreed to let her grandmother play matchmaker, but that doesn't mean she has to like it--or that she has to play by the rules. Nani always took Raina's side when she tried to push past the traditional expectations of their tight-knit Indian-immigrant community, but now she's ambushing Raina with a list of suitable bachelors. Is it too much to ask for a little space? Besides, what Nani doesn't know won't hurt her... As Raina's life spirals into a parade of Nani-approved bachelors and disastrous blind dates, she must find a way out of this modern-day arranged-marriage trap without shattering her beloved grandmother's dreams." (Goodreads.com) This was a funny and charming romance book that kept me guessing who the main character, Raina, would end up with. Not only was this book about romance but also about the importance of family and friends. I would recommend this as a great summer read...

The Handmaid's Tale (TV Series)

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"Based on the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood, this series is set in Gilead, a totalitarian society in what used to be part of the United States. Gilead is ruled by a fundamentalist regime that treats women as property of the state, and is faced with environmental disasters and a plummeting bir th rate. In a desperate attempt to repopulate a devastated world, the few remaining fertile women are forced into sexual servitude. One of these women, Offred, is determined to survive the terrifying world she lives in, and find the daughter that was taken from her."(Google.com) If you haven't read the novel, Season 1 stays true to the original book with Season 2 expanding the universe that Margaret Atwood built. This is a story of love and survival that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Even though there are times I wish it wasn't relevant, it becomes even more compelling because of current events. Kelsey Fitzgerald Library Assistant Seasons 1 & 2 Availabl...

The Power by Naomi Alderman

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"In  The Power  the world is a recognizable place: there's a rich Nigerian kid who lounges around the family pool; a foster girl whose religious parents hide their true nature; a local American politician; a tough London girl from a tricky family. But something vital has changed, causing their lives to converge with devastating effect. Teenage girls now have immense physical power - they can cause agonizing pain and even death. And, with this small twist of nature, the world changes utterly."* When I started reading this book I thought it would be more fast paced but I'm glad it wasn't because of the attention to detail put into all the character's stories. This was a deeply  interesting read when you consider all the what ifs that the book's story poses especially in a world were women continue to fight for equal rights everyday. If you are a fan of Margaret Atwood, author of the Handmaid's Tale, I would recommend this to you since she mentored the ...

Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish By Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld

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Anyone can make a birthday wish and this book gives ten steps leading up to making that wish. In ten funny steps this book will make sure that you have a successful birthday. In the rare case that you are animal reading this, this book will also tell you what not to do. Such as warning rhinos that due to their pointy horns balloons probably aren’t a smart party decoration. It’s a great book with cute animals and bright, funny visuals that anyone reading it will enjoy. Emma Fandel Library Page Available at the Langley Adams Library