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The Library: An Illustrated History

Yes, I read a library book about libraries. Let me just say, The Library: An Illustrated History, by Stuart A.P Murray, is not as illustrated as you might think. The illustrated portion was, more or less, an afterthought from the author. I can only guess that one would need to put a spin on aContinue reading “The Library: An Illustrated History”

The Greatest Presidential Stories Never Told

I already knew that conspiracy theory between Abraham Lincoln and JFK, but I didn’t know that about the custody battle that lead to George Washington’s existence. History, learn it, jokers. Thumbs: 1 out of 2

Derby Girl

This summer’s reading goal is all about clearing house on my reading list. Derby Girl, written by Shauna Cross, is an older entry on the list. Whip It! is the film version of this novel (novel-to-film is a running theme in my reading goals as well). Cross wrote the screenplay for the film, which IContinue reading “Derby Girl”

Anything But Ordinary

This better be the only rotten apple in my book crop. My method for selecting books had failed until this. Amazon likes to suggest books for me, based on other books I have viewed. In turn, I will read a summary of them, check if they are available in a library within my county, andContinue reading “Anything But Ordinary”

Going Rogue: An American Life

Alaska. Alaska. Alaska. The single thing I learned from Going Rogue: An American Life, by former Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, is that she loves her home state. She paints an idyllic childhood growing in the 49th State to the point where her next career move should be tourism. Reading this more for the life storyContinue reading “Going Rogue: An American Life”

On Writing: A memoir of the craft

Kim is the Young Adult Librarian at the library I work for when I am home. We have similar tastes in books and music, and would rather write books than shelf them.Kim badgered me to read On Writing: a memoir of the craft, by Stephen King, while I was home during the summer, but IContinue reading “On Writing: A memoir of the craft”

The Girls from Ames

Warning: This book should not be read if you lack childhood friendships. It will break your heart. Jeffrey Zaslow did an amazing job of documenting the friendship of 11 women, from birth to adulthood. The introduction prepped the reader for a critical punch. It discussed how “common” life-long friendships are (debatable, but continuing…) so whenContinue reading “The Girls from Ames”

Gingerbread

Gingerbread, written by Rachel Cohn, is a book I found during middle school. When my friends and I would go to the mall, I would always have to hit up the book store. Gingerbread sat on my bookcase, virtually unread by me, for 5+ years. Coming home from break to a snowstorm yesterday motivated meContinue reading “Gingerbread”

The Imposter’s Daughter

Graphic novels are making a comeback. After Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi, debuted in 2000, there’s been a tremendous surge in graphic novels. Now, I wasn’t paying attention to the field in 2000 (yay puberty) but, Persepolis was adapted to film in 2007 and the spike in autobiographical graphic novels was epic. Graphic novels aren’t aboutContinue reading “The Imposter’s Daughter”

Rumspringa

Did you know that the Amish use celery as a wedding decoration? I didn’t know that until I read this, and found that quite interesting (Definitely making me re-think flowers at a wedding). This was a savory bit on non-fiction to sink into over a weekend (I love sub-cultures) and enjoyed it at Avenue overContinue reading “Rumspringa”