ARC's

I received my first ARC (Advance reading copy) a few weeks ago. I can’t tell what a thrill it was for me. Especially since I have met the author but I really didn’t think she would know me from any other librarian out there.
It is for Megan Abbott’s newest book “Bury Me Deep”. (http://www.meganabbott.com/) It was excellent. As Megan’s books always are. Set in Depression era Arizona, it is based on the true story of Winnie Ruth Judd, a woman accused of murdering her two friends. I’ll leave the details at that- you’ll just have to get the book and read it when it comes out in July. Or tell your local librarian to make sure it is on order so you can have in hand on release date. Librarians love it when you do that-trust me.

I love the way Megan can create atmosphere with just a few words. Her novels are considered noir and they really do echo the novels of the time period she writes in. And I do mean in because she must be totally immersed to be able to write as she does. But you’d never know it if you met her. She is just lovely and not at all dark and mysterious-OK, maybe she does mysterious but I’ve only seen nice. After all, most women want to be mysterious every once in a while-even Library fairies.

Go out and order that book. Best yet- order it from an independent book seller. They’re nicer than any big box store and once you establish yourself with one, you’ll never go back.

Lost

One of the things I love about reading is getting lost in a good book. I love how you can lose all sense of time passing. Just this morning I was reading and I looked up and I was amazed at how little time had actually passed but so much had happened in the book. It was something. Reading has come easily to me as long as I can remember and I have always loved how a book can take you out of time and place. That's why working in a place filled with books is book a joy and a constant source of irritation- SO many books, so little time. Ahhh, for days off and retirement time. My TBR (to be read) list will be delightful.

A Jewel of a Book

I finally got to read my copy of Beverly Jenkin's book "Jewel". It is a romance set in the 1800's in western Michigan. It's not only a romance, but a history lesson too. I don't want to make it sound boring because it is anything but. Beverly has a unique way to tell you what happened and make it interesting too. OK- Maybe interesting isn't the right word either. How about pulse racing, fan-yourself-oh-my, *blush*blush*, whooo interesting. Beverly sneaks in that history between scenes of steamy romance. Gotta love it.

"Jewel" is the story of Eli Grayson and Jewel Crowley. They were always friends but grew apart as life took them in different directions. Now Eli needs a wife for a night and asks Jewel to masquerade as her and what a world of trouble it brings for both of them- or does it?

I've had the pleasure of meeting Beverly Jenkins and she is an amazing woman. Very dynamic and funny, a pleasure to converse with. Her books span the categories of historical romance, contemporary romantic suspense, young adult novels, and now contemporary romance. I just read she has a new book out "Bring on the Blessings" and it sounds like another well written book. A new direction for Beverly too, as it is described by Marcia Abramson of the Detroit Free Press, as a contemporary novel. Not to say that she won't sneak in a little historic information or romance into it either- I can hardly wait to read it.
You should too.

Audio Books

Like many people, my days are very full (not only am I a library Fairy, I am also a full time laundry fairy, candy fairy, hosehold supply, etc.-it can be exhausting).
Frequently, I find I can "read" more books if I listen to them in my car. Friends are amazed as most of my commutes are 15 minutes or less but it works for me. It's great on long trips, especially when the family agrees. It is also a good way to read books you may not normally pick up to read. I find it helpful for history, which I love, but it can be slow going to read.

I am currently reading "The Adoration of Jenna Fox"- a YA title that is quite interesting. It involves the future, bio ethics and a bunch of teen-agers. I can't wait to see where it goes next.

Last year I listened to "I Feel Bad About My Neck" read by the author Nora Ephrom. It was great. There is something special about books read by the author. It brings the book more alive as the author is able to convey what they mean via vocal inflection.

So try it sometime. Your local librarians are more than happy to give you their opinion about books anytime.

Suggestion Taken

I read the book suggested by my daughter, her fiance, and friend.
Fall on Your Knees by Ann Marie MacDonald
A family saga set on Cape Breton, Nova Scotia that spanned 3 generations. It was more tragic than happy -more a reflection of the hard life that existed for many during the early 20th century. Struggles included racism, war, prohibition, and just growing up. There was also family issues and human drama including abuse and incest. Many many secrets. But all in all, through all the hardships and despair, there was a thread of hope that could not be extinguished. It was the one redeeming point in the whole story.
I'm still not sure I liked it but I did respect the writing and admire the writer's ability to convey such images in so few words.
And I will recommend it where I can can because it does make one think.

Banned Books Week

The American Library Association has named this Banned Books Week -

They want to highlight intellectual freedom and the right to read. As a librarian I feel pretty strongly that you should be able to read pretty much what you want to. As a parent, I have held different opinions. Perhaps I've become more enlightened.

I was asked to read and comment on a banned book for another blog and decided to post it here as well. You can read others comments at www.pattinase.blogspot.com if you'd like to see what others are talking about.

I read Chris Crutcher’s Athletic Shorts. 6 short stories published in 1991 that have won the School Library Journal Best Book of the Year Award as well as the American Library Association’s Best Book for Young Adults Award.

The book has been banned for homosexuality and offensive language. It has been on the Top Ten List of Banned Books for the past 10 years.

Yes, the book uses language that is normally considered offensive. But it is also the language you hear everyday in the hallways of almost every high school in this country. That’s why kids like the book-it’s real; real stuff that happens to real people, just like them. Chris Crutcher gets that. He has coached high school teams. He has and still is, I believe, counseling troubled teen-agers so he knows what he’s talking about. Teen readers respect that.

What I liked about the stories is that each one had a moment that offered hope or redemption to at least one of the characters. And it’s done so well, some kids may not even notice. Kids can see that over done story and won’t read it or tell their friends about it. In Athletic Shorts, they just might see themselves.

Yes, we need to make sure what our kids read has some kind of value-even if it is just entertainment value. But is also our job as parents, educators, librarians, and citizens to have free access. If we don’t want our kids reading something, then it is our responsibility to monitor said kid and also to teach them to make those decisions. Reading is such an individual occupation that what I like, you may not and vice versa. However, it is not my responsibility to tell you what you can or cannot read. It should not be up to one individual to decide whether a book is acceptable to a whole community. So we have Banned Books Week to remind us of that.

Dilemma

One of the toughest things for a bibliophile is that age old question-What do I read next?
One of the books the "kids" recommended this summer(Margaret Atwood, The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters, or Fall on Your Knees by MacDonald?)
OR should I catch up one of my series-Edna Buchanan, Louise Penney, Cordelia Frances Biddle or....
OR should I re-read next month's book club selection or read ahead?
OR finally re-read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett that I have been meaning to read all summer (I know, it's fall already)
OR Oprah just announced her next book...

OR what do YOU think I should read next?