Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
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Title: Jurassic Park Author: Michael Crichton Review: This is one of my all time favorite books. Dinosaurs brought back into the 20th century? What could possibly go wrong? Review by: Kiana |
Carmilla by Joseph Le Fanu
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Title: Carmilla Author: Joseph Le Fanu Review: This is the vampire story that started it all— even long before Dracula! Thankfully, Carmilla lives up to its reputation in all the right ways. It’s eerie, mysterious, and intense, just like any classic work of gothic horror should be. The story follows Laura, a lonely girl who befriends a charming young woman by the name of Carmilla who may just be a bit more than she seems… Review by: Jo |
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
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Title: Demon Copperhead Author: Barbara Kingsolver Review: This is one of the BEST books I have read in a long time! It's so great to have a new Barbara Kingsolver book back on the book shelves. This a true page turner, not because it's suspenseful like a murder mystery, but because one just must find out what will happen to the characters. One feels all the emotions for Kingsolver's characters - frustration, anger, hurt, love and on and on. The complications and power of family and friendship are many. Read on. Review by: Jan |
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Oscan
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Title: The Thursday Murder Club Author: Richard Oscan Review: Never underestimate senior citizens. in a quiet, quaint retirement village four friends meet for a weekly discussion about unsolved crimes. They call themselves a Thursday murder club. But then a real case is thrown in to the mix when a local developer is found dead …. Murder!! What ensues is a brilliant funny twisted murder and mayhem book that is great for a cold cozy winter read! Loved it!’ Review by: Julie |
The Best Laid Plans by Cameron Lund
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Title: The Best Laid Plans Review: Keely is dealing with a pressure that most teens feel at some point - feeling like the only virgin left in her school. Feeling constantly embarrassed, Keely decides it’s time to find a guy to get it on with, no matter the cost. Hoping to date a local college boy she has a crush on, she ropes her best friend Andrew into a not-so-well thought-out plan. This is a fun, easy read about the angst most of us can relate to when we’re young. Review by: Bethany |
Smarter by Dan Hurley
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Title: Smarter Author: Dan Hurley Review: Do you think it is possible to train your brain to get smarter? Dan Hurley surveys the field of brain training and improvement, then uses himself as a test subject. Weill he actually ger smarter for his efforts? And could you improve your own brain? Read to find out. Review by: Ben |
Joseph Smith and the Mormons by Noah Van Sciver
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Title: Joseph Smith and the Mormons Review: The graphic novel, Joseph Smith and the Mormons, provides insight on the founder of the religion of the Latter Day Saints, and Mormonism as a whole, Joseph Smith. The book paints his life from birth to death, in a most informing manner. A very interesting book for one not familiar with The Church of the Latter Day Saints. Review by: Isaac |
Passersthrough by Peter Rock
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Title: Passersthrough Author: Peter Rock Review: 36 year old Helen has many questions about her disappearance at age 11 while camping with her dad in the wilderness of Mt Rainier. Her memories are vague but haunting. She has now reconnected with her estranged father to see if she can connect the dots of her memory. Her voyage brings her to Sad Clown Lake, a lake "that could only be found by getting lost, that was never in the same place twice." Maybe it's better to let the past stay in the past. Review by: Jannelle |
King Arthur Baking School
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Title: Baking School Author: King Arthur Baking Company Review: This is now one of my new favorite cookbooks. This cookbook gives so much info and tips for the novice baker and some inspiration for the seasoned baker. The recipes are simple yet you can make them your own with different options. This cookbook is a great gift for beginners or pro bakers. Love it!! |
Trees of the West by Molly Hashimoto
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Title: Trees of the West An Artist's Guide Author: Molly Hashimoto Review: A stunning book. Almost every page is a framable work of art. This is a book I would not hesitate to give to anyone on my list who loves nature and/or art. Review by: Jan |
Bird Planet by Tim Layman
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Title: Bird Planet Author: Tim Layman Review: Travel to parts of the globe with this exquisite coffee table book of some of the world’s most beautiful birds. Appreciate the rare moments that these images bring home to us. A perfect gift for the bird lover in your life! Review by: Ben |
Brave Hearted by Katie Hickman
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Title: Brave Hearted Author: Katie Hickman Review: From the perspectives of whites, African-Americans, indigenous women, and even immigrants from China, this book paints the vivid reality of what we call the 'Wild West'. From the frenzy of the gold rush, to the horrors of the Donner-Reed party and Whitman massacre, this book tells the stories of the women of the west. |
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
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Title: Cloud Cuckoo Land Author: Anthony Doerr Review: This is a beautifully written, intricate narrative that connects the lives of five people spanning across time and space. From the ancient walls of Constantinople, to present day Idaho, to a starship in the twenty-second century, this story revolves around an ancient Greek text in which each character finds comfort and hope. This is a story of history and humanity that I would highly recommend. |
Mooncakes and Milk Bread by Kristina Cho
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Title: Mooncakes and Milk Bread Author: Kristina Cho Review: Mooncakes and Milk Bread was definitely the cookbook that I needed for the holiday season! Kristina Cho’s recipes are perfect for any time of the year, and there’s such a wonderful selection of flavors and ingredients included in this cookbook!. If you’re looking for a great new cookbook— or simply just a gift for someone who enjoys baking, this is a must-have! Review by: Jo |
Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger
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Title: Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six Author: Lisa Unger Review: Lisa Unger has been writing Psychological Thrillers for some time but I've just gotten around to trying one. I wasn't disappointed. Three couples get away for the weekend at a remote luxury cabin only to discover that they may have more guests than they bargained for. Someone is trying to ruin the weekend but why? |
The Stay at Home Chef by Rachel Farnsworth
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Title: The Stay at Home Chef Author: Rachel Farnsworth |
Every Tool's a Hammer by Adam Savage
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Title: Every Tool's a Hammer Author: Adam Savage Review: Known for his part on the show Mythbusters, Adam Savage shares wisdom from his own shop, including the tools and methods that any maker would do well to imitate! Review by: Ben |
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
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Title: You Deserve Each Other Author: Sarah Hogle Review: This hilarious romance novel will leave you with a warm melty heart, and maybe looking at your significant other with newlywed-tinted glasses all over again. Naomi and Nicholas are engaged and by all appearances look to be the perfect, happy couple, and yet they are entirely sick of each other. However, whoever calls off the wedding will have to pay the entirety of the nonrefundable bill. And so begins a silent war to push each other to the breaking point. But as time drags on, Naomi starts to wonder if Nicholas is really trying to drive her away, or if maybe he’s trying to rekindle their love.
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City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
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Title: City of Girls Author: Elizabeth Gilbert Review: While City of Girls may be too "racy" for some, I love this author's writing. An 89 year old woman reflects back on her life as a young single woman in the big city, her life in the theater, her life becoming a woman who never married in a time where marrying was the "expected" thing to do. She was not the usual good and proper girl. She did not have the usual job. But she learned to fend for herself, to be true to herself and to be a good and kind person, to be happy and to love and be loved. Quite an accomplishment, I'd say. Review by: Jan |
The Bacchae and Other Plays by Euripides
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Title: The Bacchae Author: Euripides Review: The Bacchae is absolutely my favorite ancient Greek play of all time, and for good reason! It follows Pentheus and Dionysus, two figures that oppose one another in a very distinct manner. I adore the portrayal of Dionsyus— not just as a god of wine, but also a god of madness. It’s difficult to categorize this piece as a comedy or as a tragedy, and in reading it, this becomes very evident. If you enjoy ancient world history or just mythology in general, this is the best title to pick up! Review by: Jo |