I have always loved the story of King Arthur so when I discovered Jack Whyte’s books in his series the Arthurian Saga I knew I had to read them. Jack Whyte is an excellent story teller, when I read his books I can visualize the surroundings that the story transports us. I have read many of his books and always finish with much anticipation of reading another one.

This is a tale of Uther Pendragon, future father of King Arthur, son of King Uric, and cousin of Merlyn. As a boy Uther had two homes, the civilized town of his mother’s people Camulod where he often spent time visiting his grandparents, and Tir Manha the harsh home of his father’s. His mother thought that her people and their ways would be a good influence of her hotheaded son. Uther favoured his time at Camulod, because of the cleanliness of it, the disciplined soldiers especially the cavalry, and the cheerfulness of the people. These feelings often made him feel disloyal to his own people of whom he will one day lead. Follow the tale of Uther from boy to man, a rather different version in which Jack Whyte tells beautifully.

You must check out Jack Whyte’s website, www.jackwhyte.com, if you like historical fiction.

Written by Linda

With the success of the Hunger Games, the first book in Suzanne Collins trilogy Mockinjay, there has been a resurgence of interest in dystopian novels. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, it refers to fictional societies that are undesirable and/or unpleasant. There are some excellent titles dealing with dystopian societies both old and new.

Divergent series by Veronica Roth reveals Tris Prior’s world. Tris, at the age of sixteen, must choose the faction she will dedicate the rest of her life to. The society is made up of five factions that maintain a balanced society; Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Now, the line between factions and its balance has begun to disintegrate and Tris finds herself not only a part of the fray, but one of the central characters. (YA ROT)

The Unwanteds series by Lisa McMann is another good read which is for tween readers. Thirteen year old twins Alex and Aaron await their fate during the ceremony which will reveal if they are wanted, necessary or unwanted. The outcome for those who are unwanted is grim indeed. (J MCM)

The Giver by Lois Lowry is an award winning title of Jonas whose world is organized, passive, and calm. All is well until Jonas is selected for another purpose, a purpose that changes his understanding of everything. (J LOW)

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau is the story of a city created to ensure the survival of a population that once faced extinction. Many generations have gone by and the history of the city has been kept a secret being passed down from mayor to mayor. The secret is to be revealed only when the effects of a disaster has passed. But the chain has been broken, the secret lost and now the city that was once intended to keep its citizens safe has begun to crumble. (YA DUP)

1984 by George Orwell is the beginning of the party slogan “Big Brother is watching you”. A society where every move is seen, every fear and action is known, and dominance by the ruling Party reaches into every corner of your life. (FICTION ORW)

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is the story of a new awakening for fireman, Guy Montag. He lives in a world where lives are meant to be meaningless and shallow and it is his job to ensure that anything that encourages depth is destroyed …by fire. It is not until several incidents challenge his understanding of the world that a new world is opened to him. (SCIENCE FICTION BRA)

This is a great way to spend your days before Thanksgiving. It will give you a whole new spin on being thankful.

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach

This was one of my favorite books of the year. It was a pleasant surprise as it was a suggested title by one of the members of our book club. I kind of rolled my eyes when I heard it was about baseball, and it has a baseball theme, but the characters in this novel make the book. The story takes place in a small college on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is about a baseball star whose dream of making the major leagues has faded and he has chosen another one of the freshman to mentor. The cast of characters in this book is amazing and I shall never forget them: from crusty tough Henry Skrimshander to lovely tender Owen Dunne. They are dysfunctional, loveable guys that you will not soon forget.

It is Chad Harbach’s first novel and it is definitely a winner. All of us in the book club totally loved it. Definitely a recommended novel.

-Vicki

Summer is almost in full swing by now and you may have already gone on your much anticipated vacation or just about to head out to your next great adventure! We have many travel guide books that you can take along with you, as well as book Cd's and road trip music to make the time pass by faster. Be sure to also check out our sale table before you head out, you can buy a book that you won't have to worry about if it gets lost on the plane! Or you can leave it at your hotel for the next traveler to enjoy. Or if you're looking for a great beach read or a cozy cottage novel ask one of our staff to help you or perhaps you will find one on our staff picks shelf!

Happy traveling!

This is the fourth book of the series 44 Scotland Street and the characters struggle with their own personal dilemmas. Poor six year old Bertie wishes he had some freedom from his overbearing mother, Irene Pollock, and thought he would; now that his baby brother Ulysses has arrived. Bertie’s father, Stuart, is still henpecked and talked down to, which was disappointing because in the last book Stuart showed some backbone. I have come to the discovery that I really dislike the character Irene Pollock and her “holier- than - thou” personality. Bruce reappears in Edinburgh again and gets himself in hot water. I am looking forward to the next book and to seeing how he wiggles out of the position he put himself into. Matthew questions himself, does he truly love Pat? While Pat asks herself is a comfortable relationship all she wants, especially when seeing Bruce again sets her heart a pitter patter. The artist, Angus Lordie, copes with the threat of his dog Cyril possibly being put down after being accused of biting someone. Domenica observes the people around her and how they reflect the image of her beloved city of Edinburgh. Her opinions always make me smile. Big Lou is still looking for a kind man to love and may have found him. Yet again, Alexander McCall Smith writes a beautifully written story about people.

I really enjoy reading these gentle reads and because of this I find myself with a container of mixed olives in the fridge and some fancy coffees in the pantry…..you will have to read this series to find out why I have these items!