January 31, 2022 - New Arrivals

Adult Fiction

The Devil’s Sea by Dirk Cussler.

In 1959 Tibet, a Buddhist artifact of immense importance was seemingly lost to history in the turmoil of the Communist takeover. But when National Underwater and Marine Agency Director Dirk Pitt discovers a forgotten plane crash in the Philippine Sea over 60 years later, new clues emerge to its hidden existence. But Pitt and his compatriot Al Giordino have larger worries when they are ordered to recover a failed hypersonic missile from Luzon Strait. Only someone else is after it, too…a rogue Chinese military team that makes their own earthshattering discovery, hijacking a ship capable of stirring the waters of the deep into a veritable Devil’s Sea. From the cold dark depths of the Pacific Ocean to the dizzying heights of the Himalaya Mountains, only Dirk Pitt and his children, Summer and Dirk Jr., can unravel the mysteries that will preserve a religion, save a nation…and save the world from war.

 

Dark Tarot by Christine Feehan.

Sandu Berdardi continues to exist only to protect his people. An ancient Carpathian, his entire long life has been dedicated to honor above all else. He knows his time has passed, especially since he has not been able to find his lifemate--the anchor to keep him sane in a world he no longer understands. But just as he truly starts to give up hope, a voice reaches out to him in the night and his world explodes into color. Adalasia enters Sandu's mind seamlessly, as if she has been a part of him forever. While she can see the shape of things to come in her deck of cards, her gift is both a blessing and a curse. The true course of Sandu's quest remains unclear, with danger waiting at every turn. She cannot see everything the future holds, but she does know it is a journey they will take together. By joining him, she will start them down a dangerous, seductive path from which there is no coming back....

 

Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren.

In 1773 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage. Although it flies against all the conventions for women of the time, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, proper gender roles are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this unfamiliar world. Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives. Set on keeping her family together and saving her father's plantation, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

 

Adult Non-Fiction

Beautiful Affliction by Lene Fogelberg.

Lene Fogelberg is dying--she is sure of it--but no doctor in Sweden, her home country, believes her. Love stories enfold her, with her husband, her two precious daughters, her enchanting surroundings, but the question she has carried in her heart since childhood--Will I die young?--is threatening all she holds dear, even her sanity. When her young family moves to the US, an answer, a diagnosis, is finally found: she is in the last stages of a fatal congenital heart disease. But is it too late?

 

The Happy, Healthy Revolution by Theresa Y. Wee, M.D.

You and your family can get healthier and lose weight now! Are you a full-time parent who is overwhelmed, tired, and working a full-time job outside of the home? Does your entire family need help to become healthier? Are you fed up with quick-fix diets or expensive programs to get healthier? Are you overwhelmed by all the information out there, but have no idea where to start? Mother and pediatrician Dr. Theresa Wee gets it. After raising her four children while working full time, she shares with you her tips, tricks, and secrets she learned to keep her family in shape.

 

Easy/Juvenile/Young Adult/Graphic Novel

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by Kat Zhang.  E

Amy loves craft time at school. But when her teacher asks everyone to make their own dragon, Amy feels stuck. Her first dragon has a long, wingless body, stag-like horns, and eagle claws, but her friends don't think it's a real dragon. Then she makes dragons like theirs, but none of them feels quite right...None of them feels like hers. After school, a story from Grandma sparks new inspiration, and Amy rounds up her family to help her. Together, can they make Amy's perfect dragon?

 

Aquaman: Deep Dives by Steve Orlando, V. Ken Marion, Pop Mhan, & Sandu Florea.  GN

With his extraordinary aquatic abilities, strength, bravery, and humanity, Aquaman is a force to be reckoned with! Dive into new complexities of his legacy in this collection of fresh imaginings from top DC talent like Marv Wolfman, Tom Taylor, Steve Orlando, and many, many more! Discover threads from the Aquaman mythology featuring iconic characters such as Mera, Black Manta, and Aqualad.

Brooke County Public Libraries    Wellsburg (304) 737-1551    Follansbee (304) 527-0860

January 28, 2022 - Staff Reviews

 

The Barbizon: The Hotel that Set Women Free

By: Paulina Bren

5 Stars

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/5589543

Image courtesy of WV Reads

WOULD recommend everyday all day. The book was placed in the main libraries collection as a memorial for a strong woman who had recently passed. I would not have picked it up otherwise, but due to the fact that it was a memorial for a beloved community member, and the topic, really intrigued me as this is a non-fiction read.

The pages were steeped in history. I mean I never knew about this hotel before. And quite frankly, it has very recent changes to it which made it all the more relevant to understand that this structure still exists in another façade. AND that a few members who stayed in the initial one still lived.

Learning about women in this time frame and the limited access to safe lodging was not surprising. But learning about the background of the hotel and how you had to come about being someone who could stay was interesting to learn more in-depth about. It was really neat to learn side-by-side about a magazine that had been instrumental in keeping the hotel so relevant, and even more the other entities that used the hotel for lodging of its workers.

I also listened to this as an audio book and absotootly loved the narrator. Her tone and infliction really brought the book even more to life. I would recommend listening to her in another format and book as well.

 

(AS)

January 27, 2022 - Staff Reviews

A Deeper Fear

By Alison Brennan

Release Date: January 26, 2021

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/wvreads-wvlc/content/media/5832439

3 Stars - A quick but intense short novel from the Lucy Kincaid series that's a bit more drama than action. All Lucy's psychology lessons and experience never covered how to help her own husband overcome PTSD and self doubt after a crisis. Her husband Sean is struggling despite trying to put up a tough front as he facest one of his toughest battles yet, emotionally and within himself. Lots of lovable returning characters pop here as well!

Brennan's romantic suspense series featuring Lucy Kincaid is classic in the genre. While it does suffer from a bit of both outrageousness and repetition, she's an excellent writer with a very sharp style. Here's possibly not her best showcase of talents though. Lucy and Sean's lack of communication has got to bother their die hard fans in this. Lucy's smarter than the approach she's taking with Sean, but her own feelings are clouding her judgement. Sean's reluctance to open up is completely understandable but at the same time, he's clearly not convincing anyone he's okay. He seems less in denial about having issues, more in denial about fixing them.

I was really pleased with the role Lucy's brother Jack got in this as his book was one of my favorites from Brennan. He doesn't treat Lucy or Sean with kid gloves, and he makes it clear they both a being a bit stubborn. But he's also supportive. This couple actually has lot of support. Nearly every characters from Lucy's siblings to Sean's friends get to pop up here for a least a page or two. However, I could have done without the storyline Ellen and Marc's relationship. Brennan doesn't handle fertility issues in the best way, in my opinion, and she manages to work them into her couple storyline quite a bit. I'm not sure if she or someone in her circle has personally dealt with the problem. And obviously everyone, especially women, have to handle those issues in their own way. I just personally don't like to see it used so frequently in character development. It's a sad thing to relate to and unfathomable for those that have not. The suspense takes a while to kick in here. And I'm not sure how enjoyable this would be for readers unfamiliar with series. There are sort of spoilers for other books but nonspecific ones for the most part. It may make for a decent sample for those looking for a new romantic suspense author or girl power mystery series.

(NS)

January 26, 2022 - Children's Series Spotlight

Welcome back, book lovers! 

A new set of posts for 2022 are going to feature some of our readers' and staff members' favorite children and young adult authors. We're excited to start off today!

In January 2022, we are putting a spotlight on the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. The mystery series is a favorite with our young readers of various ages.

About the series...

The first of the Magic Tree House books, Dinosaurs Before Dark, was published in 1992. She was initially inspired to write the books while working in a teen homeless shelter and realizing that for the teens writing themselves into stories taking place in the Himalayas or Serengeti had a major effect on the teens. Osborne says she tried writing the book seven different ways before finding a way that worked." It introduces the main characters of Jack and Annie, a brother and sister duo of adventurers who are transported to different areas of time thanks to the titular magic treehouse. The first book established the format for feature books and introduced recurring characters Morgan le Fay and Merlin, as part of the Arthurian motifs. Osborne says she is more like Jack but wishes she was more like Annie.

Osborne tends to place small cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, which has been highlighted as one of the major reasons for the appeal of the books within their target age group. Another important factor in their success is the educational nature of the series. The books are cited for their ability to interest students in history and Osborne’s usage of vocabulary encourages young readers to learn new words and for their promoting gratitude and cross-cultural understanding in its readers.

About the author...

Mary Pope Osborne (born May 20, 1949) is best known as the author of the Magic Tree House series, which as of 2017 sold more than 134 million copies worldwide. Both the series and Osborne have won awards, sometimes for Osborne's charitable efforts at promoting children's literacy. One of four children, Osborne moved around in her childhood before attending the University of North Carolina. Following college, Osborne traveled before moving to New York City. She somewhat spontaneously began to write, with her first book being published in 1982. She would go on to write a variety of other kinds of children's and young adult books before starting the Magic Tree House series in 1992. Osborne's sister Natalie Pope Boyce has written several compendium books to the Magic Tree House series, sometimes with Osborne's husband Will.

Images and info courtesy of Wikipedia, Google, and WV Reads.

Please let us know if this series was a favorite of yours or similar recommendations! Maybe you had a favorite adventure? We'd love to hear from you in our comment section, on our social media pages, or in person! We've got some of these titles from the series on our shelves of course.

Intrigued? Check out the series on WV Reads! We have numerous titles in our ebook collection. https://wvreads.overdrive.com/search?query=Magic%20Tree%20House

January 25, 2021 - BCPL Book & a Recipe

Welcome back, readers and aspiring chefs!

 Brooke County Libraries are excited to present our first recipe of the new year. We're featuring Winter Salad from Eggs on Ice by Laura Childs. This is from her fan favorite Cackleberry Club Mysteries.

Ingredients:

1 lg head red leaf lettuce, chopped

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup olive oil

1 lg apple, chopped

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled

Instructions:

Place the lettuce in bowl.

Next, put in balsamic vinegar, mustard, and sea salt in blender.

Blend on low for 10 secs.

With it running on low, slowly pour in olive oil until combined.

Pour dressing over greens and toss well.

Add apple, walnuts, cranberries, and cheese.

Toss again and divide.

Makes for 4 portions*

(Add grilled chicken to make this an entree.)

That's all folks! Be sure to share with us if you try this recipe out. We love to hear from our readers in the comments or on our social media pages.

Enjoying this receipe? Check out the ebook in our catalouge on WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/3889366

Images are courtesy of Google Images, WV Reads, and author webpage.

 

January 24, 2022 - New Arrivals

Adult Fiction

Foul Play by Stuart Woods.

"Stone Barrington is nearing his New York City abode when he stumbles into trouble. As it turns out, a new client is in danger--and with both business and the safety of the city at stake, he has no choice but to get involved. When it soon becomes clear that a complicated scheme is being hatched, Stone will need to use his expertise and connections to unravel the clever plot. Though the source remains unknown, it's just a matter of time before he and Stone must each show their hands. From ritzy Manhattan high-rises to the lush serenity of the Connecticut countryside, the game of cat and mouse can end with only one victor...."-- Publisher marketing.

 

The Joy and Light Bus Company by Alexander McCall Smith.

Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni attends a course hosted by the local chamber of commerce entitled "Where Is Your Business Going?" But rather than feeling energized, he comes back in low spirits, unsure how to grow the already venerable and successful Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. Then an old friend from school approaches him about a new business venture that could be just the ticket. When it turns out he will need to mortgage his property in order to pursue this endeavor, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi wonder what this will mean for his current business--as well as their own. Even as she puzzles over mysteries on the domestic front, Mma Ramotswe's professional duties must take precedence. When a concerned son learns that his aging father's nurse now stands to inherit the family home, he begins to doubt her intentions and takes his case to Botswana's premier detective agency. Fortunately, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are committed agents of justice and agree to investigate. Tricky as these matters may be, Mma Ramotswe knows that the most creative solutions are often found with the support of loving friends and family. Working together over a cup of red bush tea, she and Mma Makutsi will rely on their tact, humor, and goodwill to ensure that all involved find the happiness that they deserve.

 

A Darker Place by Rachel Amphlett.

The frozen body of a man is discovered in a used car yard on the hottest day of the year, his face contorted by fear and pain. Detective Kay Hunter and her team are assigned the case, but when they find out who the victim is, their worst fears are realized. There is another man missing – but is he a victim, or a killer? With time running out and witnesses afraid to talk, Kay is thrust into one of the most challenging investigations of her career to date.

 

Adult Non-Fiction

Rut-Busting Book for Authors by Nancy Christie.

Thinking of writing a book but can’t get out of your rut and do it? Are you unsure how to get started--or keep going? Are you wondering what publishing option to choose: traditional, hybrid or indie? Are you confused about how best to market your book and reach your readers? Rut-Busting Book for Authors can help, with advice from more than 60 authors and industry experts: literary agents and attorneys, publishers and publicists, book editors and book reviewers. It provides information on the three stages involved in writing, publishing and marketing a book.

 

The Plague Year by Lawrence Wright.

From the fateful first moments of the outbreak in China to the storming of the U.S. Capitol to the extraordinary vaccine rollout, Lawrence Wright's The Plague Year tells the story of Covid-19 in authoritative, galvanizing detail and with the full drama of events on both a global and intimate scale, illuminating the medical, economic, political, and social ramifications of the pandemic. Wright takes us inside the CDC, where a first round of faulty test kits lost America precious time . . . inside the halls of the White House, where Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Pottinger's early alarm about the virus was met with confounding and drastically costly skepticism . . . into a Covid ward in a Charlottesville hospital, with an idealistic young woman doctor from the town of Little Africa, South Carolina . . . into the precincts of prediction specialists at Goldman Sachs . . . into Broadway's darkened theaters and Austin's struggling music venues . . . inside the human body, diving deep into the science of how the virus and vaccines function--with an eye-opening detour into the history of vaccination and of the modern anti-vaccination movement. And in this full accounting, Wright makes clear that the medical professionals around the country who've risked their lives to fight the virus reveal and embody an America in all its vulnerability, courage, and potential.

 

Easy/Juvenile/Young Adult/Graphic Novel

What Are the Winter Olympics? by Gail Herman.  J NF

Although fans the world over have been fascinated by the modern Summer Olympics since 1896, the Winter Olympics didn't officially begin until 1924. The event celebrates cold-weather sports, displaying the talents of skiers, ice skaters, hockey players, and, most recently, snowboarding. Like its summer counterpart, the Winter Games are dedicated to bringing together the world's top athletes to honor their talents and see who gets to stand on the medal podium. Gail Herman covers it all in a wonderful read--the highs, such as the 1980 US hockey team's unexpected gold medal grab, as well as the lows, including the Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan figure-skating scandal in 1994.

 

Big Apple Diaries by Alyssa Bermudez.  J GN

It’s the year 2000 in New York City. For 12-year old Alyssa, this means splitting time between her Puerto Rican dad's apartment in Manhattan and her white mom's new place in Queens, navigating the trials and tribulations of middle school, and an epic crush on a new classmate. The only way to make sense of it all is to capture the highs and lows in doodles and hilarious comics in a diary. Then life abruptly changes on September 11, 2001. After the Twin Towers fall and so many lives are lost, worries about gossip and boys feel distant and insignificant. Alyssa must find a new sense of self and purpose amidst all of the chaos, and find the strength to move forward with hope.

Brooke County Public Libraries    Wellsburg (304) 737-1551    Follansbee (304) 527-0860

January 22, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Come Midnight

By Kat Martin

Release Date: June 2021

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/5721115

3 Stars - An exciting and fairly action packed little novella. Derek's a likable if a bit mysterious hero. He's helping slightly hapless but dedicated Bree as she's taken hostage in the Central American jungle. I could feel the heat! An easy read for a busy day or in between books in this fairly long-running series.

For such a short story, I really felt the atmosphere and a decent connection with the characters. I was new to the series but not entirely new to Kat Martin's work. She's never held great appeal for me but that might change with this read. Derek's got a refreshing background for a hero. He's not a really broody, alpha ex-special forces type. Sure, he was in the military but he's not working with the super human edge. Bree's a little less likable, though almost because she's made out to be a little too perfect. She's rich, beautiful, good with kids, generous, and optimistic. But she wasn't altogether unrelatable, certainly far from unbearable.

So the reason I'm not raving or hooked on the series despite this pleasant surprise is the realism. Yeah, this is fiction. And short fiction. But some details were just unlikely. Derek advised Bree to save half a burrito on their hike because they might not get more food. Really? We're not talking rationing MREs and granola bars here, just eat the burritos. Also, the terrorists moves and mindsets were a little iffy to me. Terrorists generally hijack planes to kill people and make a statement so the hostage deal, wanting money Bree's dad. It rang a little hollow for me. I get we needed a plausible set up for the story of course, but a bit of reworking might have gone a long way. It's definitely not to be taken too seriously. I loved though the aspect of their pretend relationship, added a little something unusual. And Derek really showed his bravery by going with it. The suspense aspects and tension were well written and everything was paced well for a novella. All and all, a really fun read for when you're looking for to melt into a good read for a little while.

(NS)

January 21, 2022 - Winter Library Displays

Today, we wanted to share a new set of posts for 2022! We're featuring some of our favorite library displays over the years.

This month's theme is "Winter".

We've had a lot of fun with Winter and Snow displays, bulletin boards, and more. Plus, the winter holidays like Valentine's Day!

Some of our favorites have a little word play! We love to find titles and displays we can tie together 

Some displays are so much fun we have to reuse them, switching it up between Wellsburg and Follansbee locations with different books.

Do you enjoy a fun book display? Ever check out some good reads from our tables? Have any suggestions for more Winter display ideas?

Let us know! We love to hear from our readers.

 

January 19, 2022 - Staff Reviews

The Art of War

By Stephen Coonts

Release Date: February 2, 3016

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/2287597

2.5 Stars - A really good novel that could have been great with a bit tighter plot. Grafton and his counterpart Carmellini are in the thick of things again but this isn't their most impressive outing. Lots of well-liked returning characters add a fun flair to this nonstop action thriller.

While this is a Jake Grafton book, it's mostly a Tommy Carmellini one. I have to applaud Coonts for managing to continue writing about a beloved action hero without making him logically seventy years old and still whipping terrorists all over the globe. This is always my go-to example of how a thriller series can utilize a mentor/protege relationship to keep readers coming back. It's fun to see characters from Grafton's world and his beloved wife Callie. But we also have Tommy who is a really fun hero. I love the switch to his first person POV. He's funny but not goofy, perfectly able to adapt to his situation. And he's not just a tough guy. He's more of an everyday man with an edge. Oh, and he used to be a thief *smirks*.

This felt like a bit of a slow starter but things certainly kick up. I came to this entry after a six years gap in reading the series. I know, yikes! Needless to say, it wasn't like picking up where I left off. Tommy and Jake's histories lend themselves just fine for popping into their stories. But there's so many side characters. Like, I did remember Sarah but not Ana. And the side stories and personalities don't all get a lot of recap. The villians get a lot of page time here, but at least they're interesting too. A lot of readers dislike Coonts' for his sometimes heavy handed political talk. But I didn't think this one had much, just the general D.C. security agency mumbo-jumbo. I'll say the plot can be hard to follow. It's not as simply constructed as perhaps a Clancy espionage style mission or conundrum. At some points, I wondered what was even happening. But it was really entertaining. I'll admit I knocked off like whole star because of the craziness in the middle. It was not needed and felt completely out of place in the story. Coonts' ideas of escalating things had me rolling my eyes. Overall though, an action packed ride here from a fun series.

(NS)

January 17, 2022 - New Arrivals

Adult Fiction

NYPD Red 3 by James Patterson & Marshall Karp.

NYPD Red is the elite, highly trained task force assigned to protect the rich, the famous, and the connected. And Detective Zach Jordan and his partner Kylie MacDonald-the woman who broke his heart at the police academy-are the best of the best, brilliant and tireless investigators who will stop at nothing to deliver justice. Zach and Kylie's New Year's celebrations are cut short when they're called to the home of billionaire businessman Hunter Alden, Jr. after he makes a grisly discovery in his townhouse garage. When Alden's teenage son goes missing soon afterwards, and his father seems oddly reluctant to find him, Zach and Kylie find themselves in the middle of a chilling conspiracy that threatens everyone in its wake-especially their city's most powerful citizens.

 

Over My Dead Body by Jeffrey Archer.

In London, the Metropolitan Police set up a new Unsolved Murders Unit--a cold case squad--to catch the criminals nobody else can. In Geneva, millionaire art collector Miles Faulkner--convicted of forgery and theft--was pronounced dead two months ago. So why is his unscrupulous lawyer still representing a dead client? On a luxury liner en route to New York, the battle for power within a wealthy dynasty is about to turn to murder. And at the heart of all three investigations are Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick, rising star of the department, and ex-undercover agent Ross Hogan, brought in from the cold. But can they catch the killers before it's too late?

 

Pup Fiction by Laurien Berenson.

"With a new litter of Standard Poodles on the way, it's shaping up to be a vibrant July in Greenwich, Connecticut, for Melanie Travis. Too bad there's a killer in town who would love to drain the life out of her summer. While usually protective, Melanie feels comfortable sending her sons to the Graceland School's summer camp for two reasons: The institution is well-regarded and proprietor Emily Grace is a trusted friend. But Emily has been acting strange since three rambunctious Dalmatian puppies suddenly appeared on her doorstep. The unusual arrival marks the first of several mysterious happenings at camp, each more intense than the last. Emily's rough streak takes a frightening turn with a discovery in the nearby woods-the body of her estranged ex-husband. As suspicions rush in, proving that Emily didn't murder her biggest mistake will be about as easy as raising prize-winning show dogs. Realizing she's the only one who can prove her friend's innocence and keep the Graceland School from shutting down, Melanie dives into an investigation on the victim's whereabouts leading up to his demise. With a few spotty clues and Aunt Peg's growing curiosity about the Dalmatian pups' origins, Melanie must name the culprit before good intentions come back to bite!"-- Provided by publisher.

 

Adult Non-Fiction

Your Work from Home Life by M. J. Fievre & Becca Anderson.

No longer does the average worker have long, frustrating commutes to crowded offices for jobs more comfortably worked from home. In this day and age, not only are more employers offering remote work, more people are creating their own opportunities for non-traditional work from home. Whether you are a remote work employee, freelancer, or someone who dreams of giving up the daily grind for a career of your own design, Your Work from Home Life is the next step to becoming the ultimate work nomad. Remote work gurus Becca Anderson and M.J. Fievre guide you through the online search process and help you create a list of online certification programs, blogging opportunities, and jobs that allow you to work from home. Together, they offer advice on planning, budgeting, contingency plans, and other resources. Along with advice on how to be productive at home, this fun and uplifting book includes bonus checklists and templates to help you.

 

Breaking the Social Media Prism by Chris Bail.

In an era of increasing social isolation, platforms like Facebook and Twitter are among the most important tools we have to understand each other. We use social media as a mirror to decipher our place in society but, as Chris Bail explains, it functions more like a prism that distorts our identities, empowers status-seeking extremists, and renders moderates all but invisible. Breaking the Social Media Prism challenges common myths about echo chambers, foreign misinformation campaigns, and radicalizing algorithms, revealing that the solution to political tribalism lies deep inside ourselves. Drawing on innovative online experiments and in-depth interviews with social media users from across the political spectrum, this book explains why stepping outside of our echo chambers can make us more polarized, not less. Bail takes you inside the minds of online extremists through vivid narratives that trace their lives on the platforms and off--detailing how they dominate public discourse at the expense of the moderate majority. Wherever you stand on the spectrum of user behavior and political opinion, he offers fresh solutions to counter political tribalism from the bottom up and the top down. He introduces new apps and bots to help readers avoid misperceptions and engage in better conversations with the other side. Finally, he explores what the virtual public square might look like if we could hit "reset" and redesign social media from scratch through a first-of-its-kind experiment on a new social media platform built for scientific research.

 

Easy/Juvenile/Young Adult/Graphic Novel

City of the Dead by James Patterson & Mindy McGinnis.  YA

In the City of the Dead, life happens in the shadows. That's why a war is brewing against an enemy no one can see. Hawk and Maximum Ride never back down from a conflict, or from each other, and they argue more than they agree. But as the dead begin to outnumber the living, a mother's experience and a daughter's instinct can make one powerful arsenal.

 

Little People, Big Dreams: Yoko Ono by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara.  J NF

Little Yoko had everything she could dream of - except time with her busy parents. After years of struggle and hunger during the war, Yoko made her way to New York to meet other free spirits and study art. One day, John Lennon came to see her work and together, they imagined a better world: one in which war no longer raged and everyone worked for peace. This inspiring story of the artist and activist's life features a fact and photo section at the back.

Brooke County Public Libraries    Wellsburg (304) 737-1551    Follansbee (304) 527-0860

January 13, 2022 - BCPL Resume Tips

Welcome back, resume warriors! Here's another edition of Brooke County Libraries resume tips.

Resume Tip #15

Beware of "free" resume sites!

If you google search how to's on resumes, you are destined to find a site that promises you a free template. Unfortunately, many will let you type in all your info and organize it. Only to apply a charge when you go to save it or print it.

You are better off to copy the advice or the formatting as best you can in a word program on your phone or computer. For example, use the same template for sections and details on the website in Microsoft Word, Jarte, or Google Docs.

Don't fall into the trap of "free" resume sites! Be careful to check the fine print before losing the time and effort of entering your employment details.

Remember, your local library has a lot of experiencd helping job seekers of all ages. Don't be afraid to ask them for advice!

January 12, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Image courtesy of WV Reads

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/4207940

 Never Caught: The Washington's Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge

By: Erica Armstrong Dunbar

BCPL Book Club August 2021 Book

Would not have picked this up otherwise to read, however, since it was the book club selection, that is why. SUPER eye opening to understand a bit more about one of our founding fathers. It does not paint a glorified picture at all. Which his family was still someone who did great things for this county, however, they still had a bit of a sordid past which is not really surprising. In the end you find yourself connected to Ona and her family, As you turn pages learning about her, you as expected, begin to root for her and hope that things turn out great. The fact that you have a bit of a let down that Ona was not able to live a life she should have been able to is rough and not all that unexpected. But learning this and making sure we don't repeat past history is very much needed

(AS)

January 11, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Mission Critical

By Mark Greaney

Release Date: February 19, 2019

Ebook Available from WV Reads

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/4003697

4 Stars! - An awesome entry in the Gray man series. Court stumbles into a plot to attack the five of the biggest intelligence agencies in world and connects with a bunch of his old friends, plus a few wild cards along the way to stopping the terrorists. Other than a few too easy coincendences here and there, this was an excellent action thriller.

It seems mid-series, Greaney really hit his peak and it's quite a ride. Court's much moee human by this point than he was in some of the early books, one of the reasons I lost touch with the series for awhile. Also, in this entry, the writing style is really sharp and precise. Sometimes I'd feel bogged down in useless weapon and background details, etc. but less so with this fast moving plot. I loved to see Zoya return with a lot of the focus on her past. Also, Zack who is Court's former mentor that's also a frenemy is always a good time. Even the villians are memorable as characters in this one.

It's so refreshing sometimes to read a thriller with politics and espionage that isn't focused on ISIS or whatever middle east faction is at large. All these terrorist have the same back story most of the time, and I get bored. Give me drug lords, Cold War spies, or IRA baddies, anything to mix it up. Here the enemies are all holding their cards close to the vest. Also, I found the biologic weapon plot line chilling in the aftermath of coronavirus, of course. It brought an edge of sorts to the story. Court's of course got to level the playing field by getting hurt. If he's not sick or injured, it would be just too easy for him to go full Gray Man and win the day without a challenge. And certainly, his confidence level and abilities cause some people to roll their eyes. But I just have to circle back again also to how great it is we have recurring characters popping up in this one. We get Brewer and her shady CIA games, plus Handley who is Court's favorite boss. Zoya's backstory becomes clearer. Poor Zack just wants a new code name. It's all a lot of fun, and probably easy enough to follow for someone new to Greaney's work.

(NS)

January 10, 2022 - New Arrivals

Adult Fiction

The Becoming by Nora Roberts.

The world of magick and the world of man have long been estranged from one another. But some can walk between the two--including Breen Siobhan Kelly. She has just returned to Talamh, with her friend, Marco, who's dazzled and disoriented by this realm--a place filled with dragons and faeries and mermaids (but no WiFi, to his chagrin). In Talamh, Breen is not the ordinary young schoolteacher he knew her as. Here she is learning to embrace the powers of her true identity. Marco is welcomed kindly by her people--and by Keegan, leader of the Fey. Keegan has trained Breen as a warrior, and his yearning for her has grown along with his admiration of her strength and skills. But one member of Breen's bloodline is not there to embrace her. Her grandfather, the outcast god Odran, plots to destroy Talamh--and now all must unite to defeat his dark forces. There will be losses and sorrows, betrayal and bloodshed. But through it, Breen Siobhan Kelly will take the next step on the journey to becoming all that she was born to be.

 

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom.

After a deadly ship explosion, ten people, adrift in a raft, struggle to survive at sea and pull a strange man from the sea who claims to be the Lord.

 

Forgiving Paris by Karen Kingsbury.

In Indiana, Ashley Baxter Blake and her husband are about to take an anniversary trip to Paris, but she is hesitant. More than two decades ago, she made her most grievous mistake in that same city. She has never forgiven herself for what happened there, and she still harbors secrets that she's afraid will come to light. Just before the trip, Ashley gets a call from her niece. Jessie explains that her French boyfriend's mother remembers working at a bakery with an American named Ashley. "Could that be you?" When Alice and Ashley meet, a flood of memories comes for both women, taking Ashley back to a reckless affair and an unexpected pregnancy and Alice to the night she nearly ended it all. Can this reunion bring healing and closure? Maybe it is finally time for Ashley to forgive herself...and Paris.

 

Adult Non-Fiction

Mayhem by Michele R. McPhee.

This page-turning narrative goes a long way toward answering questions that still linger about the notorious Boston Marathon bombing, such as: Where were the bombs made? And what had been Tamerlan Tsarnaev's relationship to the FBI? Mayhem casts a spotlight on the U.S. Government's relationship with the older Tsarnaev brother as his younger brother, Dzhokhar, will continue his efforts to have his death sentence commuted in October, just days after the Boston Marathon will be run for the first time since 2019. The federal government may be forced to confirm a longstanding relationship with Tamerlan and its decision to shield him from investigation for the Sept. 11, 2011 ISIS-style triple murder of three friends. As they infamously did with Whitey Bulger, federal agents appear to have protected Tamerlan because of his value as a paid informant.

 

Good Economics for Hard Times by Abhijit V. Banerjee & Esther Duflo.

Figuring out how to deal with today's critical economic problems is perhaps the great challenge of our time. Much greater than space travel or perhaps even the next revolutionary medical breakthrough, what is at stake is the whole idea of the good life as we have known it. Immigration and inequality, globalization and technological disruption, slowing growth and accelerating climate change--these are sources of great anxiety across the world, from New Delhi and Dakar to Paris and Washington, DC. The resources to address these challenges are there--what we lack are ideas that will help us jump the wall of disagreement and distrust that divides us. If we succeed, history will remember our era with gratitude; if we fail, the potential losses are incalculable.

 

Easy/Juvenile/Young Adult/Graphic Novel

Any Sign of Life by Rae Carson.  YA

When a teenage girl thinks she may be the only person left alive in her town--maybe in the whole world--she must rely on hope, trust, and her own resilience. A harrowing and pulse-pounding survival story from New York Times-bestselling author Rae Carson. Any Sign of Life is a must-have for readers of Rick Yancey's The 5th Wave and Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman's Dry. Paige Miller is determined to take her basketball team to the state championship, maybe even beyond. But as March Madness heats up, Paige falls deathly ill. Days later, she wakes up attached to an IV and learns that the whole world has perished. Everyone she loves, and all of her dreams for the future--they're gone. But Paige is a warrior. She pushes through her fear and her grief and gets through each day scrounging for food, for shelter, for safety. As she struggles with her new reality, Paige learns that the apocalypse did not happen by accident. And that there are worse things than being alone.

Shuri: Princess by Nic Stone.  J

"Shuri would rather be in her lab than perform her princess duties, but when she learns of rumors of an invasion and that Wakanda's Heart-Shaped Herb plants are dying, she must figure out how to save the plants in time for Challenge Day."-- Provided by publisher.

Brooke County Public Libraries    Wellsburg (304) 737-1551    Follansbee (304) 527-0860

January 8, 2022 - Staff Reviews

The Crown of Gilded Bones

By Jennifer Armentrout

Release Date: April 20, 2021

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6211476

3 Stars - An understandably addictive trilogy that's now really overstetching into six books. It's reached its peak here I'm afraid. The tales feature modest yet powerful heroine Poppy. She's battling literally unknown forces with help from her friends and some enemies. Her romance with Casteel is really at the forefront at times in this book but there's also a lot of action and fun with their quirky crew supporting characters.

I'm more familiar with Armentrout's new adult romances but she has a special touch with the fantasy/paranormal where she seems to thrive. I'll admit her style is wordy but very similar to Showalter or Maas who also excel with readers in the genre. It takes a minute to get into a rhythm of reading and understanding all the info she provides. I loved her use of first person but also would have liked to hear some characters thoughts and feelings straight from them. Poppy and Casteel are an excellent lead couple. I don't want to say too much to avoid spoilers for those who haven't read this one or the prior novels yet. But they are beautifully passionate and dedicated to each other. By this point, there's no doubt they're meant to be.

I'm not a super avid reader of fantasy fiction so one of my small complaints here is that this world Armentrout's created has an "everything but the kitchen sink" feel. She's clearly borrowed and/or embraced some of the supernatural ideas from other series and common fantasy tropes. But they're also mixed in with her own creations. It seems like the rules, family trees, backstories, etc almost got away from her in planning. And this is oddly Victorian in style one minute while modern the next, especially in terms of dialouge. Maybe that's a plus for some readers. This one starts out almost too action packed. The first quarter is like non stop chaos and fighting, one instance after another. Things settle down for awhile, almost bog down. But it was nice to see happy, quiet moments for Casteel, Poppy, and the crew. Also, there's quite a few steamy scenes from our main couple. There's a lot of info dump moments, individual scenes that make up a single chapter. But I have to admit, Armentrout seems to end every scene and chapters with mini cliffhangers that make this hard to put down. 

(NS)