January 14, 2021 - BCPL Book Club Preview

The Brooke County public libraries are excited to share a glimpse of the first book club discussion of 2021!

We will be featuring the acclaimed story Becoming by Michelle Obama. Our discussion will next place Thursday January 28th. Please just our newsletter posts for more information. We'd love for you to join in!

 

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. 

About the author -

Michelle Robinson Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Mrs. Obama started her career as an attorney at the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin, where she met her future husband, Barack Obama. She later worked in the Chicago mayor's office, at the University of Chicago, and at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Mrs. Obama also founded the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an organization that prepares young people for careers in public service.

January 12, 2021 - Staff Reviews

 Fortune and Glory

By Janet Evanovich

Release Date: November 3, 2020

Audiobook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/5329731

3 Stars - The new Plum novel fell just short of my expectations. The punchy dialouge and humor are still here, and Stephanie's the same as ever. Though as many of us long time fans have been saying, the latter may be a problem. Evanovich has managed to weave a slightly different tale in this one with the treasure hunt afoot, giving a new purpose to our heroine and her quirky counterparts. King narrates well as always.

I actually was excited for 27 because 26 was more like the Plum novels of old. There wasn't a plethora of reality shows or zombies, etc. And I thought the treasure hunt aspect was introduced through Grandma Mazur in a smart and at least semi plausible way. But as usual, the beginning of this book felt like about 10 steps back from where the previous ended. Steph and Lula are trolling for weird fugitives and talking a bit too bluntly about body parts. 

A few scenes felt out of place, as if maybe intended for the previous book and carried over (like the tunnel early on). And this book had more suspense scenes being squashed by humor. Sometimes it's okay, but why make scary bad guys if are also major losers? Remember back in the early days of Plum when there was danger? Speaking of danger, Stephanie early on saying how much she misses Morelli and then hopping in bed with Ranger is just gross. The last couple books where she and Morelli had just seemed to have decided to be commitment phobic together were better. This entry felt again like Evanovich pandering to keep all fans happy by pulling out all the old tricks. And I no longer have much hope for the new direction it seemed we were headed with this series. Highlights were the scene at the Margo, Stephanie's self-appointed bodyguard, the funeral, and of course the food.

(NS)

January 11, 2021 - New Arrivals

January 11, 2021

Adult Fiction

Hidden in Plain Sight by Jeffrey Archer.

“William Warwick has been promoted to Detective Sergeant, but his promotion means that he, along with the rest of his team, have been reassigned to the Drugs Squad. They are immediately tasked with apprehending Ahmed Rashedi, a notorious drug dealer, who operates his extensive network out of South London. As the investigation progresses, William runs into enemies old and new: Adrian Heath, from his school days, now a street dealer who he convinces to turn informer; and financier Miles Faulkner, who makes a mistake that could finally see him put behind bars. Meanwhile, William and his fiancée Beth enjoy making preparations for their upcoming wedding, though an unpleasant surprise awaits them at the altar. As William's team closes the net around a criminal network like none they have ever faced before, he devises a trap they would never expect, one that is hidden in plain sight . . . "-- Provided by publisher.

 

In the Lion’s Den by Barbara Taylor.

“James Lionel Falconer has risen quickly from a mere shop worker to being the right-hand man of Henry Malvern, head of the most prestigious shipping company in London. With Malvern's daughter Alexis running away to the country after a terrible tragedy and refusing to return, James' ascent to head of the company seems inevitable. But even a charmed life like James' is not without its setbacks. A terrible fire threatens to end his merchant career before it's had a chance to truly begin. Mrs. Ward, James' former paramour, has a secret that could change his life forever. And his distaste for Alexis Malvern is slowly growing into feelings of quite a different sort. Can James continue to be the master of his own fate, or will all of his charm, intelligence, and wit finally fail him when he has to enter the lion's den?” – Provided by publisher.

 

The End of Her by Shari Lapena.

In upstate New York, Stephanie and Patrick are adjusting to life with their colicky twin babies. The girls are a handful, but Stephanie doesn't mind being a stay-at-home mom, taking care of them. When a woman from Patrick's past drops in on them unexpectedly, raising questions about his late first wife, Stephanie supports her husband wholeheartedly. But, as their marriage crumbles, Stephanie feels herself coming unglued, and soon she isn't sure who to believe.

 

Adult Non-Fiction

A Promised Land by Barack Obama.

Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency--a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.

 

My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

"The first book from Ruth Bader Ginsburg since becoming a Supreme Court Justice in 1993--a witty, engaging, serious, and playful collection of writings and speeches from the woman who has had a powerful and enduring influence on law, women's rights, and popular culture. My Own Words is a selection of writings and speeches by Justice Ginsburg on wide-ranging topics, including gender equality, the workways of the Supreme Court, on being Jewish, on law and lawyers in opera, and on the value of looking beyond US shores when interpreting the US Constitution. Throughout her life Justice Ginsburg has been (and continues to be) a prolific writer and public speaker. This book contains a sampling, selected by Justice Ginsburg and her authorized biographers Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams. Justice Ginsburg has written an Introduction to the book, and Hartnett and Williams introduce each chapter, giving biographical context and quotes gleaned from hundreds of interviews they have conducted. This is a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America's most influential women."-- Provided by publisher.

 

Easy/Juvenile/Young Adult/Graphic Novel

The Ickabog by J.K. Rowling. J

"As the legend of the fearsome Ickabog spreads terror in the peaceful kingdom of Cornucopia, best friends Bert and Daisy set out to discover the truth and bring happiness back to the kingdom. But even in this happy kingdom, a monster lurks. Legend tells of a fearsome creature living far to the north in the Marshlands... the Ickabog. Some say it breathes fire, spits poison, and roars through the mist as it carries off wayward sheep and children alike. Some say it's just a myth... And when that myth takes on a life of its own, casting a shadow over the kingdom, two children - best friends Bert and Daisy - embark on a great adventure to untangle the truth and find out where the real monster lies, bringing hope and happiness to Cornucopia once more."—Provided by publisher.

Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar. YA

“The daughter of a star and a mortal, Sheetal is used to keeping secrets. Pretending to be “normal.” But when an accidental flare of her starfire puts her human father in the hospital, Sheetal needs a full star’s help to heal him. A star like her mother, who returned to the sky long ago. Sheetal’s quest to save her father will take her to a celestial court of shining wonders and dark shadows, where she must take the stage as her family’s champion in a competition to decide the next ruling house of the heavens—and win, or risk never returning to Earth at all.”  – Amazon.com

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

January 7th, 2021 - Winter Reads

Ready to hunker down with some great books? We are at Brooke County Libraries! One of the best things about snow is the excuse for staying in to read.

Check out some of our winter fiction novels available either at Brooke County or Follansbee Public libraries in print or Ebook form.

Winter Loon by Susan Bernard

A haunting debut novel about family and sacrifice, Winter Loon reminds us of how great a burden the past can be, the toll it exacts, and the freedom that comes from letting it go.

 

Depth of Winter by Craig Johnson

Welcome to Walt Longmire's worst nightmare. In Craig Johnson's latest mystery, Depth of Winter, an international hit man and the head of one of the most vicious drug cartels in Mexico has kidnapped Walt's beloved daughter, Cady, to auction her off to his worst enemies, of which there are many.

Wyoming Winter by Diana Palmer

Cultivating his vast Wyoming ranch is all security expert J. C. Calhoun wants. His land is the only thing the betrayed rancher can trust in after discovering his fiancée was pregnant by another man. But all J.C. holds dear becomes compromised when a lost little girl leads him to Colie Jackson

Winter Storms by Erin Hilderbrand

Gather under the mistletoe for one last round of carolling with the Quinn family in this heartwarming conclusion to Elin Hilderbrand's bestselling Winter Street Trilogy.Some of the stormy weather of the past few seasons seems to have finally lifted for the Quinns.

Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he's done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch - if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion.

A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

Stoneybridge is a small town on the west coast of Ireland where all the families know one another. When Chicky Starr decides to take an old, decaying mansion set high on the cliffs overlooking the windswept Atlantic Ocean and turn it into a restful place for a holiday by the sea, everyone thinks she is crazy. 

The Silence of Winter by Wanda Brunstetter

Meredith anxiously waits to hear that Luke has arrived safely in Indiana for a new job opportunity. . .but Luke’s call never comes. Instead, Meredith receives news that tears her heart to shreds and leaves her just barely living—and only for the sake of the little one growing within her.

The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak

tells the epic story of Catherine the Great’s improbable rise to power—as seen through the ever-watchful eyes of an all-but-invisible servant close to the throne.

Winter of the World by Ken Follett

second book in the Century Trilogy. Revolving about a family saga that covers the interrelated experiences of American, Russian, German and British families during the 20th century.

The Alpine Winter by Mary Daheim

But there’s still a newspaper to put out on the sometimes snowy and almost always wet streets of Alpine. It doesn’t buoy Emma’s spirits when Leo and Vida both leave town for the Christmas weekend—and Mitch Laskey suddenly goes AWOL. Emma’s only source of comfort is Sheriff Milo Dodge

Winter Bloom by Tara Heavey

Belonging to an iron-willed elderly lady named Mrs. Prendergast, who is rumored to have murdered and buried her husband there, the garden draws Eva Madigan, a young mother struggling to move on from the pain of her past.

Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah

Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again

Winter Study by Nevada Barr

Soon after Anna Pigeon joins the famed wolf study team of Isle Royale National Park in the middle of Lake Superior, the wolf packs begin to behave in peculiar ways. Giant wolf prints are found, and Anna spies the form of a great wolf from a surveillance plane.

The Winter Lodge by Susan Wiggs

Discover the magic and mystery of love as Susan Wiggs sweeps you away to the sparkling splendour of the Catskills, where old secrets are revealed and romance blooms, even on the coldest days of winter On the longest night of the year, Jenny Majesky loses everything.

Winter Prey by John Sandford

Lucas Davenport thriller by internationally bestselling novelist John Sandford The Iceman crept into the house on the edge of the lake. He killed the father first. Then the mother and child.

Winter Moon by Dean Koontz

In Los Angeles, a hot Hollywood director, high on PCP, turns a city street into a fiery apocalypse. His wife and his child are left to fend for themselves against both criminals that control an increasingly violent city and the dead director's cult of fanatic fans.

A Warmth in Winter by Lori Copeland & Angela Hunt

The story centers around Vernie Bidderman, owner of Mooseleuk Mercantile and Salt Gribbon, the lighthouse operator, who despite the vast differences in their struggles are being taught about the ultimate failure and frustration of self-reliance.

January 6, 2021 - Staff Reviews

 

Ghost

By Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: July 2, 2020

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/5498648

2.5 Stars - I want to like this series because it's set in Pittsburgh near my hometown and Bennett does romantic suspense well. Again though, this one unwhelmed me. Malik and Anna make a cute couple, struggling to overcome their respective emotional scars. I read along steadily, never bored, felt like things really picked up about halfway. But I had trouble getting really immersed in this story.

The Jameson series is not one from Bennett that's really held my attention. It's so serious and seems like the steamy series get allocated to her Wicked ones. Although, her hockey novels still have a good mesh of the two dynamtics. But at least I did finish this entry. Malik is actually the brother of a couple hockey player heroes but he seems far removed from that world here. He's quiet and healing from emotional and physical trauma, but not overly broody. Anna on the other hand is sweet and fairly open, but she's dealing with her own struggles.

I was looking forward to the single mom trope, Anna grateful for the company and security of Malik's subtle and reassuring presence in her life. But she was a little boring. The baby didn't have the slightly personality and motherhood was basically breastfeeding and talk here. (Harsh, I know.) She's has a fairly interesting background but now works the most boring job at Jameson. Malik is relegated to helping her while he recovers. So he doesn't get to be much of a bad boy or show off his skills. Sidenote: I really hate therapy sessions as a plot device. They feel like so much telling and so little showing. Jimmy's death hangs awkwardly between these two for most off the book, putting a damper on the romance side. I think I just turned out to be the wrong audience, expecting suspense. There's good dialouge and interesting back-and-forth with likable enough leads, but I'd say pick this for a fast or easy read, not an engrossing all-out love story.

(NS)

January 4, 2021 - New Arrivals

January 4, 2021

Adult Fiction

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw.

“The Secret Lives of Church Ladies explores the raw and tender places where black women and girls dare to follow their desires and pursue a momentary reprieve from being good. The nine stories in this collection feature four generations of characters grappling with who they want to be in the world, caught as they are between the church's double standards and their own needs and passions."-- Provided by publisher.

 

The Land of Nod by Daniel Rose.

Maggie Stump is the eldest daughter from a family of four children who were all named from the Bible. But there is nothing holy about the Stump family. They are an old-ball mix of druggies and drunks, linked together through shared history and common sorrows. Predictably dysfunctional, they all appear to be going nowhere fast. Then enter one catalyst in the form of a wild crazy circus clown whose tattoos suggest interplanetary alignments, and change enters the formula. Maggie discovers talents that she didn’t know she possessed, and just in time as her entire family is perched on the brink of disaster. It is only through Maggie’s newly acquired psychic skills that she is able to save her brothers and sister from certain self-destruction.

 

The Law of Innocence by Michael Connolly.

"Defense attorney Mickey Haller is pulled over by police, who find the body of a client in the trunk of his Lincoln. Haller is charged with murder and can't make the exorbitant $5 million bail slapped on him by a vindictive judge. Mickey elects to defend himself and must strategize and build his defense from his jail cell in the Twin Towers Correctional Center in downtown Los Angeles, all the while looking over his shoulder--as an officer of the court he is an instant target. Mickey knows he's been framed. Now, with the help of his trusted team, he has to figure out who has plotted to destroy his life and why. Then he has to go before a judge and jury and prove his innocence."-- Amazon.com.

 

Adult Non-Fiction

The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris.

“By reckoning with the big challenges we face together, drawing on the hard-won wisdom and insight from her own career and the work of those who have most inspired her, Kamala Harris offers in The Truths We Hold a master class in problem solving, in crisis management, and leadership in challenging times. Through the arc of her own life, on into the great work of our day, she communicates a vision of shared struggle, shared purpose, and shared values. In a book rich in many home truths, not least is that a relatively small number of people work very hard to convince a great many of us that we have less in common than we actually do, but it falls to us to look past them and get on with the good work of living our common truth. When we do, our shared effort will continue to sustain us and this great nation, now and in the years to come."-- Provided by publisher.

 

Rage by Bob Woodward.

An essential account of the Trump presidency draws on interviews with firsthand sources, meeting notes, diaries, and confidential documents to provide details about Trump's moves as he faced a global pandemic, economic disaster, and racial unrest.

 

Easy/Juvenile/Young Adult/Graphic Novel

Pirate Stew by Neil Gaiman. E

"Long John has a whole crew of wild pirates in tow, and--for one boy and his sister--he's about to transform a perfectly ordinary evening into a riotous adventure beneath a pirate moon."—Provided by publisher.

 

Don’t Turn Out the Lights by Jonathan Maberry. J

Featuring stories from R.L. Stine and Madeleine Roux, this middle grade horror anthology curated by New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry is a chilling tribute to Alvin Schwartz s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. A life-size baby doll that stalks its prey. A flesh-hungry ogre who jingle jangles when he walks. A haunted house just dying for a visitor. What do all these things have in common? They’re scarier in the dark!

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

January 2, 2021 - Staff Reviews

 Man in the Middle

By Briag Haig

Release Date: August 4, 2005

Audiobook available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/2880807

3.5 Stars - This series entry felt a touch overly long but was an excellent mystery featuring smart alecky lead Sean Drummond. Haig never fails to subvert or change up this series with new characters, locations, and job duties for our hero. This time he's bringing his JAG attorney instincts to investigate a shady D.C. murder. It's middle of the road both in the series order and my impression levels.

All the Drummond books are very different from one another. Drummond is unchanging, however. He's politically incorrect and sarcastic. He has a minor humble side that makes an appearance when he's been an idiot. This was of the first series I recall that used the first person storytelling so well. It's becoming increasingly trendy in the mystery genre lately. But few have felt as natural to me as Drummond's viewpoint and Haig's style. All these stories can be read as standalones. Fans of the series though I think will find it superior to the last book President's Assassin. Ganser was definitely a step up as narrator from Brick. A huge one. Though his voice talents were stretched a bit thin.

Admittedly, Drummond's job changes will make some roll their eyes. He's always the best man for any task somehow, al la tv heroes usually. But he never forgets he started as a JAG lawyer in book one and he would prefer that detail. He's also far from PC and not afraid to voice, at least mentally, his opinions. This time his female counterpart is military policewoman Major Tran. She has an interesting backstory but her personality grated on me at times. One of the returning characters is Phyllis, Drummond's surly boss who always makes for an enjoyable page or scene. The main problem for me with this book was that it certainly went on and on. At no point did I feel the plot was dragging but I constantly couldn't believe how much I had left. This was a quality mystery mixed with an action thriller and anyone who enjoys the combination should give this series a try.

(NS)