July 27, 2022 - BCPL Children's Series of the Month

Welcome back! We're in the middle of Summer Reading and halfway through our profiles on our young readers' favorites.

For July 2022, we are featuring the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riodan. This beloved mythology and fantasy fiction series is popular with middle schoolers but really readers of all ages!

Percy Jackson & the Olympians is a pentalogy of fantasy novels written by Irish-American author Rick Riordan, and the first book series in the Camp Half-Blood Chronicles. The novels are set in a world with the Greek gods in the 21st century, and follows the protagonist Percy Jackson, a young demigod who must prevent the Titans from destroying the world.

Richard Russell Riordan Jr. (/ˈraɪərdən/; born June 5, 1964) is an American author. He is known for writing the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. Riordan's books have been translated into forty-two languages and sold more than thirty million copies in the US. 20th Century Fox adapted the first two books of his Percy Jackson series as part of a series of films. His books have spawned related media, such as graphic novels and short story collections.

Riordan was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Alamo Heights High School, and first attended the music program at North Texas State University, wanting to be a guitarist. He transferred to the University of Texas at Austin and studied English and History. He received his teaching certification in those subjects from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He taught English and Social Studies for eight years at Presidio Hill School in San Francisco.

He conceived the idea for the Percy Jackson series as bedtime stories about ancient Greek heroes for his son Haley. Haley had been diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, inspiring Riordan to make the titular protagonist hyperactive and dyslexic. Riordan published the first novel in the series, The Lightning Thief, in 2005. Four sequels followed, with the last, The Last Olympian, in 2009.

Prior to Percy Jackson, Riordan had written the Tres Navarres series, a series of mystery novels for adult readers.

Set in the mid-2000s, the series follows the story of Percy Jackson, a boy who discovers he is a demigod son of Poseidon. He was abandoned by his father because of an oath made by the Big Three (Zeus, Poseidon and Hades), the sons of Cronos, to not father any more children after World War II. The oath was sworn since the demigod children of the three gods are too powerful and have potential for great bloodshed (in-universe, World War II had been a fight between children of the Big Three). Percy's journey turns even more electrifying when he discovers that numerous people and ancient monsters are trying to kill him due to his status as a demigod, latent strength, and growing influence in the Greek world. Percy also finds out that there are even more demigods like him in Camp Half-Blood, a training camp in Long Island.

With his friend Annabeth Chase, and his best friend and companion Grover Underwood (a satyr who Percy finds out is actually his protector), his journey across the frightening mystic worlds begins. Percy soon finds himself fulfilling extraordinary quests, prophecies, and fighting battles with and for the gods against the rising threat of the Titans. He also finds himself at a crossroads: either he helps in the destruction of the world, or in preserving it.

Are you a fan of Percy Jackson? What's your favorite book in the series? Let us know in the comment section or on any of our social media pages! We'd love to hear from you.

Intrigued by this series and this author? Check out some of the titles we have available from WV Reads!

 https://wvreads.overdrive.com/wvreads-wvlc/content/search?query=Rick%20Riordan

July 26, 2022 - Staff Reviews

 

The Legacy

By Elle Kennedy

Release Date: September 21, 2021

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/7040580

3 Stars - This adorable return to the legacy of the off-campus crew is worth the read for any fan of the series and new adult genre. New adult writing has been on a decline of late but Kennedy makes it fun to revisit those days. While it felt a bit longer than I expected, she's worked in everything that's lovable yet also problematic about romance sequels.

So with this review, I have to touch on four couples and four stories so forgive me if I get extra wordy by the end. This was much more than a few brief extended epilouge novellas, which was great! All too often the reader doesn't get their time or money's worth. It had been a long time since I read the original stories and I was also excited to see some side characters from the spin-off series appear too. All the romances and the bro-mances are back and as good as ever. Plus, Kennedy really never fails to amaze me with her talents with male POV and managing to work in humor plus a little suspense. Her stories never fail to feel real.

Down to the finer details now. We have the real double edge sword in this book of why return to couples who are already happily living ever after? Grace and Logan's story which focused on them finding their next relationship step was unfortunately the peak here for me. Not just because they werey fave couple way back when. They really seem to grow and support each other.   Dean and Allie's story sort of blew by for me. They are maybe getting engaged. Their immaturity levels were always the hardest for me, little change here. And Allie's feelings about relationship progress and her actor friends annoyed me. But they're still hot and cute at least. Tuck and Sabrina go on their screwball comedy riddled honeymoon, and it's a steamy few pages then a lot of crazy. New friends, new jobs, etc. all appear on the horizon for them. Hannah and Garrett were saved for last and it's not really a spoiler she gets pregnant unexpectedly. But they barely handled the situation at all, let alone admirably for two grown people in a supposedly healthy relationship. At least once they got their act together, it was cute city. Was it engaging and exciting to see these couples again? Of course! But sadly, at least half these characters don't seem to have matured much. And some conflicts seemed thrown in for the sake of drama which I don't really think belongs in epilouges. Maybe we can revisit them again in another five or ten years!

(NS)

July 25, 2022 - New Arrivals

Adult Fiction

Bucko by Cliff Farrell.

"Everyone believed Matt Battles and his pal Johnny Kidd had been in on a train robbery, but there was no proof other than the fact that Johnny was supposed to be guarding the shipment and had disappeared. Then Sheriff Tom Chisholm offered Matt a chance to clear their names. After pulling a fake robbery of the mercantile, Matt would be sent to Stone Lodge prison to get close to the ones the sheriff believed had robbed the train, escape with them, and recover the stolen gold to clear his name. But when Matt arrives at the mercantile, someone else has already robbed it and killed the owner. The only reason Matt isn't hanged is because they hope he will reveal what he did with the $30,000 dollars that was stolen. He is sent to Stone Lodge, not sure if the sheriff's plan will work or if he will ever be able to prove his innocence of either crime."-- Provided by publisher.

 

Dead Man’s Grave by Neil Lancaster.

The head of Scotland's most powerful crime family is brutally murdered, his body dumped inside an ancient grave in a remote cemetery. Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder arrive at the scene, a small town where everyone has secrets to hide. They soon realize this murder is part of a blood feud between two Scottish families that stretches back to the 1800s. One thing's for certain: it might be the latest killing, but it won't be the last...As the body count rises, the investigation uncovers large-scale corruption at the heart of the Scottish Police Service. Now Max and Janie must turn against their closest colleagues - to solve a case that could cost them far more than just their lives...

 

Love in the Time of Bertie by Alexander McCall Smith.

"In the microcosm of 44 Scotland Street, all of life's richness is found in the glorious goings-on of its residents. There’s Domenica, whose anthropological training has honed her observations of her neighbors; Matthew, whose growing triplets are more than a handful; Bruce, whose challenge as ever is thinking of anything but himself; and Big Lou, who may just have found her shot at romance. And of course, there's young Bertie Pollock, whose starry-eyed explorations of Edinburgh's New Town are a touching reminder that life itself is an adventure and there’s joy to be found wherever you choose to look."-- Provided by publisher

 

Adult Non-Fiction

Wastelands by Corban Addison.

The once idyllic coastal plain of North Carolina is home to a close-knit, rural community that for more than a generation has battled the polluting practices of large-scale farming taking place in its own backyard. After years of frustration and futility, an impassioned cadre of local residents, led by a team of intrepid and dedicated lawyers, filed a lawsuit against one of the world's most powerful companies--and, miraculously, they won.

 

No-Dig Gardening by Bella Linde & Lena Granefelt.

"The no-dig or no-till gardening method is an easy and climate-smart technique that is gaining in popularity and revolutionizing the gardening world. This book teaches you everything you need to start and care for a kitchen garden without any digging, watering, or weeding. Too good to be true? Find out for yourself! No-dig gardening is better for the environment, easier on your back, and yields abundant vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Learn everything you need to get started!"-- Provided by publisher.

 

Easy/Juvenile/Young Adult/Graphic Novel

I Am Not a Penguin by Liz Wong.  E

Poor Pangolin! He's trying to explain who he is, but the other animals keep getting confused. A pangolin might be a very unusual animal, but in this very funny story of mix-ups and misunderstandings, he discovers the rarest creature of all: a friend who really listens and likes you for who you are.

 

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody & Christine Lynn Herman.  YA

Every generation, at the coming of the Blood Moon, seven families in the remote city of Ilvernath each name a champion to compete in a tournament to the death. The prize? Exclusive control over a secret wellspring of high magick, the most powerful resource in the world--one thought long depleted. But this year a scandalous tell-all book has exposed the tournament and thrust the seven new champions into the worldwide spotlight. The book also granted them valuable information previous champions never had--insight into the other families' strategies, secrets, and weaknesses. And most important, it gave them a choice: accept their fate or rewrite their legacy. Either way, this is a story that must be penned in blood.

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

July 20, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Marriage on Madison Avenue

By Lauren Layne

Release Date: January 28, 2020

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/4815416

4 Stars! - A nearly perfect friends to lovers romance with an excellent fake engagement set up. Clarke and Audrey are basically the ideal couple everyone can see but them of course. Neither can bring themselves to call off the fake wedding and their chemistry really makes this slow burn worth the read.

Lauren Layne has a way of making even the simplest or basic of moments romantic, and her ability in that shines here. Audrey is a very likable heroine, a sweet society girl whose childhood friendship with Clarke has seen her through the worst of times. I'm still not a fan of the series set up with Brayden. It does, however, her lack of trust is understandable. Clarke's pretty indecisive the whole book. But he's always there for Audrey and cares about her so genuienely.

Audrey's friendship with Naomi and Claire has a chunk of this story as well, and it continues to grow through all the wedding planning hoopla. It's cute and fun to see her friends know her better than she knows herself. Plus, their hunky guys return too. I will say Audrey and Clarke have the classic miscommunication problems going on the entire book, and it can get frustrating. And worth noting, Layne's signature steamy scenes are completely absent here. Also, I went into this with low expectations but by halfway through, I was undeniably hooked. I think that's when the story peaked though. Lauren teased us with build up scenes that had the potential to be really dynamic, but they sort of came and went quietly without much of a bang. Like the whole ski lodge trip. The ending was much the same. The payoff was sweet and satisyfing, but I still felt like there was more fleshing out to do there after so much build up the first half of the book. Overall though, this was a fabulous little romantic comedy sure to please.

(NS)

July 19, 2022 - A Book & A Recipe

Check out this July's dinner and a recipe idea presented by Brooke County Libraries! This month we're featuring Love-Me-Tenderloin Grilled Steaks from The Whole Enchilada by Diane Mott Davidson.

Let's get started! You don't even have to use the grill...

Ingredients:

4 6 oz filet mignon steaks, each 1 1/2 to 2 in. thick (works best for prime grade from Costco)

1/4 cup of garlic oil (works best with Boyajian from Sur La Table)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

*This recipe must be made using a digital prob meat thermometer and tongs

Steps:

1. Allow steaks to come to room temp. Pre heat oven to 350. Have thermometer ready.

2. Take steaks out of the package and pat both sides with paper towels until dry.

3. Heat a large ovenproof grill pan on the stovetop over high heat.

4. Once hot, add the oil and heat for about 5 seconds.

5. Lay steaks in the pan.

6. Lower the high to med. high.

7. Sprinkle the steaks lightly with salt and pepper.

8. Cook for one minute only.

9. Using tongs, flip the steaks and remove pan from heat.

10. Insert meat thermometer into one steak and place grill pan in the over.

11. Cook until thermometer indicates 125 degrees F (medium rare).

12. Remove pan from oven and loosely cover it with foil for 5 minutes.

Images courtesy of Google, WV Reads, etc.

We hope it makes for a delicious summer lunch or dinner!

If you give it a try, be sure to leave us a comment below or on one of our social media pages.

Intrigued by The Whole Enchilada? Check out our ebook copy on WV Reads and get into the mystery.

 https://wvreads.overdrive.com/wvreads-wvlc/content/media/1253084

July 18, 2022 - New Arrivals

Adult Fiction

Deadly Commitment by Kathy Harris.

"As Danielle Kemp walks out of her downtown Nashville condominium, she gets the eerie feeling someone is watching her. As days go by, she becomes convinced the homeless man outside her building is stalking her. But after learning the real identity of the intimidating stranger, she faces something even more threatening-the truth about her fiancé."-- Provided by publisher.

 

The Russian by Ben Coes.

When a powerful Russian mob family declares war by publicly executing two high-profile American politicians, the message is unmistakable -- opposition will be met with overwhelming deadly force. With no other viable options, the President creates a clandestine assassinations team to find and eliminate the unreachable men running this deadly criminal operation.

 

Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig.

"Cole 'Tox' Russell only wants to begin his life with Haven Cortes, but he and his team must first complete a final mission: retrieve the sword of Goliath and destroy the deadly Arrow & Flame Order."-- Provided by publisher.

 

Adult Non-Fiction

Eat Your Heart Out by Daphne Oz.

Daphne Oz loves food. In fact, she's built her career around this love of exploring and enjoying the world, bite after wonderful bite. But she knows first-hand how endless indulging robs you of the truly memorable moments - and makes it hard to stay healthy. On the other hand, restricting ourselves with too many rules means we stop enjoying mealtime and start missing out. With four young children and a busy career, Daphne is intimately familiar with how hard it can be to find the right balance in our health and fitness goals, especially when living a full life. In this engaging book, filled with useful tips and gorgeous photography to inspire health and happiness every day, Daphne shares the techniques she's used to get her mind, energy and body back on track after each pregnancy--without ever losing the joy of cooking, the fun of mealtime, and the stress-free pleasure of doing it intuitively. In the times when she's looking to bring her body back into balance, Daphne lives by just four simple rules that remove the guesswork from healthy eating and let us relax and enjoy our meals again, knowing we're making great choices.

 

An Extravagant Life by Stuart Woods.

Over the last forty years, Stuart Woods has written more than ninety novels of suspense and intrigue, beginning with the award-winning Chiefs. Featuring iconic crime-fighting and jet-setting leads, the plots are masterfully conceived and wonderfully escapist. What many readers don't know is that Woods's very own life was filled with similar stories of adventure. Born in Georgia, Woods worked in advertising in New York, served in the US Air Force, and had a short stint as an advance man. At the age of 37, he found himself in a transatlantic sailing race, and pursued writing as a full-time career shortly thereafter. Along the way, Woods has lived all over the world, from New York to London, Santa Fe to Ireland. Incorporating his iconic sailing memoir Blue Water, Green Skipper, this is the story of a life well-lived, and a special inside look into the beloved author's many exploits.

 

Easy/Juvenile/Young Adult/Graphic Novel

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Happily Ever After by Rachel Renée Russell.  J

After a bump on the head in gym class on April Fool's Day, Nikki has a wild dream in which she, her BFFs Chloe and Zoey, her crush Brandon, and mean girl MacKenzie all end up playing the roles of some familiar classic fairy tale characters. Of course, the stories don't go quite as expected--because they each have a very special Dork Diaries spin!

 

Inky the Octopus by Erin Guendelsberger.  E

Follow Inky the octopus as he escapes from the National Aquarium of New Zealand to the ocean!

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

July 14, 2022 - Staff Reviews

A Perfect Plan

By Jeffery Deaver

Release Date: September 28, 2021

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/wvreads-wvlc/content/media/6211937

3 Stars - An intense short story from the Lincoln Rhyme series that's sure spark the reader's interest. Our hero seems to be dodging everthing from bombs to poison as a mysterious enemy attempts to kill him while he's inside his own small home fortress. Rhyme has help from his friends though and he's not one to wait to see who is working against him.

This is but a glimpse of Deaver's suspense writing talents but it's a fair one. He manages to pack a lot of drama into the brief story. Lincoln's not one to sit still despite his disabilities. From the time he is warned - through a tip - that's someone's out to get him, his brilliant mind is working overtime. His lovely wife Amelia returns though not just as a target but as the smart and astute partner and investigator she is. Her part is probably disappointly small though for her personal fans. Plus many of Lincoln's quirky friends and a slew of cops come to help.

This short story is right up the alley for any fans of forensic mysteries or who-dun-its. Rhyme manages to stay just a step or two ahead of the people targeting him all the way, using just his wits. The technical details can get a bit tedious. And it's difficult for Deaver to repeatedly build tension here as he would in a full length novel. But what a tv show episode this would make! It's exactly like the popular 60 minute police procedurals we get so addicted to. There's also some room for a little humor, particularly poking fun at Lincoln's resistance to modern slang and pop culture. I think we all know someone like him who refuses to conform to all that of the times. If you're looking a quick thriller to pass time or a dull day or a vacation day, this would be perfect. I would think especially for fans of this series or Deaver's other work. You don't have to spend hours solving this mystery just sit back and enjoy.

(NS)