Monday, July 26, 2010

Water Your Mind
Summer Reading Raffle

Week IV

Patron Top Picks




The Executor by Jesse Kellerman
"Hard to put this one down. First-person novel about a murderer and his fascinating descent into madness; all the clues about his early life make this believable. Lots of philosophy included to justify and/or explain the narrator's actions. Kept hoping things would work out differently."




Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
"In Private James Patterson and Maxine Paetro introduce a new cast of characters, who investigate a series of different situations. As usual, they amaze you with unusual and unique crimes that keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this novel."




A Nation Rising by Kenneth C. Davis
"Very informative and an almost novel-like read. Recommended."









Plu
m Spooky by Janet Evanovich
"Latest in the 'Between-the-Numbers' series of Stephanie Plum, Bounty Hunter novels. A light, enjoyable read filled with humor, wit and a bit of mystery."

Monday, July 19, 2010

Water Your Mind
Summer Reading Raffle


Week III
Patron Top Picks


A Friend of the Family by Lauren Grodstein
"Fantastic book -- Devastating slice of life. How we make plans and try to protect our family and a tragic circumstance can wipe out all our dreams and hopes for the family. An unexpected circumstance destroys our life and makes life unbearable for the survivors."




Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner
"This is a compelling, suspenseful book about a female Boston police detective's investigation of two apparent murder-suicide cases. Both families involved had children who had been patients in a pediatric psych ward. Past and present family tragedies intertwine in this novel of psychiatry, murder, and New Age healing practices."



Homer and Langley by E.L. Doctorow
"Well written work of historical fiction -- a 'free imaginative rendering of the lives of NY's fabled Collyer brothers.'"






Haiku by Andrew Vachss
"Although not as interesting as a book in the Burke series, this novel about a band of homeless outcasts in NYC packs a punch. The characters are well-drawn in this noir offering."





Even by Andrew Grant
"A British agent in NY gets involved in plots of interest to both the NYPD and the FBI. Identity theft, the purchase and sale of human organs, revenge . . . This first novel by Lee Child's younger brother shows that talent runs in the family."

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Water Your Mind
Summer Reading Raffle

Week II
Patron Top Picks

This is what Orangeburg patrons have to say about the good books they read this week . . .

Capitol Betrayal by William Bernhardt
“I couldn’t put it down. Fast reading with a good plot and well-written. Always enjoy his books.”








Last Lion: The Fall and Rise of Ted Kennedy by Peter Canellos
“Insightful and frank accounting of Ted Kennedy as well as family dynamics and Washington politics.”





Elliot Allagash by Simon Rich
“This book is “Catcher in the Rye” gone awry. Clever and funny – not for teens only.”






Stay by Allie Larkin
“Such a delightfully entertaining, heart warming story. Great “mind escape” book!”











The Help by Kathryn Stockett
“Tells a story that needs to be told. Very well written. A pleasure to read.”
and
“A terrific and instructional read. Couldn’t put it down. Amazing that this is a first novel. Unlike any milieu I know, this book was riveting from page one. Real characters jumped off the page. Use of language and vernacular – terrific.”


American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
“Beautifully written book that deals with the fictionalized life of a first lady who is clearly Laura Bush. It deals with both the private and political life of the heroine with warmth and compassion.”
Water Your Mind
Summer Reading Raffle
Week I
Patron Top Picks

This is what Orangeburg patrons had to say about the good books they read this week . . .

Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of Little Big Horn by Nathaniel Philbrick (2010)
“The Last Stand at the Little Big Horn was also the last stand for Sitting Bull and the closing of the American Frontier. Good book!! Another in Philbrick’s continuing exploration of America.”


Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean by Edward Kritzler (2009)
“I found this book to be very edifying and fairly written. The research was clearly reported and annotated. I recommend this book highly.”



Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee by Sarah Silverman (2010)
“Good, light, funny reading (if you like Sarah Silverman). Like Chelsea Handler’s books – but this also tells of Sarah’s life, so it’s more than just one liners and funny jokes.”



House Rules by Jodi Picoult
“This is a wonderful book, giving insights on the effects of Asperger’s on the family as well as the one affected. I think it will be appreciated by those intimately affected by the condition as well as being an education for those who are not.”