Unbroken: An Olympian's journey from airman to to castaway to captive
Adapted for young adults
Author: Laura Hillenbrand
Call number: Y 921 ZAM
Reviewer: Andy Jackson
Date: November 30, 2024
I have read two of Laura Hillenbrand's other books, Unbroken and Seabiscuit before, and I had seen the movie versions, so I knew what to expect from this adapted version of the amazingly resillient (and lucky) Louis Zamperini. However, I was impressed how Hillenbrand managed to scale back her epic story of the 1936 Olympian whose legacy only grew after that iconic experience. It is hard to convey Zamperini's survival story without spoilers, so I won't attempt to do that here. However, I find myself still inspired by what he endured, and amazed how he managed to emerge battered but ultimately "unbroken" in the end. It should also be noted that Laura Hillenbrand has had some serious health challenges of her own, which makes her tasks of researching and writing much harder and slower. Perhaps she gained some motivation from her subject's story as well. This version of the book was our November teen book club choice.
The Haunting of Hill House
Author: Shirley Jackson
Call number: FIC JAC
Reviewer: Andy Jackson
Date: November 27, 2024
I finally took @StephenKing's advice and read The Haunting of Hill House. He praised the novel that was published in 1959 as a model for all horror stories, and I can see why. The way that Jackson builds suspense and then unleashes it on the audience is searing. #aphsreads
This gothic tale unfolds slowly, yet purposefully, and it almost reads like poetry. Shirley Jackson, best known to many for her short story "The Lottery", clearly had a sense of what really scares us. I meant to tackle this around Halloween, but I am grateful that I finished it by Thanksgiving, instead.
The Thirteenth Child
Author: Craig, Erin A
Narrator: Lakin, Christine
Call number: NEW Y FIC CRA and Libby
Reviewer: Randy Morgan
Date: November 21, 2024
Hazel Trépas was an unwanted child and promised to the gods. Her childhood was spent waiting for her godfather - Merrick, the Dreaded End. Merrick envisions Hazel as the greatest healer the kingdom has ever known and gifts her with the ability to instantly sense any ailments and provide the needed cure. All gifts come with a price and Hazel can see when death has claimed a patient and is tasked with ending their suffering. Hazel faces her biggest challenge yet; save the king marked for death.
Erin A. Craig hypnotizes readers with a timeless yet contemporary narrative reminiscent of the classic fairy tale “Godfather Death.” The dynamic cast of characters captivates the audience while simultaneously deliberating morals.
Fun fact - Erin A. Craig lives in Michigan.
The Weight of Blood
Author: Tiffany D. Jackson
Call number: Y FIC JAC
Reviewer: Andy Jackson
Date: October 28, 2024
@WriteinBK wrote more than just an homage to@StephenKing with this one. By updating the novel Carrie, the author infuses racism, bullying, and a glimpse of high school life to the contemporary reader. This is very suspenseful and engaging. #aphsreads (From my X post on February 23, 2023)
The Weight of Blood was the teen book club choice for October, 2024. The second read for me was better than the first!
Being Henry
The Fonz...and Beyond
Author: Henry Winkler
Call number: 921 WIN
Reviewer: Andy Jackson
Date: November 11, 2024
Henry Winkler's memoir was a very enjoyable read. Like most of my generation, I was introduced to this highly successful actor, director and producer through his iconic character "The Fonz" on the long-running Happy Days sitcom. And I remember vaguely when he appeared in An American Christmas Carol as Scrooge a short-time later. Watching that adaptation, I do remember that I would always think of him as Arthur Fonzarelli, which was Winkler's biggest fear about his career--so much so that he evidently turned down the role of Danny Zuko in the movie version of Grease to avoid being typecast. Winkler's insecurities about his career are on full display here, along with his genuine desires to overcome them. A younger generation may only know him from Arrested Development and Barry, which isn't a bad thing. Because from his struggles with dyslexia to dealing with his eccentric parents, there is a lot more to the man than the guy who lived above the Cunningham's garage.
Cerulean Chronicles
The House in the Cerulean Sea, Somewhere Beyond the Sea
Author: Klune, TJ
Narrator: Henning, Daniel
Call number: (NEW) FIC KlU, Libby, and Hoopla
Reviewer: Randy Morgan
Date: October 28, 2024
These whimsical books follow social worker Linus Baker and his investigation into the orphanage where Arthur Parnassus is the guardian of six magical youths. The resilience and innocence of children is perfectly captured by TJ Klune’s words and brought to life through Daniel Henning’s narration. The Cerulean Chronicles are a delightful reminder to stay curious.
Someone You Can Build a Nest In
Author: Wiswell, John
Narrator: Rose, Carmen
Call number: NEW SF FIC WIS
Reviewer: Randy Morgan
Date: September 19, 2024
Shesheshen is a shapeshifter that lurks in the ruins of a manor, protecting it from monster hunters and other vile humans. Hunters manage to poison Shesheshen then drive her off a cliff, where Homily finds her. Homily, a gentle lady, mistakes Shesheshen for human and nurses her back to health. Completely enamored with Homily, Shesheshen must reveal her true identity. The more they fall in love, the harder it is for Shesheshen to maintain her secret. She must confess. Just as she's about to come clean, Homily reveals why she's visiting the area. Homily is hunting a shapeshifting monster. Has Shesheshen seen it anywhere?
Someone You Can Build a Nest In is my favorite read of the year. Author John Wisewell created an observer whose outside perspective provides profound insights of humanity.Narrator Carmen Rose emanates Shesheshen’s deadpan humor and Homily’s wholesome complementary responses. Readers may find themselves identifying with many aspects of the novel, including: pain, sickness, health, humor, protection, sexuality…
The General and Julia
Author: Jon Clinch
Call number: FIC CLI
Reviewer: Andy Jackson
Date: September 12, 2024
Jon Clinch wrote a moving and thoughtful story of the often underestimated Union General and POTUS. By offering different points of view of those who surround U.S. Grant, the audience is able to better understand the context of the characters who surround him. Themes of race, privilege, duty, pain, humanity, and ultimately, love are skillfully portrayed. We learn enough about Julia Grant to understand why her husband is so devoted to her, but in the end, this is her husband's story mainly. #aphsreads #tdlreads
Refugee
Author: Alan Gratz
Call number: Y FIC GRA
Reviewer Andy Jackson
Date: September 10, 2024
This is the first book that I’ve read by@AlanGratz but I’m certain to read more. His attention to detail and fast paced narratives can’t help but make one feel empathy towards an often overlooked segment of the world population. #aphsreads #tdlreads This was the inaugural Teen Book Club pick for me in June/July, and It was a good one!
A Farewell to Arms
Author: Hemingway, Ernest
Call number: FIC HEM c.1 (Book)
Reviewer: Andy Jackson
Date: September 6, 2024
Just finished reading my first #Hemingway novel. I now see what all the fuss was about! It has a great plot with complex characters that navigate it. Hard to fathom that he was only 30 when it was published. Would be tough to teach it to high schoolers. #tdlreads #aphsreads
Siege and Storm
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Call Number: Y FIC BAR
Reviewer: Andy Jackson
Date: September 9, 2024
@BardugoLeigh followed up her debut novel (“Shadow and Bone”) with this one reminiscent in tone to “The Empire Strikes Back”. We had a lot of fun at the #tdlreads discussing aspects of it in our book club. All of us want to finish the trilogy. #aphsreads #tdlreads. This was our Teen Book Club pick for August. The 3rd in the series will follow as a pick later this year.
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Call number: 523.01 TYS
Reviewer: Andy Jackson
Date: September 6, 2024
made me feel like #Thoreau once did with this book. Though difficult for me to grasp the science at times, I definitely got the message that we never feel lonely because there is so much to keep us company in the universe. #aphsreads #tdlreads
Abraham Lincoln and the Second American Revolution
Author: James McPherson
Call number: N/A
Reviewer: Andy Jackson
Date: September 6, 2024
I first read McPherson’s work “Battle Cry of Freedom” 30+ years ago and it inspired me to do an independent study on racism in the USA. But this collection of essays is less diluted than BCOF. Much of the message from the author still resonates. #tdlreads #aphsreads
The Demon of Unrest
Author: Erik Larsen
Call number: 973.7 LAR
Reviewer: Andy Jackson
Date: September 6, 2024
@exlarson delivered an immaculately researched account of the highly relevant months leading up to the #CivilWar. Conceived at around the same time as the January 6 invasion of the Capitol, his work has lessons for the U.S. and its current political climate. #aphsreads #tdlreads
Of Jade and Dragons
Author: Chen, Amber
Call number: NEW Y FIC CHE
Reviewer: Randy Morgan
Date: September 4, 2024
With sponsorship from the eighth prince, a secret identity, and records of her late father’s unpublished ingenuity, Aihui Ying enters the trials of the prestigious Engineers Guild. As the secrets pile up and the threat on her life increases, Ying doesn’t know who to trust. Will she avenge her fathers death and join the Engineers Guild, even if it means betraying all the teachings of her father?
Of Jade and Dragons is a delightful steampunk fantasy that focuses on Ying’s passion for science, technology, engineering, and math. Amber Chen’s elegant description of the machinery keeps readers entranced with the easy to visualize engineering marvels. The moral struggles are extreme, readers come to understand the enormity of choosing between morals and prosperity.