Adult Summer Reading

Why should kids have all the fun this summer? You too can have fun by participating in the Adult Summer Reading Program “Water Your Mind” June 12 – August 16. Pick up a reading log at the Reference Desk, read 6 books per log, and enter your completed log (or logs) for a drawing to be held August 17. Also, this year we giving you the opportunity to write short reviews for books you have read. For every review you drop off you will receive a $1 fine forgiveness coupon. Reviews will be posted (with just your first name listed) to the Library’s website for others to read. So pick up a log, a stack of review forms, and start reading for your chance to win some great prizes.

 BOOK REVIEWS - 2010

The Pretend Wife by Bridget Asher (4 out of 5 watering cans)
A real “beach read” – light but not stupid, with real insight into love, grief and self-trust. There is a mother-daughter tension here. Gwen Merchant is coming to terms with the loss of her mother, decades ago, when she was 5 – that feels genuine and has a lot to say about forgiveness. Interestingly, this author is the same as N.E. Bode, writer of The Nobodies, which my daughter, son and I are currently loving. She’s also by the way, Julianna Baggott, a fascinating, brilliant writer – versatile to say the least.
Review by Christy S.

 My Lobotomy by Howard Dully (5 out of 5 watering cans)
Very moving autobiography of Howard Dully. As a 12 year old (!), he received a transorbital (ice-pick) lobotomy at the hands of Dr. Walter Freeman. His story is both very sad and very uplifting at the same time. A must-read!
Review by Carmen C.

 The Power of Respect by Deborah Norville (5 out of 5 watering cans)
This book emphasizes the importance of respect in all areas of life evidenced by consistency and sensitivity of civility and manners. Respect is the pre-cursor for success personally, at home and in the workplace.
Review by Anonymous

The Help by Kathryn Stockett (not rated)
What a read. Don’t start this unless you plan to do little else for about 3-5 days – you can NOT put it down. While the novel challenges little about what we know of this period in history, it is astounding the tension created by race and class. Also, the thrill and suspense surrounding the book within the book. I can’t recall the level of hope I felt for the success the publication of an imagined book – what triumph is the written word!
Review by Christy S. 

Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie (4 out of 5 watering cans)
The works of Agatha Christie have always been amazing. This book is no exception. One of the best mystery books, it keeps the reader guessing constantly to who had done the crime. It’s a good mystery but also a light read. You have to really be paying attention to details to figure out the culprit. Overall a very entertaining read!
Review by Audya D. 

The Food Revolution by John Robbins (4 out of 5 watering cans)
An eye-opening book about nutrition and the flaws in our politically driven food system. The book starts out interesting, but soon delves into details that will probably only intrigue me most and nutrition readers. The lay-out of the book makes it easy to reference details. However, Robbins is very pro-vegetarianism and you wonder if he’s leaving out details.
Review by Kelan S.

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller (3 out of 5 watering cans)
An interesting array of stories from a young girl’s life spent growing up in Rhodesia. The beginning is confusing and the writing style at times is fragmented, but she does finally capture the reader mid-book, once she grasps a more concrete storyline and character descriptions.
Review by Kelan S.

Double Take: A Memoir by Kevin Connelly (3 out of 5 watering cans)
While Kevin presents an interesting story, it is really his photographs that draw the reader’s attention. His journey is honorable, but he never delves into the emotional and never answers the “why.” Yet, it is still an enjoyable read, especially for Bozeman locals.
Review by Kelan S. 

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (4 out of 5 watering cans)
Walls turns what could be a strikingly sad story into one full of laughter and disbelief. Her writing style is enjoyable and her life as a poverty stricken child is empowering. A great and quick read.
Review by Kelan S. 

Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs by Heather Lende (4 out of 5 watering cans)
I enjoyed this book by Heather Lende. It’s a lot about living in small town Alaska. The author was recovering from being hit by a car so it was also her grief and dealing with the death of her mother. How everyone deals with death differently.
Review by Betsy G. 

Voyage in a Dory: By Oars, Sail, and Tow Rope by R.N (Bob) DeArmond (4 out of 5 watering cans)
This book is ten years old and was written by Bob DeArmond while in his 80’s, he is now almost 100 old. During the Depression the author rowed a dory from Sitka, Alaska to Seattle, Washington. He had no money and no job so he decided to have an adventure. The book had a lot of history and it was interesting to see what has changed and what is the same.
Review by Betsy G

Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart (5 out of 5 watering cans)
Excellent! Very interesting and fascinating facts about “wicked plants.” Reads like fiction. I liked it so much that I bought 4 additional copies for Christmas presents.
Review by Susan I.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (5 out of 5 watering cans)
Very funny and uplifting story of family, love, and hope told from the viewpoint of the family dog, Enzo. A fresh take on the fiction genre.
Review by Carmen C.

BOOK REVIEWS - 2009

King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine by Robert Moore
Truly an in-depth view of the importance of men’s' maturity. Excellent insight into what could be a transition into a new way of men maturing. A must for all men!! Read it twice and both times it changed my life . . . Truly Splendid :) Review by Scott M.

Mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls by Harvey Minkoff
Written for a novice, this book uncovers in vivid detail the discovery at Qumran near the Dead Sea of ancient scrolls in the year 1947. The author reveals the journey of discovery. Includes debates of interpretation by scholars in recent decades and explanations of information. Most helpful in assisting my study of John the Baptist. Review by DiAnna K.

Yesterday I Cried by Iyanla Vanzant
The author takes you on a spiritual, poignant, and empowering journey of life. Hardships, abuse, rejection, poverty, struggles with family, children, love and loss. Drawing from her personal life experiences she is able to turn herself around using negatives to positives with realizing only she can help herself. She is now helping others to grow, hope, and love. Review by DiAnna K.

Leave Me Alone, I'm Reading by Maureen Corrigan
This is a terrific book which describes Maureen Corrigan's life-long love of reading. She's a book reviewer on NPR and has read widely in all sorts of genres. I particularly liked her discussions of the Catholic "girl books" she read during childhood. Review by Maria T.

Blink by Ted Dekker
This book is a fast-paced read that will keep you in suspense. It was also interesting to learn about the Saudi Arabian culture that Miriam was from. I recommend this book. Review by Ruth N.

How to be Popular by Meg Cabot
This book is a sweet, realistic look into many an average American teenage girl's life. I really liked this book. It made me think about what really is important . . . Friends should love you for being you, not being popular. I highly recommend this book. :) Review by Ruth N.

Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell
This was a riveting story with some history I knew and much I didn't. Though the title indicated it’s about a famous battle, it's much more with a wealth of background as seen by an English participant. Cornwell doesn't gloss over the horrifics of "battle fever/lust" though, thankfully, the hero doesn't descend to many common atrocities. Fascinating enough I have gone on to his series on Alfred the Great. Historical accuracy along with a compelling story. Review by Nancy M.

Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl
Anyone who enjoys cooking will love this funny memoir. Reichl is a food critic for the NY Times and has had an adventurous and colorful life. The recipes she includes throughout the book make it even more enjoyable. Review by Maria T.

The Last Painting by Jonathan Harr
This is an exciting true-life account about the search for a lost Caravaggio masterpiece, "The Taking of Christ." It takes the reader inside the world of painting restorers, art dealers, and art historians. Review by Maria T.

Old New York by Edith Wharton
This is a terrific collection of short stories which take the reader inside the world of late 19th Century New York. As is typical of Wharton, a recurring theme is the individual versus the oppressive conventions of society. Review by Maria T.

Paradise Lost by J.A. Jance
This book is another mystery story, part of a series, set in the desolate and beautiful Arizona mountains about Arizona's only female sheriff, Joana Brady, and her daughter, Jenny, who is 13 years old. Jenny finds a dead woman with her tent-mate on a Girl Scout campout and reports it to her mother, the sheriff, and becomes endangered when her tent-mate is killed a few days later. This book, as all the others in the series, is hard to put down. The suspense is captivating! It is refreshing to have a very real woman in a man's profession handling gender stereotypes while still being a loving, nurturing, and protective mother. Review by Mary M.

Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
This book is a novel, based on extensive historical research, about the Navaho Marines of World War II who translated all messages sent, received, or intercepted from English into Navaho. When the Navajo Code Talkers were developing the code, they could not write down any of the words. Every word had to be memorized because the code was so secret. This book was easy to read, was enlightening and very informative. I learned a lot of new information about WW II. I would highly recommend it to any person from grade 4 and up. Review by Mary M.

The Soloist by Steve Lopez
This book is a beautifully written account by Steve Lopez, a newspaper reporter, of a talented artist’s dreams of becoming a perfect cellist. Life has reduced Nathaniel Ayers to poverty due to his mental illness. When the two men meet, Steve Lopez’s interest in a story gives way to an unexpected relationship between the two men. A mighty and spiritual story of hope for human kindness. Great Read. Review by DiAnna K.

Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder
Tracy Kidder beautifully orchestrates the story of Paul Farmer, doctor of medicine, humanitarian and anthropologist. His dedication to global health issues, disease, and poverty in Haiti expands to Peru, Cuba, and Russia. Slowly over 20 years of work, Dr Farmer is educating the wealthy of the world to better understand poverty helplessness. Review by DiAnna K.

Radio Romance by Garrison Keillor
Wry humor abounds as all too fallible characters struggle to make sense of life in Minnesota. One leaves this story with a better understanding of how radio stations operated at the beginning. Review by Susan S.

Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan
Amy Tan’s books all involve a Chinese-American woman who struggles to understand her mother, yet each is fresh and different. This book is a magic carpet ride into a marvelously unique culture. Review by Susan S.

Cadie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
A perfectly lovely child’s classic on par with the Little House on the Prairie series Review by Susan S.

The Seven Faith Tribes by George Barna
George Barna, author of 40 books, was able to compile in lay terms the likeness and differences of seven world faiths. He compares their beliefs and how they influence politics and behaviors of our population. Through these people of different faiths he explains how we can take back America and steer us back on the way our forefathers designed our democracy. Very to the point. Review by DiAnna K.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall
A wealthy Christian couple volunteers at Fort Worth’s Union Gospel Mission. With persistent love, they break through a homeless man’s tough exterior. Denver finally accepts their love and friendship. The wife’s cancer battle tests them all but their faith holds. I’d call this tale unrealistic if I hadn’t had a similar experience at UGM Spokane. Review by Laura B.

Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
This college professor learns he has terminal cancer. He spends time writing a final lecture that addresses students, faculty, his family, and future generations. He recounts what he’s done with his life and what he hopes for the future. It’s humbling to read all the accomplishments he achieved. If it were me, I think I’d spend more time with my kids. It’s an interesting tale worth the time to read. Review by Laura B.

Delores Claiborne by Stephen King
I liked this book by Stephen King. Sometimes this author requires the reader to suspend her grip on reality; but, with this story all the horror was plausible, almost sensible. One cold blooded murder and the subsequent consequences. Review by Susan S.

Rose Wilder Lane – Her story by Rose Wilder Lane and Roger Lea MacBride
Because I love the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, it was fascinating to learn what happened with the next generation. Couldn’t put it down – finished it in one day. Review by Susan S.

Creating Welcoming Schools by JoBeth Allen
This excellent book is a practical guide demonstrating how to create home-school partnerships with diverse families. Research studies have repeatedly shown that the more families are involved with their child’s learning, the more the child does well in school and continues their education. The author has documented with numerous examples how children from culturally diverse families who live in impoverished conditions can succeed in school when their family and school collaborate on their behalf. I highly recommend this book if you want to improve your child’s learning and commitment to school by developing a school-community partnership. Review by Mary M.

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
Trinity Catholic High School – a typical school of anywhere USA with a bully and followers. Bully Archie Castello manipulates students into wrong doings – nasty, mean behaviors. To appease Archie, most all of the frightened students do as he commands except for Jerry Renault, one brave young adult. Sadly, we learn in our youth behaviors and attitudes which follow throughout our lives, forming a person’s actions. Could that be what is wrong with society? Review by DiAnna K.

This House of Sky: Landscapes of a Western Mind by Ivan Doig
Beautifully written by Ivan Doig, this is the story of his life and members of his immediate family. Life as it was lived here in the beautiful and colorful Montana in late 1800’s to present. His relationship with family and fullness of life has changed through the years but he so well relates to all one thing that doesn’t change – love of family. Ivan Doig’s life was truly remarkable and that of his father and grandmother. Review by DiAnna K.

Under the Radar by Fern Michaels
I loved this book! I got into Fern Micahaels' books when she started her Sisterhood series. Under the Radar is her latest in paperback. Like all the others it grips you from the beginning and I found myself not being able to put it down until I had finished it. It is an easy read and very exciting. If you like adventure, this series is a great one. The Sisterhood is always helping people in need and this latest is no exception. I highly recommend this book to people that like excitement and a little adventure. You can't go wrong with this one. Review by Jessica K.

The Mapmakers Wife by Robert Whitaker
In 1735, three French mapmakers are commissioned to answer the question of the size and shape of the world. Traveling to Peru in the high Andes, one man, Jean, falls in love with 13 year old Isabel Gramson. They get married and have four children who all die. Jean leaves Isabel to try and book passage for himself and his wife to return to France. After many years, Isabel journeys to find her husband across 3,000 miles of the wild Amazon. Finally they reunite and are able to travel to France together. Isabel survives many perils. This is an awesome tale of adventure and love. Review by DiAnna K.

The World’s Fittest You (Four Weeks to Total Fitness) by Joe Decker with Erick Neuhause
I am not a novice to fitness, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I was not able to exercise for several months and needed a program to get me back into shape without being tempted to do much too soon and injure myself. In spite of the corny title, this book is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to become more fit. The book begins with the story of the author’s transformation from an over-weight, out-of-control party boy to an extremely fit ultra-marathon athlete who earned the moniker “World’s Fittest Man” by breaking the Guinness World Record 24-hour Physical Fitness Challenge. Along the way he earned a B.S. in exercise science and works as a personal trainer. He has the experience and credentials to give sound advice. His secret weapon is what he calls the “FIT” (Frequency, Intensity, Time) equation. By varying these three variables from workout to workout, you shock your body into fitness. Without this variation, your body grows accustomed to your workouts and your fitness level stagnates. The weakest link in Decker’s program is nutrition. By giving set menus for each day he violates his own advice of making small changes over time. In conclusion, this book gives sound advice and outlines a good four-pronged plan for getting into shape. However, unless you have 60 to 90 minutes per day to devote to fitness, you will not be able to sustain the program for the long haul. Review by Carol K.