Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wii Gaming day for Seniors!
Our next Wii Gaming event for Seniors (50+) is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8th @ 1:30pm. No registration is necessary, just come and have some fun!
June 29th Winner of the "Master the Art of Reading" Drawing
The winner of the Maitland Wine Market $10 gift certificate is…
Eiane, reviewing The Vagrants by Yiyun Li: “Very interesting characters. Probably a realistic view of China just before the Tiananmen Square terror.”
Eiane, reviewing The Vagrants by Yiyun Li: “Very interesting characters. Probably a realistic view of China just before the Tiananmen Square terror.”
…and the runners-up are:
for Bravos:
Ussegai by Wilbur Smith, reviewed by Katie: “ 1st time I’ve read anything by Smith – loved it! In Africa doing safaris w/ Theodore Roosevelt, spying against the Germans for England, and a love story, too!”
Whatever You Do, Don’t Run by Peter Alison, reviewed by Emma Lou.
Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell, reviewed by Joanne: “ This series never disappoints.”
Somewhere Towards the End by Diana Athill, reviewed by Robin: “Great memoir.”
A Matter of Trust by Anne Schraff (Bluford Series), reviewed by Kateisha.
The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly, reviewed by Jan: “Loved it!”
The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly, reviewed by Katie: “Connelly always writes a really good book – this one was good, too!”
Scarecrow by Matthew Reilly, reviewed by Michael.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Morenson & David Relin, reviewed by Joanne.
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, reviewed by Joanne: “A story of a young Jewish child picked up in the July 1942 Veld’ltiv a raid by the French police under orders from the Nazis. An American ex-patis writing the story for the 60th anniversary of the event, and it becomes intertwined with her French husband’s family.”
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, reviewed by Jean.
The Girls from Ames by Jeffry Zaslow, reviewed by Brenda: “Every woman should read this book! Grab your childhood girlfriends and share this read. Guys – there’s probably not a lot for you (although it was written by a guy!). Treasure all of your friends.”
Foreign Body by Robin Cook, reviewed by Johana: “I have read all his books and always look forward to the next one!”
Push by Sapphire, reviewed by Jean: “Bravo, with reservations. Difficult to read due to graphic content, but revealing of an unfortunately real-life situation. I wonder how the film (“Precious”), to be released in late fall, will handle the extreme language and scenes/ recollections of sexual and emotional abuse!”
A Quiet Flame by Philip Kerr, reviewed by William.
Julie and Julia by Julie Powell, reviewed by Katie: “What fun – Julie comes up with a project. She will cook every recipe in the Julie Child classic. I learned lots of things about food (I had no idea), and had a wonderful time!”
The Lilies of the Field by William Barrell, reviewed by David: “Somehow I had missed this book in all my reading. A real one-sitting classic. I’m glad I saw it while browsing.”
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by C. Alan Bradley, reviewed by Linda: “Too much fun for words – can’t wait for the next one!”
Best American Short Stories 2008 (Salmon Rushdie, ed.), reviewed by Bonnie: “Varied and the best of the best!”
Heat Lightning by John Sanford, reviewed by Robert: “He is consistently wonderful.”
Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich, reviewed by Barbara: “With 10 being Bravo, and 1 being Boo, this is a 6.”
Illegal by Paul Levine, reviewed by Barbara: “With 10 being Bravo and 1 being Boo, this is a 7.”
Geography III by Elizabeth Bishop (poetry), reviewed by Jean.
The House by Danielle Steel, reviewed by Cheyl: “Typical D. Steel book – easy read for the summer.”
for Boos:
Even by Andrew Grant, reviewed by K.: “Over-plotted and over-written, (something) often found in first-time authors’ work. A terrorist subplot that is so popular today – but not my cup of tea.”
The Last Days of the Romanovs by H. Rappaport, reviewed by Robert: “No new revelations.”
Thank you to everyone who put in a slip!
for Bravos:
Ussegai by Wilbur Smith, reviewed by Katie: “ 1st time I’ve read anything by Smith – loved it! In Africa doing safaris w/ Theodore Roosevelt, spying against the Germans for England, and a love story, too!”
Whatever You Do, Don’t Run by Peter Alison, reviewed by Emma Lou.
Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell, reviewed by Joanne: “ This series never disappoints.”
Somewhere Towards the End by Diana Athill, reviewed by Robin: “Great memoir.”
A Matter of Trust by Anne Schraff (Bluford Series), reviewed by Kateisha.
The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly, reviewed by Jan: “Loved it!”
The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly, reviewed by Katie: “Connelly always writes a really good book – this one was good, too!”
Scarecrow by Matthew Reilly, reviewed by Michael.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Morenson & David Relin, reviewed by Joanne.
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, reviewed by Joanne: “A story of a young Jewish child picked up in the July 1942 Veld’ltiv a raid by the French police under orders from the Nazis. An American ex-patis writing the story for the 60th anniversary of the event, and it becomes intertwined with her French husband’s family.”
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, reviewed by Jean.
The Girls from Ames by Jeffry Zaslow, reviewed by Brenda: “Every woman should read this book! Grab your childhood girlfriends and share this read. Guys – there’s probably not a lot for you (although it was written by a guy!). Treasure all of your friends.”
Foreign Body by Robin Cook, reviewed by Johana: “I have read all his books and always look forward to the next one!”
Push by Sapphire, reviewed by Jean: “Bravo, with reservations. Difficult to read due to graphic content, but revealing of an unfortunately real-life situation. I wonder how the film (“Precious”), to be released in late fall, will handle the extreme language and scenes/ recollections of sexual and emotional abuse!”
A Quiet Flame by Philip Kerr, reviewed by William.
Julie and Julia by Julie Powell, reviewed by Katie: “What fun – Julie comes up with a project. She will cook every recipe in the Julie Child classic. I learned lots of things about food (I had no idea), and had a wonderful time!”
The Lilies of the Field by William Barrell, reviewed by David: “Somehow I had missed this book in all my reading. A real one-sitting classic. I’m glad I saw it while browsing.”
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by C. Alan Bradley, reviewed by Linda: “Too much fun for words – can’t wait for the next one!”
Best American Short Stories 2008 (Salmon Rushdie, ed.), reviewed by Bonnie: “Varied and the best of the best!”
Heat Lightning by John Sanford, reviewed by Robert: “He is consistently wonderful.”
Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich, reviewed by Barbara: “With 10 being Bravo, and 1 being Boo, this is a 6.”
Illegal by Paul Levine, reviewed by Barbara: “With 10 being Bravo and 1 being Boo, this is a 7.”
Geography III by Elizabeth Bishop (poetry), reviewed by Jean.
The House by Danielle Steel, reviewed by Cheyl: “Typical D. Steel book – easy read for the summer.”
for Boos:
Even by Andrew Grant, reviewed by K.: “Over-plotted and over-written, (something) often found in first-time authors’ work. A terrorist subplot that is so popular today – but not my cup of tea.”
The Last Days of the Romanovs by H. Rappaport, reviewed by Robert: “No new revelations.”
Thank you to everyone who put in a slip!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
"Meet the Author Day" 6/27/09 - Pictures
Wright Gres and fans after his talk.
Heart-felt thanks from Maitland Library to Wright Gres, Terry Odell, Philip Chien, Chick O'Brien and Bonnie Yarry for sharing their writing experiences and hopes for the future at Wright Gres' multimedia presentation about Macedonia and during our "Meet the Author Day" panel.
And thank you to Everett Montiel of Great Shots for taking excellent pictures of both events. Our audience members deserve kudos too, for their insightful questions.
The five author panelists.
Chick and Terry share a chuckle.
Terry's newest mystery romance novel, When Danger Calls.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Meet the Author Day @ Maitland Library
Wright Gres has a multimedia presentation at 1 pm about his inspiration for his book, "Macedonia Passage"
At 2pm, Terry Odell, Philip Chien, Wright Gres, Chick O'Brien and Bonny Yarry talk about what they love (and don't love) about writing, answer questions, and sign books.
Come meet our "local" authors!
Monday, June 22, 2009
June 22nd "Master the Art of Reading" Drawing Winner and Books Reviewed
The winner of the “Master the Art of Summer Reading” mug, book bag and memo pad is… David, who gave a "Bravo" to Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot by Al Franken.
And the books reviewed by the runners-up are, in the “Bravo” category:
The Messenger by Daniel Selma reviewed by Robert: “Exciting, well-written, one of his best.”
The English Assassin by Daniel Silva reviewed by Robert: “Tremendous knowledge of places he writes about, and he writes so well.”
The Lovers by John Connolly reviewed by Katie: “I really enjoyed this (1st one I’ve read by him), even though it had demons (??) returning and returning to murder.”
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult by Katie: “I’d read it several years ago and wanted to reread it before the movie. This author does a wonderful job of giving everyone’s perspective. Really good!”
Cold Choices by Larry Bond reviewed by Chris: Three marks in “Bravo” for this one.
45 Mercy Street by Anne Sexton reviewed by Jean.
Sanctuary by Daniel and Beverly Lewis reviewed by Phyllis.
Bleed a River Deep by Brian McGalloway reviewed by K.: “Splendid fresh police procedural with human characters and a believable plot.”
Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix reviewed by Vickie.
The Saffron Kitchen by Yasmine Crowtcher reviewed by Michele: “This story about the caste system in Iran, love, and loss make you cry and laugh.”
Love the One You’re With by Emily Griffin reviewed by Mary Anne: “Quick, easy, fun read!”
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan reviewed by Nancy.
Adam Canfield of the Slash by Michael Winerip reviewed by Terri: “It’s a Sunshine State Book. I read it so I could discuss it with my daughter.”
The 13th Tale by Diane Setterfield reviewed by Carole.
Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them by Al Franken reviewed by David.
Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy reviewed by Mary Jane: “You need to read this one!”
And in the “Boo” category:
Fat Belly Diet by Liz Vaccariello reviewed by Monika.
Dog Island and Other Florida Poems by Laurence Donovan reviewed by Jean: “So-so book – the art is good, but the poems, not so great.”
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham reviewed by Bonnie: “A so-so book. A cute, nice travelogue of Italy and food. I would’ve gotten more out of it if I knew football.”
Fugitive by Phillip Margolin reviewed by Katie: “I usually like Margolin’s books, but this one was poorly written and not very good.”
While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky by Katie: “It was OK – I didn’t have another to read.”
The World According to Bertie by Alexander McCall Smith reviewed by Kathie: “A so-so book. Smith’s series about Edinburough (originally written as newspaper installments) get a bit tiresome, unlike his ‘No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” novels. I think he has far greater empathy for Botswanans, about whom he writes lovingly. However, I found this worth reading in small doses. Perhaps the writer designed it that way: to be read one newspaper column at a time. He does have a sly sense of humor and a wry knowledge of human nature. Both enable him to help the reader understand and know the characters in his “44 Scotland Street” series in both the ridiculous and sublime aspects.”
HEY TEENS!
What better way to "Express Yourself" at the library this summer than to do some creative artwork. Come to the library this Wednesday (June 24) at 4:00 p.m. and paint some of the windows in the library with acrylic paints. No registration is necessary; just bring your imagination!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
"Master the Art of Reading" Winner and Books Reviewed for Drawing June 15th
The winner of the free class, yarn and needles from Sip and Knit, Inc. is…
Mary Anne!
She reviewed Perfect by Harry Kraus, M.D.
She reviewed Perfect by Harry Kraus, M.D.
And the runners-up are…
Superparenting for ADD by E.M. Hallowell and P. Jensen, recommended by R.S..
The Girl With No Shadow by Joanne Harris, reviewed as “not bad but not bravo” by Jean
The Homeschooling Option by Lisa Rivero, recommended by Aura:
“Great book. As I began to consider homeschooling my son, this book was very helpful in looking to see if the option is right for you.”
Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane Gilman, recommended by Kathie:
“A very interesting story of two friends on an adventure!”
The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square by Rosina Lippi, recommended by Elyse
The Sorceress by Michael Scott, recommended by Robin
Red and Me by Bill Russell, recommended by Kay:
“Powerful story of self-awareness, true friendship and the meaning of team.”
The Sign by Raymond Khoury, recommended by Alice:
“It kept me up most of the night. I enjoyed it, even though many parts were hard to believe.”
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, recommended by Joan
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner, recommended by Michele:
“If you like NPR, you’ll love this travel essay about the quest for what makes people ‘happy.’”
Corsair by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul, recommended by Janice:
“They follow the same pattern as most of their books – just a different location and time frame. Good for light reading.”
The Girl With No Shadow by Joanne Harris, reviewed as “not bad but not bravo” by Jean
The Homeschooling Option by Lisa Rivero, recommended by Aura:
“Great book. As I began to consider homeschooling my son, this book was very helpful in looking to see if the option is right for you.”
Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane Gilman, recommended by Kathie:
“A very interesting story of two friends on an adventure!”
The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square by Rosina Lippi, recommended by Elyse
The Sorceress by Michael Scott, recommended by Robin
Red and Me by Bill Russell, recommended by Kay:
“Powerful story of self-awareness, true friendship and the meaning of team.”
The Sign by Raymond Khoury, recommended by Alice:
“It kept me up most of the night. I enjoyed it, even though many parts were hard to believe.”
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, recommended by Joan
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner, recommended by Michele:
“If you like NPR, you’ll love this travel essay about the quest for what makes people ‘happy.’”
Corsair by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul, recommended by Janice:
“They follow the same pattern as most of their books – just a different location and time frame. Good for light reading.”
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Creative Drawing with Jim Korkis
Kids and adults alike truly enjoyed the creative drawing class yesterday, June 13, with Mr. Jim Korkis. Jim taught everyone how to draw Mickey Mouse and even animate a basic flip book. Here are some of the children and Jim after the presentation. As you can tell, some of the kids were very proud of their drawings!
Library Photographs
Miss Michelle discovered some pictures that were never uploaded to the blog. Enjoy!
Check out these aborigine style Australian boomerang that the participants of last Wednesday's Culture Club designed. Terrific job!!
Here are some of the winners from our poetry contest pictured with judge Jean Arrington and Youth Services Librarian Michelle.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Chill Out with Iced Tea
WOW! What a successful program! We had a fantastic turnout for our Sunday afternoon, "Chill Out with Iced Tea" program. The informative Bill Keene from Olde Cup & Saucer Tea Shoppe told the group about various types of loose tea to try. Of course, everyone got to sample some tea! 
Monday, June 8, 2009
Winner of the Week One Drawing of the Maitland Adult Summer Reading Program
The winner of the free class at the Maitland Museum of Art is…
Karen, who recommends Road Dogs by Elmore Leonard – “A gripping story of friendship/loyalty among an unsavory cast of characters.”
And the runners-up are….
The Wise Heart: A Guide by Jack Kornfield recommended by Cathy –“ This book is a great introduction to Buddhism and its teachings for Westerners.”
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki recommended by Samin– “This book is very insightful and provided a foundation for financial management.”
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn recommended Brenda – “This is not a happy novel: in fact you’ll find it gritty and haunting and one that will make you thankful for the kind of life you have had up to this point. It is so compelling that you’ll find yourself rooting for the fictional Libby Day, hoping with all of your might that this author plans to reveal everything by the end of the book. Ms. Flynn does not disappoint in this carefully-crafted story! I’m heading back to the library today to check out her first book, Sharp Objects.”
Quick Silver by Neal Stephenson recommended by Mike
The Gate House by Nelson DeMille recommended by Patricia – “Excellent”
Unending Blues: Poems by Charles Simic, recommended by Jean – “Keen observer, clear language, but meaning sometimes elusive.”
A Darker Place by Jack Higgins, recommended by Bonnie – “Good adventure story and historical influences are correct.”
Roanoke by Margaret Lawrence, panned by Robert – “Turned out to be a soap opera”
Karen, who recommends Road Dogs by Elmore Leonard – “A gripping story of friendship/loyalty among an unsavory cast of characters.”
And the runners-up are….
The Wise Heart: A Guide by Jack Kornfield recommended by Cathy –“ This book is a great introduction to Buddhism and its teachings for Westerners.”
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki recommended by Samin– “This book is very insightful and provided a foundation for financial management.”
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn recommended Brenda – “This is not a happy novel: in fact you’ll find it gritty and haunting and one that will make you thankful for the kind of life you have had up to this point. It is so compelling that you’ll find yourself rooting for the fictional Libby Day, hoping with all of your might that this author plans to reveal everything by the end of the book. Ms. Flynn does not disappoint in this carefully-crafted story! I’m heading back to the library today to check out her first book, Sharp Objects.”
Quick Silver by Neal Stephenson recommended by Mike
The Gate House by Nelson DeMille recommended by Patricia – “Excellent”
Unending Blues: Poems by Charles Simic, recommended by Jean – “Keen observer, clear language, but meaning sometimes elusive.”
A Darker Place by Jack Higgins, recommended by Bonnie – “Good adventure story and historical influences are correct.”
Roanoke by Margaret Lawrence, panned by Robert – “Turned out to be a soap opera”
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