Winter Thrillers February 22nd Prize Drawing

Margaret was the winner of the Winter Thrillers drawing for this week, for a choice of 3 books from Borders Books, a Subway sub and a Jeremiah's Italian Ice gelato. She recommended  
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.

Cheers were also given by readers this week to:
Lethal Justice by Fern Michaels, reviewed by Norma.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, reviewed by Margaret.
Eye of God by Ariel Allison, reviewed by Barbara.
Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson, reviewed by Barbara.
House of Wolves by Matt Bronleeve, reviewed by Barbara.
Home in Harmony by Philip Gully, reviewed by Gail: “This book was a welcome change because it was about a Quaker minister, Sam Gardner of Harmony, Indiana. It is full of anecdotal material that will have you laughing, or at least really enjoying it. His parishioners are all so different and each one brings a special flavor to the book. It was a joyful read.”

Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton, reviewed by Kay: “Best book I’ve read in recent memory. Combination thriller and love story. Can’t recommend it strongly enough.”

The Narrows by Michael Connelly, reviewed by David.
Total Control by David Baldacci, reviewed by Gail.
The Winner by David Baldacci, reviewed by Gail.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Stieg Larsson, by Kay: “A 600-page page turner, and an excellent example of the Northern European style.”

The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh, reviewed by Christie.
Starvation Lake by Brian Gruley, reviewed by Kay: “Excellent first novel of a newspaper writer who returns home to rural Michigan to expose the dark underbelly of the town’s hockey culture.”

Blindside by Catherine Coulter, reviewed by Norma: “A real page-turner. A mixture of the FBI at work and love at its best. Catherine Coulter is a great author.”

Ghost of Dublin by Stuart Neville, reviewed by Kay: “Saga of the aftermath of the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland: retaliation and revenge.”

Race for the Dying by Steven F. Havill, reviewed by Kay: “Excellent historical novel of frontier surgery from the author of Posadas County mysteries.”

Fast Track by Fern Michaels, reviewed by Norma: “Difficult to put this book down. The author really has a way with words. Very fast-paced. I loved this book and intend to read more in the Sisterhood series.”

One Second After by William Forstchen, reviewed by Cheryl: “Very good book: interesting and it stays with you, as this could happen in real life!”

Hot Tea Workshop with Olde Cup and Saucer's Bill and Shawne

Though Bill Keene, co-owner of Olde Cup and Saucer, admits he enjoys coffee more than tea, he was thorough and entertaining in showing the rapt audience how to make a "perfect cup of tea" (as he quoted George Eliot as saying). 

With Shawne and baby Eliza's help, he poured perfect samples of 6 teas, from green to oolong to black to aged, all the while answering questions and "spouting" interesting facts about tea dos and don'ts. A big thanks go to Bill and Shawne for another amazing presentation!

This Week's Programs!

PC Academy: Web-based Email
Monday February 22nd ~ 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
registration required

Books to Die For! Mystery Book Club
Tuesday, February 23rd ~ 7:30 p.m.
discussing Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith

Contemporary Authors Book Discussion Group
Wednesday, February 24th ~ 1:30 p.m.
discussing Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

In the Gallery: Maitland Art Center Class Artwork
In the Foyer: Save the Manatee Club
through February 28th

We look forward to seeing you there!

This Week's Programs!

PC Academy ~ The Invisible Internet
Tuesday, February 16th ~ 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Wii Gaming for Adults
Wednesday, February 17th ~ 2:30 p.m.
Join the fun! ~ Meet new people!

Investing in Troubled Times
Thursday, February 18th ~ 2:00 p.m. ~ Financial Seminar
with Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney

Blood Pressure Checks
Friday, February 19th ~ 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
by Maitland Fire & Rescue

Spring Lawn Tune-Up: Pest Control
Saturday, February 20th ~ 1:30 p.m.
presented by Master Gardener Ed Thralls,
Orange County Extension Office
registration required

Hot Tea
Sunday, February 21st ~ 1:30 p.m.
presentation by Olde Cup & Saucer Shoppe
registration required

Winner of Winter Thrillers February 15th Prize Drawing

Congratulations to Steven, who won the free pair of breakfasts (or lunches) at First Watch Restaurant, with his review of Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand!
He wrote: "Atlas Shrugged is my favorite book. I've read it 6 or 7 times! It combines love story, politics and economics. This fictional novel seems more relevant today than when it was written in 1957. A fantastic read! Be aware that it exceeds 1100 pages, and just a few sections might seem to drag."

Cheers given by other reviewers this week:
Red and Me by Bill Russell with Alan Steinberg, reviewed by Anonymous: "A wonderful story of friendship between Bill Russell and Red Auerbach. Bill Russell, was the ultimate team player of the NBA with the Boston Celtics, and Red Auerbach was the coach elite of the Boston Celtics. This story shows the friendship between an African American and a Jewish coach, one from Louisiana, the other from Brooklyn, who develop a most unlikely friendship through respect and trust with the mutual end goal of being exceptional professionals in a team sport, and ending as friends for life. Amen!"

Deeper Than The Dead by Tami Hoag, reviewed by Marilyn.
An Education by Lynn Barber, reviewed by Jean.
In Arabian Nights by Tahir Shah, reviewed by Barry: "Wonderful stories within an exotic and touching story, from a master storyteller."

Cutting for Stone by Abrahim Verghese, reviewed by Tess: "About Ethiopia."
The Girls from Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow, reviewed by Nancy.
Baja Florida by Bob Morris, reviewed by Linda.
Baja Florida by Bob Morris, reviewed by Patricia: "Great Florida read! Also interesting to anyone who travels to the Bahamas or who owns boats. Good story!"

An Education by Lynn Barber, reviewed by Jean: "A fascinating memoir - and source material for an excellent movie now playing at a nearby theater. Such 'double-headers' are rare!"

Cruel Intent by J. A Jance, reviewed by Linda.

And Chills:
Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler, reviewed by Jean: "Don't waste your time reading this boring book! I can't believe it's by the same author who gave us such great reads as The Accidental Tourist and Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant."

Author Bob Morris Visits MPL for Book Signing and Talk

Saturday, February 6th, best-selling and local author, Bob Morris, stopped by the Maitland Public Library to talk about his lastest book, Baja Florida, a continuation of his Zach C. series.  Bob entertained the audience with stories of how he started writing, where he gets his ideas, and his favorite mystery writers.

Winner of Winter Thrillers February 8th Prize Drawing

And the winner of this week's drawing for a $20 gift certificate to Whole Foods Market was...

Angela, with her review of the book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson!

She writes “This book was recommended by a friend. It gave me a whole new understanding of life in the Pakistan/Afghanistan region of the world. Greg Mortenson has accomplished amazing things.”

Cheers:
The Next Thing On My List by Smolinski, reviewed by Monica: “Fantastic book, inspired me to write a list of my own to complete by my 25th birthday. Very nice balance of wit as well.”

My Summer of Southern Discomfort by Stephanie Gayle, reviewed by Aimee.
Linnet Bird by Linda Holenman, by Jean.
Bollywood Confidential by Sonia Singh, reviewed by Monica: “I loved this book because I can relate to the setting, where all this drama happened (India). I love East Indian authors as they put the right amount of spices in their writing! :)”

Ice by Linda Howard, reviewed by Donna.
The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson, reviewed by Bruce.
Double Whammy by Carl Hiassen, by Robin: “Always good for a laugh. Anything he writes is worth taking a look at.”

Love Over Scotland by Alexander McCall Smith, reviewed by Chris.
The World According to Bertie by Alexander McCall Smith, reviewed by Chris.
Expresso Tales by Alexander McCall Smith, reviewed by Chris.

Chills:
Olive Kitterage by Elizabeth Strout, reviewed by Jean: “This was, for me, a very depressing book. I will say though that it was very well-written.”

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The winner of the drawing next week will receive vouchers for 2 free breakfasts or lunches at First Watch Restaurant, so make sure to put those book reviews in the box at the Information Desk!

This Week's Programs

Bedtime Stories & Crafts
Monday, February 8th ~ 7:00 p.m.
all ages welcome

Story Time for Preschoolers
Tuesday, February 9th ~ 10:30 a.m.

Culture Club: Germany
Wednesday, February 10th ~ 4:00 p.m.

Baby/Toddler Mingle
Thursday, February 11th ~ 10:30 a.m.
Baby/Toddler Story Time ~ 10:45 a.m.

READing Paws
Saturday, February 13th ~ 1:00 p.m.
registration required

Second Saturday at the Library
Saturday, February 13th ~ 3:00 p.m.
Valentine Fun!

Hurston Reading Group
Sunday, February 14th ~ 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
discussing Jonah’s Gourd Vine

This week's programs...

PC Academy: Computer Basics
Monday February 1st ~ 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. ~ Computer and Mouse
registration required

Story Time for Preschoolers
Tuesday, February 2nd ~ 10:30 a.m.

PC Academy: The “Visible” Internet
Tuesday, February 2nd ~ 7:00 p.m.

Baby/Toddler Mingle/Baby/Toddler Story Time
Thursday, February 4th ~ 10:30 and 10:45 a.m.

Reading Buddies
Thursday, February 4th ~ 4:00 p.m.

Knit and Crochet Club
Thursday, February 4th ~ 7:00 p.m.
all skill levels welcome

Meet the Author
Saturday, February 6th ~ 1:30 p.m.
Bob Morris, author of the Zack Chasteen novels,
Baja Florida, A Deadly Silver Sea, Bermuda Schwartz,
Jamaica Me Dead and Bahamarama

Winter Thrillers February 1st Prize Drawing

The winner of this week's drawing, for a $20 Whole Foods Market gift certificate, is Barbara, who reviewed Hold Tight by Harlan Coben. Though this wasn't her favorite, she writes, "All Coben books are very good."

The runners-up were all "cheers":

A Purple Place for Dying by John D. MacDonald, reviewed by Barbara: "All MacDonald books are good mystery thrillers."

Dear Enemy by Jack Pavanaugh, reviewed by Barbara.

Above All Earthly Powers by Jack Pavanaugh, reviewed by Barbara.

Death Watch by Jack Cavanaugh & Jerry Kuiper, reviewed by Barbara: "All of Jack Cavanaugh's books are THE BEST."

Proof Positive by Philip Margolin, reviewed by Gail: “This was the first book I read by Margolin, and after reading it I was hooked. The plot is one that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with psychological undertones throughout the book. An ‘A+’read.”

The General’s Daughter by Nelson DeMille, reviewed by Gail.
The Enemy by Lee Child, reviewed by Gail: “Anything written by Lee Child is excellent. He keeps the reader interested with complex plots and many twists and turns.”

The Third Twin by Ken Follet, reviewed by Gail.
The Mark of the Assassin by Daniel Silva, reviewed by Gail.
The Marching Season by Daniel Silva, reviewed by Gail.
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet, reviewed by Gail: “Although this book is very long, Follet keeps the reader’s interest with very interesting characters throughout. A very surprising read and I would give it an ‘A+’.”

Intimate Strangers by Elise Scheint, reviewed by Nancy: “An incredible story about twin sisters who are adopted at infancy and meet up in their adult lives. They uncover secrets about their adoption and learn more about themselves as they get to know one another.”

Traveling with Pomegranates by Sue Monk Kidd and Anne Kidd Taylor, reviewed by Nancy: “This is a story of a mother/daughter relationship. The two discover themselves through three trips they take together.”

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger, reviewed by Alice: “Unlike any ghost story I’ve ever read!”

The China Study by Colin Campbell, reviewed by Monica: “This book really opened my eyes regarding the amount of annual protein an average American eats. It should be read by everyone who wants to eat healthy and live long. I have already make modifications in my diet, based on this book. Even though I am vegetarian, I can’t believe I was consuming too much dairy and eggs. A must-read!”

Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver, reviewed by Kathie.