Tuesday, June 29, 2010

June 28th Drawing Winner and Reviews for "Water Your Mind - Read" Summer Reading!

There were two prizes this week, and in the weeks to come.
The winner of the 2 tickets to Enzian Theater was Ted, who reviewed FATSO: Football When Men Were Really Men by Arthur J. Donovan, Jr. and Bob Drury (not rated): "You don't have to be a sports fan to appreciate this book! Fatso is full of tales of both mayhem and irreverence from a by-gone era of football. It also is a biting commentary on how the game has changed in more recent years as (the author) lets loose a barrage of commentary on the game, and nothing is sacred form his shrewd and amusing perspective. Donovan nostalgically recalls the days when football was a game and not a business, played on grass, not astroturf; players relaxed together as a team by good-natured activities, not posing for individual product endorsments. Donovan has appeared on numerous talk shows because of his engaging, funny personality. There's never a dull moment when he speaks. This book is a real hoot - come on now and jump on the joy ride! Try it, you'll like it!"

The winner of the 2 Qdoba Mexican Grill entrees was Lisa, who reviewed No One Noticed the Cat by Anne McCaffrey (5 cans): "A little hard to follow at first. Then it became a great fairytale type of story. Loved the cat angle."

Congratulations to our winners! Thank you to everyone who participated. The following are the reviews for this week:

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, reviewed by Jennifer (5 cans): "I am glad to have read this book. I have always wanted to, but was inspired to pick it up for the 50th anniversary. I was in awe of Harper's ability to write such a classic  given that it was her first and only novel. This book is full of great lessons and truths that are still applicable today. Reading this book was a great use of my time and I am better for having done so."

Imperfect Birds by Anne Lamott, reviewed by Jean (4 cans): "This continues the story of Rosie (see Crooked Little Heart) and her partents through struggles with teenage conflicts, problems, drug abuse, and addiction. Well-written and informative indirectly, but not major literature. Good minor league lit, I'd say."

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, reviewed by Alice (4 cans): "A new take on Henry VIII and Cromwell."

61 Hours by Lee Child, reviewed by Katie (4 cans): "I love Jack! He ends up in South Dakota on a crashed bus where he's involved in protecting a witness. It has drugs, a drug lord, and a deserted Army base where it all comes together."

Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke, reviewed by Joanne(4 cans): "Always great fun - these mysteries that are full of recipes are well-written light reading. Always 'G'-rated and entertaining. Lots of enticing recipes in this one, and several amusing plots, along with the murder, which was committed on a much-hated fellow nobody missed much."

Supreme Justice by Phillip Margolin, reviewed by Katie (3 cans): "A death row prisoner has appealed her case to the Supreme Court, where I judge, resigns and another is attacked. Dana is called in to investigate and it leads he to a small freighter containing a dead crew and drugs! She finds a plot that includes some very important people and the CIA. Really good!"

Rise and Shine by Anna Quindlen, reviewed by Doris (3 cans): "Story of the Fitzmauriel sisters: one is a TV talk-show host and one is a social worker in Manhattan. Interesting tale of their problems, after Meaghan (TV host) lets slip a profanity and loses her job. 'Engrossing exploration of fame, shame and sisterhood.' Hartford Gourant"

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Kaleidoscope Storytellers this Thursday at 2:30 p.m!


Fresh from their tour of Volusia County, the Kaleidoscope Storytellers are in town!  Join us for a fun, musical and participation filled good time!  Stay after the show for crafts and light refreshments.  Don't forget to bring your Summer Reading 2010 Passports, and keep reading Maitland!  See you there!

Florida storytellers Suzie Shaeffer and Terry Deer perform together as the Kaleidoscope Storytellers. They bring over fifty years of combined experience as storytellers and puppeteers to our tandem programs for schools, libraries, festivals and other venues. Their fresh, lively performances use tandem storytelling, puppet partners, creative dramatics, props, poetry, songs and audience participation to delight and enlighten children while reinforcing their language and social skills.

June 21st "Water Your Mind - Read!" Drawing Winner and Book Reviews


Congratulations to Katie,
who gave The Girl of His Dreams
by Donna Leon 4 out of 5 “watering pots”, and won the drawing for 2 dinners at the Copper Rocket Pub!
A big thank you to the Copper Rocket Pub for their generosity, and to Katie for her great reviews!

There will be 2 winners for June 28th - 2 free entrees at Qdoba's Mexican Grill, and 2 tickets to the Enzian Theater. Keep reading, and returning those great reviews!

Rated 5 out of 5 "watering cans":
The Help by Katherine Stockett, reviewed by Sarah.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, reviewed by Jean: "This delightful yet profound novel has truths to tell us all about human relationships and what really matters in life. You'll experience lots of laughs, too, as you float through Huck's experiences with him. A great character in a deservedly-classic book."

Deliver us from Evil by David Baldacci, reviewed by Sarah.

4 and a half "watering cans":
Blind Side: The Evolution of A Game by Michael Lewis, reviewed by Mr. Kay: "Very interesting book by Michael Lewis trying to be David Halberstam. The story is of a disadvantaged black kid from the Memphis slums who through the benefits of being 'adopted' by a rich family overcame developmental and social deficiancies to go on to college and become a star in the NFL. Along the way it examines the historical development of NFL linemen, exposes the NCAA and the cost of being born poor. Actually, amazingly stuff that appeared unbelievable in the movie actually happened (except one....). "

4 "watering cans":

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, reviewed by Jennifer: "Learned so much about the island of Guernsey and occupation of the Germans during World War II. Nice read!"

What's Wrong by Laurel Blossom, reviewed by Jean: "Some shard, often painful looks at life by an interesting poet who doesn't lack insight and wit. Privately printed for the Rowfant Club of Cleveland in 1987, this is, alas, a rare book, given to me by a different poet."

About Face by Donna Leon, reviewed by Katie: "Really good! Brunetti investigates the shadowy, toxic world of the island of Marghera, and the way in which toxic waste is stored and disposed of."

Bodies in Winter by Robert Knightly, reviewed by Mr. Kay: "Kinda like a roller coaster ride: started out slowly, climbed to a climax of sorts, then coasted for a while after the action stopped. Actually, the middle was pretty good: good cops versus bad cops covering up bad cop stuff. A couple of likeable protagonists, but everyone else suffered from 'cya' syndrome."

Trough A Glass Darkly by Donna Leon, reviewed by Katie: "In this book, Commissario Brunetti investigates a man murdered on the island of Murano in front of a blazing furnace of the glass factory. Good!"

Uniform Justice by Donna Leon, reviewed by Katie: "Commissario Brunetti investigates a suicide of a youg man found hanged at a military academy. He is plunged into the strange and stormy politics of his country's elite. I enjoyed it and especially that it takes place in Venice."

Friday, June 18, 2010

Winner of the June 14th drawing - "Water Your Mind - Read" Summer Reading!

     The winner of the 2 First Watch Restaurant entrees was Mr. Kay, with the 2010 book Strip by Thomas Perry.



Mr. Kay says of Strip: "One of the rare books I did not finish. (It) had a potentially unique plot but the detached development of secondary characters brought the plot (to a halt) dead in the water."
Thank you to everyone who submitted a book title (and for the great comments as well!).
Next week: a drawing for 2 dinner specials from The Copper Rocket Pub!
Come on by and submit your book reviews!

Book reviews submitted for this week, in order of most-liked to least-liked:


Rated 5 out of 5 "watering pots":


Junkyard Dogs by Craig Johnson, reviewed by Mr. Kay: "To me they don't come any better than sheriff Walt Longmire and his extended 'family' in small town, Wyoming. It's like reading the year-end letter describing the activities of a large family of friends, then *bang* -   it rises up and bites you in the a--, literally (a letter like Charlie Williford, in that respect). I can't recomment Craig Johnson high enough. Worth a trip to Vero at the end of the month to meet him!"

The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova, reviewed by Sarah.

This Body of Death by Elizabeth George, reviewed by Katie: "Excellent! Reminds me of her first few books. So good I couldn't put them down. The Body of Death is like that - I couldn't figure it out nor could I put it down!"

The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar, reviewed by Doris (two extra "watering cans"): This is a novel about Mumbai/ Bonbay, India. It revolves around a high-caste Zorastrian housewife and her illiterate Hindu maid. Their lives are entwined in the employer/employee relationship and in many other ways, but yet "there is a space between them." The book builds to a stunning climax that will make you want to read a sequel ---stay tuned!"

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larrson, reviewed by Mary Frances: "Great book, lots of intruigue. Also a commentary on Swedish society and sexual abuse of women."

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, reviewed by Doris: "Another tale of India, The White Tiger tells a dark, cynical story about the evolution of a nice villiage boy-Balram Halwai - son of a rickshaw puller - into an entrepreneur and cold-blooded killer. The White Tiger is a trip to the dark side of modern India - its corruption, poverty and graft, told with black humor. Puts a face on globalization."

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, reviewed by Gail: "Enzo is a lab terrier mix born on a farm outside Seattle, Washington. He is bought by Denny Swift to ride shotgun with him in a race car as he pursues success on the track and off. Enzo tells the story as he reflects back over his life with Denny, his wife and daughter. Denny gets into some unbelievable situations, and Enzo is always his supporter, although a silent one. Enzo wants to be reborn as a man when he dies, and throughout the book, Enzo has so much to teach all of us about life."

61 Hours by Lee Child, reviewed by Gail: "Jack Reacher really got himself in a bind in this fast-paced men's adventure story. When a tour bus on which he bummed a ride skids off the road and crashes, Reacher finds himself in Bolton, South Dakota. A methamphetamine lab run by a very violent drug cartel has begun operating at an abandoned military facility in Bolton. Reacher helps the local cops figure out what is happening, with his military intelligence background being a great asset. The ending is a huge cliff-hanger."

A Brief History of Pakistan by Fawaz Gerges, reviewed by Alma.

Rated 4 "watering pots":


61 Hours by Lee Child, reviewed by Mr. K: "Typical Reacher book with more time allotted to introspection and establishing his back story, mostly below zero degrees Fahrenheit. An ambiguous ending, but you just know-----."

The Lion by Nelson Demille, reviewed by Mr. K: "The elite of the terrorist-based best-sellers. The terrorist is pure evil and the egocentric hero is dominant enough so you just know he won't fail. Add Demille's sharp sense of humor and the hero is able to carry the intervals when the terrorist is killing his prey and all his witnesses/helpers. If the hero is so smart, why did he amble cluelessly into the trap? To set up the bloody climax, why else? Excellent read!"


Rated 3 "watering pots":


You Are Not A Gadget by Jaron Lanier, reviewed by Jean: "Difficult for non-techies."

Duino Elegies by Rainer-Maria Rilke, reviewed by Jean: "Amazing and confusing and exhilerating. Poetry in translation is a problem, I think."


The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meyers, reviewed by Robin:: "Mildly entertaining - there are many  more exciting books I would recommend over this"


The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau, reviewed by Sarah.


Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben, reviewed by Gail: "The first book in the Myron Bolitar series. Myron Bolitar is a sports agent and occasional investigator, who is one step from the big time. His prized client, Christian Steele, is a rookie quarterback also looking to become a prized football star. When Christian gets a phone call from a former girlfriend, a young woman everyone things is dead, including the police, the deal starts to go sour. Myron is suddenly thrown into a mystery of blackmail and sex. He is up against the dark side of his business - where image and talent make you rich, but the truth can get you killed."

Nowhere To Run by C. J. Bort, reviewed by Katie: "I enjoyed it - Joe Pichett is a game warden and he is always finding trouble."

Storm Prey by John Sandford, reviewed by Mr. Kay: "Lucas Davenport has lost his edge and has evolved into a ploy of cardboard characters and smart repartee. The series used to be seriously creepy but has sunk to mindless semi-action. It has more substance that Stuart Woods but headed that direction. (It's) still fun to read!"

Unrated (no "watering pots" circled)

Choke by Stuart Woods, reviewed by William.

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters, reviewed by Joanne: "These stories of archaeologists in Egypt are always interesting, combining excavation adventures with mad-cap travels. This one is early in the series, when the two protagonists first meet, whereas all the other stories I've read of theirs were later, after they'd been married awhile. It was interesting that the epilogue told which parts of the story were historically accurate and what was changed to suit the story."

Who Killed Daniel Pearl by Bernard-Henri Lévy, reviewed by Alma

Double Comfort Safari Club by Alexander McCall Smith, reviewed by Joanne: (MP3 version) "The book was terrific, as these #1 Ladies Detective Agency stories always are. Riveting from beginning to end, and this one includes travel to a part of Botswana we've never visited before. I looked it up on a map - way up north in the lake district with hippos and lions - oh my! Great story and as usual everything works out fine in the end."

Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald, reviewed by Annette.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Mad Science comes TODAY!


Come see Central Florida's very own Mad Science as they perform their amazing Fire & Ice show.  Education and entertainment was never this exciting!  Stay after the show and make a few crafts and enjoy light refreshments.  Shhhhh!  Don't tell Dad but due to popular demand, we will be making some Father's Day cards and gifts at the end of our show.  Be there or be silly!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Father's Day Storytimes all this week!

Monday night was amazing!  15 of you came to hear stories and join in songs about Dads!  Tuesday morning is your last chance to make three different crafts for dear old Dad as well as greeting cards.  Hope to see you there!  Here's some examples of what we will be making:


Sunday, June 13, 2010

Gatorland Rocks!

Our Gatorland visit was phenomenal!  So many animals and so much to learn!  A big thank you to Gatorland for coming out and to YOU for supporting our Summer Reading Program line up of events.  65 of you came out!  You rock!  Join us for Storytime throughout the week and especially for Mad Science when they come at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday for their Fire and Ice show!  Read on, Maitland!

Gatorland Comes Today! 2 p.m.



Join us at 2 p.m. today for a full hour of fun, excitement and education with Central Florida's very own premier gator experts, Gatorland!  Stay after the show for crafts, giveaways and light refreshments.  Fun for the whole family!  This event counts as a Summer Reading program for Summer Reading Passport holders.  Keep on readin'!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Save the Manatee Club today!




Maitland's own Save the Manatee Club comes today at 3:00 p.m., providing a full half-hour multimedia presentation followed by another half hour of participation stories, sing-a-longs and more with our Youth Services staff!  Enjoy music and stories by John Lithgow, Woodie Guthrie, Jim Arnosky to name a few!  Stay for the whole program and join in crafts and light refreshments!  Open to all ages.  See you there!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Central Florida Zoo Rocks!

The Central Florida Zoo visit was phenomenal!  Over 80 of you came out to show your support of Maitland Library Youth Programming and your love of animals!  Also, we had a great response with our Reading Passports, with many people earning two of their three needed stamps for getting into the End of Summer Party.  Hope to see you all on Saturday for Save the Manatee Club and Sunday for Gatorland! 
Does this summer rock or what?!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Julie's Talk Kicks Off Library Adult Summer Reading

Julie Compton spoke about her newest thriller, Rescuing Olivia, and answered questions from book lovers of all ages. This is the second novel for this Altamonte Springs writer. Originally from St. Louis, MO, Julie has 5 older brothers, and so is very comfortable writing from a male point of view. A former lawyer, Julie's first book was Tell No Lies, often called a legal thriller. Both her books are available to check out at your library. Julie is returning to Maitland Library on July 28th to speak to the Contemporary Authors book discussion group at 1:30 p.m.. This event is free and open to the public.

Attendees enjoyed hot and iced tea (out of china tea cups) and finger foods to celebrate the Adult Summer Reading program theme, "Water Your Mind: Read!." This Maitland Library program runs from June 6th to July 31st, and encourages anyone over 17 to read and submit a short sentence about a book they have listened to or read. Each Monday until August, one lucky reader will win a prize donated by a local business in a drawing. Businesses donating prizes include Maitland Tire Company, Enzian Theater, First Watch, Copper Rocket Pub, NYPD Pizzeria, Qdoba's Mexican Grill, and Austin's Coffee House. For more information, click here
Make sure to check the Calendar on the library's web page, the Facebook page, and the Top Ten list for a daily event schedule.

Thank you to Julie Compton for introducing her newest novel, to Bill of Olde Cup and Saucer in Longwood for use of the cups, saucers, and tea pots, and to Melissa and Nancy for setting up, cleaning up, and keeping the platters of finger food filled!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Central Florida Zoo is coming, Thursday, June 10th at 2:30 p.m!


Central Florida Zoo presents a full hour of fun and learning with their Aquatic Animals presentation!  Explore the mysteries of the world's water-borne creatures with animal experts.  Stay after the presentation for a craft and light refreshments.

Make sure you get your Passport stamped.  If you get three or more stamps, you can come to our End of Summer Party on July 28th!

Keep reading and filling up those Reading Logs!  Reading Logs and goodie bags are available at our Circulation Desk.

See you there!

Mad Hatter's Tea Party Smashing Success!

A big "thank you!" to the 115+ parents and children who came to our first summer reading program of 2010 - The Mad Hatter's Tea Party!  If you came to the party, you were a part of Maitland Public Library history: this was our biggest response to a summer reading program EVER!

If you weren't able to attend, we hope to see you at one of our other exciting programs throughout June and July.  Remember, if you attend just three (3) of our summer reading programs (or more!) you will be able to come to our HUGE! party at the end of the summer!  Summer reading goodie bags, reading logs and passports are available now at our Circulation Desk.  You do not need to be a library card holder or resident of Maitland to participate.  Just come and enjoy!

As promised, below are a few pictures from during and after the show.  Hope to see you next time!



Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners now identified!


For years, the Caldecott and Newbery award winners have topped our reading lists for children's literature.  However, few people are aware of the Coretta Scott King (CSK) award for children's literature.  Coretta Scott King who sadly left this world in 2006, was an American author, activist, civil rights leader, and widow of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In 1970, the Coretta Scott King award for children's literature was created, recognizing the contributions of African American authors and illustrators whose work embodied three distinct elements: Peace, Brotherhood and Non-Violent Social Change.

Now, in your Children's Picture Book rooms, you can more easily identify CSK award winning books from not just the medal on their front cover, but also this symbol at the base of the spine of the book:


Look for this symbol, and enjoy some of the finest children's literature being produced today!