July 27th "Master the Art of Reading" Drawing Winner and Runners-up Reviews

And the winner of the July 27th prize drawing for one $25 Gift Certificate to Antonio’s Ristorante is…
Jean!

She recommended Revenge of the Apple: Venganza de la Manzana by Alicia Portnoy.

And the runners up are…

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, recommended by Anonymous: “Excellent. Great details of Chinese life in this historical period. Sad.”

Culture Warrior by Bill O’Reilly, recommended by Anonymous.

The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafson, recommended by Patricia: “Very different, mysterious, gripping, diabolical, a next best-seller!”

Oh Johnny by Jim Lehrer, recommended by Dorothy: “Lehrer at his best. An unusual war/love story.”

The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman, recommended by Dorothy: “A gripping story by one of our best storytellers.”

Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson, recommended by Alice: “I’ve read all of this series – feel this latest is one of the best.”

Hiding in the Spotlight by Greg Dawson, recommended by Sheila.

Hiding in the Spotlight by Greg Dawson, recommended by Katie: “I thought it was incredible: 2 young girls could survive such madness – amazing story and told well!”

Driftwood Summer by Patti Callahan Henry, recommended by Marilyn.

Annie’s Ghosts by Steve Luxenbery, recommended by Sheila: “A very unusual family saga, but how true!”

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, recommended by Monika: “Awesome read!”

Night of the Howling Dogs by Graham Salisbury, recommended by Terri.

The Kills by Linda Fairstein, recommended by Barbara: “10 of 10.”

Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer, recommended by Robert: “Even someone who doesn’t normally go for this author will love this book – 4 Bravos!”

Toxic Childhood by Sue Palmer, recommended by Aura: “This book was amazing – full of insight and great ideas for parenting and for building a better society for all of us.”

Not Becoming My Mother by Ruth Reichl, recommended Pat: “Barely longer than essay-length, this book illuminates the road blocks put in the way of talented, career-minded women in the 1950’s, and how Ruth’s mother ultimately succeeded in finding contentment, despite these, and managed to steer her daughter clear of these road blocks. Ruth realized after her mother’s death that she acted the way she did toward her daughter so her daughter wouldn’t make the same mistakes and “be like her.” A short and fulfilling read.

Just OK:

Knock Out by Catherine Coulter, reviewed by Katie: “- year-old Autumn can communicate with FBI agent Dillon and they don’t use normal ways. Autumn’s paternal family is trying to get her away from her mother because of her talents and Dillon is also chasing 2 murdering bank robbers. It just wasn’t too good.”

Boos:

The Private Life of the Cat Who…Tales of Koko and Yum Yum by Lilian Jackson Brown, reviewed by Michelle: “The book is very choppy, not a good reading flow. May be a good short read to keep in the powder room.”

11: Indispensable Relationships You Can’t Be Without by Leonard Sweet, reviewed by Dave.

July 20th "Master the Art of Reading" Drawing Winner and Other Books Reviewed

The winner of the 3 contemporary books and 2 music CDs from Borders is...
Katie, who wrote about Heart of the World by Linda Barnes:

“It was wonderful – a visit to Bogota (which is the only way I’d go).”

Other entries included:

Bravos:

The Linnet Bird by Linda Holeman, reviewed by Doris: “I was glued to all 416 pages of this historical fictionalized tale of Victorian England, and its captivating protagonist, Linny Gow. At age 11, she was sold into prostitution, but learned how to survive. A terrifying, fascinating page-turner.”

My Life in France by Julia Child, reviewed Doris: “This is a delightful autobiography of Julia Child’s love affair with France and French cuisine. Her quirky sense of humor and unique style make for a fascinating tale, told very well.”

Night and Day by Robert B. Parker, reviewed by Dorothy: “Jess Stone is just enough different from Spenser to keep your interest. Good, fast read.”

Doomsday Key by James Rollins, reviewed by Glenda.

Persuasion by Jane Austen, reviewed by Elinor.

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, reviewed by Katie: “The first book I’ve read by See. Very informative about Angel Island and paper sons or daughters, plus the characters were wonderful – I cared about them!”

1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die by Stephen Farthing, general editor, reviewed by Jean.

Deep Pockets by Linda Barnes, reviewed by Katie: “Barnes ties everything together really well – she writes a good book.”

Rough Weather by Robert B. Parker, reviewed by Dorothy: “The usual snazzy dialogue Parker excels in.”

The Creek by J.T. Glisson, reviewed Joy: “I loved this book. It’s a great book for native Floridians or anyone who is interested in Florida before all the development. This is a must-read for fans of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (author of The Yearling and Cross Creek).

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline, reviewed by Michelle: “Thought-provoking. A quick and easy read because you don’t want to put this book down.”

Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance, reviewed by Barbara: “10 of 10.”

The Women by T.C. Boyle, by Elinor.

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan, reviewed by Elinor.

Immoral by Brian Freeman, reviewed by K.: “One of the best first novels I’ve read. Very complex but also quite readable. Quite a story – left me waiting to read the next one in the series.”

Long Lost by Harlan Coban, reviewed by Barbara: “10 of 10.”

Flashpoint by Linda Barnes, reviewed by Katie: “Carlotta is truly interesting – half Jewish and half Irish in the city of Boston…she recovers a rare Medieval Judaica.”

Walk the Blue Fields by Marilynne Robinson, reviewed by Jean: “Excellent collection of short stories set in Ireland.”

A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid, reviewed by Michelle: “This book is a little corny. It reminds us that some of the best gifts should be gratefully-received as well as given.”

Boos:
True Detectives by Jonathan Kellerman, reviewed Patricia: “Great writer as a rule, but this book was not up to his standards.”

Harry Potter Night was Magical! - July 14

On Tuesday, July 14, MPL found out there are a number of wizards in Maitland. In attendance were Harry, Hermione, Luna, Ron, a few other Gryffindors, some Slytherins, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs. There were even a few Muggles.

The evening opened with the students being greeted at the door by Headmistress Dingledong and the Sorting Hat. Once the Sorting Hat determined which House the wizard belonged, they entered Hogwarts and joined their House. Once all the students were sorted, Headmistress welcomed the students and introduced the Hogwarts Professors and House Elves.

Professors Gray, Trelawney, Sprout instructed the students on Potions, Magical Creatures, and Herbology. Throughout the event, each House earned points either by answering trivia questions about the Harry Potter Series, class participation, and behavior. Gryffindor House accumulated the most points and won the opportunity to visit the Leaky Cauldron first.

The Leaky Cauldron served Dragon Scales, Chocolate Frogs, and, of course, Bernie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.

Thanks to all who made HP Night a success!

Wii Gaming for Seniors!

Our second Wii Gaming for Seniors was held on Wed. July 8. We were a little slow in getting started because of Florida afternoon storms, but a few of participants did stop by and played a few games of tennis, bowling, and billards. One of our teen volunteers gave instructions of how to play the games.
Our next Senior Wii event is Wednesday, August 5 @ 1:30 p.m.

July 13th "Master the Art of Reading" Drawing Winner and runners-up

The winner of the 2 First Watch entres is...

Joanne , who reviewed LeMay : The Life and Wars of General Curtis LeMay by Warren Kozak!

She writes," An excellent biography of General LeMay. He could and would do everything!"

The runners-up are:
BRAVOs:

Roadside Crosses by Jeffery Deaver, reviewed by P.A. :"Surprise ending. Tells interesting things about the possible destruction of lives due to the modern computer, games, blogs, etc.."

Lust for Life by Irving Stone, reviewed by Nancy: "One of the best books I have ever read!"

Trouble of Fools by Linda Barnes, reviewed by Katie.

Big Dig by Linda Barnes, reviewed by Katie: "I've just discovered Barnes - I intend to read them all! Carlotta is great! :)"

Dead Eyes by Stuart Woods, reviewed by Joanne: "Another story that holds your interest to the very end."

Florida's Hurricane History by Jay Barnes, reviewed by Tracy: "Interesting book. Let's hope we don't have any hurricanes to add to it this year. Amen."

Selected Poems by Gwendolyn Brooks, reviewed by Jean.

Murder One by William Bernhardt, reviewed by P.A.: "Great read- couldn't put the book down!"

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, reviewed by Melissa.

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, reviewed by Lucy.

The Lost: A Search for Six of Six Million by Daniel Mendelsohn, reviewed by Lucy.

The Skinny: On Losing Weight Without Being Hungry by Louise Anonne, reviewed by Monika.

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, reviewed by Karen: "Very interesting series of stories in a town in Maine with one character as a common thread."

Slow Kill by Michael McGarrity, reviewed by Barbara: "8 out of 10."

Resilience by Elizabeth Edwards, reviewed by Jean: "A beautifully-written, heart-wrenching reflection on the adversities of life faced by Elizabeth Edwards: the death of her young son, her cancer diagnoses, and the adulterous affair of her husband John."

Snapshot by Linda Barnes, reviewed by Katie.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, reviewed by Anonymous:"One of the most entertaining books I've read. I lived her every moment right with the author as she told her quest for love and what she went through to find it. She has such a talent for description, I could taste what she ate and visualize what she saw."

Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls, reviewed by Anonymous: " You could feel the pain of the author as she wrote about her disadvantaged life, growing up poor and then realizing her mother chose to ignore the fortune that she had to live a life of extreme poverty. The ending was at least more uplifting, as the author had become a very successful professional. I like true stories better than novels, and this story was gripping."

Snake Tattoo by Linda Barnes, reviewed by Katie.

Hardware by Linda Barnes, reviewed by Katie:"Love Carlotta!"

Dead Silence by Randy Wayne White, reviewed by Barbara: "9 out of 10, where 10 is Bravo!"

Steel Guitar by Linda Barnes, reviewed by Katie.

The Dispossessed by Ursula LeGuin, reviewed by Rochelle: "This book bordered on the philosophical at times, which I really enjoyed. I also loved the discourses comparing and contrasting various forms of government with anarchism, talking about the merits and pitfalls of each, but still leaving it up to the reader to draw their own conclusions. Someone had recommended this book to me, and I am glad I actually read it!"

Such a Pretty Fat by Jennifer Lancaster, reviewed by Mary.

Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jennifer Lancaster, reviewed by Mary.

Bitter is the New Black by Jennifer Lancaster, reviewed by Mary.

BOOs:
Promises in Death by J. D. Robb, reviewed by Dorothy: “I did not like the main character in this story and I found much of the plot unbelievable.”

Tuesday, July 14th - Harry Potter Night!

Come dressed as your favorite character, visit with Hogwarts professors, play games, and have a lot of Wizardry fun!

For reservations, call 407-647-7700.

July 6th "Master the Art of Reading" Drawing Winner and Other Books Reviewed

The winner of the Sip and Knit class, hand-dyed wool yarn, and bamboo knitting needles is...

Doris! She gave a Bravo to The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer.

And the runners-up are….

Bravos:

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, reviewed by Doris.

Home by Marilynne Robinson, by Jean.

Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult, reviewed by Katie: “A love story and a story of motherhood – really good!”

Pictures at an Exhibition by Sara Houghteling, reviewed by Eliane: “Very good. It gives a very good impression of the art galleries in Paris and what happened during the war and afterward.”

Blue Boy by Rakesh Satyl, reviewed by Michele: “Growing up gay in an Indian family. Extraordinary!”

Rescuing Sprite by Mark Levin, reviewed by Michelle: An endearing story of a beloved pet named Sprite. Her powerful impact on the hearts of the family members who adopted her. So cherished and adored!”

Envy the Night by Michael Koryta, reviewed by P.A.: “Good, exciting read!”

Smoke Screen by Sandra Brown, reviewed by Joan: “I’ve read a lot of Sandra Brown’s books and always enjoy them.”

Shell Game: Reflections on Rowing by Stephen Kiesling, reviewed by Peter.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, reviewed by Myrna: “Great insight into autism and a good surprise.”

Mounting Fears (Will Lee series, #7) by Stuart Woods, reviewed by J.: “Not as captivating as some of his other books, but a fast read for a summer day.”

The Amateur Marriage by AnneTyler, reviewed by Doris: “5 stars.”

My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph. D, reviewed by Doris: “”2 stars.”

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber, reviewed by Michelle: “If you enjoyed the movie, “The Bucket List,” you will enjoy “Twenty Wishes.” I’m starting my own list!’

I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron, reviewed Michelle: “Anyone over 50 will enjoy the hilarity of life Nora Ephron shares in this book.”

The Soloist by Steve Lopez, reviewed by Jane: “This was a wonderful book. It really enlightens one on mental illness and shows a beautiful connection with friendship and music.”

Last Train to Paradise: Henry Flagler and the Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Railroad that Crossed an Ocean by Les Standiford, reviewed by Linda: “(3 stars) Wonderful, fascinating account of Flagler’s life and the horrific hurricane that struck the Keyes in 1935. I’m a native Floridian and I learned a lot about my state.”

Cold Case by Linda Barnes, reviewed by Katie: “I’m going to get more by Barnes – I love Carlotta!”

Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich, reviewed by Katie: “So much fun – I just love the dialogue!! I laugh out loud!!”

Dead or Alive by Michael McGarrity, reviewed by P. A.: “Action-packed, never a dull moment.”

Boca Knights by Steve M. Forman, reviewed by Barbara.

Still Life by Joy Fielding, reviewed by Barbara (a “9”, where 1 is the worst and 10 the best).

Boos:
Losing Mum and Pup by Christopher Buckley, reviewed by Yvette.

Shell Game: Reflections on Rowing by Stephen Kiesling, reviewed by Terri: “OK.”

A Dog About Town by J. F. Englert, reviewed by Michelle: “ I read the first 100 pages and it just didn’t capture me. A couple good dog books are: “A Dog Year” by Jon Katz (the irony), and “Marley and Me” by John Grogan.

Mixed Up With the Mob by Ginny Aiken, reviewed by Samina: “I never felt as if I wanted to find out what happens. I found it easy to put the book down which is nearly impossible when I am enjoying a piece of writing. It was OK, not exceptional.”

Dirty Laundry by Paula Woods, reviewed by Joanne: “Maybe just me, but neither the plot nor the characters held my interest.”