CD Review: Overcomer (Mandisa)

Christian singer, Mandisa, is back with another inspiring album called Overcomer. It has a variety of songs that bring faith, encouragement and support.

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Reviewed by Cathy H.

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog 
  

Review: The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron

Title: The Dogs of Christmas

Author: W. Bruce Cameron

Genre: Christmas, contemporary fiction

Pages: 238

Published: 2013

This is a heartwarming tale of a young man named Josh who suddenly finds himself with a dog he did not ask for nor want.  Despite this, he realizes that the dog needs him and he takes on the responsibility of caring for her and the “baggage” that she brought with her.  I found myself on a roller coaster of emotions while reading the book, which is typical of W. Bruce Cameron’s books.

This book is a very easy, one day read.  While the focus of the book is dogs, there is a bit of family drama, holiday traditions, and a budding romance thrown in to the story as well.  The story emphasizes the true meaning of family and caring for others.   Because of this, I think that the book would appeal to those who are not currently dog lovers.  But just like Josh, a person who never thought twice about dogs,  he fell in love with dogs in this book, you never know if you might fall in love with a dog yourself.

4/5 stars 
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Reviewed by Laura Beth

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

Television From Across the Pond (DVD Reviews)

Looking for some new TV shows to watch on DVD? Why not try one of these British shows from "across the pond?"

• Last Tango in Halifax tells the story of childhood sweethearts Alan and Celia who re-connect after almost sixty years.  But, the course of true love does not run smoothly, particularly when two somewhat dysfunctional families collide.  This was an award winning series in Britain, and deservedly so.  The acting and writing are excellent, with proper doses of both humor and drama.
• Silk is a contemporary legal drama which follows the passionate barrister Martha Costello as she pursues her "silk" (being appointed to Queen's Counsel).  For fans of legal and courtroom drama.
• If you can't resist period costume drama, you'll enjoy The Paradise. Set amidst the Victorian splendor of Britain's first department store, the series follows Denise as she navigates her way through the power struggles, intrigues and affairs of the store's staff and mysterious owner. 
• Last but not least, the UK's finest import, Doctor Who, comes out with the 50th anniversary special Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor on Dec. 10 (can you tell I'm a fan...?)

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Reviewed by Clare

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

New book releases for 11/19/13

Lots of exciting new adult fiction book releases today! Here are a few of them:

The Absence of Mercy by John Burley

The Christmas Angel by Jane Maas

King and Maxwell by David Baldacci

A Nasty Piece of Work by Robert Littell

Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson

Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich

Which ones are you most excited about?
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As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

Review: Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini

Title: Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

Author: Jennifer Chiaverini

Genre: Historical fiction

Pages: 352

Published: 2013

I listened to the Book on CD. I love Jennifer Chiavernin’s Elm Creek Quilt books. She does a great job of keeping me hooked with the historical fiction in the books. When I saw that she tried another time in history in another setting, I decided to listen.

This book (on CD) covered an interesting period of history from a different perspective. Elizabeth Keckley was a black woman who had bought her freedom from slavery. Her skill was sewing.  She caught the attention of Mrs. Lincoln and eventually became her dressmaker and confidant.

You travel through history and learn about a period of history in a different way.

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Reviewed by Cathy H.

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

CD Review: Bangerz (Miley Cyrus)

Bangerz is the latest album from Miley Cyrus, who caused quite a stir at the MTV Music Awards this year. I'll have to admit though, her crazy stunt worked because I got back into her music again after being reminded of her. Now I am pretty obsessed with both of her hit singles from this album, "We Can't Stop," and "Wrecking Ball." Seriously. I'm obsessed with them and listen to them on repeat.

I've always been a fan of Miley Cyrus, first in her role as Hannah Montana, then later with her music, and it's obvious that she's really changed. While her music this time around is MUCH different, I've enjoyed all of her hit singles, past and present. While Bangerz is a much different album than you would expect from Cyrus (it has kind of a rap or hip hop feel, which isn't always my favorite) it still has some really catchy tunes. My favorites are the above mentioned two hits, as well as "My Darlin'." Some of the songs are just kind of annoying and some of them are both annoying and catchy, like "Love Money Party." All in all, this album is pretty good. It has some really strong tracks, and then some that are not so good. It was worth it for me to listen to this CD just for "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball" alone, but I was able to find a few other songs I enjoyed as well, though I have to admit, there are also some I have to skip.  I will always and forever be a Miley Cyrus fan though, and I am not afraid to admit it!
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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

Review: The Time Between by Karen White

Title: The Time Between

Author: Karen White

Genre: Women's fiction , historical

Pages: 352

Published: 2013

For a long while now, I’ve been wanting to read Karen White. Her books always sound like quintessential women’s fiction, and their covers are usually striking. With this latest release from her, I finally got around to reading one of her books, and while I can certainly see why she is such a popular author, I was slightly underwhelmed. This isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy the book, because I did, I just didn’t love it.

Eleanor Murray has a bit of a humdrum and sad life. As a child, her father died in an accident, and her sister later wound up partially paralyzed and permanently bound to a wheelchair after an incident for which Eleanor blames herself. Add that to the fact that her sister also married the man that Eleanor is in love with, and that makes for a pretty strained and messed up relationship between sisters. Her sister also blames her for the accident and as such, Eleanor has devoted most of her life to taking care of her, never living much of her own life. This all changes when her boss offers her a job on Edisto Island, her beloved childhood home, taking care of his old and cranky great-aunt, Helena. Life starts changing when Eleanor begins to unravel the past – both hers and Helena’s – and begins to accept the things she cannot change.

This book had an extremely interesting premise and a great mystery behind it. This is very much a story of sisters, and Helena’s story runs parallel to Eleanor’s as the novel examines the dark side of each relationship. Furthermore, there is a great mystery and secret that Helena keeps, causing her to be bitter and hold everyone at a distance, Eleanor included. While Helena is initially resistant to Eleanor, and quite mean to her, they eventually learn to help each other through the pain of the past, and I really enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve. I also enjoyed the mystery.
The characters were also very well developed and strong. I particularly enjoyed the spunky young daughter of Eleanor’s boss. Because the characters were strong, the relationships between them all were strong as well. I enjoyed this aspect.

Lastly, the writing was beautiful and elegant. As you can see, there were many wonderful things about this book, however, I am only giving it 3 stars because the story moved a bit too slowly for my taste, and had the tendency to drag sometimes. I find I have this problem a lot with books that are “beautifully” written. I really did appreciate the book and can see that the author is an incredibly talented writer, I just would have liked to see the story move along quicker. I definitely will read Karen White again though. I think fans of historical fiction will really enjoy this one as there is quite a bit of history involved too.

My Rating: 3/5
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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

Review: The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

Title: The Bone Season

Author: Samantha Shannon

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 466

Published: 2013

 

A 2013 GoodReads Choice Awards Nominee and a TODAY SHOW Book Club selection, The Bone Season, by Smanatha Shannon, is the first of a seven book series. It includes  clairvoyance, otherworldly races and the imagined dystopian nature of futuristic society that is familiar with the Hunger Games series.  Think of it as an adult version of Hunger Games, same type of dystopian society but more complex and the book is longer. If you like this type of book you will love The Bone Season.

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Reviewed by Diane

 

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

 

Review: The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane by Kelly Harms

Title: The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane

Author: Kelly Harms

Genre: Women's fiction, contemporary

Pages: 304

Published: 2013

The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane is, in one word, delightful!

The HomeSweetHome Network has just announced their newest sweepstakes winner: Janine Brown, of Iowa, has won a brand new, beautiful home on the coast of Maine. Janey Brown is shocked to hear this news, and assumes it was just another move by her great Aunt Midge in an attempt to bring Janey back to life after the loss of her fiance. On the other side of town, Nean Brown also hears the news and can't wait to leave her life of dead-end jobs and abusive boyfriends for a new beginning in Maine.

Both Janine Browns, along with great Aunt Midge, head for Maine for what each of them thinks is their new home. Both are in for the shock of their lives when they discover the other. Tempers flare and personalities clash as they both learn to cope with the news, with each other, and with learning to live - and love - again.

This book was extremely clever with a fantastic and fresh new storyline. It was funny, sweet, and full of heart with a cast of top notch characters. The three main characters, both Janines (Janey and Nean), as well as great Aunt Midge were all well drawn out and very distinctive.

The story alternates narration between Nean and Janine which was very useful in this novel. We were able to see both sides of the coin and undesrstand what each of them was feeling. It also was part of what helped distinguish each character and bring them to life.

Aunt Midge and Nean both cracked me up. They both had a bit of a wild side to them and Aunt Midge had some truly hilarious one liners. Janey was the total opposite, very serious, anxious, quiet, and sad since dealing with the tragic loss of her fiance. She has long since holed herself up, blocked herself off from the rest of the world, and spends most of her free time cooking elaborate meals to keep herself occupied  (I must say, this kind of inspired me to want to become a better cook).

All in all, this was a pretty amazing book. The three women help each other see life through new eyes, and bring out both the best and worst in one another, though ultimately helping one another grow and evolve. It has a touch of romance with a whole lot of friendship and heart. I definitely recommend this one!

My Rating: 4.5/5
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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Review: The Way, Way Back

The Way, Way Back tells the story of shy, timid teenager Duncan and his single mother.  When he is dragged to the summer home of his mother’s arrogant new boyfriend, he sees nothing but a miserable summer  in his future.  He soon discovers “Water-Wiz” water park, and the quirky staff who become his new “family.”

Coming-of age films are somewhat predictable, and The Way, Way Back is no exception.  What sets it apart is the great screenplay  and actors.  There is even some “Oscar buzz” for Allison Janney, who plays a boozy neighbor, and for Sam Rockwell, the slacker water park employee who befriends Duncan.

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Reviewed by Clare

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

Review: The Sound and the Furry by Spencer Quinn

Title: The Sound and the Furry

Author: Spencer Quinn

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 311

Published: 2013

The Sound and the Furry is the latest in the Chet and Bernie mystery series. Bernie is a down on his luck private detective and Chet is his partner. Chet, however, is a 100+ pound dog and the stories are told in his voice. This sounds like it would be silly, but it is actually very clever. Besides narrating the story, you also get an insight as to why dogs do certain things that they do. I am a total dog lover, so I am very entertained by this, but I think anyone would enjoy this series just for the stories themselves. In this installment, Chet and Bernie are hired to go down to the bayou in search of a missing person. You could read this as a stand alone, but I would suggest starting at the beginning of the series, Dog On It.
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Reviewed by Kim

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

DVD Review: This Is the End

This Is the End (rated R) is a pretty unique comedy movie full of some big name actors. What makes this movie different is that the actors are playing themselves!

This film stars Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride. The six men are trapped in Franco's house after the apocalypse strikes while they're all partying, and many of their other celebrity friends have been killed. What ensues as the men try to fight hunger, scary monsters, and petty arguments is downright hilarious. The humor is quite crass and ridiculous though, so while many people may find this film silly or stupid, if you have that kind of humor, you'll love it and laugh the whole way through like I did. Be forewarned that there is some gore and lots of vulgarity, too.

I'm a huge fan of many of these actors, especially Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill, so I really enjoyed watching them play fictionalized, exaggerated versions of themselves. All in all, a funny, ridiculous movie. While it won't be for everyone, it will appeal highly to those of us with a silly or stupid sense of humor.
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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on their availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

Nonfiction Review: How I Planned Your Wedding by Susan Wiggs & Elizabeth Wiggs Maas

Title: How I Planned Your Wedding: the All-True Story of a Mother and Daughter Surviving the Happiest Day of Their Lives 

Author: Susan Wiggs & Elizabeth Wiggs Maas

Genre: nonfiction, memoir

Pages: 229

Published: 2010

I just got married last month and decided to read this book right before my wedding. I actually finished it on the honeymoon! Anyways, this is the true story of a mother and daughter, Susan and Elizabeth, planning Elizabeth's wedding. As some of you may know, Susan Wiggs is a very popular bestselling romance author who has many great ideas about romance, love, and weddings. She couldn't WAIT for her daughter to get engaged so they could start planning a fairy tale wedding just like the ones she writes about.

This story switched view points, with both Elizabeth and her mother narrating. It covered the whole story from the engagement, all the way to the honeymoon and it was nice seeing two perspectives as I know my own mother was very involved in helping to plan my wedding too! The two women are very close and I enjoyed reading about their relationship and close bond - it was very sweet and touching! 

This book also includes some pointers and tips, so I think this book would be great for the newly engaged. It would make the perfect read for a mother and daughter who are planning a wedding because it was light, fun and cute. It wasn't mind-blowing, but it was worth the read, especially at that particular time in my life.

My Rating: 3.5/5

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Reviewed by Stephanie

This book is available as an eBook through our service, OverDrive. Check it out to your device or computer HERE!

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org.

DVD Review: Parkland

This November 22nd marks the 50th anniversary of the John F. Kennedy assassination. The DVD, Parkland, looks at this pivotal day in American history through the eyes of ordinary people who find themselves in the midst of the chaos that followed the assassination.

There is a roster of great actors, including Paul Giamatti as Abraham Zapruder. The story of his now infamous film of the Kennedy motorcade is the best part of the movie.

Parkland tries to tell too many stories, and comes off a bit disjointed. If you enjoy docu-dramas, check out Parkland. This DVD was released today.
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Reviewed by Clare

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/.

Hilarious Reads

Looking for something hilarious to read? Check out some of these books...

Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster: Jen Lancaster, who started out as a blogger, has written several memoirs and novels. This is her first memoir and it is laugh out loud funny. She is self-centered, rude, and vulgar, but she is also hilarious. Not for the easily offended.

Lunatics by Dave Barry and Alan Zweibel: This is a totally off the wall novel by two very funny writers. It is insane, ridiculous, and absurd, but I was laughing all the way through. This story of two men whose small argument snowballs into global escapades will crack you up, but only if you have a silly sense of humor like I have!

Seriously... I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres: This is a lighthearted, funny, positive memoir that is completely entertaining and fun. Great for something light, especially for fans of Ellen!

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Reviewed by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on their availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the titles above to link directly to the item in our catalog!