Barnard Crossing Staff's Favorite Reads: 2013

The staff over at our Barnard Crossing Branch Library read a lot of amazing books this year. Check out the below list to see what some of their favorites were!

The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane by Kelly Harms is "delightful (...) it has a touch of romance with a whole lot of friendship and heart!" - Stephanie (full review HERE)

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simison "had such a cute and original premise and the characters were so endearing." - Kim (full review HERE).

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella is "a great book about friendship. I loved the character Lara. This was my second time reading it!" - Karen

Looking For Me by Beth Hoffman is "a wonderful book and I am only sorry I took so long to get to it!" - Kim (full review HERE)

Hollywood Strip by Shamron Moore was "a fun and scandalous tale of a struggling Hollywood transplant who finally has her big break. This book was fast paced, exciting, and I didn't want to put it down." - Stephanie (full review HERE)

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty has a "really interesting concept and makes you look at your own relationships, past and present." - Kim

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult "did not disappoint. It was a great read." - Karen

The Sound and the Furry by Spencer Quinn is "the latest in the Chet and Bernie mystery series. Chet (...) 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." - Kim (full review HERE)

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion was "SUCH a unique and refreshing twist on the zombie tale. It is funny and full of heart!" - Stephanie (full review HERE)

The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg is "another Southern delight by a much loved author." - Kim

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks is "a fun read, but don't watch the movie!" - Karen

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes tackles "a tough subject matter and is very sad but thought-provoking." - Kim

Which ones of these titles have you read? Do you have any favorite reads to add from 2013? Leave us a comment below!
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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(s) above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

Review: Looking For Me by Beth Hoffman

Title: Looking For Me

Author: Beth Hoffman

Genre: Southern fiction

Pages: 354

Published: 2013

After reading Beth Hoffman's bestselling debut, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, and loving it, I have been anxious ever since for her next novel to come out. Well, it did come out and I have been meaning to read it and other books kept getting in my way. I finally told those other books they were going to have to wait, because I was going to read Looking For Me now. 

 

Looking For Me tells the story of Teddi Overman and her love for turning old, beat up furniture into beautiful objects which she sells in her antique store. It's also the story of her dysfunctional family and her need to escape after the mysterious disappearance of her brother when she was a teenager. Ms. Hoffman creates memorable characters who you would absolutely want to hang out with (and some you wouldn't!), set in the south, which I am always a sucker for. 

 

This was a wonderful book and I am only sorry I took so long to get to it. Bring on another book, Ms. Hoffman, I promise I won't wait so long next time!!!

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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!

Review: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Title: The Rosie Project

Author: Graeme Simsion

Genre: Contemporary fiction

Pages: 295

Published: 2013

Summary: Don Tillman is a brilliant, yet socially challenged professor of genetics who’s decided it’s time he found a wife. So he designs the Wife Project to find his perfect partner – a sixteen page questionnaire designed to weed out the drinkers, smokers and late arrivers.

Rose Jarman is all of these things and while Don quickly disqualifies her as a candidate for the Wife Project, he begins to help her in her quest to find her biological father.   As an unlikely relationship develops, Don is forced to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie and despite your best scientific efforts, you don’t find love, it finds you.

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book. It had such a cute and original premise and the characters were so endearing, I just couldn’t wait to find out how it turned out. It was a quick, fun read and probably my favorite part is that Don doesn’t even realize how OCD he is. I love a book full of quirky characters and this had them in spades. I would recommend this book to anyone (and I have been quite forceful in convincing people to try it!!). So what are you waiting for – go get yourself a copy!!!

My Rating: 5/5

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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 Reviews: Hilarious New Comedies (The Heat & We're the Millers)

The Heat has got to be one of this year's funniest new releases! Sandra Bullock stars as an ambitious and uptight FBI agent who is partnered with Melissa McCarthy's character, a loud-mouthed, crass local cop who doesn't like anyone invading her turf. While they start out as enemies, they eventually form an unlikely bond as they work together to take down a dangerous drug lord. While Sandra Bullock is amazing in this movie, I have to say, Melissa McCarthy really stole the show here! They play off of each other wonderfully, and McCarthy has some seriously hilarious one liners. I literally laughed the whole way through this movie, both times that I've seen it. It never gets old. And don't let anyone fool you into thinking it's a chick flick because it's not! My husband refused to see it because he thought it was a chick flick, but when I finally got him to watch it, he was cracking up right alongside me! This has got to be one of my favorite movies of the year!

We're The Millers is another riot full of laughs. This one stars Jason Sudeikis as a small time drug dealer who is forced to travel to Mexico to bring back tons of drugs to repay a debt to his supplier. In order to avoid suspicion, he rents an RV and hires a few neighbors to play his family. He hopes that his RV won't be searched at the border if it looks like a fun family vacation. His pretend wife is played by Jennifer Ansiton, who is exceptional as always, and Sudeikis himself is always hilarious. They also have two "kids," and the whole family cleans themselves up to look like a respectable and corny clan. Along the way, they meet a super nerdy family who is also traveling in an RV, risk their lives on several accounts, and start to bond as a real family, fights and all. The funniest parts involved the fellow RV traveling family who were complete cornballs and unknowingly caused a lot of problems for the "Miller" family. A lot of the humor in this movie is crude and offensive, but nevertheless, I found it to be hilarious as did the rest of my family.
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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!

DVD Reviews: New Comedy Sequels (Grown Ups 2 & The Hangover III)

Grown Ups 2 was a pretty huge letdown, as far as sequels go. I really enjoyed the first one but Grown Ups 2 just did not deliver the laughs for me. I am a fan of stupid or silly humor, but this humor was just too silly and childish. It was also missing Rob Schneider. Why didn't he come back for the sequel?! Maybe he read the script and bowed out...? I wouldn't recommend this one at all, though I would recommend the original. I will say, it's pretty disappointing that this one was such a flop because it has some great actors (Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade), but I guess you simply cannot out-act bad writing!

The Hangover Part III was decent. It had an interesting storyline and made me laugh a few times. Some of it got confusing only because I hadn't seen the previous two in quite some time so that was kind of annoying. It certainly cannot top the original, but it was decent, especially considering it's the third one now. The first one is a classic, while the second and third are okay. For me, the character of Alan makes these films, and he continued to be funny this time around. I would consider the two sequels "one time views," but I do own and love the original. While the antics are outlandish as usual, that's what made these films such big hits to begin with!

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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!

DVD Review: American Horror Story: Asylum

American Horror Story has got to be one the best shows on TV... but only if you're a fan of scary things! It is amazingly written and directed, and really brings the creep factor! I quickly became addicted to the first season, having watched it twice already (it's the kind of show you can watch again and again and keep catching new things), and was super anxious for season two to come on, American Horror Story: Asylum. I watched the first few episodes on TV and was pretty let down... but that all changed very recently!

AHS is a horror TV series and is definitely the scariest, most provocative TV show I have ever seen. Sometimes, I was quite shocked that it could even air on cable! When Asylum came on, I did not get hooked after the first couple of episodes and decided to stop watching it on TV. I decided I MIGHT give it another chance when it came out on DVD, and that is only because I loved the first season so much. Boy, am I glad I gave it another chance! I essentially watched it in one weekend on DVD because I got so hooked the second time around.

So, Asylum takes place in the 60's at Briarcliff Manor, an insane asylum run by nuns and a twisted doctor who loves doing... experiments. It's full of mentally ill patients as well as some people who are just downright crazy. The story centers on Lana, an investigative journalist who is involuntarily and wrongly signed in as a patient, and Kit Walker, a young man who has been accused of being "Bloodyface," a serial killer whose latest victim is his wife. All of the characters have ulterior motives, and so many crazy things happen to all of them that your head will be spinning: alien invasions, demonic possessions, and seeing ghosts, just to name a few of the very twisted happenings.

This show has an incredible cast, including several actors who appeared in the first season as well: Jessica Lange, Lily Rabe, Zachary Quinto, Evan Peters, Dylan McDermott, and Sarah Paulson, just to name a few. I will also mention that I really missed Connie Britton who appeared in season one, but not in Asylum.

AHS has a completely new story line and cast of characters each season (though with many recurring actors). This is pretty cool, but I must admit I miss the story of season one as well as the story of Asylum now too. However, it's always exciting to see what the producers will come up with the following season and I'm glad to see returning actors! I don't have cable anymore so I haven't been able to see any of the current season, Coven, yet, but I can already tell you I am extremely anxious for it to release on DVD so I can catch up!

Also, check out the first season, simply called American Horror Story. I liked it even better than Asylum, which is saying a lot! This season takes place in modern times and is about a family who unknowingly moves into a very haunted house where several murders have occurred in the past. I think it's even scarier than Asylum! Either way, I would highly recommend both seasons, both of which you can get from the library.
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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 Mindy Project, Season One

The Mindy Project is a new sitcom that premiered last year, and season one was recently released on DVD. It stars Mindy Kaling, of The Office fame, and has quickly become one of my new favorites. I watched the entire season one on DVD in about a week's time, binge watching the episodes every chance I got. I seriously found myself anxious to get home every night just so I could curl up on the couch with my dog, a hot chocolate, and a few new episodes.

Mindy stars as a single doctor in an OB/GYN practice and dreams about finding the perfect man in the city. Her coworkers are off the walls hilarious and her dating adventures are ridiculous and highly entertaining. Mindy herself is an absolute riot, and I found myself laughing out loud at least once every episode. She actually plays a surprisingly convincing doctor! My favorite characters include Mindy herself, and Morgan, the RN they hired who was a former convict recently released from prison who has turned his life around. He is absolutely nuts and cracks me up with his antics and one liners. Mindy is, of course, completely funny, charming, and witty. The other doctors, office employees, and potential suitors are all top notch as well. I was always a fan of Mindy Kaling's, especially after seeing her speak at a BEA conference, but now I love her even more.

The episodes are short, only about 21-22 minutes apiece, so if you have a little bit of free time and are looking for some great laughs, why not check out The Mindy Project? You won't be disappointed!

You may also consider reading Mindy's memoir, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? which I plan on getting my hands on ASAP!
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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!

Review: Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans

Title: Promise Me

Author: Richard Paul Evans

Genre: Christmas fiction

Pages: 334

Published: 2010

This was the very first Richard Paul Evans book I ever read, and since then I have flown through most of his Christmas books. He had been putting one out every year, but sadly, no new Christmas novel this year. :( If you love cheesy but heartwarming Christmas books, you will absolutely adore Richard Paul Evans, like I do. Enjoy this "flashback" review that I originally wrote in 2010 when I initially discovered the magic that is RPE! I first found his books on the holiday display shelf at our Barnard Crossing Branch. I am so grateful that I stumbled upon this gem and took a chance on it!

On Christmas Eve 2008, Beth has a long kept secret that she’ll finally reveal. She flashes back to the most important year in her life and shares her incredible story… it’s 1989 and Beth’s life is falling apart. She’s just learned that her husband has cheated on her with nearly a dozen women, and their young daughter has come down with a strange and mysterious illness. Then, on Christmas, she meets Matthew at the 7-Eleven, during a blizzard. He’s handsome, mysterious, and persistent in pursuing her. He strangely knows a lot about her and her daughter, and despite Beth’s attempts at pushing him away, she falls deeply in love with him. Soon she learns his secret and her life is changed forever.

WOW! I was blown away by this book. It’s beautiful and hopeful, sad and eloquent. I flew through this book in two days, and immediately checked more of Evans’ books out of the library. The story combines magical elements with heart-breakingly real events and enfolds you into Beth’s life. The characters will make you love them, and your heart will break, as well as lift up, with theirs. Despite the shortness of the book, I really became invested in Beth’s story and raced through it to find out Matthew’s secret and how it would all come together in the end. I was shocked by the turn of events. I really adored this book. It was amazing and I really recommend it. My only regret is that I hadn’t read any of his other books before! Richard Paul Evans is one heck of a storyteller and this book was just stunning.

My Rating: 5/5

This seriously makes me want to re-read this one. I've loved all of his books that I've read, but this one will always be my favorite and hold a special place in my heart! Have you read any of his books? Tell us in the comments below!
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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: Christmas on Nutcracker Court by Judy Duarte

Title: Christmas on Nutcracker Court

Author: Judy Duarte

Genre: Christmas, contemporary fiction

Pages: 313

Published: 2011

 

Small town Fairbrook, California is home to Carly, a single mother and her two boys, Josh and Mikey. She works hard as a hairdresser to stay afloat, but can barely make her rent payments on time and can hardly make ends meet. She wants to make Christmas special for her boys, but just doesn’t have the money. Worse still are the incidents she keeps having with Max Tolliver, a new bachelor and aspiring novelist, who insists her boys keep letting his dog out of his yard, though they vehemently disagree. Fairbrook is also home to the Diamond Lils, a woman’s social group that meets weekly for poker games and gossip. They’ve also decided to do a little matchmaking this Christmas, to find Carly a man, like Grant, the wealthy single businessman who lives across the street. Carly’s not looking for romance, just a little hope to give her boys what they need this holiday season, but sometimes love takes you by surprise…

Overall, this was an enjoyable, cute, and festive story. I especially like the cover. To me, that cover embodies Christmas, and I want to live on a street just like that someday! I liked the storyline with Carly, Max, and her boys the best (including the dog, Hemingway) and enjoyed reading about them a great deal. However, this book had a ton of other side stories going on as well that I didn’t enjoy as much. To me, the focus should have been entirely on the Carly story, but it split time between Carly and each of the four Diamond Lils. I was really invested in Carly and her boys, and kept hoping they would have a wonderful Christmas and that Carly would find some way to get out of debt. I liked her hardworking nature and compassion. Buuut, each time I really started getting into it, it would shift to one of the other characters which was kind of frustrating. If you’re looking for a heartwarming and hopeful story this holiday season, you may want to pick up Christmas on Nutcracker Court. I would recommend it but with some reservations, being that I wish there were less characters and side stories going on.

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!