The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry

Title: The Lincoln Myth

Author: Steve Berry

Genre: Suspense/Political Fiction

Pages: 429

Published: 2014

"In this 9^th novel featuring hero Cotton Malone, all is not what it seems. This novel involving a flaw in the United States Constitution, a mystery about Abraham Lincoln, and a political issue that’s as explosive as it is timely—not only in Malone’s world, but in ours. It tackles the secrets of Mormonism, a U.S. Senator's stealthy secession plan, and a history-shaping letter that was handed down through the chief executive line."

History lies in the heart of every Berry novel; at the end of the book he always explains what fact is and what of the story his fiction was.

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Recommended 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!   

Summer Reading Reviews Pt. 3

Here are some more patron reviews from our adult summer reading program. We hope all the participants are having fun and enjoying their prizes!
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The Fellowship of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Reviewed by Michael S.

Even after all those years, Tolkien’s books have continued to impress me. Despite the story being slow at first, it quickly picks up. I highly recommend it to all fantasy fans.

Rating: 10/10

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Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton

Reviewed by Patricia N.

The author took pictures of people on the street in New York City. They are interesting people. He decided to put them in the book after they were a hit on the web.

Rating: 10/10

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Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark

Reviewed by Jane B.

Engaging, light mystery about authenticity of the Faberg Moon Egg. TV reporter, art world and well-drawn characters are all part of the plot.

Rating: 8/10

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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: You Can Buy Happiness (and it's Cheap) by Tammy Strobel

Title: You Can Buy Happiness (and it’s Cheap): How One Woman Radically Simplified Her Life and How You Can Too

Author: Tammy Strobel

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 209

Published: 2012

I have been thinking a lot lately about how to simplify my life.  As I have gotten older, I realized that I do not like to spend a lot of time cleaning and maintaining things in my home (who does, really?).  But after reading this book, I now know that I do not have to, if I just have less stuff.  Therefore, I began my quest to find books that helped me get my head in the right place.  Let’s be honest…it can be very hard to not want to go shopping to get the newest trend whether it is in clothing fashion, or something for my house.  But this book helped me realize the freeing, happy life I can live if I stop accumulating stuff.

I found this book to be very engaging and thought-provoking.  Each chapter presents real examples of how the author simplified her life, followed by actionable thoughts and steps the reader can take.  The book never came across as preachy, which made me like it even more.  While Tammy took downsizing to a whole new level by moving in to a tiny, 150 sq. ft. house (a feat that does not interest me); I was looking for a book that could help me get in the right mindset of less is more.

The most profound idea that I took away from this book is that the stuff we own does not create the memories that fulfill our lives.  New clothes will temporarily make us happy, but following the high of owning something new is a low when you realize you have to pay the bill for the item, take the time to store it, clean it, etc.  I would rather live with less stuff that I have to clean and maintain so I can take more vacations and make memories with loved ones.  I have enough furniture and space.  I have enough towels and linens so I do not need to buy the ones I found on sale.  I have enough clothing and shoes, especially when I realize I do not need to do laundry for a month AND have run out of space in 4 closets.  I have enough kitchen gadgets and tools to make any recipe I could ever dream of.  Since I have all of the things I already need, I have finally curbed my desire to buy more.  I do not feel the need to stop at the store, just to see what might be on sale.  Instead, I now have more free time to do the things that are important to me, including spending time with my family and friends, playing with my dog, and reading.  

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants the tools and tips to live a more simplistic life that focuses on creating relationships and memories, something that fulfills me in ways I never realized.

5 out of 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!  

More Summer Reading Reviews!

We've got more great reviews written by our patrons for the adult summer reading program! If you haven't registered yet to win some great gift cards just for reading and logging, there is still time to sign up and participate here! In the meantime, check out these reviews for some great sounding books. Thanks to all of our patrons who have submitted their reviews. We love reading them!

It Looked Different on the Model by Laurie Notaro 

Reviewed by Gail T.

Notaro’s a humorist – have read all her books. They are “quick” reads – but always good for laughs. With this book, she expounds upon humorous situations from her life.

Rating: 9/10

Gone by Randy Wayne White

Reviewed by Cheryl R.

First of new series with Hannah Smith. Loved the story and description of mangrove islands. Hannah is hired to find missing heiress, Olivia, who may or may not want to be found. My new favorite author : )

Rating: 10/10

Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes

Reviewed by Michael S.

After forcefully uniting the three kingdoms into Mytica, King Gaius begins his plans to become a god. Anybody who loves the Game of Thrones series will love this series.

Rating: 8/10

Summer Reading Review: A Fall of Marigolds

Thanks to patron, Susan W., from our Barnard Crossing Branch for this excellent review she submitted for summer reading! Check back on the blog soon - we have more summer reading reviews coming your way!

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

An excellent story of love and loss that goes back and forth between two major historic events. One is a fire in 1911 and the other is the tragedy of the World Trade Center Bombing of 9/11. A lovely story, great characters and a rich interesting plot.

10/10 stars

Summer Reading Has Started!

Our annual summer reading began on Friday, June 27th. Some people don't know, but we have reading programs for ALL age groups, including adults! If you visit our summer reading page here, simply click on the adult category on the left to create a username and start logging each book you read! We ask that you give each book a star rating, and perhaps leave a small review if you feel so inclined.

Drawings will be done on Monday mornings for chances to win different gift cards each week. The more books you read and enter, the better your chances are of winning!