Saturday, September 27, 2014

James Brown: Profiles in Music

James Brown: Profiles in Music is by Nancy Loewen. A biography of the Godfather of Soul designed for young readers. The insets and pictures are well done and inviting.

Ratings: 6th grade - 7 out of 10.

Colin Powell: "Have a Vision. Be Demanding."

Colin Powell: "Have a Vision. Be Demanding." is by Sandra H. Shichtman. A biography of one of America's most famous African Americans. A great way to get younger readers to investigate nonfiction.

Ratings: 6th grade - 7 out of 10.

Feed

Feed is by M.T. Anderson. This book is a classic and biting satire set in the world of the future. Wealthy people are wired directly to "the feed" which funnels information, music, television programs, and advertising directly into their brains. They are able to communicate with others through the feed as well. Titus and his teenage friends head to the moon for a vacation when a chance encounter with a hacker in a club causes their feeds to malfunction. There he gets to know Violet, a girl who has decided to fight the feed, and their relationship walks us through the shallowness and destructiveness of the world in which they live. A startling book that every teen should read. Reminds one of A Clockwork Orange in some respects.

Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

The Full Cupboard of Life

The Full of Cupboard of Life is by Alexander McCall Smith. The fifth installment in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Mma Ramotswe is hired by a rich woman to investigate her potential candidates for marriage to see if they love her or her money. Mma Potokwane, the matron of the orphan farm, has decided on a new fundraising scheme - a charity parachute jump, and she has decided on the perfect victim, err volunteer, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni. Mma Ramotswe must find a way to get her finance out of the charity event and still manage to leave his self esteem intact. Another joyful entry in this charming series.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

The Cabinet of Curiosities

The Cabinet of Curiosities is by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. The third book in the Pendergast series. A serial killer's dumping ground is discovered during a renovation project in New York City. When F.B.I. agent Pendergast begins to investigate the 100-year-old killings, they mysteriously begin again. Is this a copy cat, or is the ancient killer still alive? Fans of this series are in for a real treat and some more information about Pendergast's past.

Ratings: Adult: 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).

Monday, September 15, 2014

Game Over

Game Over is by James Patterson. The fourth book in the Daniel X series. Daniel is in Tokyo to take on Numbers 7 & 8, aliens who are trying to destroy the world using video games. They are also hunting to extinction various alien species, of whom Daniel is one. Fans of this series will not be disappointed.

Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.

The Wolf Gift

The Wolf Gift is by Anne Rice. The fist book in The Wolf Gift Chronicles. When Ruben Golding, a California journalist, is attacked by a creature, during a home break in at a secluded mansion, his life is changed forever. He finds himself transforming into the "Man Wolf", a creature who seeks to hunt and destroy evil. This event changes his life forever. Is what has happened to Ruben a gift or a curse? Fans of Anne Rice will enjoy this series.

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence) - S (non graphic sexual references).

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign 1941-1945

Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign 1941-1945 is by Evan Thomas. A magnificent and detailed look at the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the four commanders (two Japanese and two American) who fought there. WWII buffs and those fascinated by Naval battles will enjoy the detailed look at the battle and the commanders involved. This book can seem dry to those who are not interested in military history, but it is full of information and insight. It follows the commanders  (Halsey, Evans, Kurita and Ugaki)from the beginning of the war through to the end.

Ratings: Adults - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

Thursday, September 4, 2014

The Razor's Edge

The Razor's Edge is by W. Somerset Maugham. The classic tale of a man's quest for spiritual enlightenment and its effect on those around him. This is also a tale of elitism and snobbery in America and Europe in the 1920s. Maugham wanders in and out of the story as the narrator. This book has been referred to as the British elitist version of The Great Gatsby. A classic well worth the time it takes to read.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).